Ministry issues warning on diet pills

Dubai: The Ministry of Health has warned against the use of DNP slimming pills following a warning from Interpol over the threat posed by the illicit and potentially lethal drug used as a dieting and bodybuilding aid.

After a request by the French health authorities, Interpol issued on May 4 an Orange Notice alert declaring DNP a potentially lethal drug for consumers around the world.

The Orange Notice warning about DNP, which is also used as a raw material for explosives, was published by Interpol after one woman died in the UK and a Frenchman was left seriously ill after taking the substance.

The ministry has notified all health authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and other relevant authorities including the Ministry of Environment and Water, Emirates Authority For Standardisation and Metrology, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Federal Customs Authority, the Presidential Affairs Ministry, and the Medical Services Corps of the UAE Armed Forces.

The substance 2,4-dinitrophenol, or DNP, is highly toxic and is not intended for human consumption. It is an industrial chemical sold illegally in diet pills as a fat-burning substance.

DNP users experience a metabolism boost, leading to weight loss, but taking even a few tablets can be fatal.