Well as usual the snake oil sales people are shocked and surprised when their vaguely tested and potentially dangerous concoction gets put up to the scientific rigour and scrutiny other drugs must be subjected to.

A herbal diet product sold in Canada contains two potentially risky ingredients and can lead to serious heart problems, Health Canada says.

Herbal Diet Natural has been found to contain an ingredient similar to sibutramine, a prescription drug used to treat obesity but only under the guidance of a medical professional, Health Canada said Thursday.

Whoops!  No problems with not listing active ingredients.  Oh wait.

Herbal Diet Natural isn’t authorized for sale in Canada, but the product, without listing sibutramine as an ingredient, has been found on the market, the department says.

Sibutramine can cause side-effects such as increased blood pressure, chest pain, a higher risk of stroke, as well as dry mouth, trouble sleeping and constipation.

Just little things like higher risk of stroke and chest pain, take that Flabby Tummy! Oh, you can also choke to death or create an intestinal blockage that will brighten your day.

“In January 2010, Health Canada advised Canadians that natural health products containing the ingredient glucomannan in tablet, capsule or powder form, which are currently on the Canadian market, have a potential for harm if taken without at least eight ounces of water or other fluid,” the advisory says.

“The risk to Canadians includes choking and/or blockage of the throat, esophagus or intestine.”

Fantastic.  This stuff is worse than homoeopathy because it can actually harm you, unlike well… water.  Avoid the quackery folks, if you wish to lose weight decrease your caloric intake and increase your activity level.