Mother Dies After Injecting Black Market Weight-Loss Drug

A mother from Salford in Greater Manchester died after injecting herself with a black market weight-loss drug. Fifty-three-year-old Karen McGonigal passed away in May 2023, just days after receiving an unauthorized injection of semaglutide, a medication marketed for weight loss. Her family is now urging authorities to take stronger action against illegal weight-loss drugs.

Karen’s daughters, Abbie and Ffion McGonigal, expressed their heartbreak, emphasizing that their mother was a caring individual who lived for her family. In an interview with ITV News, they shared their hope that their story will discourage others from seeking out unregulated weight-loss solutions. “We are begging people not to buy these shady injections,” Abbie stated.

The sisters are the first family in the UK to speak publicly about a death linked to counterfeit weight-loss injections. Campaigners from Save Face have reported a significant increase in illegal weight-loss injections being sold online, with at least one report received each week over the past year. Ashton Collins, a spokesperson for Save Face, noted that individuals are risking their lives by purchasing these products, which are often dispensed without proper medical oversight.

In the months leading up to her passing, Karen struggled with mental health challenges and felt desperate to lose weight. Her self-esteem had declined following the end of a long-term relationship. After consulting her doctor, Karen sought to qualify for Mounjaro, a prescription anti-obesity medication. However, she did not meet the NHS guidelines, which require a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher along with specific health conditions.

When friends informed her of a local salon offering weight-loss injections at £20 (approximately $26.63) each, she began visiting the establishment, believing she was receiving legitimate medical treatment. Ffion recounted how the beautician would take her mother into a back room for the injections without any proper medical procedure. “No preparation, no cleaning, nothing,” Ffion explained.

After experiencing some initial weight loss, Karen fell seriously ill four days after her last injection. Suffering from severe stomach pains and difficulty breathing, she was rushed to the hospital, where her condition rapidly deteriorated. Following two days in intensive care, her family was informed that there was nothing more doctors could do to save her life, leading to devastating farewells.

Following Karen’s death, her family learned that she had been injected with semaglutide rather than Mounjaro, raising concerns about the safety and legality of the substances being sold. The sisters are currently awaiting additional test results but believe that the unregulated injections contributed to their mother’s death.

In the UK, selling unauthorized prescription-only medicines can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years and an unlimited fine. The sisters have called for increased action from law enforcement and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to combat the illegal distribution of these dangerous drugs. “More needs to be done to stop these individuals,” Abbie urged, emphasizing the widespread nature of the issue.

As their family continues to grieve, Ffion and Abbie have made it their mission to raise awareness about the risks associated with black market weight-loss drugs. Ffion stated that she would “beg on hands and knees” for others not to use counterfeit products, while Abbie added, “If this saves another person, or saves another person going through what we feel — then we’ve done enough.”

A representative from the Greater Manchester Police confirmed that one person has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and another for supplying a controlled substance, with the investigation ongoing.

Ashton Collins from Save Face further highlighted the dangers of purchasing weight-loss injections from illegal sources, stating, “Buying drugs from illegal sources is like playing the lottery with your life.” These products are often sold without proper labeling and require individuals to mix and administer the injections themselves, exposing them to significant health risks.

The MHRA has expressed its commitment to regulating medicines and removing illegal products from the market. Andy Morling, Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, stated, “Buying any medicine from illegal online suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving falsified or unlicensed products.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed condolences to Karen’s family, emphasizing that while weight-loss medications can be effective, individuals must seek proper medical advice before using them. He urged the public to report any illegal sales of these products.

The tragic case of Karen McGonigal serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unregulated weight-loss drugs and underscores the importance of seeking professional medical guidance.