Israeli Health Ministry Warns Against Illegal Weight Loss Product Containing Dangerous Drug

The Israeli Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public warning against purchasing and consuming the weight loss product "Magic Honey," also marketed online as "Honey for Weight Loss." The product is not approved by the Ministry and was identified during regulatory enforcement activities. Laboratory tests revealed that it contains sibutramine, a pharmaceutical substance banned in Israel and many countries due to severe health risks. The Ministry emphasized that no registered medications in Israel contain sibutramine.

Using products with sibutramine without medical supervision can lead to uncontrolled dosages and serious side effects, including increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, psychiatric disorders, heart attacks, strokes, and potentially fatal outcomes. The Ministry recalled previous hospitalizations in Israel linked to counterfeit products containing this substance.

The Health Ministry urged the public to avoid purchasing health products through social media, messaging groups, or unverified websites and to buy medications and supplements only from authorized pharmacies and stores. For those seeking weight loss, the Ministry recommended consulting licensed dietitians and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine rather than relying on so-called miracle solutions. Suspected cases of counterfeit drug sales or adverse effects should be reported to the Ministry's "Health Voice" hotline at *5400.