‘Tis the season for festivities, feasting, and perhaps a few extra pounds–but according to a new alert by the FDA, ’tis definitely not the season for diet pills. The FDA is warning consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss. And if you think that “natural” dietary supplements or those labeled as containing only “herbal” ingredients are safe, think again.

FDA analysis found undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in many of these products–and in some cases “prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages,” according to Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA. The list includes sibutramine (a controlled substance), rimonabant (a drug not approved for marketing in the United States), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and phenolphthalein (a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer causing agent). Some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, putting consumers’ health at risk. Pretty shocking.

The FDA site warns that the health risks posed by these products can be very serious. For example, sibutramine, which was found (but unlisted) in many of the products, can cause high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or stroke. This drug can also interact with other medications that patients may be taking and increase their risk of adverse drug events.

Here is the list of products named in the alert:
2 Day Diet
3 Day Diet
3x Slimming Power
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
7 Day Herbal Slim
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
8 Factor Diet
999 Fitness Essence
Extrim Plus
Fatloss Slimming
GMP
Imelda Perfect Slim
Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet
Lida DaiDaihua
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Perfect Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
Phyto Shape
ProSlim Plus
Royal Slimming Formula
Slim 3 in 1
Slim Express 360
Slimtech
Somotrim
Superslim
TripleSlim
Zhen de Shou

Visit the FDA page Consumer Directed Questions and Answers about FDA’s Initiative Against Contaminated Weight Loss Products for detailed information on the products and their harmful ingredients, and what can consumers do to help protect themselves from harm.

If losing weight is on your 2009 agenda, skip the killer diet pills and try some of these healthy methods instead:
10 Ways to Make Your Meals More Mediterranean
Hungry or Just Thirsty?
Exercise with a Mantra