Concerns and risks about misuse of weight-loss injections in children

This is a growing safeguarding concern and has not only health and medical risks for the children but parents and carers are also not aware of the risks of a possible referral to social services or even a police referral. Social media is again fuelling the misinformation and increase in this trend.

Within Merseyside, there have been multiple incidents, whereby children have been given unprescribed weight loss injection. This is a safeguarding concern, as children may experience significant harm.

Risks to child:

• Medicines obtained through unregulated or unapproved sources may not have been subject to the normal safety and quality controls on manufacture and, as such, may not be of the required quality or be an unknown substance.
• Giving medicines that have not been prescribed by a healthcare professional can delay a person from seeking professional help and can lead to increased side effects, interactions, and drug allergies. 
• Incorrect administration technique causing pain, infection, swelling and bruising.
• Common side effects include alopecia; asthenia (generalised physical weakness); dizziness; hypersensitivity; hypotension (low blood pressure); appetite decreased and gastrointestinal symptoms

Risks to parents and carers: 

• If a carer/parent is suspected of administering an unprescribed medication/substance, a referral to the local Children’s Social Care can be made by any professional. Depending on the circumstances, it is possible that the Police may consider any relevant charge or crime, which may be considered assault.

What should parents and carers do instead:

• If a parent or carer has a concern for a child who is overweight, they should speak to their GP or any health professional who will assess and and consider referring them to approved local weight loss services for children.