Israeli Health Ministry Warns Against 'Magic Honey' Weight Loss Product Containing Dangerous Drug

On August 4, 2026, the Israeli Ministry of Health issued a public warning against purchasing and using the weight loss product known as "Magic Honey," also marketed as "Honey for Slimming," which is sold on social media platforms. Laboratory tests revealed that the product contains sibutramine, a pharmaceutical ingredient banned in Israel and many countries worldwide due to serious health risks. Sibutramine can cause elevated blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia, psychiatric disorders, heart attacks, strokes, and even death.

The Ministry emphasized that no approved medications containing sibutramine exist in Israel, and consuming such unregulated products exposes users to unknown dosages and severe side effects. The warning follows previous reports of hospitalizations in Israel linked to counterfeit products containing this substance. The Ministry strongly advises the public to avoid purchasing dietary supplements from social media, messaging groups, or unverified websites, and instead buy only from licensed pharmacies and authorized retail chains.

Additionally, the Ministry recommends that individuals seeking to lose weight consult licensed dietitians and focus on healthy nutrition and physical activity. People who have encountered this product or experienced adverse effects after using it are urged to contact the Ministry's health hotline, "Kol HaBriut," at *5400. This alert is part of ongoing enforcement and monitoring efforts by the Ministry to protect public health.