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A Skelmersdale pharmacist has warned January crash dieters against buying potentially fatal slimming pills online

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Shamir Patel

Shamir Patel, who runs online pharmacy Chemist-4-U.com, says the New Year brings hundreds of enquiries from those desperate to lose weight in West Lancashire.

According to figures from the Health Survey for England, as many as 26 per cent of adults in Skelmersdale are obese.

With many looking to shed festive weight Mr Patel has issued a warning over “quick fix” diet pills sold illegally on websites.

Mr Patel, a registered pharmacist, said: “The new year brings new resolutions, including many people looking to get fit and lose weight.

“Obesity is a big problem and it’s absolutely essential people are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle and to keep their weight in check.

“But a recent study has shown one in three dieters have tried slimming pills from unregulated sources online.

“People need to be incredibly careful who they trust, as diet pills with banned ingredients can have potentially fatal consequences.”

Last month the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said pills sold online could contain withdrawn pharmaceutical ingredients linked to heart attacks and strokes.

A survey said three quarters of slimmers ordered online because they didn’t want to speak to a GP or pharmacist.

More than half were attracted by being able to buy the pills discreetly.

In the last four years almost £4million worth of potentially dangerous weight loss pills have been seized. The pills are not tested for safety and some have been found in ‘dirty, rat-infested warehouses and garden sheds’, the MHRA said.

Mr Patel continued: “Diet pills should always be bought from a regulated source. Don’t rely on places where it can’t be guaranteed what your pills contain.

“Medicines containing the active ingredient Orlistat – a common feature in slimming aids – are required to be sold under the supervision of a pharmacist.

“This can be done online, but people need to be sure the site where they are buying them from has the correct credentials.

“As with when you buy a medicine from a high street pharmacy, you will need to answer a few questions so they can be sure the medicine is right for you.”

Chemist-4-U.com sells Alli weight loss capsules, which contain Orlistat and are retailed at around £50 for 84 capsules.

The capsules work by stopping around a quarter of fat from food being absorbed into your body. They are designed to be used on conjunction with eating well and keeping active.

Mr Patel said: “Side effects of banned pills can be incredibly serious, including blurred vision, bleeding and heart problems.

“So it’s really important people feel confident enough to all to their GP or pharmacist. And if they don’t, to use an online GP or pharmacy service instead.”

If in doubt, people can check if the seller is registered using an online system by going to www.gov.uk/fakemeds

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