As aspiring bodybuilders turn to banned peptides for perceived benefits like enhanced skin and appetite suppression, experts warn of the serious health risks involved.
Thomas's phone alarm buzzes at 9:30 pm -- it's time for the aspiring bodybuilder to start injecting himself in the stomach with several banned peptides.
He takes vials from his refrigerator of GHK-Cu, which he tells AFP will give him "beautiful skin", and Retatrutide, which will help him "feel less hungry".
After adding a liquid to reconstitute the synthetic peptides, he disinfects the syringes and shoots both into his lower abdomen.
Thomas, whose name has been changed, takes GHK-Cu daily and Retatrutide three times a week.
