Mother dies after black market weight loss injection

Published: ২৭ October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

SALFORD, UK — A mother of two tragically lost her life after receiving a weight loss injection purchased on the black market, highlighting growing concerns over the illegal distribution of potent medical drugs in the UK. Karen McGonigal, 53, had been seeking ways to manage her weight after the end of a long-term relationship left her feeling desperate and vulnerable. Her daughters say that in her quest for a solution, she turned to a beautician who offered injections of semaglutide for just £20 each, outside of any medical supervision or regulation.

Semaglutide is a prescription-only drug widely known under brand names such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, approved for medically supervised treatment of obesity. While around 2.5 million adults in the UK are currently prescribed these treatments legally, a booming black market has emerged. Fraudulent sellers often claim their products are the legitimate, regulated versions, while others offer experimental drugs like retatrutide, still undergoing clinical trials. This unregulated environment dramatically increases the risk of serious health consequences.

Karen had initially sought treatment through her GP but was deemed ineligible for NHS prescriptions. According to her youngest daughter Ffion, this left her feeling frustrated and desperate. The beautician, Ffion explained, “stopped doing a woman’s nails” to take her mother into a back room, where she was injected. Ffion added, “No preparation, no cleaning, nothing. She’d give it to my mum, my mum would pay her, and she’d be out in three minutes.” This casual approach to administering a potent medical drug, without any safety checks, would ultimately prove fatal.

Initially, Karen began to lose weight and appeared to respond to the treatment. However, four days after her final injection, she suffered severe stomach pains and breathing difficulties. Her daughters rushed to her side as she deteriorated rapidly, describing terrifying scenes as she turned purple and struggled for air. “She got blue-lighted to the hospital,” Ffion said. “By the time I saw her again, she wasn’t awake.” Despite intensive care treatment over the next two days, doctors ultimately informed the family that there was nothing further they could do to save her.

The McGonigal family is now speaking out publicly to warn others of the dangers of purchasing medications from unregulated sources. “If this saves another person,” said daughter Abbie, “or saves another person going through what we feel — then we’ve done enough.” The family’s heartfelt tributes to Karen emphasise her generosity, warmth, and devotion to her children and grandchildren. Abbie said, “She had the biggest heart and would do anything for anybody. If she was your friend — you were lucky.” Ffion echoed this sentiment, describing her mother as a woman whose life revolved around her family and community.

Authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Karen’s death. Greater Manchester Police have arrested one person on suspicion of manslaughter and another on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance. The case has sent ripples of concern through both medical and regulatory communities, reinforcing the risks associated with the black market for prescription drugs.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the incident, promising decisive action against illegal drug distribution. “My heart goes out to Karen’s family after just such a shocking and avoidable loss. We’re determined to make sure that we drive these dangerous criminals out of our country,” he said. Streeting also urged the public to seek medical advice exclusively from regulated professionals. “While weight loss injections can be really helpful to tackle obesity, people must only take them under medical supervision. If you see them being sold on the black market, report it immediately,” he emphasised.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also issued warnings in the wake of Karen’s death. Andy Morling, Deputy Director of Criminal Enforcement, told ITV News, “Buying any medicine from illegal online suppliers significantly increases the risk of receiving falsified or unlicensed products. We work closely with law enforcement partners, customs authorities, social media and online platforms to remove illegal medicines from sale, block harmful websites, disrupt payment routes, and delist offending domains from search engines.” Morling stressed that the MHRA will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who endanger public health by supplying unregulated drugs.

Experts say that the black market for weight loss injections has grown in tandem with the popularity of semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drugs, when used under medical supervision, can be effective for people with obesity-related health issues. However, when misused or obtained illegally, the consequences can be catastrophic. Beyond the risk of lethal reactions, there is also the potential for bacterial infections, improper dosing, and other severe side effects.

Karen McGonigal’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers of bypassing medical oversight. Her daughters recount the tragic final moments with a blend of grief and disbelief. “I can’t explain to my children that their dad’s gone forever,” said her grieving daughter Ffion. The emotional toll on the family is immense, compounding the shock of losing a loved one to something that could have been avoided if administered safely under professional care.

The incident has also prompted renewed discussions around access to weight management treatments on the NHS. Critics argue that limited availability may drive some people to seek black market alternatives, highlighting a need for better accessibility and support for those struggling with weight-related health challenges. Public health advocates warn that without addressing the underlying demand and the desperation that drives people to seek illegal alternatives, tragedies like Karen’s may continue to occur.

Community awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of existing regulations are increasingly being called for. Health authorities are emphasising that medications should never be purchased from online marketplaces, social media platforms, or unverified providers. The combination of potent drugs, inexperienced administration, and lack of emergency preparedness makes illegal injections extraordinarily dangerous. Karen’s story illustrates the human cost of such unregulated practices, giving a human face to what might otherwise be considered a statistical or abstract risk.

As the investigation continues, Karen’s daughters hope that by sharing their mother’s story, they can prevent similar tragedies. “We don’t want anyone else to go through what our family has endured,” Abbie said. “Her death should serve as a warning — these drugs are not toys, and unqualified people administering them can be deadly.”

In the broader context, this incident underscores the complex interplay between consumer demand, drug accessibility, and the rise of unregulated markets in an era where social media and online commerce have made potentially dangerous products widely available. Regulatory authorities and health professionals stress the importance of vigilance, patient education, and public awareness to prevent further loss of life. Karen’s untimely death is a stark reminder that desperation can lead to fatal consequences when individuals seek quick fixes outside the safety of regulated medical channels.

Her family’s call to action is clear: seek medical advice, avoid unverified sources, and understand the profound risks involved. While semaglutide and related drugs are legitimate treatments for obesity under proper supervision, misuse or black market purchases can be deadly. Karen’s story, tragically, illustrates the ultimate cost of circumventing these safeguards.

The community mourns the loss of a devoted mother, and authorities are determined to ensure accountability for those responsible. As enforcement agencies, health regulators, and public awareness campaigns intensify, the hope is that future tragedies can be averted, and that stories like Karen McGonigal’s become a turning point in the fight against illegal medical practices in the UK.