Press Release

Warning on slimming product with banned drug ingredient

6 Mar 2012

The Department of Health (DH) today (March 6) appealed to members of the public not to buy or consume a slimming product called "The Extreme-thin Fat Burning Bomb", as it may contain banned drug ingredient that is dangerous to health.

The appeal followed the DH's receipt of notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) about a 52-year-old lady who had a history of consuming a slimming product. The DH commenced investigation immediately.

"The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on February 25 because of dizziness and palpitation. She described a history of consumption of the above slimming product. A drug-related adverse effect was suspected. She recovered and was discharged from hospital after treatment," a DH spokesman said.
"The HA's laboratory test on the product sample showed the presence of the banned Western medicine sibutramine." The DH's investigation is continuing.

"Sibutramine is a Part I poison and was once a Western medicine used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned because of increased cardiovascular risk," the spokesman explained.

People must stop using the product immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are in doubt after taking the product. The spokesman urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or consume products from unknown sources.

"Weight control should be achieved through balanced diet and appropriate exercise. People should consult health-care professionals before using any medication for weight control," the spokesman said.