Israeli Health Officials Warn 'Magic Honey' Contains Dangerous Banned Drug Causing Strokes

Israeli health authorities have issued a serious warning about a product known as "Magic Honey," which is marketed on social media as a natural weight-loss aid but was found to contain sibutramine, a banned pharmaceutical substance. Dr. Roni Berkovitz, head of the Enforcement and Supervision Department at the Ministry of Health, revealed that the product has caused hospitalizations in Israel in the past due to its dangerous side effects, which can appear even after the first use. These include heart damage, psychiatric disorders, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as strokes.

Sibutramine was previously used in prescription weight-loss drugs but was removed from the market in Israel and globally around 2010 after reports of severe adverse effects. The Ministry of Health began investigating "Magic Honey" following reports from women who experienced harmful symptoms after using it. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of sibutramine, a substance that affects brain receptors and can cause prolonged psychiatric and cardiovascular issues.

Dr. Berkovitz emphasized that the Ministry frequently intercepts smuggled illegal products like this, often sold via social media and delivered through discreet channels to avoid detection. He warned that anyone involved in marketing or distributing the product, including social media influencers, could face criminal charges. Users experiencing side effects such as rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anxiety, or chest pain are urged to stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention.

The Ministry advises purchasing medications and supplements only from authorized sources and recommends weight loss efforts be supervised by healthcare professionals rather than relying on unregulated products promising quick results. The ongoing investigation also includes criminal aspects related to the product's distribution in Israel.