Spain’s OCU (Consumers and Users Organization) has reported significant irregularities in 11 weight-loss supplements sold online. The products, marketed as weight-reducing aids, have raised concerns about false health claims and, in one case, the presence of ephedrine, a substance restricted to medications. The OCU has forwarded its findings to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN).
A total of 22 supplements were examined, and 11 were found to have issues. Seven of these products feature misleading slimming claims about the botanical ingredients they contain, which AESAN does not approve. The European Commission is currently studying this practice.
The OCU identified these claims in seven products: Carbohydrate Blocker from Q77+, Detox+ Slim from Unik Health & Nutrition, Figu-Line from Laluz, Lipo 7 from Invictus Red Line, Lipostil 4 in 1 from Denipharma, Natur Cleanser from N2 Natural Nutrition, and Proslim-20 from Detoxify. For example, one description states: “Garcinia contributes to weight and appetite control.”
Other issues include incomplete claims, where important ingredients are left out. This was found in BeFIT by Healthy Fusion and Drenaslim by Balance Nutrition, which advertise that they “eliminate body fat” without clarifying how. Some claims were entirely false and not registered in the European health claims list, as seen in Bloqueador de Carbohidratos by Q77+ and Natuslim by Natusure, with statements like: “Folate is essential for proper energy metabolism.”
Several products also made unauthorized claims. Adiós Kilos Rapid by Healthy Fusion and Bloqueador de Carbohidratos by Q77+ claim that “Chromium boosts metabolism and supports weight control,” despite these statements not being approved by the official registry.
The OCU also discovered a more serious issue: the presence of ephedrine in the supplement Fasterdetox. Ephedrine, which can cause high blood pressure and heart arrhythmias, is only permitted in prescription medications.
The OCU has called for AESAN to take action by correcting the product descriptions, issuing penalties, and removing these products from Spanish websites. It also urges the European Commission to make a decision on approving over 1,500 health claims related to botanical ingredients. Many of these claims are still under review, despite being pending since 2012.
In light of these findings, the OCU has warned consumers to be cautious of slimming supplements, particularly those sold online with exaggerated claims or questionable endorsements. The group reminds the public that “natural” does not always mean safe, as some plant-based ingredients can pose risks to pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with chronic health conditions. The OCU emphasizes that a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and professional medical advice are the best ways to achieve healthy weight loss.
