At least 1.6 million Britons used weight-loss injections last year, a new survey has found. However, one in seven people were using a drug that was not licensed for the purpose.

Weight-loss drugs such as Vegovi and Monjaro have become increasingly popular, with many people buying them without a prescription to help them lose weight.

A survey of 5,260 people by researchers at University College London estimated that 3.3 million people are expected to use weight-loss drugs this year.

The survey found that 2.9% of people said they had used GLP-1 drugs to help them lose weight. This would put the number at 1.6 million. Of these, 15% were using drugs that were not licensed for the purpose.

The researchers warned that ‘off-label’ drugs could be harmful if taken without a prescription.