One-third of dieters buy illegal weight-loss pills online

One-third of dieters have risked organ failure and even death by buying illegal weight-loss pills online, new research reveals.

Some 32.6 per cent of people trying to lose weight have tried illicit ‘medical’ weight-loss aids, of which 63 per cent have experienced side effects including uncontrollable bleeding and heart problems, a UK study found.

Lynda Scammell, senior policy manager at the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), who carried out the study, said: ‘Quick fixes for losing weight may have serious health consequences in the short or long term, including organ failure and death.

‘Your weight could end up being the least of your worries’. 

Since 2013, the MHRA has seized nearly £4-million worth of weight-loss pills that have not been tested for safety, with some even being found in rat-infested warehouses and garden sheds.

In 2016 alone the MHRA seized more than 4.6 million fake ‘medical’ weight-loss products and closed over 5,000 websites selling medicines illegally. 

One-third of dieters have risked death by buying illegal weight-loss pills online (stock)

TIPS ON HOW TO BUY MEDICINES SAFELY ONLINE 

Check for a ‘distance-selling logo’: All legal online medicine retailers in the EU are required to display it

Look for a CE mark: This shows the product complies with regulatory safety requirements

Don’t be fooled by ‘natural’ claims: These products can still be harmful or contain chemicals

Check for a padlock symbol when paying: This should be in the address bar and reassures you your bank details are not being stolen

Avoid gimmick marketing: Words like ‘detox’ do not necessarily have a medical or scientific basis

Source: the MHRA 

‘Your weight could end up being the least of your worries’ 

The MHRA and Slimming World analysed 1,800 people using the weight-loss service.  

The regulatory agency said it regularly seizes unlicensed dieting products that contain withdrawn pharmaceutical ingredients due to their risks of causing heart attacks and strokes. 

Ms Scammell said: ‘Quick fixes for losing weight may have serious health consequences in the short or long term, including organ failure and death.

‘It’s essential you know what you’re buying online and what the risks are. If you don’t, your weight could end up being the least of your worries.

‘If you’re looking to buy medicines online, check if the seller is registered by using our easy online checking system, www.gov.uk/fakemeds or check if they display the Distance Selling logo.

‘If you think you’ve bought fake medical products, please let us know via www.gov.uk/fakemeds. This way we can use the information to continue to seize these products and close websites that are putting public health at risk.

‘There are reputable groups out there that can support you to lose weight through healthy lifestyle changes. Your GP or healthcare professional will be able to advise you on finding the right option for you.’

Jenny Caven, head of external affairs at Slimming World, added: ‘It’s easy to see how quick fix promises made by the sellers of online slimming pills could seem tempting to people who are desperately struggling with their weight.

‘Buying slimming pills online can be incredibly risky though. The sellers are often unregulated and taking the pills puts people at risk of dangerous side effects.’



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