Weight-loss products are a big industry. Items that claim to help shed pounds quickly and achieve a healthier, more attractive appearance are available at pharmacies, grocery stores and health shops. These over-the-counter products are sold as powders, pills and bars. Some of these products are expensive and even dangerous. Talking to a medical professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist about the use of such products may be a wise decision.
History
The original Metabolife formula included an ingredient known as Ephedra ( mau haung). This ingredient, when combined with caffeine, was said to be effective for weight loss by speeding up metabolism and reducing appetite. However, ephedra, has since been recognized as a dangerous supplement that can cause heart damage, and has even lead to deaths. For this reason, the FDA no longer approves ephedra for supplemental purposes.
Claims
The new Metabolife formulas are made to assist with the various stages of weight loss. These products are said to eliminate fatigue that may hinder exercise goals and weight loss efforts, increase the metabolism for speedy weight loss and curb the appetite, making it easier to avoid excess calories.
Benefits
The new Metabolife products are ephedra-free, though some are not free of stimulants. Metabolife products are available in a variety of formulas, ranging from caffeine free to energy enhancing. The combination of vitamins and nutrients is said to aid weight loss. And while vitamins, such as thiamin, vitamin B6, riboflavin and calcium, may be beneficial, they have not been linked to weight loss. Other ingredients, that are also found in other popular weigh loss supplements, include guarana extract seed (caffeine) and garcinia extract. They have not been proved effective.
Function
Using Metabolife and other diet supplements have different outcomes for each individual. Perhaps the products are a motivational tool for some individuals. But many people will be unsuccessful if their dietary and exercise habits are not aggressive enough to elicit change.
Warning
Metabolife 356, the original formula containing ephedra is still available online as are other products containing ephedra. These products, though possibly effective for weight loss, are not recommended by experts, including the Mayo Clinic. Because many products deemed "natural" or "herbal" are sold as diet supplements, they are not strictly regulated by the FDA. Therefore, the claims that are made about such products are not proved.
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