The pursuit of weight loss can lead individuals to explore various avenues, including dietary supplements promising quick and easy results. However, the world of weight loss supplements is fraught with potential dangers, particularly concerning hidden drug ingredients. This article aims to shed light on the risks associated with certain weight loss products, highlight specific examples, and provide insights into safer, evidence-based approaches to weight management.
The Peril of Hidden Ingredients
One of the most alarming aspects of some weight loss supplements is the presence of undeclared and potentially harmful ingredients. These hidden substances can range from prescription medications to banned stimulants, posing significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued numerous public notifications regarding weight loss products found to contain such hidden ingredients.
Examples of Products with Hidden Drug Ingredients
The FDA has been actively monitoring and issuing public notifications about weight loss products containing hidden drug ingredients. These notifications serve as warnings to consumers about the potential dangers associated with these products. A concerning number of weight loss supplements have been found to contain hidden drug ingredients. Here's a list of some of them, along with the dates of the public notifications:
- FATZorb (07/22/2025)
- Toki Slimming Candy (06/24/2025)
- LipoFit Turbo (11/27/2024)
- THERMO SHOCK (11/22/2024)
- ITCHA XS (10/30/2024)
- Body Shape Weight Loss System (10/02/2024)
- Govvi WOW! (12/21/2023)
- Phentamene XT (5/05/2023)
- NORF 20 (5/01/2023)
- Alfia Weight Loss Capsules (2/08/2023)
- Lipopastilla + Gold Max (7/22/2022)
- Dr. Reade Slim Sense (7/15/2022)
- Hydro Pinapple [sic] Burn (7/26/2021)
- Cholestene (7/09/2021)
- Genesis Ultra Slim Gold (7/01/2021)
- 365 SKINNY High Intensity (6/30/2021)
- Miss Slim (6/04/2021)
- Tummy Tuck Max (4/29/2021)
- Vy & Tea (2/26/2021)
- Super Slim (12/17/2020)
- Lishou Slimming Coffee (12/17/2020 & 10/23/2015)
- Li Da Daidaihua Plus (12/17/2020 & 4/30/2015)
- Imperla Elita Vitaccino (12/17/2020)
- Fruta Planta (12/17/2020 & 11/20/2017)
- Fruta Bio (12/17/2020)
- Burn 7 (12/17/2020)
- Livtone (11/18/2020)
- Detox Plus (12/04/2019)
- CholesLo (10/24/2019)
- Skinny Pill (10/17/2019)
- Lanugar (9/06/2019)
- JaDera PLUS (9/06/2019)
- Sheaya Lender (9/06/2019)
- Love in S (9/06/2019)
- Reduktis Max (7/16/2019)
- Lipro Dietary Capsule (7/01/2019)
- Adelgasin Plus (6/26/2019)
- Super Slimming Herb (6/26/2019)
- Lishou Fuling Jiaonang (6/26/2019)
- Detoxi Slim (6/26/2019)
- Absolute Nine Slim (6/26/2019)
- GoLean Detox (1/28/2019)
- Ultra Fit (1/28/2019)
- Slimmer Extreme Thermogenic Formula (1/28/2019)
- Slim Bio Capsules (1/28/2019)
- Slimina (1/28/2019)
- Pink Granada (11/21/2018)
- Green Lean Body Capsule (10/01/2018)
- Shengan Natural Model (10/01/2018)
- Like Slim Coffee (10/01/2018)
- In Shape (10/01/2018)
- Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule (10/01/2018)
- BodySlim Herbal (8/31/2018)
- Easy 2 Slim (8/31/2018)
- Slimming Capsule (8/31/2018)
- Nuvitra (8/10/2018)
- Asunsa (7/09/2018)
- Lyn DTOX FS3 (7/09/2018)
- Adipotrim XT (7/03/2018)
- Body Shape Weight Loss System (7/03/2018)
- Row of Antibody Pil (7/03/2018)
- Adriana Balance S (6/20/2018)
- AB Slim (6/20/2018)
- PAYA Dietary Supplement Product (6/07/2018)
- Asia Slim Capsules (11/22/2017)
- Adipessum Miracle Slimming Capsules (11/20/2017)
- Fruta Planta Life (Garcinia Cambogia Premium) (11/20/2017)
- A1 Slim (10/03/2017)
