Lifestyle
UAE bans unlicensed weight-loss drugs after health alerts
The Ministry of Health has prohibited the sale of counterfeit and unregistered medications, urging residents to use official medical channels for weight management.
By 19Network Editorial Team · Jul 27, 2026 · 3 min read
The UAE has banned the sale and promotion of specific unlicensed weight-loss medications due to significant health risks. The move by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) aims to protect residents from counterfeit products sold online and urges the use of approved medical alternatives.
What the UAE's ban on some weight-loss drugs means for residents === The UAE has intensified its crackdown on the unregulated sale of popular weight-loss drugs, particularly those sold online and through social media. This directive from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) specifically targets counterfeit versions of medications and products containing undeclared or banned substances. For residents, this means stricter enforcement and a clear warning against purchasing these drugs outside of licensed pharmacies and hospitals. ## What has changed? In a recent circular, MoHAP explicitly prohibited the importation and sale of unregistered weight management drugs. The primary targets are counterfeit versions of popular GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (found in Ozempic) and tirzepatide (found in Mounjaro), which have seen a surge in illegal online sales amid global shortages. The ministry also warned against products advertised as 'herbal' or 'natural' that have been found to contain the undeclared and dangerous pharmaceutical substance sibutramine. Sibutramine was officially withdrawn from the UAE market years ago due to its link to severe cardiovascular risks, including…