Former glamour model Katie Price has drawn significant criticism after promoting a controversial product containing peptides, marketed as “fat jabs,” which are explicitly labeled as not for human consumption. The promotion, shared via Twitter and subsequently deleted, coincided with ongoing concerns from her family about her unexplained weight loss.
Controversial Product Promotion
Price, 48, took to Twitter on Wednesday to endorse peptides from Supreme CBD, highlighting a special offer of £40. In a now-deleted tweet, she stated, “Guys I have started my peptide journey with @supreme_cbd and this is a great offer to start on! £40 wow that’s brilliant.” This endorsement has ignited a backlash, particularly as the product’s own website clearly states it is intended solely for “scientific and laboratory research only” and is not for human use.
The nature of these peptides, which function similarly to medications like Ozempic by mimicking gut hormones to induce feelings of fullness, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar, has amplified concerns. Critics pointed out the discrepancy between Price’s promotion and the product’s explicit warnings. One commenter questioned, “Commented this on the post but surprisingly got nothing back, so I’ll try with you… ‘not for human consumption?'”
Family and Fan Concerns Over Weight Loss
The promotion of these research-only peptides comes at a time when Price’s family has expressed significant worry regarding her noticeable and unexplained weight loss. Earlier this year, Price herself revealed that she was seeking medical attention after being alarmed by her own appearance in photographs, describing herself as “gaunt.”
In an update shared last month, Price detailed that she is under the care of a medical specialist. Speaking on her podcast, “The Katie Price Show,” with her sister Sophie, she explained the situation: “The doctors have rang me. I’ve got to go back and have two more blood tests because I’ve got to see a gastroenterologist or something to get to the bottom of why I’m losing weight.” She added that the specialist requested further blood tests to investigate the cause.
The concern extends beyond Price’s immediate family. Her son, Junior, previously voiced his worry about her eating habits. In an Instagram video, he shared that he had visited his mother to cook her a large pasta meal, emphasizing the need to ensure she was eating. “She won’t cook for herself so I just had to come round and cook her some dinner,” Junior stated, urging others to normalize such actions for their mothers.
Previous Health Updates and Denials
This is not the first time Price’s weight has been a topic of public discussion and concern. In March, during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, host Susanna Reid directly addressed her thin frame, expressing concern and asking if it was due to overusing weight loss medication.
At that time, Price acknowledged her weight loss, stating, “I recognise I have lost weight. I look too skinny, I look gaunt.” She confirmed she had consulted doctors and undergone various tests, including blood work and a stool sample, to understand the cause. Regarding speculation about weight loss drugs, she relayed her doctor’s findings: “Everyone said I am on Ozempic, they said, well we can tell in your bloods you’re not.”
Price further explained that her blood tests indicated a lack of iron, and other potential issues were being investigated. She also mentioned she was going through perimenopause. Despite these health investigations, she reassured viewers, “I am healthy, so nobody worry about me.”
In February, Price had shared an update indicating she had gained seven pounds, crediting her husband, Carl Woods, whom she referred to as a “feeder.” She posted a picture of her feet on a scale, noting her weight and stating, “Everyone mentioning my weight here you go I’m healthy.” This recent promotion of unapproved peptides, however, has reignited concerns among fans and the public regarding her health choices and the products she endorses.
Understanding Peptides and Research Chemicals
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In a medical context, certain peptides are used in prescription medications for various conditions. However, the term “peptide” is also used broadly in the research chemical market.
Products like those promoted by Price, which are sold for “scientific and laboratory research only,” often fall into a regulatory gray area. While not explicitly approved for human use, they are sometimes marketed and used off-label, leading to potential health risks and legal issues. The primary concern with such products is the lack of rigorous testing for safety and efficacy in humans, as well as potential contamination or inaccurate dosing.
Conclusion
Katie Price’s recent promotion of research-grade peptides, despite their explicit warning against human consumption and her ongoing health investigations for unexplained weight loss, has understandably caused a significant stir. The incident highlights the complex relationship between celebrity endorsements, the burgeoning market for weight management products, and the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines and regulatory approvals for any substance intended for human use.
