A WOMAN who ordered Size Zero slimming pills cancelled her order after discovering the pills may contain horse medication.

Mum-of-four Angela Owen was horrified to learn a “miracle diet” pill had the same brand name as a drug widely criticised on the internet for containing Clenbuterol – a substance used to treat horses with breathing difficulties.

The company which supplied the pills, Size Zero TM, insists its product does not contain the horse drug.

When Angela, 47, of Linford Drive, Basildon, received a leaflet in the post advertising the Size Zero Pill she was initially interested. It promised users they would go from a size 24 to a size zero in just six weeks.

Her friend Diane Charles, 50, also from Basildon, was also going to pay Netherlands-based Size Zero TM £36 for a batch of 40 pills.

The letter, which was personally addressed to Angela, also told how the pills work by “dislodging and devouring thousand of fat cells” – but fails to go into scientific detail.

The literature also talks of how the pills have absolutely no side-effects and “could even improve health”.

It also guarantees users will shed at least 24lb in a week – an amount health professionals agree could cause a fatal heart attack in some people.

The leaflet also says: “The pill is ideal to give to model girls to get them to size zero quickly – a few hours before the catwalk shows or photo-shoot.”

Angela said: “I was about to order the pills when my friend went online and saw loads of warnings about how the same Size Zero pill contains this horse drug.

“I was stunned when I read this drug is potentially fatal when taken by humans and can cause heart attacks, strokes and severe panic seizures.”

Angela, who then cancelled her order, added: “This is totally dangerous and people should be made aware of what these companies are trying to do so they don’t get sucked in.”

The Size Zero pill has hit the headlines across the globe recently as it emerged A-list Hollywood stars and models are downing the pills in order to slim down.

Clenbuterol – which increases the heart rate rapidly – is approved by pharmaceutical regulators to treat horses, but not under the brand name, the Size Zero pill, to be used for human weight loss.

Anne Yetes, who runs weekly Slimming World sessions at the UR Church in Basildon, said: “The bottom line is there is no miracle cure for dieting. There’s no way you could lose 24 pounds in a week and I wouldn’t recommend it, even if you could.

“I would urge anyone getting these leaflets to throw them away.”

Dr Neil Bhaduri, public health commissioner for South West Essex PCT, added: “The only way to lose weight is through changing your lifestyle to eat healthily and exercise.

“I would never recommend anyone take slimming pills, especially those with a drug such as Clenbuterol which could be dangerous.

“What this leaflet is promising is simply rubbish.”

When contacted by the Echo, Size Zero TM insisted the product did not contain any drug except for Bladderwrack, a type of seaweed substance and assured that it had been clinically tested for use.