As obesity rates climb, especially among Black Americans—who were 28% more likely to be obese than the general population in 2024—demand for weight-loss medications like GLP-1s has surged. But with that demand has come a wave of illegal and unregulated drug compounding that poses serious risks, particularly to communities of color.
Laura Howard, president of the Colorado Council of Black Nurses, warns that foreign manufacturers are flooding the U.S. with raw pharmaceutical ingredients labeled “for research only.” These are often used to create compounded versions of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are not FDA-approved and lack safety oversight. Some consumers even mix these powders at home, unaware of the dangers.
The FDA has reported 17 deaths, over 100 hospitalizations, and more than 1,000 adverse events linked to compounded GLP-1s. Risks include incorrect dosing, contamination, and counterfeit components that can lead to infection or sepsis.
Howard emphasizes that marginalized communities are especially vulnerable. “These sellers are taking advantage of people’s real medical needs and vulnerabilities,” she writes. Targeted marketing on social media often reaches low-income patients and people of color, who already face barriers to safe, effective healthcare.
She calls for stronger enforcement at both federal and state levels to protect consumers and ensure health equity. “Safety being the number one priority will help to ensure health equity and deny predatory sellers in our community.”
See: “Illegal GLP-1 compounding puts Coloradans at risk” (October 24, 2025)
