Millions of people resolving to shed pounds in the New Year have been warned to avoid “quick fix” diet pills.
NHS medical director Prof Stephen Powis said tablets and high street remedies can have damaging side-effects such as diarrhoea and heart problems.
He said: “It’s a good time to try to get in shape, and New Year resolutions are great, but there’s a slim chance of success with diet pills and detox teas.
“People could end up doing more harm than good. Making new year goals and shifting a few pounds can be a good idea but is much easier to maintain when done gradually and safely.”
Some detox teas claim to contain herbs that boost metabolism.
But Prof Powis said many appetite suppressant products were at best ineffective and sometimes harmful.
The Food Standards Agency warns that dinitrophenol, in pills sold illegally online, has caused a “significant” number of deaths.
The NHS advised losing weight by eating more fruit and vegetables and reducing alcohol intake.
