Many Online Pharmacies Selling Weight Loss Drugs Are Operating Illegally

A new study found that nearly half of online pharmacies selling popular weight loss drugs are operating illegally . Researchers found that 42% of online pharmacies selling semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, do not have a valid license and are selling medications without prescriptions.

The researchers attempted test purchases but only received three of the six orders they placed. The test results on the drugs they received showed the quality of the drugs was inconsistent.

"[Testing] revealed the presence of semaglutide in all samples, but with considerably lower purity levels (7%-14% vs advertised 99%). The measured semaglutide content substantially exceeded the labeled amount in each sample by 29% to 39%, meaning that users could receive up to 39% more semaglutide per injection. These risk factors indicate likely falsification that does not meet legitimate product quality standards," the researchers wrote .

The drugs, which are also used to treat Type 2 diabetes, are in short supply as they have become popular weight loss drugs. They can also be expensive because Medicare won't cover the cost if they are prescribed to lose weight. In addition, many doctors won't write prescriptions for patients looking to use the drugs to shed a few pounds.

As a result, many people are going online to buy them, which can be risky.

Dr. Christopher McGowan , the founder, medical director, and research director of True You Weight Loss, told NBC News that he is concerned that people are turning to the black market to buy the popular weight loss drugs .

"This is absolutely terrifying," said McGowan, who wasn't involved with the research. Illegal pharmacies are "exposing patients to risks related to unregulated, low-quality, potentially contaminated products. The average person cannot be expected to safely navigate this online medication minefield, which is why it's best to stick to brand-name, FDA-authorized medications," he added.