Health Ministry Warns of Weight Loss Product After Young Man Hospitalized

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued an urgent warning against purchasing and consuming the "G-Slim" weight loss product following the hospitalization of a young man experiencing chest pains and a rapid heartbeat. Laboratory tests on the product revealed it contains Sibutramine, a banned pharmaceutical ingredient, at a concentration three times higher than previously outlawed formulations.

Sibutramine is prohibited for marketing in Israel and many other countries due to severe health risks. The Ministry stated that consuming products containing Sibutramine without medical supervision can lead to serious side effects, including elevated blood pressure, rapid pulse, anxiety, insomnia, and in severe cases, heart attacks, strokes, psychiatric disorders, and even death.

The Ministry advises the public to avoid purchasing unregulated and counterfeit products, especially through social media, messaging groups, and unfamiliar websites. They recommend buying medications and dietary supplements only from authorized sources like pharmacies and health and beauty chains. For those seeking to lose weight, consulting a licensed nutritionist is advised.

This incident follows previous warnings issued by the Ministry of Health regarding similar products marketed online. In August, a warning was issued for "Magic Honey," also found to contain Sibutramine, with prior reports of hospitalizations linked to its use. In July, a woman in her thirties was hospitalized with severe headaches and dangerously high blood pressure after taking "7 Slim Extra," a product the Ministry has warned about since 2014, despite its continued illegal sale as a "natural" supplement.