Qatar Ministry Warns Public Against Unlicensed Slimming Product Containing Hidden Drug Ingredients

Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has warned residents against buying, selling or consuming Eatless – Natural Slimming Formula after laboratory tests found two undeclared pharmaceutical substances in the product.

The ministry said the product contains sibutramine and phenolphthalein, making it a counterfeit product that could pose serious risks to public health. The slimming formula is reportedly being promoted through social media platforms and is not licensed in Qatar.

Authorities take regulatory action

The Ministry of Public Health said it is working with relevant authorities to take the necessary regulatory, control and legal measures against those involved in the distribution of the product.

The ministry urged consumers to avoid purchasing unregistered health products, particularly those sold through unlicensed sources or social media accounts.

It also warned that labels claiming a product is “100% natural,” “safe” or “pharmaceutical-free” should not automatically be taken as proof that the product is safe or free from undeclared drug substances.

Health concerns over hidden ingredients

According to the ministry, sibutramine is a controlled medicinal substance that was withdrawn from the market in October 2010 because of safety concerns.

The substance can significantly increase blood pressure and heart rate in some people and may present serious risks for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions. It can also interact with other medicines and potentially cause severe complications.

The second substance identified, phenolphthalein, is not an active ingredient in any currently approved medicine. The ministry said studies have linked the compound to potential cancer risks, raising additional concerns about its presence in an unlicensed slimming product.

Ministry urges consumers to be cautious

The Ministry of Public Health advised the public to exercise caution when purchasing weight-loss and other health-related products, particularly those advertised online.

Consumers are encouraged to check whether products are officially registered and to avoid purchasing medicines or slimming products from unknown or unlicensed sources.

The warning comes as authorities continue efforts to protect consumers from counterfeit and potentially dangerous health products circulating through online and social media channels.

The ministry stressed that products marketed as natural or safe cannot be assumed to be free from pharmaceutical substances unless their composition has been properly verified.