People suffering from undiagnosed body dysmorphia are risking their lives by injecting illegal peptides instead of seeking professional medical help, a leading specialist has warned.
Dr Ritu Gupta, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist, said those struggling with the condition often bypass legitimate clinics for unregulated substances.
Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance.
As peptides surge in popularity, TikTok is filled with posts and videos promoting their formulas as the ultimate “glow blend” for “skin rejuvenation” or for those seeking “injury or muscle recovery”.
The unregulated web pages try to skirt regulations by saying they are only for sale for “lab use only.”
“People ask about their skincare and peptides are part of their skincare – there are studies to show they can be helpful in cream forms,” she said
“But when injected, we don’t know … It’s crazy, it shouldn’t be available, it shouldn’t be advertised.”
Dr Gupta said while it’s normal for people wanting to look and feel their best, it’s when people become “obsessed” with imperfections and flaws that red flags appear.
“Psychiatric conditions, like body dysmorphia syndrome, where people have a complete obsession with something that is actually not there, that’s a psychiatric condition,” she said.
“Those people absolutely should not be treated with any forms of laser, injectables or anything because they will never be happy. What they need is a psychiatrist.”
Dr Gupta said urgent regulatory framework is needed around importation and promotion of peptides.
The Courier-Mail viewed several Australian-based peptide sites and social media pages, with people making claims that a small glass bottle is the ultimate “glow blend” for “skin rejuvenation” or for those seeking “injury or muscle recovery”.
The search prompt “peptide” led to several social media videos also promoting “high purity peptides”.
Powers used under the Telecommunications Act 1997 require internet service providers to block access to certain websites if they are in breach of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
“Australia has the strongest rules in the world about advertising things like Botox and fillers. I think we need similar strong rules about naming these peptides and spruiking these peptides,” Dr Gupta said.
“The internet is the wild west, people can import things that are not TGA approved.”
A TGA spokesman said the disclaimers being pushed on peptides websites such as “lab use only” or “not for human use” do not change a product’s regulatory status or legal obligations.
“Between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025, over 13,000 reports of alleged unlawful therapeutic good import, export, manufacture, supply or advertising were received by the TGA. Some of these reports will relate to peptides,” he said.
The TGA has approved a number of peptide-based medicines for specific indications following assessments of their quality, safety and effectiveness.
These are only permitted for legitimate medical purposes when prescribed by a doctor or specialist.