Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Nicole Wootton-Cane

Unapproved weight loss jabs sold on TikTok

  • The Independent uncovered the illicit sale of Retatrutide, an unapproved weight-loss jab, on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
  • Retatrutide, still undergoing clinical trials, is not approved for human use, yet it is being marketed as a 'Triple G' drug and a cheaper alternative to Mounjaro.
  • Health authorities, including the MHRA, and manufacturer Eli Lilly have issued warnings, stating that these unapproved jabs are illegal and could expose users to dangerous ingredients with serious health consequences.
  • The rise in illicit sales is linked to a significant price increase for Mounjaro in the UK, prompting some users to seek more affordable, albeit unapproved, options.
  • Following The Independent's investigation, TikTok and Meta (Instagram) have removed accounts found to be selling these pharmaceutical products, citing violations of their platform guidelines.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.