Singapore authorities are issuing stern warnings against the illicit sale of injectable peptides online. These substances, often promoted by fitness influencers for weight loss and muscle gain, are not registered and pose serious health risks.
Experts emphasize that peptides, a class of compounds that act as chemical messengers in the body, require medical prescription. Without professional oversight, users risk hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and metabolic disruption.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has been actively removing illegal listings from online platforms, with 82 non-compliant listings of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs removed in 2024 alone. Investigations into unauthorized sales of these drugs, commonly used for diabetes and obesity, are ongoing.
Medical professionals caution that the purity and efficacy of these black market products are unknown, and monitoring for side effects is nonexistent. They urge individuals to consult qualified doctors before considering any peptide use and prioritize natural methods for weight management and fitness.