Chinese medicines for slimming still cause health problems

EDITOR—Local events caused great public health concern recently. After the referral of a 44 year woman with new onset hypertension, palpitation, anxiety, and a body mass index of 19 kg/m2 it became apparent that an alarming number of the local population had been attending a particular Chinese herbalist for weight loss remedies. Most had been taking multiple preparations—as many as nine—and described “spectacular” results. Several reported considerable cardiovascular symptoms but were …