Dangerous weight loss drugs secretly sold in Israel: Health Ministry warns

The Israeli Health Ministry has warned about illegal peptides being sold as weight loss aids. Among them is Retatrutide, which has not yet been registered in the country. The ministry notes risks of liver and kidney damage, as well as hormonal disorders. Dr. Barzilai-Yosef explains that the high cost of treatment drives patients to the black market.

On October 30, the Israeli Health Ministry issued a warning about the dangers of illegal peptides sold as weight loss, muscle building, and anti-aging treatments. Among the substances mentioned are BPC-157, GHK-Cu, CJC-1295, TB-500, and Retatrutide, which has not yet been registered in Israel. The ministry warns of risks including liver and kidney damage, hormonal disorders, infections, and allergic reactions. The warning follows similar statements from Canada and Australia. Dr. Liat Barzilai-Yosef, an endocrinologist at Meir Hospital, explains that the high cost of official treatment (hundreds to thousands of shekels per month) and access restrictions drive patients to the black market. She emphasizes that illegal drugs may contain unknown impurities and require strict storage conditions. The Health Ministry recommends purchasing medications only from official outlets and reporting suspicious sales by calling *5400.