The poultry tablets are packed with hormones that have been linked to breast cancer and liver problems in humans.



Originally they were used by farmers to bulk up chickens - but it was discovered that when taken by women they enhance the size of thighs, hips and bottom.

Now scores of online sites are also offering "herbal" versions of the tablets with names like Star Curves, Big Beautiful Butt Formula, and Brand New Booty pills.

They are featured on sites including Amazon, eBay and Facebook and are also advertised on reality TV star Kim Kardashian's blog.



Makers of the herbal pills claim the capsules only contain exotic plant extracts which mimic the effect of fat-building hormones.

But medical experts have warned many of the pills are unregulated and those who take them cannot be sure what they contain.

The trend for taking the tablets began in Jamaica in the 1990s.



The island's government subsequently banned them but many stores still sell them illegally.