4 'weight loss' products found to contain banned substance sibutramine: HSA

SINGAPORE — Members of the public have been warned not to consume four products touted to help weight loss after they were found to contain the banned substance sibutramine, which can be harmful to health when consumed.

One man experienced palpitations, nausea, insomnia and excessive sweating after taking one of the products, Flash Slim, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a statement on Thursday (March 25). 

The other three products are: 

• Leedee Botanical Beverage Mix Pineapple Juice Powder with African Mango

• Quinn S Amyera, and 

• Schocolite Double Chocolate Cookies Drink with Hoodia Gordinii Extract and L-Carnitine.

HSA had received feedback from members of the public who suspected that these three products may contain potent ingredients because of the exaggerated claims made.

The products, which were sold on local e-commerce and social media platforms, claimed to “burn fats quickly” and show results within a few days.

"HSA has worked with the platform administrators to promptly remove the affected listings and issued warnings to the respective sellers," it said.

Tests by HSA showed that all four products contained sibutramine, which was not listed as an ingredient on their packaging.

Previously a prescription-only weight loss medicine in Singapore, sibutramine has been banned here since 2010 due to an increased risk of heart attack and strokes. Other effects include insomnia and hallucinations.

In 2019, a consumer experienced an extremely fast heart rate and became unconscious after consuming BB Body, another weight loss product containing sibutramine. She was resuscitated and required a defibrillator implant to help her heart to function, HSA said. 

The authority advised consumers to stop taking the products immediately and consult a doctor if they feel unwell or are concerned about their health.

Consumers should also be wary of products that make exaggerated claims of fast weight loss without the need for exercise or diet control, as these may contain harmful ingredients.

"There is no quick and easy way to lose weight," said HSA. 

"Weight control should be achieved through a combination of balanced diet and appropriate exercise. If you need help managing your weight, please consult your doctor, dietitian or a healthcare professional."

HSA said it will take stern action against anyone who sells and supplies products found to be adulterated with banned substances or potent medicinal ingredients.

If convicted, sellers and suppliers may face up to two years’ jail, be fined up to S$10,000, or both.

Those with information on the sale and supply of illegal products may contact HSA's enforcement branch at 6866-3485 or hsa_is [at] hsa.gov.sg.