The tragic death of 34-year-old Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from Connah’s Quay, Wales, has sparked calls for greater scrutiny of unregulated weight loss products. Sarah, who had been battling the aftermath of throat cancer, passed away in September after using controversial weight loss drops. Her family believes the drops, later revealed to contain the dangerous substance Clenbuterol, were responsible for her untimely death.
A Battle Against Cancer and Weight Gain
Sarah was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2018, a battle that left her with lasting physical and emotional scars. After undergoing surgery to remove her voice box and requiring a neck tube to breathe, exercise became nearly impossible. Weight gain followed, leaving Sarah feeling self-conscious and depressed about her appearance.
Unable to qualify for NHS-prescribed weight loss treatments, Sarah turned to the internet in search of alternatives. She discovered a “fat-burning serum,” which she believed would help her regain confidence. Within a month, Sarah reportedly lost over 4.5 stone (63lbs), a rapid transformation that initially filled her with hope and excitement.
The Fatal Consequences of Skinny Drops
Despite Sarah’s dramatic weight loss, her health quickly deteriorated. She began experiencing severe side effects, including vomiting and an inability to keep food or liquids down. Tragically, just days after calling her younger sister Gabriella to discuss her worsening symptoms, Sarah was found unresponsive in her bed by her 16-year-old daughter.
“It was devastating,” Gabriella shared in an emotional interview. “She had so many dreams and ambitions, but those were taken away by something so preventable.” Gabriella described her own brief experience with the drops, saying they caused her body to shake and her heart to race. Unlike Sarah, she stopped using them, but her sister persevered, believing she could “ride out” the side effects.
Tests later revealed that the drops Sarah had taken contained Clenbuterol, a Class C controlled drug banned for human use in the UK. Initially developed to treat respiratory issues in horses, Clenbuterol is sometimes illicitly used for weight loss or muscle building. Its dangerous side effects include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and even heart attacks.
The availability of unregulated substances online continues to pose a significant public health risk. ITV News, which tested the drops Sarah used, emphasized the need for stricter measures to prevent the distribution of dangerous products. A government spokesperson expressed condolences and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing drug misuse and improving public health.
Sarah’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of unverified products. Her family hopes her death will inspire greater awareness and action to protect others from similar tragedies.
A Family’s Fight for Awareness
Sarah’s family is now campaigning to warn others about the dangers of unregulated weight loss products. Gabriella expressed her anguish: “No family should feel this pain. People don’t realize what they’re putting in their bodies or the risks involved. My sister would never have taken those drops if she’d known they could cost her life”.
The drops Sarah used are vastly different from regulated weight loss medications available through the NHS. While Clenbuterol is marketed online as a quick solution for weight loss, its illegal status and severe health risks highlight the dangers of purchasing unregulated substances.
North Wales Police confirmed they attended Sarah’s home on the night of her death and have referred the case to the coroner. The family is still awaiting official results to confirm the exact cause of death but remains steadfast in their belief that the weight loss drops were the primary factor.
Described as vibrant and full of life, Sarah loved attending concerts and helping others. “She was generous, outgoing, and always tried to lift people up,” her mother shared. In the wake of her passing, Sarah’s loved ones are focusing on supporting her children and keeping her memory alive.
For those considering unregulated weight loss solutions, Sarah’s family offers a poignant message: “Think about what you’re risking and the impact it could have on your loved ones. No shortcut is worth your life.”
