AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s Food Safety Agency has warned the public after a dangerous banned substance was found in several “weight loss” products sold through social media.
The agency said it conducted monitoring amid the active online promotion and sale of teas, coffees, chocolates, capsules and other products advertised for weight loss or as dietary supplements.
Samples were obtained from several Instagram accounts, including “Slimluxcoffee_ariqladici_kofe,” “Vellara.baku” and “Spirulina_azerbaijan_official,” and sent for laboratory testing.
According to the test results, sibutramine was detected in “SLT Slim Lux Coffee Premium” hazelnut flavor, “SLT Slim Lux Coffee Premium,” “Good Lux Green Coffee,” “Green Good Lux Slimming Coffee” hazelnut flavor, “Green Good Lux Slimming Capsules,” “Saffren Dietary Supplement,” “Spirulina,” “Vellara Form Coffee” and “Vellara Form Tea.”
The agency said sibutramine is a synthetic substance that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack. It also directly affects the appetite center in the brain and may cause serious psychological disorders.
The use of sibutramine in food products is banned in Azerbaijan. The agency also noted that its use is not allowed even in medicines in the country.
Experts warn that many so-called “natural” weight loss teas, coffees and similar products sold online do not actually burn fat. Their effect is often linked to the removal of fluid from the body.
As a result, a person may believe they are losing weight quickly, while in reality the body is losing water and important minerals. This may lead to health problems related to deficiencies of sodium, potassium, magnesium and other elements.
Doctors say the causes of excess weight differ from person to person, and people should seek professional medical or dietitian advice instead of using products sold online without supervision.
The Food Safety Agency said the investigation found that the products had been brought into the country under the pretext of personal use and were later sold illegally through social media.
Because the products were of Turkish origin, the agency said an official appeal had also been sent to the relevant authority in Turkey. Information on the case has been forwarded to the relevant state bodies in Azerbaijan.
The agency urged citizens not to buy products of unknown origin through social media if their safety has not been confirmed and they have not passed state control.
It also issued a warning to those illegally selling such products, saying control in this area has been strengthened and all necessary measures will be taken.
“Human health and well-being must be placed above any commercial interest,” the agency said.
AZE.US