Brazilian authorities have arrested fitness influencer Larissa da Silva Caetano Anunciação, known online as Larissa Caetano, and her husband on suspicion of illegally selling prescription weight-loss medications through social media channels.
The couple was detained on Feb. 24 as part of an investigation into the unauthorized distribution of drugs commonly used to treat diabetes and obesity, including tirzepatide, marketed under the brand name Mounjaro, according to reports from CNN Brasil and Metrópoles.
Caetano, who has built a following of nearly 400,000 on Instagram by sharing fitness routines, health advice, and details of her personal weight-loss journey, allegedly used her public profile and her claimed credentials as a nurse to promote and sell the medications directly to followers. Investigators say she was not legally authorized to distribute the drugs, rendering the transactions unlawful.
Authorities are examining potential charges related to crimes against public health and the economic order. If convicted, Caetano could face penalties totaling up to 20 years in prison, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Caetano did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
On her social media accounts, the influencer frequently documented her physical transformation and encouraged followers to pursue weight-loss goals. In addition to fitness content, she promoted a range of commercial products, including protein supplements, vitamins, and hair treatments.
Investigators have also reviewed a secondary Instagram account with roughly 8,000 followers in which Caetano presented herself as a nurse. The account includes images of her holding a syringe and, in some posts, appearing to administer injections to herself.
The case comes amid growing global scrutiny over the booming demand for GLP-1 and related weight-loss medications, which has fueled concerns about counterfeit products, unauthorized sales, and patient safety risks when drugs are obtained outside regulated medical channels.
