Imagine losing your vision after taking a weight-loss drug you bought online. Terrifying, right? This is happening, and it's all thanks to the booming black market for fake weight-loss injections being sold illegally on social media. An investigation has uncovered a disturbing trend: counterfeit versions of powerful weight-loss drugs, including what's been dubbed the 'King Kong' of weight-loss, Retatrutide, are readily available for purchase on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. But here’s the catch: Retatrutide isn't even approved for use yet!
Retatrutide, currently under development by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly (the same company behind Mounjaro), is still undergoing rigorous clinical trials. Early studies suggest it works at twice the speed of existing weight-loss medications, offering potentially significant results for those struggling to manage their weight. This is why it's nicknamed the 'King Kong' of weight loss drugs. The promise of rapid weight loss is incredibly attractive, driving demand and, unfortunately, fueling this dangerous black market.
A Channel 4 News investigation vividly demonstrated how easily an undercover reporter was able to acquire a fake version of Retatrutide. The seller, when questioned, falsely claimed the injections came from a legitimate pharmacy and were available through the NHS (National Health Service). They even gave conflicting advice on dosage, highlighting the complete lack of regulation and quality control in this underground market. And this is the part most people miss: these aren't just ineffective placebos; they can be downright dangerous.
The investigation revealed that two companies were actively involved in selling these fake or illicit weight-loss drugs. Eli Lilly has stated they are taking action against these companies, and The Independent has reached out to both for comment. But the damage is already being done.
Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, a former reality TV star, shared her harrowing experience of vision loss after using a counterfeit weight-loss drug purchased on TikTok. Her story serves as a stark warning. The package she received lacked any instructions or guidance. She recounted experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting, ultimately leading to temporary blindness in one eye. "There were bags of vomit just lined up by my bed. I couldn’t make it to the toilet... My vision had gone in one eye. I thought, that’s it. I’m either gonna die or I’m gonna be blind. It was just torture.”
Dr. Nancy Allen, an NHS GP who prescribes licensed weight-loss medications, expressed serious concerns after reviewing one of the illegal jab packages. She stated she had never seen anything like it before, emphasizing the potential risks to patient safety. But here's where it gets controversial... Are people so desperate for a quick fix that they’re willing to risk their health, even their lives?
The demand for weight-loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy is skyrocketing. Sales reached a staggering 2.5 million in July, a sevenfold increase compared to the same period last year, according to data seen by The Telegraph. These Ozempic-style drugs are even slated to become more widely available on the NHS, although currently, access through free prescriptions is limited, pushing many individuals to seek private options. This increased popularity, driven by the desire to combat obesity, has led to approximately 4% of UK households using these medications.
Following the Channel 4 News investigation, both TikTok and Meta (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) took action, removing the offending content. Meta stated they are “constantly working to get better at detection,” while TikTok highlighted their community guidelines, which prohibit the trading, marketing, or provision of access to regulated, prohibited, or high-risk goods and services, including products marketed for weight loss or muscle gain.
Eli Lilly issued a strong statement emphasizing that Retatrutide is an investigational molecule legally only available to participants in their clinical trials. They warned that anyone selling Retatrutide for human use is breaking the law and urged people not to take anything claiming to be Retatrutide outside of a Lilly-sponsored clinical trial.
Ultimately, this situation raises serious questions about the regulation of online marketplaces and the lengths people will go to for weight loss. The program, titled Inside the black market for illegal weight-loss jabs, aired on Channel 4 News, and it’s a wake-up call.
Now, here's a question for you: Whose responsibility is it to regulate the sale of these potentially dangerous drugs online? Should social media platforms be held more accountable? Or does the onus lie with individuals to do their research and avoid these risky products, even if it means foregoing the promise of rapid weight loss? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
