Beware, There Could Be Something Scary Lurking in Diet Pills

Do you take over-the-counter diet pills? Ever been tempted to try them? I have some important news for you...

Just because they're non-prescription and labeled "natural", doesn't mean they're safe. That's the important reminder from health regulators who report that 20 brands of dietary supplements may contain a dangerous prescription drug yanked from the market last year for safety concerns. 

According to the FDA, products called “A-Slim 100% Natural Slimming Capsules,” “P57 Hoodia,” “PhentaBurn Slimming Capsules,” and “Dream Body Slimming Capsules,” may actually contain sibutramine (brand name "Meridia"), a prescription weight-loss drug that the FDA says could be linked to heart attacks and stroke. Yikes!

More from the FDA: ..."sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact in life-threatening ways with other medications a consumer may be taking."

Beware of what you put in your bodies, guys..