Fake 'slimming injections' pose a danger

Experts point out that many under-the-counter products are available for sale online without a prescription. "Slimming injections," which have recently gained popularity, are one of these. Pharmaceutical Toxicology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın issued important warnings against these potentially life-threatening injections.

MANY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES MAY BE CONTAINED

Counterfeit drugs produced without proper supervision and used for weight loss may contain numerous harmful substances. These may include toxic chemicals, the banned active ingredient sibutramine, heavy metals, certain active ingredients such as thyroid hormone and iodine, some stimulants, and bacteria. These can be life-threatening.

Banned substances were found in 3 out of 11 products

Counterfeit medicine is a global problem. The OECD estimated the market for counterfeit drugs to be worth $4.6 billion annually worldwide in a 2020 publication. In our research, we found the banned substance sibutramine in three of 11 weight loss products purchased online. Therefore, no medications should be purchased online. They should only be obtained from pharmacies with a doctor's recommendation.

THE SECRET OF SLIMMING NEEDLES BEFORE AND AFTER These 'unknowns' pose dangers

We cannot know the ingredients of a medication purchased online, whether it contains substances not listed on the label, whether it has been stored according to critical storage conditions, or whether its expiration date is accurate. All of these factors pose a significant health risk.

Real needles also have some side effects

The indiscriminate use of weight loss injections poses a serious health threat. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting. Side effects affecting the digestive system, such as diarrhea, severe constipation, and abdominal pain, are common. Serious allergic reactions and, rarely, more serious risks such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, and impaired kidney function can also occur. While these side effects are experienced by most users, they may be severe enough to require discontinuation of the medication in a small number of patients. Worse still, the potential side effects of these medications, which may develop when used without a doctor's approval or for extended periods, are unclear.

Don't expect a miracle

Despite alluring promises we're subjected to these days, there's no "miraculous" way to lose weight quickly and easily. Some fad diets claimed to provide rapid weight loss, herbal remedies (sadly, everyone remembers the many deaths), and slimming injections alone don't magically cause weight loss. A healthy, balanced diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, getting regular sleep, and managing any chronic diseases through treatment are the keys to weight control.

What can it lead to?

The active ingredient "sibutramine," used in counterfeit weight loss pills, can pose a serious risk to heart patients. Medications containing excessive iodine or thyroid hormone can also cause overactivity of the thyroid, leading to hyperthyroidism, which manifests as palpitations, high blood pressure, tremors in the hands, sweating, and extreme irritability. Serious side effects like hypoglycemia can also occur. These are just two examples. In short, unlicensed weight loss injections can lead to life-threatening problems.