Investigation Uncovers Illegal Sales of Fake ‘Godzilla’ Weight Loss Drug

An investigation has revealed a concerning trend: counterfeit versions of an experimental weight loss drug, known as the ‘Godzilla’ of weight loss jabs, are being sold illegally on social media platforms. The drug, called retatrutide, is still undergoing clinical trials and has not received approval for use anywhere in the world. Despite this, an undercover reporter from Channel 4 News successfully purchased a counterfeit version after discovering advertisements for the drug on Facebook and TikTok.

The unauthorized sales raise significant health risks. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of retatrutide and other medications like Mounjaro, cautioned that using drugs from unapproved sources could jeopardize consumer safety. The company indicated it is prepared to take legal action against those involved in these illegal transactions.

Concerns Over Patient Safety

The investigation highlighted how easily consumers can access these potentially harmful injections online. The undercover reporter contacted two suppliers and joined a WhatsApp group with over 20 sellers. She purchased the drug in person in northern England, where the seller provided inconsistent dosing information, improperly stored the product, and failed to inquire about crucial health details such as the buyer’s weight, pregnancy status, or medical history.

Dr. Nancy Allen, a general practitioner with the NHS who prescribes licensed weight loss medications, expressed alarm after reviewing one of the packages obtained during the investigation. “I have never seen it in my life. This raises serious concerns about patient safety,” she stated.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed that the sale of counterfeit retatrutide is illegal. The agency warned that such products could expose users to incorrect dosages or dangerous ingredients, potentially leading to severe health consequences.

Following the investigation, both TikTok and Meta—the parent company of Facebook—took action by removing flagged content related to the drug. They reiterated that the sale of weight loss injections is prohibited under their policies, with TikTok actively removing searches and hashtags associated with retatrutide.

Personal Stories Highlight Risks

The investigation also shed light on the dangerous choices some individuals are making. Champion bodybuilder Richie O’Donnell reported observing many people, including teenagers, using fake retatrutide purchased online. He admitted to buying some himself “in case he needs it,” despite knowing the drug remains unapproved.

Another gym-goer, Marcus Perry, purchased the drug after encountering it on TikTok. He acknowledged the risks involved, stating, “You don’t know what you’re putting in your body… but it’s the chance you’ve got to take.”

In a broader segment of the investigation, former Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace shared her terrifying experience after purchasing a counterfeit weight loss drug on TikTok. She described a harrowing ordeal where she was physically incapacitated, stating, “There were bags of vomit just linked up by my bed. I couldn’t make it to the toilet. It was the worst time of my life physically.”

Member of Parliament Beccy Cooper, serving on the Commons health and social care committee, expressed her dismay at how easily the reporter accessed the counterfeit drug. “This is appalling, it is criminal, and it needs to be shut down,” she said.

Eli Lilly reiterated the dangers posed by products falsely representing themselves as investigational drugs not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The company is collaborating with regulatory agencies and law enforcement to identify and eliminate fraudulent or unsafe content on social media.

As the investigation reveals the extent of this issue, the need for stricter regulations and vigilant consumer awareness has never been more pressing.