New research: Harmful substances detected in weight loss pills sold online
Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that they used the high-performance thin layer chromatography (HP-TLC) method in the analysis process and explained the study as follows:
“We checked whether the products contained sibutramine. Because this substance is one of the most commonly found banned ingredients in weight loss drugs. First, we started an analysis process on the products we received. Foreign substances were separated by extraction method, then these samples were examined in the laboratory with various analysis techniques. We used high-performance thin layer chromatography (HP-TLC) method in these analyses. As a result, we detected the active ingredient sibutramine in 3 of the 11 products we examined. These products are promoted on the internet as completely herbal or additive-free products. However, the analyses revealed that some of these products contained sibutramine.”
Reminding that Sibutramine has been banned in Türkiye since 2011, Prof. Dr. Aydın gave the following information:
“This substance was widely used in weight loss drugs in the past. However, it was first banned in Europe, then in the US and many other countries because it was determined that it caused serious health problems such as heart disease. Despite this, under-the-counter or illegal manufacturers secretly add such substances to their products. Moreover, they market them as completely natural and herbal, without stating that they contain any banned substances.”
Emphasizing that citizens should be careful about weight loss products obtained from the internet, Prof. Dr. Aydın said:
“We were able to detect the banned substance because we analyzed these products in our laboratories. However, citizens do not have such an opportunity. They use the product thinking it is ‘natural’, but this can lead to serious health problems that can result in death. This is not a risk worth taking. Therefore, people should obtain such products from official distribution channels, not from the internet. Pharmacies are the most reliable addresses in this regard.”
“Our people should know that no miracle formula can make people lose weight healthily in ten days or a month,” said Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, and continued his words as follows:
“If a product is sold with such promises, it most likely contains substances that are harmful to health and prohibited. Therefore, if a person is having a problem with weight loss, they should first go to a health institution and consult a physician. The physician and the health team should decide together which medication or method is appropriate. Acting in this way will be the most correct approach in terms of protecting health.”
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