Warning to Canberrans about potentially dangerous weight-loss products

ACT Health is warning Canberrans to be aware of potentially dangerous weight-loss products being marketed to the fitness and bodybuilding communities. These products, known as ‘shredders’, may contain the highly toxic chemical 2.4-dinitrophenol, also known as DNP. This warning mirrors advice provided by NSW Health about the dangers of these products.

ACT Health is warning Canberrans to be aware of potentially dangerous weight-loss products being marketed to the fitness and bodybuilding communities.

The warning mirrors advice provided by NSW Health about the dangers of these products.

ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly said these products, known as ‘shredders’, may contain the highly toxic chemical 2.4-dinitrophenol, also known as DNP.

“There is a myth that if used in small amounts users will be safe, but DNP is an extremely toxic substance,” Dr Kelly said.

“DNP can cause a range of serious medical problems, including muscle breakdown, kidney failure, seizures and coma.

“There is no antidote and even with our best medical care, people can and have died using products containing the chemical.”

Products marketed online advertised as featuring DNP should be avoided, as should any product from an unverified source that is promoted as a weight-loss agent.

People can become seriously unwell within hours of ingesting DNP.

In cases of known or suspected ingestion, phone Emergency Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If members of the community have any information regarding the purchasing, selling or manufacturing of illegal drugs they should call ACT Policing Operations on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.  Information can be provided anonymously.

Statement ends

Page last updated on: 1 Nov 2018