Health authorities have issued an urgent warning about a “Botox” weight loss procedure being offered at a discounted price in Turkey.
67 patients from all over Europe are affected by botulism after receiving the injections in two different clinics. No cases have yet been reported in the UK.
The condition, which can be life-threatening, is caused by toxins produced by bacteria. It is possible leads to paralysis if not treated urgently.
All of the patients received stomach or gastric botox, which paralyzes the muscles in the digestive system and slows digestion, to help them beat the lump.
Turkish clinics are offering weight-loss patients the injections normally used to get rid of wrinkles for as little as £850.
European health authorities warn of an increase in botulism cases suspected to be caused by Botox weight loss procedures in Turkey (stock photo)
This is a fraction of the price of comparable weight loss procedures in the UK and USA.
All cases were registered between 22 February and 1 March 2023.
Botox is the name of the product of the American pharmaceutical giant AbbVie. Clinics in Turkey claim to use this anti-wrinkle injection, but the company says the procedure has nothing to do with the product.
Botox and botulism are both derived from toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria and these toxins are very dangerous.
But it is usually safe when used by a trained doctor to paralyze muscles for a series of treatments.
However, if the toxins are administered incorrectly, symptoms such as weakness, difficulty breathing and/or swallowing may occur.
It can lead to paralysis and even death if severe and left untreated, with up to one in ten cases of botulism being fatal.
While most known cases were mild, several patients were hospitalized, according to European health officials.
They advise any patient who has undergone a “Botox” weight loss procedure in Turkey within the accepted dates to contact a doctor immediately, especially if they experience symptoms of botulism.
Most cases for which data are available were reported from Turkey itself (53), followed by Germany (12) with one each from Austria and Switzerland.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, which issued the warning, said it was unclear what exactly caused the botulism.
Turkish authorities have identified most of the cases in two clinics, 60 of which are linked to a private hospital in the capital, Istanbul. Three are connected to a private site in Izmir.
British surgeons are increasingly concerned that the NHS is helping to subsidize poor care abroad, with the bill estimated to have cost taxpayers £4.8m over the past four years
Here MailOnline describes some of the most notable differences in some cosmetic procedures in the UK and Turkey
Cosmetic procedures are often carried out at bargain prices in Turkey compared to their counterparts in the UK. Turkey and UK prices are from various websites (model is a stock photo)
They also found that although licensed “Botox” was used in the clinics, these products were not specifically approved for the treatment of obesity.
Since then, they have stopped all activities in the relevant departments of the hospitals initiated further investigations against those involved.
Stomach or Stomach “Botox” is promoted by Turkish cosmetic and slimming clinics as a cheap and easier option for people to lose weight compared to complete surgery.
The procedure costs just £850, according to medical tourism booking agencies, ensuring Brits go under the knife in Turkey.
During the procedure, the endoscope – a long tube with a camera at the end – is inserted into the patient’s mouth to reach their stomach.
“Botox” is then injected into the lining of the stomach using an endoscopy machine that watches the camera.
According to clinics, the procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes and does not require general anesthesia.
The resulting paralysis of the abdominal muscles slows down the digestion of food, fills you up and theoretically helps you lose weight.
However, like other “Botox” procedures, it is not permanent and the abdominal muscles return to normal after about four to six months, which means people can gain weight again.
British health authorities have not yet issued a similar warning to their EU counterparts.
However, the government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is urging Britons to be incredibly cautious about operations in the country and to carefully consider any operation or intervention.
The government says at least 22 Britons have died in Turkey after medical tourism visits since the start of 2019.
As well as the deaths, many more Britons have suffered health consequences from Turkish operations, with the NHS and taxpayers footing the bill.
Activists have even dubbed Turkey the “combat capital”, with a botched operation abroad costing the NHS an estimated £5m over four years.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
