Abu Dhabi Health Authority (Seha) has banned the use of new 149 types of slimming and weight-loss products, with lab results revealing they are fake.

In a press release, the Authority said the number of fake pharmaceuticals in the country rose to 339. "The results of the lab tests at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHP) for herbal and traditional medicine researches in Abu Dhabi showed that the products are spurious with Sibutramine in it, which has been banned worldwide after it was taken off the market in 2010.

"The FDA determined it presented an unacceptably high risk of heart attacks, brain stroke as well as addiction, in addition to other products which contain Phenolphthalein."

Regular and prolonged use of Phenolphthalein damages stomach function, leading to acute and continuous diarrhoea, besides potassium imbalance in the body, affecting nerve and muscle function, as well as weakness and exestuation. "These products are marketed irregularly and unlicensed on TV channels, SMSs, classified ads or via social networks, tempting and drawing consumers' attention with promises of weight loss in a short time", the statement warned.

Seha has warned the public against misleading ads and the different unlicensed facilities, which sell the drugs, pharmaceuticals and herbal medicines of unknown sources and un-registered in UAE.

Source: Khaleej Times