Doctors are raising the alarm over a disturbing trend which involves children as young as 12 being offered unregulated peptides through online chat groups. While regulated peptides are being used legitimately for conditions like diabetes and medically assisted weight loss, doctors are increasingly concerned about unregulated versions. Dr Tim Jones from the Royal Australian College of GPs warns kids as young as 12 are accessing unregulated peptides. Doctors are also seeing worrying side effects among young people using the products, including hormonal changes. Boutin said she only discovered her brother was using peptides a few years before his death, with Alex telling her the products were safe and had been recommended by a friend.