50,000 fat-busting packs sell out after only three days

Published on Sunday 13 June 2010 23:22

A PILL which contains an NHS anti-obesity drug has sold out just three days after going on sale, it emerged yesterday.

The product – made by British pharmaceutical giant Capsiplex – is the first to boast a unique formula previously only available on the NHS.

Doctors prescribe the clinically proven Methylcellulose ingredient to around 10,000 people every year who are fighting to lose weight.

Capsiplex claims to increase metabolism to burn calories 12 times faster than normal.

It sold out of 50,000 packs at stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Lloyds Pharmacy, forcing the company to order more stock to keep up with demand.

Yesterday a spokesman for Capsiplex said: "Demand has been staggering with pre-launch orders and subsequent sales far greater than we could have ever expected.

"It is a discreet tablet which enables you to effortlessly lose weight without inhibiting your lifestyle.

"As we all know, weight management basically comes down to making sure you don't consume more calories than you need.

"It sounds obvious but increased calorie intake, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to significant weight gain but with our hectic life styles and meal times based on convenience food, it is incredibly easy to lose control and consume too many calories.''

Capsiplex launched the product on 1 June in chemists and pharmacies nationwide.

It contains the unique formula, which was only previously available on the NHS, with an increased dosage of blood sugar-regulating Chrom-ium, fat burner L-Carnitine and the "star" ingredient Methylcellulose.

The company also produces Capsiplex Appetite Suppressant, which contains Potassium Citrate to control the body's water balance and improve muscle function, regulating blood pressure and producing more energy.

The company claims the appetite suppressant, which is 24.99 for one month's supply, can effectively balance blood sugar level, increase insulin efficiency and cut out sugar cravings and reduced appetite.

It is recommended that users take one capsule with a glass of water 30 minutes before a meal to stop food cravings.

Tests show it cuts your normal portion size by 50 per cent when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Clinical trials also proved over 90 per cent of participants (45 out of 50) felt satisfied with half their usual food intake.

Thousands of overweight people already qualify for anti-obesity drugs on the NHS.

The treatment, Reductil, costs 40 a month.

One in five adults is classed as obese – a figure that has tripled in 20 years – creating a 500 million annual burden on the health service from treating serious illnesses caused by being overweight.

An estimated 19,000 patients qualified for Reductil on prescription from their GP or hospital consultant this year, at an extra cost of 8.4m to the NHS.

A study in the Lancet medical journal recently concluded that Reductil causes a tiny rise in blood pressure, but this was offset by the health benefit of the patient losing weight.