FDA Warns Weight-Loss Products' Manufacturers

The FDA's enforcement action against 28 manufacturer's of over-the-counter weight loss products revealed that many of the products contain drugs not approved for use in the United States, some of which may have dangerous side effects. The manufacturer's responses to the FDA's concerns have reportedly been slow and some of the infractions against FDA regulations severe. As such, the FDA is considering seizing some of these products and shutting down the websites which market these products. However, one manufacturer, found at Somotrim.com, posted an FDA notice on their website, regarding the "undeclared" active ingredient in their weight loss product. Perhaps not enough to provide customers full disclosure of the dangers of the active ingredients, but at least they acknowledge there is an issue. The FDA's investigation was a major victory for GlaxoSmithKline, the marketer of "Alli," the only FDA-approved weight loss product on the market.