At least 33 deaths have been attributed to DNP, also known as 2.4 Dinitrophenol, a diet pill that will be added to a government-regulated list of poisons.
DNP, also known as 2.4 Dinitrophenol, is prohibited for human consumption, but it is advertised online as a weight loss aid and ‘fat burner’ In addition to being classified as an explosive, it contains chemicals utilized in First World War bombs.
What Is DNP?
DNP is an extremely harmful chemical compound that is illegally sold in fat-burning pills under the guise of being effective.
According to the Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for policing the online sale of the substance, DNP can have catastrophic effects and has caused a substantial number of deaths.
In addition to nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin and profuse sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid breathing, and an irregular heartbeat, the adverse effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, and profuse sweating.
It is a yellow powder that is typically sold in tablet or capsule form.
Eloise Parry, another student, died after taking DNP-containing diet pills. In 2020, a manslaughter trial was held for the 21-year-old who died a painful death after swallowing eight diet pills containing DNP.
Bethany Shipsey died in 2017 at the age of 21 after purchasing diet pills containing DNP from a Ukrainian website.
The Old Bailey was informed that Ms. Parry, from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, became at least psychologically dependent on and addicted to the chemical after she began taking it in February 2015.
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Why Is It Prohibited?
As the level of toxicity is proportional to a person’s weight, the court heard that DNP is particularly dangerous for those with eating disorders.
Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, stated, “Including DNP in the Poisons Act is a positive step because it will restrict its availability, but a complete ban is required to reduce the risk to the public.
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, stated, “DNP is unfit for human consumption, and its primary application is in the production of explosives and pesticides.”
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society issued a warning that the substance is still being “sold by unscrupulous dealers to vulnerable individuals” and should be completely banned.
If you have consumed DNP, you should contact a doctor or medical professional immediately. It is fatal to consume even a few pills containing the substance.
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