Unauthorized weight loss supplement containing banned ingredient leads to hospitalization

The Health Ministry issued a warning on Tuesday against purchasing and consuming an unapproved weight loss supplement called "G-Slim" containing a banned substance after it led to a young person's hospitalization. 

Laboratory tests conducted by the ministry found that the product contains the active ingredient sibutramine, a pharmaceutical substance banned in Israel and multiple other countries due to the risks associated with the use.  

The ministry emphasized that there are currently no registered products containing this substance, which was withdrawn from most countries' markets after it was associated with higher risks of heart attacks and ischaemic stroke.

Other risks include increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and psychiatric disorders, potentially causing life-threatening conditions.

The risk is further exacerbated due to the high dosage within G-Slim, with each capsule containing 53.8 milligrams of sibutramine, a figure over three times higher than that contained in the products previously removed and banned from the market.

Health Ministry warns against unregulated supplements

The Health Ministry warned the public against taking counterfeit and unregulated products and to only purchase medications, dietary supplements, and health products from authorized sources, such as pharmacies and pharmacy chains. The public is urged to avoid purchasing products through social media platforms, messaging groups, and unfamiliar websites. 

The public is encouraged to report encounters with the product, suspected marketing of counterfeit medications, or side effects following their use by contacting the Health Call Center at *5400.