There is no “magic pill” that will help you lose weight, and that applies to herbal supplements. Some of these products can effectively reduce your appetite or control the way your body metabolizes food to promote weight loss. However, the benefits of many herbal supplements aren’t scientifically proven, and some may cause serious side effects.
Appetite Suppressants
Many herbal weight loss supplements tackle one of the leading causes of weight gain: overeating. Taking an appetite suppressant gives your willpower a break and gives you one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to lose weight. Some of these herbal products, such as Hoodia gordonii, appear to work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain so you feel less hungry each day, eat less and reduce your overall calorie intake.
Enhancers
Other herbal weight loss products enhance your body’s ability to perform a specific function, such as metabolizing food in a way that prevents weight gain. For instance, Phase 2 Carb Controller, a natural white bean extract, has been shown in clinical studies to slow down carbohydrate digestion and absorption and may assist with weight loss. Also, some studies show that whey protein products help to increase lean muscle mass and promote fat loss.
Consider Side Effects and Interactions
Make sure you go to reputable sites to thoroughly investigate any herbal product you’re taking for weight loss. Some drugs can lead to adverse reactions. For instance, herbs such as ephedra, which is now banned in America, can lead to hypertension and serious heart problems such as arrhythmia, heart attack and stroke. Bitter orange, which was used as a substitute in weight loss products after ephedra was banned, contains synephrine, which increases heart rate, high blood pressure and the risk of sunburn and stroke. Others may cause seizures, heart palpitations and even sudden death.
If you’re taking other herbs or medications, herbal weight loss products may negatively interact with those products as well, creating even greater health risks. Do as much research as possible, and seek advice from a naturopathic doctor, herbalist or nutritionist.
Take the Correct Dosage
Even if you want to lose weight in a hurry, you should never exceed the recommended dose on the label of any herbal weight loss product. Sometimes, an herbal product may contain more of an active ingredient than indicated on the label, so taking a higher dosage can significantly increase any potential danger from using the product.
Include Diet and Exercise
If you’re taking an herbal weight loss supplement, you still need to follow a proper diet and exercise plan to successfully lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Also, you won’t get the additional benefits of a proper weight loss plan, such as increased cardiovascular health and muscle tone from an herbal supplement.
Report Side Effects
If you take an herbal weight loss supplement and experience serious side effects, such as heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, seizures or bleeding, you should contact the FDA program MedWatch. The link to the FDA's Adverse Event form can be found in the resource section of this article.
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