Investigation Reveals Illegal ‘Godzilla’ Weight Loss Jabs Sold Online

An investigation has uncovered the illegal sale of counterfeit versions of an experimental weight loss drug, known colloquially as the “Godzilla” jab, through social media platforms. The drug, retatrutide, is currently undergoing clinical trials and has not received approval for use in any country. Despite this, an undercover reporter from Channel 4 News successfully purchased a counterfeit version after discovering advertisements on Facebook and TikTok.

The drug is touted to be twice as effective as existing weight loss treatments, yet it remains unverified and unauthorized. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, which also produces the medication Mounjaro, has cautioned that using drugs from unregulated sources poses serious health risks. The company plans to take legal action against those selling these counterfeit products.

The investigation revealed alarming ease of access to these potentially dangerous injections, which lack medical oversight. The reporter contacted two suppliers, was added to a WhatsApp group with over 20 sellers, and ultimately purchased the drug in person in the north of England. The seller provided inconsistent dosing instructions, improperly stored the product, and failed to inquire about basic health information such as the buyer’s weight, pregnancy status, or medical history.

Dr. Nancy Allen, a general practitioner in the NHS who prescribes licensed weight loss medications, expressed serious concerns about the implications for patient safety, stating, “I’m a prescriber, and I have never seen it in my life.” Following the investigation, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) confirmed that the sale of counterfeit retatrutide is illegal, warning that such products might expose individuals to harmful dosages or dangerous ingredients.

In response to the investigation, both TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, removed the flagged content. They reiterated that the sale of weight loss injections is strictly prohibited under their policies. TikTok is taking further steps by eliminating searches and hashtags related to retatrutide.

Champion bodybuilder Richie O’Donnell reported witnessing many individuals, including teenagers, using fake retatrutide purchased online. He admitted to buying some for personal use, despite knowing its unapproved status. Another gym-goer, Marcus Perry, acknowledged the risks, stating, “You don’t know what you’re putting in your body… but it’s the chance you’ve got to take.”

The investigation also featured insights from former Big Brother contestant Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace, who shared her disturbing experience after purchasing a counterfeit weight loss drug on TikTok. She described severe physical reactions, including vomiting and vision problems, and reflected, “It was the most stupid thing that I’ve probably ever done.”

Member of Parliament Beccy Cooper, a member of the Commons health and social care committee, expressed outrage at how easily the drug was accessible, labeling the situation as “appalling” and calling for immediate action to shut down these illicit sales.

Eli Lilly reiterated the dangers of counterfeit products, stating, “Any product falsely representing itself as a Lilly investigational product not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, like retatrutide, may expose patients to potentially serious health risks.” The company emphasized its commitment to working with regulatory bodies and law enforcement to identify and remove fraudulent content online.

This investigation raises significant concerns about the safety of consumers and the need for increased vigilance in monitoring online drug sales, particularly for unapproved medications.