Skyrocketing Prices Push Americans to Create Their Own Weight-Loss Drugs

San Francisco: High costs of obesity medicines are driving Americans to a growing "gray market," where individuals make their own weight-loss drugs using cheap, unregulated active ingredients shipped from China. These substances, often labeled as "research materials," are purchased online and mixed into dosages by users themselves.

Missouri resident Amy Spencer, 50, is among those turning to this market. Spending just $50 a month, she mixes her own drugs using ingredients like tirzepatide, the key compound in Eli Lilly's Zepbound, saving up to 90% compared to branded treatments.

The demand for affordable alternatives surged after an FDA ruling barred U.S. compounding pharmacies from selling cheaper obesity medications. Imports of unregistered active ingredients from China rose by 44% in January 2025, according to the Partnership for Safe Medicines. Buyers frequently use platforms like Reddit and Telegram, exchanging advice on sourcing, shipping, and testing.

However, experts warn of severe risks. Unregulated substances may lack sterility and purity, leading to potential contamination. Some users have reported health issues due to incorrect dosages. Pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Lilly are actively filing lawsuits and urging regulators to crack down on the illegal market.

With nearly three-quarters of U.S. adults overweight or obese, many are desperate for affordable solutions. Spencer, who has lost 24 pounds, says, "This medicine has changed my life. It's cheap, and it works."