More people are turning to peptides in hopes of losing weight, increasing energy levels, building muscle, speeding up recovery, or maintaining a youthful appearance.
The biggest concern surrounding the UAE’s growing peptide trend is not only the risk of counterfeit products, but also the increasing number of people using powerful substances without proper medical assessment or guidance.
Following the Emirates Drug Establishment’s recent action against 71 entities found promoting or selling unapproved peptide products, and the referral of 14 social media influencers to the relevant authorities, doctors told Khaleej Times they are seeing more patients rely on online sellers, influencer endorsements, and social media trends rather than seeking professional medical advice.
“The greater risk is not just the substance itself, but using it without proper oversight. Without baseline blood tests, regular monitoring, or an understanding of its effects on the liver, glucose levels, or hormones, people may be exposing themselves to potential risks,” said Dr Yousef Said, medical director and diabetologist at Metabolic.
He said the clinic has been treating an increasing number of patients who obtained peptides through social media platforms, online suppliers, or personal recommendations without medical supervision.
“Many people assume these products are safe because they are promoted as ‘natural’ or ‘anti-ageing’ solutions. However, many have not undergone the strict quality checks and clinical trials required for approved medicines,” he said.
Seeking a quick solution
According to Yousef, growing numbers of people are turning to peptides in pursuit of weight loss, increased energy, muscle growth, faster injury recovery, or the desire to “feel younger for longer”.
“Social media has created the perception that peptides are quick and low-risk solutions,” he said. “While some peptides have proven medical applications and others show potential, many current claims go beyond what scientific evidence supports.”
He added that one of the most common misconceptions is that all peptides are automatically safe simply because they are classified as peptides.
“Peptides are a broad category of molecules with widely different effects on the body. Some peptide-based medicines are well-established and approved for specific medical conditions, while others are still being studied and should not be promoted as proven anti-ageing treatments,” he said.
Wrong treatment for the wrong patient
Doctors stressed that the concern goes beyond whether a peptide product is genuine or counterfeit. The greater issue is whether the treatment is suitable for the individual and being used under proper medical supervision.
“We have seen patients develop gastrointestinal side effects, unexpected hormonal changes, or spend significant amounts of money on products that did not work because the diagnosis was incorrect or the quality of the product was uncertain,” said Dr Said.
“In many cases, the biggest concern is not necessarily toxicity, but using the wrong treatment for the wrong condition without proper assessment and follow-up,” he added.
Dr Ismail Arslan, an endocrinologist at Metabolic, said people should not consider peptide therapy without first undergoing a comprehensive medical evaluation.
“Assessing liver function, kidney function, thyroid function, complete blood count, and fasting blood sugar provides an important baseline,” he said, noting that additional tests may be required depending on the type of treatment being considered.
“Once we have the baseline results, we can measure the actual impact of the treatment through changes in those numbers and quantify the difference,” he added.
He warned that while peptide therapies can offer benefits when prescribed appropriately, self-administering them without medical guidance can expose individuals to unnecessary risks.
“Unmonitored side effects may occur, including fluid retention, glucose intolerance, or changes in blood pressure,” he said. “Product quality and sourcing are also major concerns. Peptides obtained from unregulated suppliers may be counterfeit, contaminated, incorrectly dosed, or improperly stored.”
Why people trust influencers
Psychologist Hiba Badawi said the growing influence of social media health advice is driven more by psychological factors than medical reasoning.
“Influencers communicate with us through emotions, while doctors communicate through evidence and logic,” she said.
Because influencers are a constant presence in people’s daily lives, they can gradually feel familiar and trustworthy, almost like friends, making audiences more likely to accept their recommendations.
She added that the rising interest in peptides is also linked to the desire for quick results.
“Many people today are searching for rapid change and easy solutions. At the same time, fears around ageing, losing strength, or mortality can make people more open to those who promise youthfulness or dramatic transformation,” she said.
Badawi explained that social media often connects treatments with ideas of confidence, happiness, and social approval, making them appear more appealing.
“These platforms do not present an injection as just a medical product. They link it to self-confidence, acceptance, and avoiding the fear of ageing. That emotional association can lead people to overlook risks and make decisions that may affect their health,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of the fear of missing out (FOMO) in driving interest in unapproved treatments.
“When people repeatedly see others promoting ideas of staying young or changing their bodies, they may begin to feel they are being left behind. In my practice, I have seen individuals consider unapproved compounds or hormones not because they had a medical need, but because they felt they were not meeting certain expectations,” she said.
For people considering buying peptide products online, pharmacist Mowaffak Alsadek warned that consumers have limited ability to verify whether a product is authentic before purchase.
“Licensed pharmacies source medicines through regulated supply chains that follow strict standards for storage, transportation, and quality control,” he said.
“Products sold through unofficial channels do not come with the same assurances. They may be counterfeit, contaminated, stored incorrectly, or contain entirely different ingredients from what is advertised.”
He advised consumers to be cautious of products sold without prescriptions, unusually low prices, sellers operating exclusively through social media, the absence of a licensed pharmacy, and suspicious or unclear packaging.
“If someone has already purchased or used one of these products, they should stop using it, speak with a healthcare professional, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any adverse reactions,” he said.
For Yousef, the debate ultimately comes down to one key question.
“The issue should not be whether a therapy is a peptide or not,” he said. “The important question is whether it is the right treatment for the right patient, supported by the best available evidence, sourced through regulated channels, and prescribed with proper medical monitoring.”
