Herbal slimming aids warning

A UK medicines regulatory agency has warned people against buying “dangerous” herbal slimming aids online.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is worried about some products, including Instant Slim and Sport Burner, which are being sold on websites and shipped around the world.

The alert comes after it emerged some contain the prescription-only drug sibutramine, which has been withdrawn across Europe due to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Elsewhere in Europe, America, Australia and Hong Kong other warnings have been issued.

The Swedish Medical Products Agency has issued warnings over Slimline Soft Gel, Acai Berry ABC, Hygia Fit, Sport Burner, Health Slimming Coffee, Instant Slim, 3X Slimming Powder, Li D Daidaihua and Botanical Slimming while in America there is a warning over Celerite Slimming Tea.

Australian experts say Pink Lady for Women capsules and St Nirvana Herbal Slimming capsules are under scrutiny and the Hong Kong Department of Health has issued warnings over various products, including a range called Super Fat Burning Bomb.

MHRA group manager for herbal medicines policy Richard Woodfield said: “People often assume that because herbal medicines and products contain natural extracts they are automatically safe but this is not the case - no medicine or product is risk free.

“We urge people not to take any slimming medicines or products bought online without consulting with a pharmacist or doctor as they risk being supplied with medicines that are not safe or not suitable for them to use.”

People should look for the Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) logo, he added.

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