Phentermine
There are a number of weight loss products available over-the-counter at your pharmacy, supermarket or health food store. The internet has many more tempting offers. Most of these products have never been the subject of any form of clinical testing to assess whether they are effective and safe. Some may actually be dangerous. The regulatory authorities in each country have different sets of rules. Most do not require registration of “natural” herbal or other dietary supplements so long as no claims are made that there is a medicinal effect. This allows a significant range of different products to appear on the market without any formal testing or approval.
What is on the market?
1. Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium)
There is no evidence that Bitter Orange has any effect on weight. When ephedra was withdrawn because of health concerns, this alternative became a common element in weight-loss products marketed as "ephedra-free." This seems to ignore the basic chemistry of Bitter Orange which contains synephrine and octopamine — chemicals which, like ephedrine in ephedra, may cause hypertension (high blood pressure) and arrhythmia (heart irregularity) potentially leading to a stroke or heart attack. Thus, anyone with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular problems should avoid bitter orange. Many medications will also be adversely affected, particularly the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) that speed up the heart rate.
2. Chitosan
This is derived from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the shells of shrimp, lobster and crabs. Adverts have claimed that chitosan causes weight loss by binding fats in the stomach which prevents them from being digested and absorbed. Both the Food and Drug Administration in the USA and the Advertising Standards Authority in the UK have prohibited all adverts that claim a weight loss effect. The only clinical evidence that does exist shows Chitosan to be as effective as a placebo.
3. Chromium Picolinate
This has been used for improving blood sugar control in people with diabetes. There are seven clinical reports. In six of them, Chromium Picolinate had no effect on weight or the amount of lean body mass. In the other, there was a statistically better performance for chromium over the placebo. There is no explanation for this single "success". So far, the bulk of the evidence suggests that Chromium is completely ineffective for weight loss purposes.
4. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
This is an amino acid found in some meats and milk, and it is claimed to suppress appetite and so reduce body fat, but not necessarily reduce overall body weight. Two new animal tests carried out at Ohio State University suggest that although there may be some effect on body fat, there may also be an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes. A clinical study is underway to assess the effect of CLA on overweight women with Diabetes.
5. Country mallow (heartleaf)
This is marketed as a food supplement but it contains ephedra which has been banned as dangerous. It also causes gastrointestinal problems including indigestion, diarrhoea and vomiting, and should be considered dangerous.
6. Ephedra
This has been banned but it is still obtainable as a tea or as an ingredient in other products such as country mallow. It can cause insomnia, hypertension, arrhythmia, strokes and heart attacks. It should be considered dangerous.
7. Green tea extract (Camellia sinensis)
It is said to promote weight loss because it probably contains a large amount of caffeine and so increases the metabolic rate and burns calories and fat. There is no clinical evidence to support this claim. Rather the evidence shows that, when drunk in quantity, it can cause bloating, indigestion and diarrhoea.
8. Guar gum
This is barred from sale in the USA as a weight loss product. Almost all the clinical evidence shows that it has no weight loss properties. As a water-soluble fibre, it is sold as a laxative and therefore should be used with caution because it can cause diarrhoea.
9. Hoodia
It appears to be completely safe to eat but there is no evidence that it has any effect on body weight.
You are the one with the power to protect yourself. You have found this site so you have curiosity. You can learn and read all the labels on all herbal and dietary supplement bottles and packs. You now know what you are looking out for and which to avoid. If you feel you need further information, talk to your pharmacist or physician. Get an expert's opinion.
Articles