A new experimental drug named Retatrutide, often dubbed the 'Godzilla' of weight loss jabs or 'triple G' due to its potent effects, has sparked alarm among experts because of a concerning surge in black market demand. Early clinical trials of Retatrutide suggest it can help individuals shed nearly a quarter of their body weight in under a year, a performance almost twice as effective as established treatments like Ozempic. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, this once-weekly injection stands out by targeting three hormones involved in eating and weight regulation (GLP, GIP, and glucagon), not only suppressing appetite but also significantly speeding up metabolism and preserving lean muscle mass.

Despite its promising results, Retatrutide is still undergoing rigorous clinical trials, with phase three results not anticipated until 2026. If successful, regulatory approval could follow between 2026 and 2027. However, this lengthy approval process has not deterred a growing number of individuals, with social media users openly claiming to have sourced the drug illegally and boasting about rapid weight loss, sometimes exceeding three stone in just months. This black market surge has been further fueled by Eli Lilly's decision to increase the cost of its approved weight-loss jab, Mounjaro, in the UK, leading to a staggering 5000 percent spike in online searches for 'where to inject Retatrutide'.

Health experts, including Danielle Brightman, clinical director at Numan, have issued urgent warnings against purchasing 'incredibly risky' black market versions. These products are often unregulated, meaning there is no guarantee of their dose, purity, or even the active ingredients. Using such illicit substances exposes individuals to serious side effects, contamination, and potential long-term harm. Past instances have revealed black-market weight-loss drugs laced with dangerous substances like rat poison and cement, leading to seizures and even comas. Eli Lilly itself has cautioned that any product falsely representing itself as an investigational drug not yet approved may expose patients to potentially serious health risks.

Beyond the severe health implications, there are significant legal risks. UK law strictly forbids the possession or purchase of unlicensed medications like Retatrutide without authorization. Offenders can face substantial fines and up to two years in prison. Border officials have also intensified crackdowns on organized gangs trafficking unlicensed medicines, intercepting dangerous 'DIY' injection kits often mislabeled and potentially lethal.

The dangers are exemplified by individuals like Erin, a 29-year-old single mother of three, who turned to black market Retatrutide after finding no success with semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and Mounjaro. Despite being aware of the drug's unapproved status, Erin sourced 'Reta' from a beautician friend. She experienced severe cramps and headaches after her first injection, highlighting the unpredictable nature of unregulated products. While she reported initial weight loss and reduced cravings, her method involved mixing powdered forms of the drug with water at home, a practice widely discouraged by experts due to contamination risks and imprecise dosing.

Clinical trials have shown striking weight-loss figures: women lost an average of 28.5 percent and men 21.2 percent of their body weight in 48 weeks on Retatrutide. Some participants in trials experienced such rapid weight loss that researchers had to lower their doses or advise them to increase calorie intake to prevent