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There’s a new weight loss drug that people are injecting in Australia. In a concerning trend, doctors say they are seeing patients – including ones who are “skinny” and even unknowingly pregnant – taking a peptide called retatrutide. Shockingly, it isn’t even approved for use yet or legal to buy, but it is being sold on unregulated websites that claim it’s for “lab use”. As plastic surgeon Kelly Thornbury says: “From speaking to my patients they didn’t understand what they were taking, they thought it was like buying a supplement from Chemist Warehouse. This is not a supplement, this is a medication that may be contaminated.” Retatrutide is a triple agonist drug, meaning it activates the GLP-1 hormone (like Ozempic and Wegovy) along with GIP (like Mounjaro) and glucagon receptors. We asked scientists to examine one retatrutide vial being sold online. They have raised doubts that the product is what it claims to be and warn it could be harmful or toxic. See why here.

Meanwhile have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a surgeon looks like? This instalment of our morning routine series was extremely popular. In it, orthopaedic sports surgeon Dr Mike Millar shares how he works out to stay strong for his physically demanding job. It includes waking up extremely early (4.30 am!) to fit everything into his busy schedule.

We have also continued our look into protein this week. In the latest Shopping Swaps article we reveal the best and worst protein powders. The useful piece also includes a warning from doctors about teen boys feeling extremely tired and fatigued because they are prioritising protein powder over a balanced diet.

Lastly, it’s been a very significant week marking the 40^th anniversary of Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. Medical editor Robyn Riley has some fantastic stories about just how much of a difference research is making to the lives of Aussie kids. It’s never been more important, as for the first time, an entire generation’s health is now worse than that of their parents. There will be a must-read newsletter showcasing this special coverage later in the week, so please keep an eye out.

Until next week.



#1 How weight loss drugs may be able to fix Australia’s child obesity crisis Scientists believe that using weight loss drugs in this way could revolutionise childhood obesity prevention. One in four Aussie kids are overweight despite a decade of interventions.

#2 Circumcision horror: Claims procedure was botched A doctor allegedly left a patient disfigured and traumatised when a circumcision went horribly wrong.

#3 A $200,000 therapy killed Helen’s incurable cancer. Aussie patients will now get it for free It was hailed as a “game-changer” for multiple myeloma patients — but they had to fly overseas to get it. That’s now set to change.