Australia’s growing appetite for weight-loss injections is creating a parallel market, with some consumers turning to overseas clinics, social media sellers and informal suppliers to obtain products outside the country’s prescription system.

GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have become increasingly popular for weight management. Researchers from UNSW estimated that almost 2 per cent of Australians were regularly using GLP-1 medicines by 2025, highlighting the rapid growth in demand.

But authorities are increasingly concerned about what consumers may be buying outside registered pharmacies.

An investigation by SBS found weight-loss injections being promoted in Australian community groups, while some products were reportedly sourced from overseas clinics and sold without prescriptions. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has warned that importing and supplying prescription medicines without the required authorisation can be unlawful.

The regulator has also uncovered counterfeit products. Testing of several imported products labelled as containing GLP-1 medicines found they contained none of the claimed GLP-1 ingredients.

The risks extend beyond counterfeit medicines. Unapproved peptides, including experimental compounds marketed for weight loss, are increasingly being promoted online. The TGA says these products have not been assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness and may be incorrectly labelled or manufactured.

Retatrutide is one example. Unlike approved medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy, it remains an experimental drug and is not approved for sale as a medicine in Australia.

Authorities are now stepping up enforcement, targeting unlawful imports, online advertising and supply of unapproved peptide products.

Health experts say the growing demand for rapid weight loss should not come at the expense of medical supervision. Consumers are being urged to obtain prescription medicines through registered Australian pharmacies and speak with qualified health professionals before starting treatment.