The UK is seeing a surge in the illegal trade of prescription medicines, often sold online without any medical supervision. In this episode, Dr Hilary talks to Andy Morling, Head of Criminal Enforcement at the MHRA, about how criminals are moving from heroin and cocaine into the trade in prescription medicines.

Andy explains how unlicensed and counterfeit weight-loss injections are entering the country, why they can contain the wrong dose or even insulin, and the risks of buying any medicine outside the regulated supply chain. He also describes how the MHRA works with Border Force, social media companies, and international partners to seize illegal products and raise public awareness.

You can use https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ to report any concerns — whether with a legitimate medicine or an unlicensed version — and the MHRA will investigate.

Ask Dr Hilary
Whether it’s advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now’s your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help. Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com

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Dr Anil Joshi is an ENT and facial plastic surgeon who repairs the damage from drug use, trauma, and cancer — and is helping to shape the future of reconstructive surgery. In this conversation with Dr Hilary, he explains how 3D printing is changing what’s possible, and the ethical challenges of saying no when surgery would do more harm than good.

They discuss the progression of cocaine-related nasal injury, the dangers of unlicensed injectors and bargain medical tourism, and how AI is starting to support surgical planning. Dr Joshi also shares how musicianship informs his surgical judgment, why fitness and mindset matter for eight-hour operations, and what’s next for training and global standards.

Ask Dr Hilary
Whether it’s advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now’s your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.
Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com

Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com

Follow Dr Hilary
X: @DrHilaryJones
Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/

In her mid-forties, Claer Barrett, associate editor at the Financial Times, turned to weight loss medication, a decision that transformed her health, her habits, and her outlook on life.

In this episode, Claer explains what it feels like when “food noise” finally stops. She tells Dr Hilary how portion control became possible for the first time, and why she invested in medical monitoring, body scans and therapy. She also speaks honestly about the side effects, the discipline required to keep the weight off, and the challenge of doing all this while being open with her readers.

Beyond the personal story, the discussion explores the wider issues raised by these new drugs. From the black-market risks and rising costs to the question of whether the NHS should fund treatment; a frank look at obesity, health and longevity, and the difficult choices many people face when trying to live better for longer.

Ask Dr Hilary
Whether it’s advice on sleep, diet, mental well-being, or everyday medical concerns, now’s your chance to get answers. Each week, Dr Hilary answers your health and wellness questions. If it’s on your mind, he wants to help.

Send your questions to Ask@drhilaryjones.com
Sign up for the weekly newsletter with tips and advice on health and wellbeing: https://drhilaryjones.com

Follow Dr Hilary
X: @DrHilaryJones
Instagram: @thedrhilaryshow/