An investigation has revealed the emergence of an online parallel market for an unlicensed weight-loss drug called retatrutide, which is currently in clinical trials. This market is reportedly influenced by fitness influencers on TikTok and vendors on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Social media personalities promote the drug’s fat-burning effects and encourage their followers to contact them for supplier links and discount codes.
Retatrutide, developed by Eli Lilly, targets gut hormones and has shown potential for significant weight loss in early trials. However, the drug is not yet licensed for human use in the UK, raising concerns among medical professionals about the risks associated with acquiring and using an unregulated product.
Sales of retatrutide through platforms like TikTok and Telegram violate UK regulations that govern the marketing and supply of unlicensed drugs. Some influencers try to navigate these regulations by labeling the drug as a “research chemical” or stating it is “not for human consumption,” but such promotions still breach various laws.
The investigation identified active sales groups on Telegram, where members share testimonials, images, and guides related to the substance. Sellers in these groups typically redirect buyers to WhatsApp for transactions, often providing conflicting information about product safety and efficacy. For example, one seller acknowledged that buyers “can’t be sure” about the product’s authenticity, and another gave vague guidance on dosage duration.
Doctors have expressed concern about the health risks of using unverified substances. Pharmacists cite the growing demand for unlicensed products may be linked to rising prices of approved weight-loss medications. Eli Lilly confirmed that retatrutide remains unapproved and emphasized that products misrepresenting themselves could pose serious health risks. Public health officials have warned consumers that purchasing from informal online markets can lead to harmful consequences due to the lack of quality control.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2025/oct/11/tiktok-influencers-telegram-whatsapp-parallel-market-unlicensed-weight-loss-drug-retatrutide-uk