Besides sibutramine, what other banned substances are commonly mixed in weight loss products and cosmetics?

Specialist Doctor 1 Bui Hoang Bich Uyen, Department of Nutrition, Xuyen A General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that to protect health, consumers should be careful when choosing weight loss products and cosmetics. Prioritize products with clear origins, licenses and full, transparent ingredient information. Stay away from products advertised as "super fast" or "miraculous" because they often contain dangerous banned substances.

Below are banned substances commonly found mixed in weight loss products or cosmetics.

Mixing banned substances into weight loss products and cosmetics is harmful to users' health.

ILLUSTRATION: AI

Sibutramine causes anorexia

This substance has been banned in many countries such as the US, Canada, Europe and Vietnam (since 2010). Sibutramine has the effect of causing anorexia, reducing appetite but is highly toxic, with a molecular structure similar to the drug Amphetamine. Using Sibutramine can cause many dangerous side effects.

When using a lot of sibutramine, it will cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, it can also cause dry mouth, abdominal pain, changes in taste, constipation, stomach pain, headache, anxiety, dizziness, depression, agitation, hallucinations, dilated pupils. Serious symptoms can include coma, seizures, brain damage, rectal bleeding, liver and kidney damage... Sibutramine is often mixed in weight loss pills and "herbal" weight loss teas.

Phenolphthalein causes 'virtual' weight loss due to diarrhea

Phenolphthalein has a strong laxative effect, thereby causing "fake" weight loss due to diarrhea. Using a lot of phenolphthalein, there is a risk of dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, and cancer. This substance has been banned and no longer approved in medicine since 1999 in the US; banned in Vietnam. Phenolphthalein is often found in weight loss effervescent tablets and self-proclaimed detox teas.

Diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide...)

The use of diuretics is to increase water excretion through the kidneys, thereby helping to lose weight by causing "dehydration". Using many of these drugs, there is a risk of hypotension, potassium loss, arrhythmia, acute renal failure. These substances are banned and cannot be used in food or cosmetics. Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide are often mixed in "fast weight loss tea", "3-day detox"...

Diabetes medications (Metformin, glibenclamide...)

Metformin and glibenclamide have the effect of reducing blood sugar, sometimes causing slight weight loss. Using a lot, there is a risk of dangerous hypoglycemia if you are not a diabetic, causing digestive disorders, lactic acidosis (rare but serious). Metformin and glibenclamide are often mixed in weight loss pills of unknown origin.

Stimulants: Ephedrine, DMAA, sibutramine, yohimbine

The effects of stimulants ephedrine and DMAA are to increase metabolism, burn fat, and generate heat. Excessive use can cause rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, headaches, and strokes. These substances are mostly banned in Europe, the US, and Vietnam. They are often found in "fat burning" and pre-workout pills of unknown origin.

Some substances are banned or restricted from use in cosmetics

Mercury. Often found in instant skin whitening products. Mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal that can damage the nervous system. Such as numbness, tingling, tremors, changes in vision and hearing, memory problems, depression. Especially dangerous for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children. Harmful to the kidneys, liver and digestive system. Effects on the skin such as irritation, rash, even permanent pigmentation changes.

Mercury and corticosteroids are substances often mixed in cosmetics.

ILLUSTRATION: AI

Corticoid. Is a strong anti-inflammatory drug, capable of reducing swelling, redness, itching and quickly making the skin smooth and white. However, the abuse of corticosteroids in cosmetics causes many serious consequences:

Initial stage (1-10 days): Skin is smooth, shiny, blackheads disappear, skin whitens quickly, dark spots fade.

Later stage (several months to several years): Skin becomes pale, capillaries dilate causing redness, visible veins, skin atrophy, more acne, skin infections, rapid skin aging, even causing dependence and difficulty in treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoai-sibutramine-nhung-chat-cam-nao-thuong-bi-pha-tron-trong-san-pham-giam-can-my-pham-185250524000452574.htm