Beware ‘reta’ weight loss products, health ministry warns

The health ministry has cautioned Malaysian consumers against purchasing weight loss products allegedly containing retatrutide or "reta". As of August 17, no such products have been registered with the Malaysian Drug Control Authority. The ministry advises against buying or using these products from unlicensed sources, stating that their use without proper medical evaluation and monitoring could lead to adverse effects and significant complications.

Phase 3 clinical trials for retatrutide are currently underway, but it has not yet received marketing approval from any global regulatory body. This year alone, authorities have removed 209 advertisements for weight-loss products, including those purportedly containing retatrutide, from online marketplaces. Furthermore, 1,243 ads across various media channels have been identified and subject to enforcement action.

To ensure product authenticity, the ministry recommends checking registration status through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency's "Product Search" function. The holograms on medications, known as FarmaTags, can be verified using the FarmaChecker app within the MyUBAT platform. Lastly, the ministry warns against falling for misleading advertisements, exaggerated weight loss claims, promises of quick results, or unusually low prices.