Teenagers started a new dangerous trend on TikTok, medical professionals are on alert: 'We don't know what the consequences will be'

Večernji List is sounding the alarm over a disturbing new trend infiltrating social media, particularly TikTok, where teenagers are experimenting with dangerous, unregistered peptides. This alarming phenomenon, driven by influencers promoting shortcuts to perceived physical perfection, poses significant risks to the health and well-being of young people whose bodies are still developing. The article highlights a particularly concerning video of a 17-year-old detailing her use of retatrutide for weight loss and melanotan for tanning, obtained through illicit channels.

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I promise it doesn't hurttttt

What began as a trend among bodybuilders and "biohackers" has now permeated high schools, with an increasing number of adolescents seeking these dubious peptides to address insecurities about their appearance. The hashtag #Peptide on TikTok reveals a proliferation of videos offering detailed instructions on how to obtain and administer these substances at home, mirroring the ubiquity of "What I Eat in a Day" content. This trend is fueled by a broader "looksmaxxing" culture that encourages extreme optimization of appearance.

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In the beginning it seemed a little risky, but I gathered as much information as possible. I definitely felt more confident.

The ease with which these substances are accessed is deeply troubling. Often sold under the guise of "not for human use," these peptides exist in a legal and medical gray area, subject to minimal oversight. They are readily available through social media, online shops, and encrypted messaging apps, frequently sourced from China and costing significantly less than regulated medical treatments. Večernji List emphasizes the critical need for awareness and intervention as this dangerous trend continues to spread, potentially leading to severe and unpredictable health consequences for a vulnerable demographic.

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for research purposes only and ai