UPDATE: A mother from Salford, Greater Manchester, tragically died after receiving an illegal black market weight-loss injection. Karen McGonigal, 53, succumbed to complications just days after injecting herself with a counterfeit drug, igniting urgent calls for stricter regulations on unlicensed weight-loss products.
Her heartbroken daughters, Abbie and Ffion McGonigal, are now appealing to the public to avoid these dangerous alternatives, emphasizing that their mother’s story should serve as a dire warning. “We beg you not to pay for shady weight-loss shots,” they stated in an exclusive interview with ITV News.
Karen’s death, which occurred in May 2023, marks the first reported case in the U.K. linked to counterfeit weight-loss injections. The family revealed that Karen was injected with semaglutide, a drug typically used for weight loss, after being informed it was available at a local beauty salon for just £20 ($26.63).
In the months leading up to her death, Karen faced mental health struggles and was desperate to lose weight after a breakup. “She didn’t feel happy in herself,” Abbie shared, highlighting how Karen’s self-esteem plummeted. Seeking legitimate help, she consulted her doctor and attempted to secure a prescription for Mounjaro, known as the “King Kong” of anti-obesity drugs, but was denied due to strict NHS guidelines.
Karen turned to the unregulated market after being informed by friends about the salon’s illicit services. Her daughters described a shocking scene where a beautician injected Karen in a back room, with no medical preparation involved. “She’d be out in three minutes,” Ffion recounted, illustrating the hazardous conditions under which these injections were administered.
Just four days after her last injection, Karen experienced severe abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. Emergency services were called, but by the time her daughters arrived at the hospital, she was unresponsive. After two agonizing days in intensive care, the family was told that Karen could not be saved. “We were around her, kissing and hugging her,” Abbie said, expressing their heartbreak.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that one person has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and another for supplying a controlled substance.
The family is also awaiting additional test results to determine the exact cause of Karen’s death, but they suspect the unauthorized weight-loss injection played a critical role. Ashton Collins, from the campaign group Save Face, reported a troubling increase in illegal weight-loss injections sold online, noting they receive at least one report weekly.
“These products are being sold by individuals with no medical qualifications,” Collins warned, underscoring the dangers of unregulated treatments. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated that buying medicines from illegal suppliers significantly raises the risk of receiving harmful or counterfeit products.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his condolences to Karen’s family and emphasized the need for public awareness. “Buying from the black market can have fatal consequences,” he stated, urging anyone considering weight-loss jabs to seek guidance from licensed medical professionals.
The McGonigal sisters are determined to prevent similar tragedies. “If this saves another person, we’ve done enough,” Abbie said. They hope their story will encourage others to prioritize safety over the temptation of cheap alternatives.
This urgent situation highlights a growing public health crisis regarding unlicensed weight-loss drugs. As the investigation continues, authorities are being called upon to enforce stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals from these dangerous practices.
Stay informed on this developing story and others by following us for the latest updates.
