TikTok fitness stars are at the centre of a growing underground trade in an unlicensed weight-loss injection, a Guardian investigation has revealed.
Influencers are promoting retatrutide, an experimental drug still in clinical trials, as a shortcut to fat loss.
Followers are urged to message privately for supplier links and discount codes, while on Telegram, groups with thousands of members share “before and after” photos, injection advice and claims of rapid UK delivery. Most deals are then completed via WhatsApp.
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Retatrutide, developed by the US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, acts on three hormones – GLP-1, GIP and glucagon – and has shown promise in helping users lose up to a quarter of their body weight.
Nicknamed the “triple G”, it’s being promoted online as the next Ozempic. But doctors warn that sourcing the drug from unofficial channels is dangerous, with unverified products posing serious health risks.
Some link the surge in interest to the rising cost of licensed weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro.
Selling or promoting retatrutide in the UK is illegal under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Some influencers try to skirt the law by calling it a “research chemical” or describing it as “not for human consumption”.
Although it is not classed as a controlled substance, its sale and promotion can still break advertising and medicines laws, carrying penalties of fines or prosecution.
On June 26, US-based TikTok creator Jon Kluth, who has 226,500 followers, posted a four-week update about taking “reta”, telling followers they could use “code Jon” to purchase it.
He linked to a peptide retailer called Halfnattys. Kluth did not respond to requests for comment, and the account was later taken down.
UK influencer @MappyMyGains described retatrutide as a “gamechanger”, replying “pm me mate” when asked where to buy it.
Another account, @clairejoy86, uploaded clips captioned “day 10 of Reta …” and told users to message her for details before the account was removed.
TikTok said it had deleted violating content, blocked related hashtags and strengthened its enforcement measures.
Telegram, which hosts groups with up to 9,000 members openly selling the drug, said it “removed millions of pieces of harmful content each day” and targeted posts promoting the “misuse of controlled medications”.
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Pharmacist Jason Murphy warned: “People are injecting substances they can’t verify.”
Dr Crystal Wyllie of Asda Online Doctor added: “Buying from Telegram or WhatsApp is gambling with your health.”
Eli Lilly confirmed retatrutide “had not been reviewed or approved anywhere in the world” and “no one can sell [it] for human use.”
