The Guardian reports that fitness influencers associated with Gencore Global, a company that presents itself as a UK health and wellness brand, help run an alleged illegal steroid market through social media. The outlet says the influencers direct followers to Telegram channels where steroids, prescription medicines, and experimental peptides are promoted.
According to the report, Gencore Global has a public profile that includes appearing at FitXpo North West in Greater Manchester, sponsoring a racehorse, launching a UK combat sports and influencer boxing promotion, and planning to attend the National Running Show in Birmingham the following year. The Guardian also includes accounts from a bodybuilder who says the effects of drug abuse caught up with him.
An expert cited by the Guardian warns that the UK market for experimental peptides is becoming more uncontrolled, describing conditions as increasingly like a “wild west.” The report frames these developments as a potential public-health and enforcement concern, focusing on how online promotion can connect mainstream fitness audiences with illicit drug supply channels.