- Physic Candy - Define (8/31/2017)
- Physic Candy - Curve (8/31/2017)
- Slimming Plus Advanced (2/03/2017)
- Platinum Weight Loss Solution - Fat Loss Metabolizer (2/03/2017)
- Platinum Max Strength Blue Pill Version (2/03/2017)
- Lean Extreme Max (2/02/2017)
- X-treme Beauty Slim (2/02/2017)
- Queen Slimming Soft Gel (12/22/2016)
- ABX Weight Loss (11/16/2016)
- Supreme Slim 5.7 (11/09/2016)
- Ultimate Body Tox (11/07/2016)
- Zi Su Body Fat Health II (Zi Su Shou Shen Ying Yang Su II) (10/25/2016)
- Skinny Bee Diet (10/19/2016)
- Results (10/19/2016)
- Accelerator Boost (10/19/2016)
- Natural Eruption (8/16/2016)
- Citrus' Fit (8/09/2016)
- Adelganzantes R-II (8/09/2016)
- Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face and Figure Capsule (7/28/2016)
- Ultimate Lean (7/28/2016)
- Slim Fit X (7/27/2016)
- Maxx Easy (7/27/2016)
- Mang Luk Power Slim (7/27/2016)
- Mang Luk Power Slim Detox (7/27/2016)
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Ultra Max (7/22/2016)
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Turbo Charge (7/22/2016)
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Charged Up (7/22/2016)
- Dream Body Advanced Acai Weight Loss (7/11/2016)
- Dream Body Extreme Gold (7/11/2016)
- Dream Body Original Formula (7/11/2016)
- Extra Slim Plus Acai Berry Weight Loss Formula (7/11/2016)
- Exhilarate (7/11/2016)
- Step 2 (6/06/2016)
- Black Label X (5/06/2016)
- Black Gold X Advanced (4/26/2016)
- 3rd Degree (4/26/2016)
- Propell Platinum (3/28/2016)
- ENVY BP (3/29/2016)
- ZlimXter Capsules (3/17/2016)
- Xerophagy Capsules (3/17/2016)
- Eradicate Capsules (3/17/2016)
- Dynamizm Capsules (3/17/2016)
- La'Trim Plus (12/21/2015)
- Evolve Bee Pollen (12/18/2015)
- Jenesis (12/18/2015)
- Oasis Bee Pollen (12/18/2015)
- Prime Bee Pollen (12/18/2015)
- Thirty Plus (12/17/2015)
- Lipo Escultura (12/02/2015)
- Zero Fat (11/19/2015)
- SPCARET Princess Diet (11/19/2015)
- Slyn Both (11/19/2015)
- Perfect Slim Fast Track Slim (11/19/2015)
- Super Herbs (11/19/2015)
- Xtreme Fat Burner Capsules (10/23/2015)
- Tip-Top Shape (10/23/2015)
- Basha Nut 100% Fruit Soft Gel Capsules (10/23/2015)
- Ultimate Herbal Slimcap (10/01/2015)
- NATUREAL (10/01/2015)
- Meizi Super Power Fruits Herbal Slimming Formula (9/03/2015)
- Achieving Zero (8/06/2015)
- Zero Xtreme Capsules (7/02/2015)
- Akttive Capsules (7/02/2015)
- Slim Forte Slimming Capsule (4/30/2015)
- Fatloss Slimming Beauty (4/29/2015)
- Superior (4/29/2015)
- Green Algae Combination by Crane Beauty (3/26/2015)
- Xcel Advanced (3/18/2015)
- Xcel (3/18/2015)
- Ultimate Boost (3/18/2015)
- L-Carnitine Sob Strengthening Version Slimming Miracle Capsule (3/05/2015)
- Black Mamba Hyperrush (3/05/2015)
- Natural Max Slimming (3/03/2015)
- Diablos Eca Fire Caps (3/03/2015)
- Eliminating Weight (3/02/2015)
- Oxy ELITE Pro Super Thermogenic (2/28/2015)
- Nine Slim (2/28/2015)
- Seven Slim (2/28/2015)
- Botanical Slimming (Red) (7/27/2015)
- Lean Body Extreme (2/25/2015)
- Yanhee Slim (2/03/2015)
- Slim-K (12/23/2014)
- Slim-Vie (11/25/2014)
- Super Extreme Accelerator (11/24/2014)
- Japan Hokkaido Slimming Weight Loss Pills (9/12/2014)
- Mix Fruit Slimming (7/08/2014)
- Lingzhi Cleansed Slim Tea (7/08/2014)
- 24 Ince (7/08/2014)
- Lipo 8 Burn Slim Capsules (7/08/2014)
- Sliming (sic) Diet By Pretty White (7/08/2014)
- Trim-Fast Slimming Softgel (7/08/2014)
- Sport Burner (6/17/2014)
- Toxin Discharged Tea (6/17/2014)
- Sliming Diet (6/17/2014)
- La Jiao Shou Shen (06/10/2014)
- B-Perfect (6/05/2014)
- Asset Bold (5/16/2014)
- Asset Bee Pollen (5/12/2014)
