Slimming pills
There is a huge world wide market for slimming pills, with an estimated 2,500 websites selling slimming pills. Small surprise when you consider that the global market for these products is worth over £30 billion per year.
However, many of the slimming pills that you will find on the internet contain ingredients that have been banned in various parts of the world. Some of the ingredients to watch out for include:
-
Amfepramone: Know as "diethylpropion" in the UK, this is a prescription only appetite suppressant banned by the European Medicine Approval Agency in 1999 because of safety concerns.
-
Phenylpropanolamine: Used in nasal decongestants and cough medicines, this is not approved for the treatment of obesity in the UK.
-
Ritalin: Used to treat ADHD, Ritalin is not approved for weight loss. Side effects include increased heart rate and raised blood pressure.
-
Clenbuterol: Developed as an asthma treatment, Clenbuterol seems to increase metabolic rate and help people to lose fat and gain muscle. Banned for use by athletes.
- Phentermine: Closely related to amphetamines, phenteramine stimulates the release of brain chemicals, which reduce sensations of hunger. Common side effects include mood swings, chest pain, tremors, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, severe headaches, and seizures.
Buying online is seen by many as a great way to save money, but before doing so you need to consider two issues – is what you’re buying safe, and is it effective? Lab testing of weight loss medications sold online revealed that less than 50% actually contain the active ingredients they claim to.
The bottom line is that there are various products that, when combined with regular exercise and a good diet, can help weight loss. If you feel you need some help, then your first port of call should always be your doctor or pharmacist.
