Health Authorities Warn Against Illegal Weight-Loss Injections on TikTok

Health authorities have issued a strong warning regarding the illegal sale of unapproved weight-loss injections on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. These injections, including one known as Retatrutide, are being marketed despite not having received any regulatory approval for human use. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK, along with the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, cautioned users about the potential health risks associated with these products.

The surge in interest for Retatrutide can be traced back to a significant price hike of 170 percent for the existing weight-loss drug Mounjaro, which Eli Lilly produces. Following this increase, many individuals have turned to social media to find cheaper alternatives. Retatrutide is touted for its unique ability to target three hormone receptors—GLP-1, glucagon, and GIP—making it distinct from other weight-loss drugs that typically only focus on two.

Despite its promising attributes, Retatrutide is still in the clinical trial phase and has not been approved for public use. Nevertheless, The Independent has found numerous accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and X promoting sales of this drug. Both TikTok and Meta, which owns Instagram, have stated that selling such products is against their guidelines.

Health Risks and Regulatory Responses

Officials from the MHRA have expressed grave concerns over the illicit sale of these injections. Andy Morling, head of the MHRA Criminal Enforcement Unit, emphasized that any product containing Retatrutide sold outside of authorized clinical trials is likely illegal and poses a risk to consumers. He remarked, “Sourcing any medicine from unregulated suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not approved for use.” He further noted that products bought in this manner do not meet the MHRA’s strict quality and safety standards.

Eli Lilly has also issued a statement confirming that Retatrutide remains unreviewed and unapproved by any regulatory agency globally. The company highlighted the potential dangers of using products that falsely represent themselves as investigational medications. Eli Lilly is actively collaborating with organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) to educate the public on the risks associated with purchasing medicines from unregulated sources.

Social Media Concerns and Market Dynamics

The alarming trend of selling unapproved weight-loss drugs on platforms like TikTok raises important questions about the regulation of social media marketplaces. One TikTok seller, in a video that gained significant attention, questioned viewers on whether they would continue to pay nearly £330 each month for Mounjaro or consider using a cheaper alternative. The seller claimed, “If only there was another option that was made by the same people, was better in every single way, and cost just a fraction of what Mounjaro does.”

Despite these claims, many promotional posts include disclaimers stating that the products are “not for human consumption.” The lack of oversight on these platforms allows misinformation to proliferate, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at risk. Users have reported losing significant weight with Retatrutide, prompting others to seek out similar results at a lower cost, despite the absence of medical guidance.

As the situation unfolds, health authorities continue to urge consumers to only purchase weight-loss medications through registered pharmacies and after consultations with qualified health professionals. The MHRA’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting public health, especially in an age where social media influences purchasing decisions.

With the landscape of weight-loss drugs rapidly changing, both consumers and health professionals must remain vigilant against the dangers posed by unregulated products.