Unlicensed weight-loss drugs marketed on social media as ‘prizes’

2026-02-05 - 16:15

‘Giveaway’ competitions on WhatsApp and Telegram for retatrutide and other drugs described as ‘extremely dangerous’ Hidden-market promoters of weight-loss drugs are running social media “giveaway” competitions that offer powerful, unlicensed medicines as prizes. The Guardian has been monitoring WhatsApp and Telegram groups promoting substances such as retatrutide – a medicine unlicensed in the UK. Some groups have posted competitions for existing customers, claiming they have “just 24 hours” to enter giveaways or claim injections. Continue reading...