A growing beauty trend has led to a troubling rise in the use of an unlicensed product known as Apetamin. This syrup, marketed primarily through social media influencers, claims to enhance weight gain and provides the curvy, hourglass body shape that many aspire to. With endorsements from popular figures, Apetamin has become increasingly available to individuals, particularly young women, looking for quick fixes to achieve their desired body image.
The narrative surrounding Apetamin was brought to the forefront following an investigation by BBC Three. Their documentary titled Dangerous Curves: Get Thicc, Get Sick? reveals the alarming health risks associated with the syrup, including severe fatigue and liver failure. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has taken notice and is currently conducting an investigation into the sale and distribution of Apetamin.
"We are grateful to the BBC for bringing this issue to our attention and are investigating. Apetamin is an unauthorized medicine which should not be sold, supplied or advertised without a license. Taking unauthorized medicines can have serious health consequences," stated the MHRA.
Apetamin, a syrup that contains appetite stimulant cyproheptadine, is marketed misleadingly as a vitamin supplement, creating the false impression that it is both safe and natural. This has been a significant concern for medical professionals. Dr. Victoria Garland, who has studied the substance, emphasizes the lack of research into Apetamin's long-term effects on health. "What particularly worries me about Apetamin is the way that it's marketed. It's marketed as a vitamin supplement which implies that it's safe, that it's natural," she explains. "But there are no actual studies about Apetamin. We don't know how Apetamin will actually impact a person."
The product has gained popularity, especially among young women aspiring to emulate the figures of celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B. These influences create a powerful allure for Apetamin, enhancing its appeal as a shortcut to achieving popular beauty ideals. Altou Mvuama, a young model who previously promoted Apetamin, reflects, "Back then I didn't really do my research. Social media is extremely toxic. Girls in my generation know what I'm talking about. They make you feel like if you don't look this way then you're nothing."
Despite the serious implications, Apetamin continues to be sold and marketed online through platforms like Instagram and Amazon. In response to the increasing scrutiny, these companies have made some efforts to remove listings for Apetamin and similar products. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed, "This product has been removed and we've taken action against the sellers in question. Buying and selling non-medical or prescription drugs is strictly against our policies," however, numerous listings still remain accessible online.
NHS leaders have expressed deep concerns regarding the promotion of Apetamin on social media. They have raised alarms about the effect of such products on both physical and mental health. In an open letter, Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, and Clare Murdoch, National Mental Health Director, highlight the dangers posed by unlicensed products like Apetamin. They stated that they demand an urgent update on what action the social media platforms would take to address accounts promoting the syrup. "We are concerned about both the physical and mental health impacts of the promotion of this drug and strongly urge you to demonstrate duty of care to your customers and clamp down now on this dangerous content," they wrote.
As the investigation continues, one woman named Vanessa shares her harrowing experience after using Apetamin. "I developed insecurities I never knew I had. When you take Apetamin you can't control the weight you gain. It doesn't go to the right places, just straight to the belly," she explains. This resonates with many users, who find the results far from what they expected.
While platforms like Instagram and Amazon promise to enforce stricter measures, testimonies indicate that the problem persists. Vanessa remarked that despite attempts to regulate the sale of such products, the larger issue surrounding the pressures of societal beauty standards remains. "It's madness that women and girls like me are willing to take such risks, but the pressures must be hitting us hard for us to think it's worth it," she confesses.
Experts agree that the underlying issue is the toxicity of beauty standards perpetuated through social media. The relentless pursuit of an idealized form has driven many to seek dangerous, unregulated solutions. As said by Mvuama, the societal pressures create a narrative where self-worth is linked to appearance, making dangerous trends like Apetamin appealing. "I feel like there's plenty of other models - and girls - out there who feel like they need to change themselves due to what they're seeing on social media."
In the face of these challenges, organizations are calling for more robust actions from social media platforms to combat the spread of misleading health products. They argue that without stringent regulations and accountability, individuals, especially vulnerable youth, will continue to be exposed to dangerous substances like Apetamin. The ongoing dialogue around social media regulation, personal health, and the ethics of promoting unlicensed products highlights the critical intersection of beauty culture and health standards in an increasingly digital world.
The consequences of using Apetamin are severe, with reports indicating that potential side effects include jaundice and other serious health complications. Dr. Garland recounted a specific case in her clinic where a patient displayed jaundice and fatigue, both severe symptoms linked directly to the misuse of appetite stimulants like Apetamin. As health experts strive to inform the public, the rise of unregulated substances calls for immediate attention and action.
As the investigation into Apetamin unveils deeper issues related to societal pressures, influencers, and unregulated health products, a movement towards accountability and transparency in the beauty and health industries becomes essential. The distressing stories from users like Vanessa underline the urgent need for a collective effort in redefining beauty norms that do not compromise health or well-being.