Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, told the BBC she had seen patients who weren’t overweight coming in with issues.

“The most common thing that we’re seeing is anything related to the gut. So diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, people not being able to eat, getting very dehydrated as a result of that.”

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Weight-loss drugs have enormous potential. When taken alongside healthy diet and exercise, they can be game-changers in tackling obesity and getting people back to good health.

“But these are not cosmetic drugs that should be taken to help get a body beautiful picture for Instagram. These are serious medicines and should only be used responsibly and under medical supervision.

“They’re not a quick fix to lose a few pounds, and buying them online without appropriate assessment can put people’s health at risk,” he said.