Urgent Warning: Illegal Weight Loss Jabs Marketed on TikTok Raise Serious Health Risks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Health experts and regulators are issuing urgent warnings after an investigation revealed that illegal weight loss injections not approved for human use are being marketed on TikTok and other social platforms.
The Drug Behind the Trend
The injectable drug Retatrutide, nicknamed “Reta” or the “Triple G” jab, is being promoted by unverified sellers online. Manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, it is still in clinical trials and has not been approved for human use anywhere in the world.
Unlike other drugs like Mounjaro, which act on two hormone receptors, Retatrutide mimics three: GLP-1, glucagon, and GIP. Early studies suggest powerful appetite suppression and fat loss potential, leading some sellers to exploit rising demand.
Dangerous Sales Tactics on TikTok
The Independent uncovered dozens of TikTok accounts directing users to buy Retatrutide, often marketed as a cheaper alternative to Mounjaro after its price surged in the UK.
Some sellers posted videos asking viewers, “Are you going to stump up £330 every single month? Maybe you could try something better in every way for a fraction of the cost.” Hidden disclaimers on sales pages admitted the product was “not for human consumption”.
As Reported by the-independent.com
Expert Warnings
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Eli Lilly have warned that buying unregulated jabs exposes people to unknown and potentially toxic ingredients.
Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s criminal enforcement unit, said:
“Outside of authorised clinical trials, any products being sold in the UK that claim to contain Retatrutide are likely to be illegal and potentially dangerous.”
A spokesperson for Eli Lilly confirmed the drug is not FDA-approved and may expose patients to “serious health risks” if sold illegally.
Social Media Platforms Respond
TikTok said it has removed the flagged accounts, stating its rules ban the promotion of “regulated, prohibited, or high-risk goods.” Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, also bans unregulated pharmaceutical sales, while X has yet to comment.
What Consumers Should Know
- Only obtain weight loss medications from licensed pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.
- Be wary of social media sellers advertising “miracle” results.
- Using unapproved injections can lead to severe health complications.
Would you support tighter regulation of online marketplaces to stop unapproved drugs from being sold so easily? Share your thoughts with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
