BBC News Online: Health

Slimming drugs warning

Slimming pills 'should not be considered a miracle cure'

Derbyshire County Council investigated a variety of products advertised for sale on the internet and by mail order.

The research team found three-quarters of the samples tested had made false claims.

Many companies were unable to provide evidence to back up the weight-loss claims.

Expensive treatment

The products sampled were tablets, capsules, food supplements and substitutes advertised in magazines and on internet sites.

Some of them cost up to £60 for a 30-day course.

They were analysed by the county council's public analysts laboratory, which checked the composition of the products and assessed the validity of the weight-loss claims.

The survey found two products contained a licensed medicine which should only be available by prescription.

Derbyshire County Council member, Eric Swain said: " We would urge local residents to exercise caution when buying these products because they can be very expensive and in most cases their weight loss claims can't be substantiated.

"Certain products may help with weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet, but they should not be considered a quick fix or a miracle cure."

Derbyshire is sharing the results of its investigation with trading standards departments across the country.