- Natural Body Solution (5/05/2014)
- Slim Trim U (5/05/2014)
- Lite Fit USA (4/10/2014)
- Infinity (4/10/2014)
- New You (4/02/2014)
- Vitaccino Coffee (3/19/2014)
- Citrus Fit Gold (1/28/2014)
- Tonic Life BP (1/28/2014)
- Thinogenics (1/28/2014)
- Dream Body Slimming Capsule (1/21/2014)
- Meizitang Citrus (12/19/2013)
- Asset Extreme Plus (12/19/2013)
- 7 Days Herbal Slim (12/19/2013)
- Dr. Ming's Chinese Capsule (12/19/2013)
- SlimEasy Herbs Capsule (12/19/2013)
- Sliming (sic) Diet Berry Plus (12/19/2013)
- Asset Extreme (12/19/2013)
- SlimExtra Herbal Capsules (12/19/2013)
This extensive list underscores the prevalence of this issue and the importance of consumer awareness.
Understanding GLP-1 Agonists and Their Side Effects
Medications known as GLP-1 agonists have emerged as a promising option to help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. While these drugs have proven effective, they may cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that can impact a patientâs comfort and adherence. Nearly half of the people who take a GLP-1 weight management medication experience one or more GI side effects. The most commonly reported ones are nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and/or constipation. While these symptoms are generally mild and temporary, they may make it difficult to stick with the treatment.
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Managing GLP-1 Agonist Side Effects
Most of these medications are prescribed at a lower dose and adjusted slowly over time to help the body adjust. Symptoms typically decrease as the body adapts to the medication and eating habits change. Side effects may resolve initially but could occur again with a dose increase. Here are some general tips for minimizing these side effects:
- Think About Your Food Choices: As you are on a weight loss journey, you may already be making some dietary changes. Limiting high-fat and greasy foods that take longer to digest can minimize nausea and cramping. Limiting concentrated sweet foods and sugary beverages will also help reduce side effects. To help reduce acid reflux, limit spicy foods and choose bland foods that are easily tolerated, especially if you have been having more episodes of reflux. If you have constipation, donât forget to include high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water!
- Re-think Portion Sizes: When you start taking GLP-1 medications, you will likely begin to feel full much sooner than usual when eating a meal. This is the intended effect of the medication, but it can take time to get used to. Start out by serving yourself and eating smaller portions. Listen to your body when it starts to feel full so that you donât feel nauseated after eating. When possible, eat on smaller plates and bowls to help you visualize a smaller meal. If you are at a restaurant, ask for an empty container when ordering and put some of your meal in the container when it arrives. Or keep portions in check by ordering healthy appetizers, soups, salads, or sides from the menu.
- Listen to Your Body: Get in touch with your bodyâs signs of fullness and stop eating at the first sign of fullness. You may find that eating small, frequent meals will help you get enough protein and calories. While reduced appetite is often a desired effect, itâs crucial to still meet your daily nutritional needs. Pay attention to the number of hours between meals since your body may not give you hunger cues to eat. If you are feeling nauseated, drinking unsweetened ginger or peppermint tea may help.
