A global alert about fake Ozempic - which has become popular as a way of losing weight - has been issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The drug is sometimes known as a “skinny jab” despite its main purpose being a treatment for type-2 diabetes.

The WHO said the fake medicines could pose a danger to health.

The organisation advised people to source the drug only through reputable sources, such as a doctor, rather than obscure sites online or through social media.

The active ingredient in Ozempic - semaglutide - helps people with type-2 diabetes control the amount of sugar in their blood.