# Global health warnings on weight loss products

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-health-warnings-on-weight-loss-products
> Updated: 2026-09-04T12:44:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Health authorities in several countries have issued warnings and recalls regarding fraudulent or dangerous weight loss and laxative products.

In Panama and Paraguay, officials warned against counterfeit medications sold via informal vendors and social media. In Paraguay, investigations revealed that counterfeiters use clandestine facilities to produce products that may contain unapproved molecules or non-sterile substances, a practice linked to transnational organized crime.

In Argentina and Spain, regulatory actions have focused on the presence of hazardous ingredients in marketed products. Argentina’s ANMAT recalled all batches of the laxative Fructines, produced by Laboratorio Farmacéutico Argentino S. A., due to the use of phenolphthalein, which the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies as a potential human carcinogen.

In Spain, the Aemps has prohibited and ordered the withdrawal of 22 weight-loss products, including brands such as Slim U, Fatzorb, AB Slim, Get Lean, Slimina, Burn and Slim, Body Slim, and Black Panther. These products were marketed as natural supplements but were found to contain sibutramine, an appetite suppressant banned in the EU since 2010 due to cardiovascular risks like heart arrhythmia and increased blood pressure. Additionally, seven of these products were found to contain phenolphthalein. The Spanish investigation was initiated following findings by the National Police during ‘Operación Triki’.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Spain recalls 22 weight-loss products containing prohibited substances

Spanish health authorities have ordered the recall of 22 weight-loss products found to contain undeclared, prohibited substances including sibutramine and phenolphthalein.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-recalls-22-weight-loss-products-containing-prohibited-substances

### 2026-09-02: Health authorities recall laxatives and weight loss products in Argentina and Spain

Health agencies in Argentina and Spain have ordered recalls of laxatives and weight loss supplements containing phenolphthalein and sibutramine due to cancer and cardiovascular risks.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-authorities-recall-laxatives-and-weight-loss-products-in-argentina-and-spain

### 2026-09-01: Health authorities warn of counterfeit weight loss drugs in Panama and Paraguay

Health officials in Panama and Paraguay are warning against counterfeit and contaminated weight loss drugs sold through informal channels and social media.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/health-authorities-warn-of-counterfeit-weight-loss-drugs-in-panama-and-paraguay

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Cite as: Global health warnings on weight loss products. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-health-warnings-on-weight-loss-products