Case series on a diversity of illicit weight-reducing agents: from the well known to the unexpected.

AIMS: To provide an overview of illicit weight-reducing agents found in over-the-counter slimming products ingested by poisoned patients.

METHODS

The clinical details and analytical findings of slimming products involved in poisoning cases between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Sixty-six (including one fatal) poisoning cases were encountered. Eighty-one products were analysed and found to contain undeclared prescription weight-loss drugs, drug analogues, banned drugs, drugs used for an inappropriate indication or animal thyroid tissue, with up to six illicit agents within the same product. Many products were readily available from shops or the Internet.

CONCLUSIONS

A rich diversity of illicit, potentially harmful weight-reducing agents was found in over-the-counter slimming products.