TikTok Faces Criticism Over Gray Market for GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

TikTok's Gray Market for GLP-1 Drugs

A new report from the gender justice nonprofit UltraViolet accuses TikTok of inadequately regulating a burgeoning gray market for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, a class of pharmaceuticals gaining popularity for their weight-loss advantages. The analysis reveals numerous TikTok accounts promoting unregulated GLP-1 products, often utilizing harmful messaging that disproportionately targets women.

Findings from the Report

Nature of the Gray Market

The extensive content analysis conducted by UltraViolet identified hundreds of TikTok accounts advertising unregulated GLP-1 alternatives, including products misleadingly labeled as "research-grade." Many of these accounts redirected users to purchase these drugs through platforms like WhatsApp, Discord, and Telegram, sidestepping regulatory oversight.

The report highlights the ease with which users can access content related to these pharmaceuticals, even non-FDA approved options like retatrutide, which remained prevalent before and after TikTok's leadership transition in early 2026. UltraViolet found that the platform's Discover page often generated search suggestions related to the sale and purchase of GLP-1 medications, making such content readily available to users.

Targeting Women and Harmful Content

A significant portion of the off-market GLP-1 content specifically aims at women, often accompanied by real and AI-generated imagery that conveys unrealistic beauty standards. Many posts contained harmful language regarding weight loss and appearance, with some even presenting sexualized imagery or false health claims.

In response, UltraViolet reported a total of 202 accounts violating TikTok's Community Guidelines for harmful content. Alarmingly, only about one-third of these accounts were removed by the platform.

TikTok's Response and Community Guidelines

Moderate Changes Post Ownership Transition

Despite TikTok's change in ownership in late 2025, UltraViolet's study found that moderation efforts had not significantly improved. The organization conducted its research in two phases, assessing the platform's policies both before and shortly after the transition to an American investor board.

TikTok's Community Guidelines permit discussions around GLP-1 drugs but explicitly forbid the promotion of disordered eating behaviors or dangerous weight loss methods. However, posts directing users to acquire regulated drugs outside of the platform have been shown to thrive in this environment.

Public Backlash and Concerns

UltraViolet campaign director Jenna Sherman expressed concern over TikTok's failure to curb this trend, citing the platform's reliance on sophisticated algorithms and aggressive marketing strategies that prioritize content visibility over user safety. Sherman emphasized the resultant health risks, especially in a society increasingly obsessed with weight management fueled by social media narratives.

As the issue escalates, TikTok has not yet responded to inquiries regarding UltraViolet's report or the criticisms leveled against its content moderation policies.

Broader Implications in the Industry

Amidst the ongoing discussion about TikTok's role in perpetuating harmful health messages, pharmaceutical companies are also facing scrutiny. Recently, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of popular GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, initiated a lawsuit against competitor Eli Lilly over allegations of deceptive marketing practices. This highlights an industry-wide contention as both companies invest heavily in advertising their weight-loss drugs.

Many users have expressed that they feel overwhelmed by GLP-1 related advertisements, particularly individuals in active recovery from eating disorders, indicating a pressing need for greater accountability in online platforms like TikTok.