A surge in demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has triggered a wave of scams targeting individuals seeking access to the medications, according to reports surfacing across the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning this week about fraudulent online pharmacies selling counterfeit or unapproved versions of these drugs, as well as schemes offering fake prescriptions.
The medications, all GLP-1 agonists, have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, but access remains a significant barrier for many. Wegovy and Zepbound are currently the only two drugs FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, with clinical trials demonstrating weight reduction ranging from 15% to 21% in patients, according to Drugs.com. Ozempic, initially approved for type 2 diabetes, is often prescribed off-label for weight management, further fueling demand.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently commissioned three major reviews, published February 11, 2026, which found that GLP-1 drugs, including semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), can lead to substantial weight loss in people with obesity. Still, the Cochrane reviews also highlighted concerns about the influence of drug manufacturers in funding many of the studies and the limited availability of long-term safety data. The reviews noted that patients have experienced weight loss of up to 16 percent of their body weight.
These drugs work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which regulates blood sugar and appetite. They can reduce hunger by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and signaling fullness to the brain, as explained by WebMD. While effective, common side effects include nausea.
The FDA warning specifically cautioned consumers about purchasing these medications from online sources that do not require a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. Counterfeit drugs may contain incorrect ingredients, insufficient active ingredients, or harmful contaminants. The agency has not yet announced specific enforcement actions but indicated It’s actively monitoring the online marketplace.
The high cost of these medications and limited insurance coverage contribute to the appeal of potentially cheaper, but often illegitimate, sources. The WHO reviews also noted the cost of the drugs as a significant barrier to access. The agency is expected to issue global guidelines on the leverage of these medications for obesity treatment, but the timeline for those guidelines remains unclear.
Researchers caution that long-term safety data are still limited and the potential for industry bias in clinical trials raises questions about the overall evidence base. The Cochrane reviews emphasized the necessitate for more independent research to assess the long-term health outcomes and potential risks associated with GLP-1 medications.
