Heartbreaking details have emerged about the messages exchanged regarding low-cost weight loss injections, following the unfortunate death of a mother who used a black market injection for weight loss.
Karen McGonigal, hailing from Greater Manchester, UK, passed away in a hospital setting, mere days after receiving an unauthorized dose of semaglutide.
The 53-year-old mother and grandmother was reportedly battling mental health issues and was ‘desperate’ to shed some weight.
“She didn’t feel happy in herself, she didn’t want to go out anywhere. I think she just wanted her old self back – she wanted to lose weight to get her confidence back,” her daughter Abbie McGonigal shared with ITV News in her time of grief.
Abbie disclosed that her mother had initially sought weight loss injections through her doctor, but such medication was not accessible via the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Following this, Karen was purportedly informed by acquaintances about the availability of these drugs for purchase at a nearby beauty salon.
In a recent revelation, the outlet has uncovered the distressing messages exchanged by a beautician, who offered to administer the injection for just £20 (approximately $26) per session.
The first message was from an unidentified sender: “Hi hun my mum’s been speaking to her friend and they have recommended you for the weight loss injection, I was just wondering if I could have he information on it please and possibly book my mum in.”
The beautician seemingly replied: “Hiya yes I offer the Semaglutide and the Mounjaro, I’d be happy to book her for a chat and see if it’s something she wants to do.”
A subsequent text stated: “I charge £20 per injection.”
While private options do exist, GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro are legally dispensed only with an approved prescription from a medical professional.
The text conversation continued with: “Aw perfect yes can you book her in please,” adding, “Also would she be able to have her injection on that day or would it be a different day? Just so I can send her with the money for it.”
The messages confirmed that Karen could receive the jab on the same day, and she was scheduled for the next day.
In the meantime, Karen’s devastated family have been informed that she was not injected with tirzepatide, the compound used in Mounjaro, but is believed to have received semaglutide, a different weight loss medication with distinct treatment protocols and dosages.
Abbie and her sister Ffion also alleged that the salon, which they suspect their mother visited multiple times, did not adhere to proper health and safety measures before administering the injection to Karen.
They mentioned that the beautician interrupted a nail appointment to lead Karen to the back for the injection.
“No preparation, no cleaning, nothing,” Ffion stated. “She’d give it to my mom, my mom would pay her, and she’d be out in three minutes.”
It wasn’t until four days later that Karen’s family noticed something was wrong, observing her ‘purple’ appearance and ‘agony’ from severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.
Ffion recounted that by the time Karen reached the hospital, she was unresponsive. Two days after being admitted to intensive care, Karen’s life support was disconnected.
Her passing meant she never had the chance to meet her fifth grandchild, following Ffion’s pregnancy news at 25.
The sisters are now raising awareness about the dangers of using unregulated weight loss treatments, urging others to avoid ‘cheaper’ black market options.
Abbie expressed: “The outcome is devastating. It’s heartbreaking and it’s really, really not worth it.”
“I think the people who are actually injecting people with this stuff – more needs to be done to them,” she continued. “These people are getting away with destroying people’s lives.”
According to ITV News, local authorities have apprehended one individual on suspicion of manslaughter and another for allegedly supplying a controlled substance.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Reach out by calling or texting 988 for 24-hour support, or use the webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
For those who have experienced a bereavement and need confidential support, reach out to GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].