Body-conscious 18-30 year-olds are increasingly turning to the internet to buy untested and unlicensed slimming pills that make bold claims about their miracle weight-loss effects. The risks can be severe, with many pills containing ingredients causing seizures, strokes, liver damage, – and even death.
Now, the UK government has launched the FakeMeds campaign to educate people about the medical products they buy. More than half of drugs available online are fake or unlicensed – that means they haven’t been tested for safety or effectiveness by regulatory organisations like the FDA in the United States, or MHRA in the UK.
Research commissioned by the UK government shows that many people are unaware that the medical products they purchase can be fake or unlicensed. But the problem is on the increase, with the internet providing easy access to untested drugs made in countries such as China and India.
Fake meds killed Prince
The risks of buying fake and unlicensed medicines was highlighted this week with the news that music legend Prince died after taking counterfeit pills. The singer died after taking pills containing Fentanyl – a synthetic opioid fifty times more powerful than heroin. But records show that he received no prescriptions for medicines in the months before he died, making him the latest victim of the trend to self-diagnose and buy medicines from outside the system.
In Europe, only sites that display the EU common logo are legitimate online pharmacies – and in the UK there are currently no medicines authorised for weight loss without a prescription.
Cooking from the inside
MHRA seized more than 240,000 doses of unlicensed slimming pills in 2015, and closed down more than 2,000 unauthorised online retailers. But new websites spring up every day.
Tragic cases such as that of the 21-year- old student Eloise Parry – who died after taking pills laced with deadly DNP, are sadly being repeated all over the world. DNP raises the metabolism to many times its natural level, resulting in victims slowly cooking from the inside.
Other ingredients can include caffeine – potentially fatal in high doses, Senna – a laxative with no calorie-burning effects, and Sibutramine – a medicine banned for use in weight-loss products in 2010 due to its links to heart attacks and strokes.
MHRA spokesperson Lynda Scammell said: “The internet offers access to a vast number of websites offering products marketed as “slimming” or “diet” pills. Many make attractive claims and offer “quick-fix” solutions, but the only pounds you will lose will be from your bank balance.
“Chances are they simply will not work, but they may contain dangerous ingredients. The consequences for your health can be devastating.
“The safest way to lose weight is to eat well and exercise. If you have serious concerns about your weight, you should consult your (doctor) or another healthcare professional.
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Image credit: Thinkstock
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