Beyond Ozempic and Mounjaro, the growing concern over unapproved peptides

As the US FDA flags a potential risk of a rare eye condition linked to GLP-1 medicines, the growing use of weight-loss drugs and cheaper alternatives has brought renewed attention to peptide safety. Doctors warn that the popularity of research chemicals and unapproved peptides for quick physical transformations could expose people to health risks that are not yet fully understood.Weight-loss injections may be behind gallbladder removal. Here’s whyNew Delhi,Nov 12, 2026 09:41 ISTThe growing popularity of weight-loss medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro has brought peptide-based treatments into the spotlight. With the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flagging a potential risk of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition that can cause sudden vision loss, questions around the safety of these medicines and the wider peptide market have gained attention.The development comes at a time when the use of weight-loss medicines is increasing in India, with cheaper versions making some treatments more accessible. While approved medicines have specific medical uses and are prescribed under medical supervision, a separate market for research chemicals and unapproved peptides is also growing. These substances are increasingly being promoted online for weight loss, muscle building, hair regrowth and skin improvement.Experts have repeatedly cautioned against using such products without proper medical advice. Adding to the concern, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Ranjit Bhosale has highlighted how small chemical changes can create new compounds whose effects on the human body may not be fully understood.He says the growing demand for quick physical transformations is encouraging people to experiment with substances that promise faster results, even when their safety and long-term effects remain uncertain. HOW SMALL CHEMICAL CHANGES CAN CREATE NEW COMPOUNDSExplaining how research chemicals emerge, Dr Bhosale said manufacturers can make small changes to the chemical structure of an existing compound to create a new substance. These changes may involve adding or modifying chemical groups, such as hydroxy or methyl groups, while retaining some properties of the original molecule.He cited delta 9 THC, the active compound in cannabis, as an example. According to him, modifying the molecule can create related compounds that may have similar effects but are chemically different from the original substance. He pointed out that such modifications can sometimes be used to bypass existing regulatory systems, contributing to the growing availability of research chemicals.The main concern, he said, is that scientists may not have enough information about how these newly developed compounds behave inside the human body.A modified compound may produce an effect similar to the original substance, but it could also trigger a completely different response. Without adequate research, its safety, effectiveness and possible side effects remain uncertain.PEPTIDES ARE GAINING POPULARITY FOR QUICK TRANSFORMATIONSDr Bhosale said peptides have been around for a long time but have recently become a global trend. They are increasingly being marketed for several purposes, including improving skin, supporting hair growth, reducing body fat and building muscles.The growing interest is also linked to the desire for faster physical transformations. People who want to lose weight, develop muscles or improve their appearance are increasingly coming across products that promise visible results in a short period.He believes this reflects a growing preference for shortcuts rather than the discipline and consistency required to achieve fitness goals through regular exercise and healthy eating.The doctor also referred to celebrity body transformations, including Aamir Khan's physical transformation for the film Dangal, while discussing the growing interest in peptides. However, there is no established evidence that Khan's transformation was achieved through peptide use.OZEMPIC, WEGOVY AND MOUNJARO ALSO WORK THROUGH PEPTIDE PATHWAYSThe doctor also mentioned medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro while discussing the growing use of peptide-based treatments. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, work through hormone pathways involved in appetite and blood sugar regulation.These are approved prescription medicines with established medical uses and should not be confused with unapproved research peptides available through online sellers.The recent FDA warning about a potential association between GLP 1 medicines and NAION has also brought attention to the importance of understanding possible risks. NAION is a rare condition in which reduced blood flow damages the optic nerve and can cause sudden vision loss.Dr Bhosale's broader concern is that the growing popularity of peptide-based treatments could encourage people to experiment with substances without understanding their possible consequences.THE NEED TO PRIORITISE HEALTH OVER SHORTCUTSDr Bhosale said people often spend years working towards their fitness goals through regular exercise, dietary changes and consistent efforts. However, products promising faster results are making shortcuts increasingly attractive.He cautioned that such substances can come with their own risks, particularly when their long-term effects have not been properly established. He also referred to reports of deaths in Australia involving peptides, which have raised further concerns about their safety.The doctor believes stronger regulation is needed to ensure that people are not exposed to substances whose safety and effectiveness have not been adequately studied.He urged people to avoid experimenting with unapproved compounds simply to achieve quick cosmetic or fitness results. Instead, he emphasised the importance of prioritising health, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and seeking appropriate medical guidance.The growing peptide market highlights the need to distinguish between medically approved treatments and substances being sold with unproven claims. While some peptide-based medicines have important therapeutic benefits, the promise of quick transformations should not come at the cost of long-term health.- Ends