Advertisements for a brand of chocolate touted as a weight loss product called Slymchoco continued to surface online despite a warning from the Malaysian health ministry that it contained sibutramine, a prohibited substance that acts as an appetite suppressant. While social media posts claimed the product was safe, the health ministry warned sibutramine has been linked to heart attacks and strokes among obese patients, and that anyone selling the chocolate could be prosecuted.
A post promoting the chocolate surfaced on November 15, with pictures of the product alongside a WhatsApp number.
An earlier version of the post published on January 22, 2024 -- which gave the product's name as both Slymchoco and Slymochoco -- contained a Malay-language caption that said it was "safe to consume" and would help lose weight without exercise.
Similar posts advertising the product have circulated on Facebook since at least 2020.
The product was the subject of a recall by the Malaysian health ministry in March 2024 following the discovery of sibutramine, a banned drug that acts as an appetite suppressant.
The recall order published on the ministry's Facebook page on March 16 said sibutramine was classified as a prohibited substance in Malaysia as it has been linked to heart attacks and strokes among obese patients (archived link).
"The reported side effects of sibutramine include causing the heart to beat more rapidly even while resting. Apart from the severe side effects, the mild side effects are mouth dryness, nausea, constipation, sleeping difficulty, dizziness and others," it said.
The ministry told AFP on November 28 that anyone selling products that contained prohibited substances could be prosecuted.
Below is a screenshot comparison between the product shown in the false post (left) and example images of Slymchoco included in the ministry's advisory (right):
Dr Geeta Appannah from Universiti Putra Malaysia's Department of Nutrition said products containing sibutramine should be avoided given its dangers (archived link).
She said combining appetite suppressant drugs such as sibutramine with chocolate or supplements for weight loss poses serious health risks such as increased chances of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
"Chocolate itself provides minimal direct weight loss benefits. While cocoa compounds might have a mild impact on metabolism or appetite, the primary effect would still come from the drug," she told AFP on November 28.
Geeta said sustainable weight management requires a balanced approach with healthy eating, regular exercise and professional guidance.