Shannon Flannery, a 27-year-old mum-of-two from Medway, Kent, found herself in a life-threatening situation after using a ‘skinny jab’ she purchased on Instagram. The supposed fat-busting injection, marketed as a ‘celebs’ best-kept secret’, landed Shannon in the hospital after she experienced severe side effects, including continuous vomiting and urinating blood. The injectable, which she bought for £120 from an Instagram seller, was meant to suppress her appetite and help her shed a few pounds before a summer wedding.
The drug Shannon purchased belongs to a family of medications known as GLP-1 RAs, originally developed to treat diabetes but now commonly used for weight loss due to their appetite-suppressing effects. The injectable arrived with instructions on how to mix the ingredients yourself, and Shannon administered the first jab on February 14. However, after injecting the second jab a week later, her symptoms worsened significantly, leading her to seek medical attention at A&E.
Doctors at Medway Maritime Hospital informed Shannon that another ‘skinny jab’ could have been fatal given the severity of her condition. Despite reporting the seller to Kent Police and demanding a refund, Shannon was unable to locate the seller’s address, and the police were unable to take further action. Reflecting on her experience, Shannon expressed regret for using the product and emphasized the importance of losing weight through healthy means like exercise and proper nutrition.
Following her hospital admission, Shannon reached out to the seller on social media for a refund, which was denied. The seller defended the product, claiming to have ‘hundreds of happy customers with no side effects’. Shannon, however, stressed the dangers of using such products and urged other women to avoid taking shortcuts when it comes to weight loss. She emphasized the importance of knowing what goes into these products and the potential risks they pose to one’s health.
In response to the incident, Kent Police received a report of alleged fraud related to the online sale of the weight loss product. As the seller’s address was unknown, the case was referred to Action Fraud for further investigation. A police spokesperson confirmed that they had spoken to Shannon to ensure her well-being and inform her of the investigation process.
Shannon’s harrowing experience serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of using unregulated weight loss products purchased online. Her story highlights the importance of being cautious and informed when considering such products and the potential risks they may pose to one’s health. Ultimately, Shannon’s ordeal underscores the significance of prioritizing one’s health and well-being over quick-fix solutions that could have life-threatening consequences.
