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Published: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Underground Market Booms with Unapproved Weight-Loss Drug Retatrutide

A new weight-loss drug, retatrutide, is gaining popularity, but it's not available through traditional channels. This drug, still under development by Eli Lilly, is being sold on an unregulated "underground market." Early clinical trial results show retatrutide can lead to significant weight loss, with patients losing an average of 71 pounds, or 29% of their body weight. This is double the weight loss seen with semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy.

The drug's appeal has led to a surge in online sales, with individuals purchasing retatrutide from various vendors, often based in China. These vendors exploit a legal loophole, selling the drug for "research use only," despite its clear use for personal consumption. The process of acquiring the drug is often informal, with purchases made through social media and online platforms.

However, this unregulated market carries significant risks. The drugs are not subject to FDA scrutiny, and their composition and safety are uncertain. Testing of samples reveals issues with sterility, purity, and correct dosing. Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and more serious complications, including dysesthesia, or odd sensations in the skin.

Despite the risks, the demand for retatrutide is growing, with some individuals willing to take the chance for its potential benefits. The future of the market is uncertain, with the potential for increased scrutiny from authorities.

BNN's Perspective: The rise of the retatrutide underground market highlights the urgent need for accessible and affordable weight-loss solutions. While the potential of this drug is promising, the risks associated with unregulated markets cannot be ignored. Regulatory bodies must work to balance the need for innovation with the imperative of patient safety.

Keywords: retatrutide, weight loss, underground market, obesity drug, Eli Lilly, clinical trials, FDA, semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, China, unregulated, side effects, dysesthesia, research use only, gray market, peptides, GLP-1, GIP, glucagon.

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