FDA Warns of Harmful Diet Pills

‘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

By Melissa Breyer, Senior Editor, Care2 Healthy & Green Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Berny P.

8:22AM PDT on Jul 2, 2011

I have given up on diet and try to enjoy everyday as it comes.

I enjoy food and wine,do not eat loads but with old age.....I do not burn enough calories!!!!

So as I am not obese and I try to live with this and worry about more inportant things that my body...after all.....it has done me well for sooooo many years...it will last me a few more.

Enjoy life...you only have one!

send a green star

Jennifer C.

4:29PM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

Great article. Good to know. Thanks for sharing.

Ann N.

7:59PM PST on Jan 29, 2011

Wow that is a lot of diet plans. The best diet is sensible eating and exxercise. Thanks for the post.

Kimberley R K.

10:00AM PST on Jan 28, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Teri J.

6:00PM PST on Jan 25, 2011

Best advice I've seen is from Suzanne Summers. Dieting doesn't work for people over 30. We lose lean muscle mass everyday beginning in our late 20's. To burn calories effectively, we need to regenerate our muscle to fat ratio. This requires resistance training. Lifting weights or using the resistance machines in the healthclub is the secret! Get a personal trainer if yo can afford it. And lift weights. Cardio workouts are not as effective if you don't have the lean body mass to fire up your metabolism.

Katie P.

11:22AM PST on Jan 24, 2011

good to know, thanks for the article!

Rick R.

8:12AM PDT on Jul 22, 2010

Losing weight it one of the toughest thing I have ever done. Between being a dad and having a successful career, the last thing I would think about was what I was putting into my body. After trying most of the “fad” diets, I found that online weight loss through http://www.fitclick.com helped me reach my goals, the site was extremely helpful with putting a schedule together that was a perfect fit for my lifestyle. If you want to seriously lose weight, feel confident, and look great, check out fitclick!

Bon L.

1:02AM PDT on Jul 12, 2010

Past Member .

10:59PM PST on Feb 8, 2010

i think it's harmful if you don't know about it...I've tried adipex to lose weight and it works for me. I'm happy with the results. i ordered it in www.medsheaven.com

1:54AM PDT on Jun 15, 2009

thanks...
Kabin

Konteyner