Luton CCG warning people about the dangers of unregulated weight loss products

Luton Clinical Commissioning Group is warning people of the dangers of taking unregulated slimming tablets and fat burners after an increase in nationwide illnesses and deaths this year.

Some slimming aid and fat burning products – which are commonly used by body builders and people trying to lose weight quickly – have been found to contain a chemical called 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a toxic substance which is unfit for human consumption.

DNP can cause acute poisoning, symptoms of which include fever, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid respiration and rapid or irregular heartbeat. These features can progress to coma and death in spite of optimum medical care.

This year has seen a spike in the number of people accessing the National Poison Information Service due to DNP consumption. Nationally, five people have died as a result of taking the substance in 2015.

Dr Nina Pearson, Chair of the Luton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “When you buy unregulated medication and supplements you really have no idea what they could contain. People may be looking for a shortcut when it comes to weight loss, but it is not worth the risk of harming yourself.

“If you have taken any unregulated weight loss products and are feeling ill, please stop immediately and see a health professional.”

Public Health England is working with the Food Standards Agency and the enforcement community to raise awareness as to how dangerous this chemical is and remove products from the market.

To report any new cases or potentially useful intelligence please contact the FSA: [email protected] or call 020 7276 8448 (out of hours: 0845 051 8486)