RIYADH: The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and other relevant authorities, has detained several gym trainers of Arab nationalities for selling and promoting unregistered and unlicensed weight-loss medications, hormonal drugs, and peptide substances under improper storage conditions.
The crackdown followed monitoring of social media for regulatory violations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
A sting operation traced the supply chain to a warehouse containing hormonal supplements, peptide materials, and Retatrutide — a substance still undergoing clinical trials with no established safety record.
Legal action has been initiated against the violators, who have been referred to the competent authorities for prosecution, the SPA added.
Penalties under the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions include up to six months’ imprisonment and substantial fines, in addition to sanctions under other applicable laws.
The ministry has called on gyms and sports centers to strengthen internal oversight and ensure staff compliance, the SPA stated.
Athletes and gym-goers are advised to obtain health products only from licensed sources and under certified medical supervision.
The public is urged to avoid acting on promotions of unverified products on social media and to consult a specialist physician before use. Violations may be reported through the unified call center at 937.
