In Malaysia, a shadow trade in DIY weight-loss jabs takes hold

AI Summary

Some Malaysians are buying cheaper, unregulated tirzepatide products online as the cost of prescription weight-loss medication rises. The informal trade raises concerns about the safety and quality of drugs sold through social media and online sellers.

When her prescription for Mounjaro became too expensive, Bey* did what a growing number of Malaysians are doing: she found a cheaper vial online. The 34-year-old from Kuala Lumpur started on the weight-loss drug about a year ago and hasn’t looked back since. “I didn’t feel like eating, I didn’t feel hungry,” she said, recalling flying to Jakarta for a “food trip” recently during which she barely ate. Reviews on Threads and TikTok led her to online sellers offering “tirzepatide”, Mounjaro’s...