Doctors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are sounding the alarm regarding the growing trend of using peptide injections purchased online, especially against the backdrop of stricter measures against influencers. The main danger associated with the popularity of peptides in the UAE is not only the presence of counterfeit products but also that many people are injecting powerful substances without knowing if these treatments are suitable for them.
Following a recent campaign to halt the activities of 71 organizations involved in marketing or selling unauthorized peptide products, and the referral of 14 social media influencers to relevant authorities, doctors told Khaleej Times that they are increasingly seeing patients who turn to online sellers, influencer recommendations, and social media trends instead of receiving proper medical consultation.
Risks of Blind Use of Substances
Dr. Yousef Said, Director of Medicine and Diabetologist at Metabolic, noted: "The greater risk is not just in the substance itself; it is its blind use. Without basic blood tests, without monitoring, without understanding how it affects your liver, glucose, or hormones." He added that the clinic is recording an increase in patients who obtained peptides through social media, online stores, or friends' recommendations, bypassing medical supervision.
According to Dr. Said, many mistakenly believe these products are harmless because they are advertised as 'natural' or 'anti-aging,' when in reality, they often have not undergone the rigorous quality control and clinical trials required for approved medications.
The Search for a Quick Fix
According to Dr. Said, people are increasingly seeking peptides for weight loss, increased energy levels, muscle gain, faster injury recovery, or simply to 'feel younger longer.' The doctor emphasized that social media has created the impression that peptides are a quick and low-risk solution. Although some peptides have established medical uses, and others are promising, many current claims exceed available scientific evidence.
One of the main misconceptions is the assumption that any product labeled as a peptide is automatically safe. The doctor explained that peptides represent a diverse group of molecules with very different biological effects; some drugs are well-studied and approved for specific conditions, while others remain in the research phase and should not be advertised as proven anti-aging therapies.
Wrong Treatment for the Wrong Patient
Doctors stressed that the problem goes beyond the issue of product authenticity or counterfeiting. Dr. Said reported cases where patients experienced gastrointestinal side effects, unexpected hormonal changes, or spent significant sums on ineffective products due to misdiagnosis or uncertain product quality.
He specified: "In many cases, the biggest problem is not necessarily toxicity; it is using the wrong treatment for the wrong indication without proper assessment or follow-up." Dr. Ismail Arslan, an endocrinologist at Metabolic, strongly recommended against considering peptide therapy without a prior comprehensive medical evaluation. He noted that assessing liver function, kidney function, thyroid function, complete blood count, and fasting blood sugar level provides a good starting point, and additional tests may be required depending on the planned treatment.
Arslan warned that while peptide therapy can be beneficial when prescribed correctly, self-medication exposes people to unnecessary risks. He cautioned about possible uncontrolled side effects such as fluid retention, glucose intolerance, or changes in blood pressure. Furthermore, there is a serious risk related to quality and source: peptides obtained from unregulated suppliers may be fake, contaminated, improperly dosed, or stored incorrectly.
Reasons for Trusting Influencers
Psychologist Hiba Badawi believes that the rise of health advice from influencers stems from psychology, not medicine. She observed that "the influencer speaks to us in the language of emotions, while the doctor speaks in the language of reason." Since influencers are constantly present in daily life, they gradually become familiar to us, almost like friends, which makes it easier for people to accept their advice.
Badawi also pointed out that the increased demand for peptides is fueled by the desire for quick results. "People today are looking for fast changes and magic solutions. At the same time, many experience a deep fear of aging, weakness, and death, which makes them more inclined to believe anyone who promises youth or rapid transformation." She added that social media platforms amplify these messages, linking treatment to self-confidence, happiness, and social acceptability. "They present the injection not just as medicine. They associate it with self-esteem, acceptance, and avoiding the fear of aging. This emotional connection can make people ignore logical thinking and risk their health."
Badawi also noted that the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) syndrome plays a role. "When people constantly see others enthusiastically talking about maintaining youth or changing their bodies, they start worrying about being left behind." She cited examples from her practice where people approached using unauthorized compounds or hormones not because of medical indications, but because they felt something was missing.
Impossibility of Verifying Products Online
Pharmacist Mowaffaq AlSadek stated that consumers have few opportunities to verify the authenticity of a product before purchase. He explained that licensed pharmacies receive medications through regulated supply chains with strict requirements for storage, transportation, and quality assurance. In contrast, with products sold through unofficial channels, there are no such guarantees; they may be fake, contaminated, improperly stored, or contain completely different ingredients.
AlSadek advised consumers to be wary of goods sold without a prescription, at unusually low prices, by sellers operating exclusively through social media, in the absence of a licensed pharmacy, or with suspicious packaging. He strongly recommended that those who have already bought or used such products immediately stop using them, consult a healthcare professional, and seek urgent help if any adverse effects occur.
For Dr. Said, the entire debate boils down to one question: "The question is not whether the therapy is a peptide or not. The question is whether it is the right treatment for the right patient, supported by the best available evidence from a regulated source and administered with appropriate monitoring."
