For anyone using weight loss supplements

An interesting and somewhat disturbing article I read today about weight loss supplements being recalled:

http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20090422/34-we ight-loss-products-recalled?ecd=wnl_wct_04240 9

It doesn't really matter to me personally, as I don't use any diet pills or appetite suppresants (except natural ones like caffiene or cinnamon) but it is disturbing to me because it makes me wonder what hidden drugs might be lurking in other vitamins and supplements (which are largely unapproved and unregulated by the FDA).

It's not just weight-loss supplements and vitamins that people should be wary of.  Self-medicating with 'over-the-internet' drugs is a pretty risky thing to do in general as the business is riddled with counterfeits and substandard products. 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8001605.stm    "One in four (British) GPs polled said they had treated patients for adverse reactions to medicines bought online. "

Bear in mind that in the UK healthcare is free, many qualify for free prescriptions and those that don't qualify can get their medicines at £7.10 per item.  In countries where healthcare is more expensive, the problem of self-medication must be even greater.

I read the same article on WebMD yesterday.  I just didn't know how to copy/paste it.  I'm not a user of those or any drugs for weight loss, but I thought it might be helpful to all those that write asking about "have you tried this or that".

Thanks for posting the link.  I hope it will be useful to many.

scary.. i've never personally used any, but i remember when i was in high school one of my friends tried some out for awhile, but stopped using them because she didn't like how it made her heart rate rocket up.. 

also: caffeine and cinnamon are natural appetite suppressants 'eh? awesome :]