- Prioritize Adequate Nutrition: Even if you arenât feeling hungry, itâs important to still consume healthy nutrients to preserve muscle mass and lean body mass. While it is best to get nutrition through whole foods, a protein drink can help provide your body with nutrients without making you feel nauseous. It can be an easy alternative when you are short on time or unable to eat a meal. Some options include:
- Ensure® Max Protein
- Glucerna® Protein Smart
- Premier Protein®
- Muscle Milk®
- Fairlife® Protein
As you follow the path to a lower weight, keep track of your symptoms and share any concerns with your health care provider. Communicate regularly to ensure they can make adjustments to your dosage.
FDA Approved Zepbound
Food and Drug Administration approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection for chronic weight management in adults with obesity (body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter (kg/ m2) or greater) or overweight (body mass index of 27 kg/m2 or greater) with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol) for use, in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Zepbound activates receptors of hormones secreted from the intestine (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)) to reduce appetite and food intake. Zepbound is administered by injection under the skin once weekly, and the dosage must be increased over four to 20 weeks to achieve the target dosages of 5 milligram (mg), 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly.
Clinical Trials
Zepboundâs effectiveness for chronic weight management (weight reduction and maintenance) in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity was established in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. These studies measured weight reduction after 72 weeks in a total of 2,519 patients who received either 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg of Zepbound once weekly and a total of 958 patients who received once-weekly placebo injections.
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The larger of the two trials enrolled adults without diabetes. At the start of the trial, the average body weight was 231 pounds (105 kg) and average body mass index was 38 kg/m2. At the start of the trial in adults with type 2 diabetes, the average body weight was 222 pounds (101 kg) and average body mass index was 36 kg/m2.
Warnings and Precautions
Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether Zepbound causes such tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer, in humans. Zepbound has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) or severe gastrointestinal disease (including severe gastroparesis, a condition that affects normal movement of the muscles in the stomach). It should not be used in combination with Mounjaro or a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Zepbound should not be used in patients with a history of severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide (its active ingredient) or to any of its other ingredients. Patients should stop Zepbound immediately and seek medical help if a severe allergic reaction is suspected. Zepbound also contains warnings for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low), acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyeâs retina) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and suicidal behavior or thinking.
Patients should discuss with their health care provider if they have symptoms of pancreatitis or gallstones. If Zepbound is used with insulin or a medication that causes insulin secretion, patients should speak to their health care provider about potentially lowering the dose of these other medicines to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
The Allure and Illusion of Dietary Supplements
The promise of fast and easy weight loss through dietary supplements is hard to resist. Stores sell dietary supplements as health aids, and people take them by mouth. However, it's crucial to understand that dietary supplements are not medicines. Companies that make supplements must ensure they're safe, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't need to approve them.
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Lack of Rigorous Testing
You might be surprised to learn that makers of dietary supplements rarely do clinical trials. For instance, stores sell raspberry ketone as a weight-loss product with clinical proof. While some trials may exist, they often suffer from limitations. For example, a trial included 70 adults with obesity. All the adults in the trial participated in a diet and exercise program and were assigned at random to one of two groups. One group got a pill with no active ingredient, called placebo. These results seem to favor the supplement group, but it was a small trial that lasted only eight weeks. That means the results can't be used to predict real-life results of using the supplement. Also, the trial used a supplement that had more than one ingredient. Ideally, these first results had been tested in a much longer trial. Ideally, the trial would have hundreds of people that researchers watched for side effects.
The "Natural" Fallacy
A product isn't safe simply because it's natural. Supplements can have strong effects. Ephedra (ma-huang) is an herb once used for weight loss but was later banned due to safety concerns. Some weight-loss supplements have been found to have ingredients that aren't listed on the label, such as prescription medicines.
Safe and Sustainable Weight Management
The key to losing weight is a whole lifestyle approach that involves eating well and moving more. Here are some tips for weight management:
- Balanced Diet: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Professional Guidance: Consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized advice and support.
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