A leading weight-loss doctor has issued an urgent public health alert as people desperate to slim down for the festive season are turning to illegal and potentially deadly 'Godzilla' injections sold on social media.
The 'Perfect Storm' of Festive Pressure
With the Christmas party season in full swing, experts warn that pressure to look slimmer for photos and gatherings is creating a dangerous market for counterfeit drugs. Professor Franklin Joseph, founder of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, describes December as a "perfect storm" where unrealistic expectations are exploited by criminals online.
"This is the time of year when people panic," said Prof Joseph. "They want to turn up to Christmas Day or New Year's Eve looking slimmer, and viral posts convince them there's a quick fix. But these so-called 'Godzilla jabs' being sold online are fake, untested and potentially harmful."
Unapproved Drug and Counterfeit Factory Bust
The jab in question is retatrutide, nicknamed "Godzilla" or "Triple-G" due to early trial results showing significant weight loss. Crucially, it remains a strictly experimental drug not approved for human use anywhere in the world.
Despite this, fake versions are being peddled through unregulated online shops, social media platforms, and private Telegram groups, often without any medical oversight. This illicit trade was highlighted by a recent UK enforcement action where authorities seized over £250,000 worth of counterfeit weight-loss pens labelled as tirzepatide and retatrutide from a covert factory in Northampton.
What's Really in the Fake Pens?
Authorities and medical professionals warn that these counterfeit injections pose severe health risks. Fake pens may contain:
- Incorrect or dangerously high doses of active ingredients.
- No active ingredient at all, rendering them useless.
- Contaminated mixtures containing bacteria or unknown chemicals.
- Entirely different drugs, such as insulin, which can cause life-threatening hypoglycaemia.
"People assume the biggest risk is that the jab won't work," Prof Joseph explained. "But the real danger is what's actually inside that pen. Some contain unknown chemicals, bacteria or the wrong hormone entirely. It's simply not worth the risk for a temporary festive panic."
Seeking Safe Alternatives
Instead of chasing dangerous, last-minute solutions, Prof Joseph advocates for evidence-based strategies. "There is no Christmas miracle jab," he stated. "But there are safe, medically-supervised treatments and sensible habits that prevent weight gain and protect your health. Don't gamble your wellbeing for a party photo."
The warning comes as authorities describe social media platforms as a "wild west" for buyers seeking dramatic pre-Christmas weight loss, urging the public to avoid any medicine not prescribed by a regulated UK healthcare professional.
