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Slimming pills bought online can cause serious health problems, says medicines watchdog

05/12/2017

Slimming pills bought online can cause serious health problems, says medicines watchdog

People who are overweight or obese will often do anything to help them lose weight and that includes taking food supplements, slimming teas and other so-called weight loss drugs.


But now the UK’s medicines watchdog has issued a warning against the use of slimming pills bought online as they can cause serious health problems.


A survey of 1,800 slimmers by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Slimming World found that one in three had bought weight loss pills online and two-thirds had experienced side-effects.


When quizzed about why they had purchased such drugs online, 40% said it was because they had not wanted to speak to a GP or pharmacist.


Some of the side-effects associated with slimming bills bought online include heart problems, blurred vision and diarrhoea. Some even contain banned ingredients.


The MHRS has stressed that people should always go to their GPs for advice in the first instance.


As part of its #FakeMeds campaign, the agency has also warned that buying from websites also increases the risk of being ripped off or having their identity stolen.


MHRA senior policy manager Lynda 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."

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