A new dangerous trend is gaining popularity in Ukraine - "slimming teas", which are advertised on social networks as completely natural remedies, turned out to be a mixture of psychotropic substances. The authors of the channel "Priyemny Vechir" conducted their own investigation and laboratory analysis and found out: sibutramine was found in most of these products - a drug banned in Ukraine with serious side effects.
Instagram accounts Catalina_tea_ua and Meri_detox_ukraine promised impressive results — minus 10 kg in a month without effort and harm. However, the packaging, smell, and reaction of the powders to water made bloggers doubt the "herbal" origin of the tea. It turned out that under the guise of "herbal detox" Ukrainians are being sold chemical mixtures with stimulants.
Four out of five samples collected from Instagram were found to contain sibutramine, a drug banned in Ukraine since 2010 due to the risk of heart attacks, strokes, mental disorders, and even suicidal states. The only sample that turned out to be safe was the pharmacy-made "Typhoon.".
Sellers boast of “documents with seals,” but in reality these certificates only confirm that the product is registered as a food, not a medicine. They are not recognized by any Ukrainian government institution. In addition, fake “Made in Germany” labeling is often used, although the product is made in Turkey.
Doctors warn: sibutramine suppresses appetite, causes euphoria and rapid weight loss, but at the same time provokes tachycardia, mental disorders, hormonal disruptions, the risk of arrhythmia and heart attack. Rapid weight loss also threatens women's reproductive health.
The sale of tea with sibutramine is punishable by criminal liability under Article 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine - up to 10 years of imprisonment with confiscation. Not only the seller, but also the buyer is liable if they store or transport psychotropic substances. Voluntary surrender of such goods to the police may exempt them from punishment.
Although a new law on dietary supplements according to European standards will come into effect in Ukraine from September 2025, "Instagram" sellers may remain out of control. This creates a huge risk for uninformed consumers who trust beautiful packaging and promises.
