Introduction:

Due to the increase of obesity in Western countries, the use of thermogenic supplements to achieve weight loss is very frequent; however, the safety profiles of many of these substances are unknown, and there are reports of toxicity that include brain manifestations such as leukoencephalopathy. Clinical cases: Sixteen and 21-year-old patients, both with a BMI > 30 and a history of using dietary supplements with a thermogenic effect for three months and one month respectively. They arrived with intense and progressive fronto-occipital headache. The younger sister, in addition to the headache, presented convergent strabismus due to VI nerve paresis and papilledema. Both had a magnetic resonance compatible with leukoencephalopathy. The first was managed with immunoglobulin and prednisolone, being discharged asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

Dietary supplements with a thermogenic effect used to control and lose weight, are a danger for users due to cardiovascular and neurological complications.