RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has detained several gym trainers of Arab nationalities for selling and promoting unregistered and unlicensed weight loss medications, hormonal drugs, and peptide substances.The violations were detected through monitoring of social media, the ministry said.The crackdown was carried out in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and other relevant authorities.Investigations traced the supply chain to a warehouse that was raided during a sting operation.Authorities said the warehouse contained hormonal supplements, peptide materials, and Retatrutide, a substance still undergoing clinical trials without an established safety record.The ministry said penalties under the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions include up to six months in prison and significant fines, in addition to other applicable penalties.It called on gyms and sports centers to strengthen oversight and ensure compliance by staff.The ministry also advised gym-goers to obtain health products only from licensed sources and under medical supervision, and to avoid unverified products promoted on social media.Violations can be reported through the unified call center at 937.
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