A Dangerous Trend Unveiled: The Risks of Fake Weight-Loss Jabs
In a recent investigation, a shocking discovery was made: fake versions of highly sought-after weight-loss injections are being peddled on social media platforms, posing serious health risks to unsuspecting individuals. These injections, often referred to as the 'King Kong' of weight-loss drugs, are not yet licensed for use anywhere in the world, yet they are being sold illegally, promising rapid weight loss.
Retatrutide, the drug in question, is still in clinical trials and is being developed by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind Mounjaro. Despite this, social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok have become hotbeds for the illegal sale of these injections. An undercover investigation by Channel 4 News exposed the ease with which one can obtain these fake drugs, raising serious concerns about patient safety.
But here's where it gets controversial: when an undercover reporter pushed for more information, the seller made false claims, stating that the injections were obtained from a pharmacy and were even available on the NHS. This highlights the lack of regulation and the potential for misinformation in the online world.
The investigation uncovered two companies selling fake or illicit versions of weight-loss drugs. Eli Lilly has taken action against these companies, but the issue persists. The consequences can be severe, as demonstrated by Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, a former Big Brother housemate, who lost vision in one eye after taking a copy of a weight-loss drug purchased on TikTok. She described her experience as a living nightmare, with severe side effects and a fear of blindness or death.
Dr Nancy Allen, an NHS GP who prescribes licensed weight-loss medications, expressed "serious concerns" upon seeing one of the illegal jab packages. She emphasized the importance of patient safety and the need for proper guidance and instructions, which were notably absent in Horgan-Wallace's case.
While the popularity of weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro and Wegovy has soared in the past year, with sales reaching 2.5 million in July, it's crucial to understand the potential risks. These drugs, similar to Ozempic, are set to be widely available on the NHS, but currently, many people opt for private prescriptions. The investigation highlights the need for caution and awareness, especially with the rise of online platforms facilitating the sale of unregulated substances.
Following the investigation, both TikTok and Meta took action, removing the content and associated hashtags. Meta acknowledged the need for improved detection, while TikTok emphasized its community guidelines, prohibiting the trading of regulated goods and services, including weight-loss products.
Eli Lilly issued a statement, reiterating that Retatrutide is only legally available to participants in their clinical trials and that anyone selling it for human use is breaking the law. The program, "Inside the black market for illegal weight-loss jabs," aired on Channel 4 News, shedding light on this dangerous trend.
This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking online and the importance of seeking licensed medical advice and treatments. It raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms and the need for stricter regulations to protect public health. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
