Australian doctors are warning about a growing trend of children secretly using injectable peptides bought online.

A GP has reported seeing patients as young as 12 accessing these products without their parents knowing.

The peptides are being promoted on social media for weight loss, muscle growth, faster recovery, tanning and anti-aging.

However, many of the products being sold online are unapproved and poorly regulated, raising concerns about contamination, incorrect ingredients and unknown long-term health effects.

Doctors are particularly concerned about young people because the effects of these substances on developing bodies are not well understood.

Experts are calling for greater awareness among parents, stronger regulation of online sales and better support for health professionals dealing with peptide use among teenagers.

Australia’s medicines regulator has also warned people to be extremely cautious about buying peptide products online, particularly from overseas suppliers and social media platforms.