As blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have transformed the conversation around weight loss and introduced millions of Americans to peptide-based treatments, a growing number of people have begun seeking out cheaper, more experimental alternatives online.
Despite being labelled "not for human consumption", these substances are readily available and have surged in popularity among people disillusioned by traditional healthcare.
To find out why so many Americans are willing to risk unknown side-effects for the promise of a quick fix, Adam Gabbatt meets the users and influencers driving the peptide boom,, and investigates what's really inside some of these so-called "miracle" drugs.
These people are playing with fire! Madness is as madness does. — Mark
