Woman killed after taking diet pills she bought online as devastated mum pays tribute to her ‘precious’ girl
A WOMAN died after taking diet pills bought online.
Bethany Shipsey, 21, bought the “fat-burning” pills containing dinitrophenol (DNP) from Ukraine in 2017.
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She was taken to the hospital, where she suffered cardiac arrest and died two days later.
DNP is sold illegally as a weight loss supplement and can cause organ failure and be fatal, according to Healthline.
As of October this year, it is classified as a poison.
This means that anyone wishing to purchase it or products containing it must do so through a registered pharmacist.
But Bethany’s parents from Worcester want it banned entirely.
Dad Doug told ITV News: “It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.”
Mum Carole added: “We’ve lost one of the most precious things in our lives and it’s really difficult because you’re watching her friends and getting married and having babies within their peer group and she really should be a part of that. “
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is also calling for an outright ban.
England board chairman Thorrun Goviind said: “It’s killing people and that’s why we’re so concerned about it.
“We are very pleased that it has been included in the Poisons Registry, but we want it to be banned entirely.
“There’s no reason this is needed for human or animal use, so we want to make sure people don’t have access to it and those who sell it and monetize vulnerable people are held accountable for it.”
An inquest into Bethany’s death found she was a rape victim who had previously taken 14 overdoses but was not considered a suicide risk.
Worcestershire Coroners Court was told she was stranded on a hospital carriage in a crowded A&E corridor while the pills “burned her from the inside”.
A message she sent to a friend shortly before her death read: “I just overdosed on DNP.
“I’m petrified of telling anyone because it’s like my 15th overdose.”
Bethany was sexually abused by her ex-boyfriend Barry Finch, who was sentenced to six years in prison in August 2016.
Coroner Geraint Williams recorded a narrative verdict, including a finding of suicide.
What is Dinitrophenol (DNP)?
DNP (2,4-dinitrophenol) is marketed as a diet pill, but selling it for human consumption is illegal.
It was originally used in weapons during World War I, until scientists discovered that when ingested it boosts metabolism and burns fat.
But it can lead to increases in temperature and metabolic rate, which can prove fatal.
The drug is used as a photographic chemical, fertilizer, and in the manufacture of dyes and explosives.
It is classified as an explosive under UN regulations and the UK Explosive Act 2014.
At least 33 people have died from taking DNP in the UK since 2017.
If you are affected by any of the issues addressed in this article, please call the Samaritans toll free on 116123.
