About Herbal Weight Loss Drugs

Herbal weight loss drugs are plant-based substances used to help people lose weight. There are many different kinds of herbal weight loss drugs available, all with unique effects and risks. While they can be useful in some situations, herbal weight loss drugs are not generally considered a safe or effective method of long-term weight management. Understanding the effects of herbal weight loss drugs helps consumers to assess the benefits and risks of using these products. If you decidde to try these products, talk to your doctor first.

Types

There are three main types of weight-loss herbs. Stimulants and thermogenics contain substances that speed metabolism and suppress appetite. Herbs in this class include bitter orange, Sida cordifolia and caffeine-containing herbs like green tea and yerba mate.

Diuretics such as uva ursi and dandelion root aid in the elimination of water weight, while laxatives such as senna and aloe are taken to increase frequency of bowel movements and prevent absorption of fat and calories from food.

Effects

Different weight loss herbs vary greatly in their effectiveness. Green tea is among the safer herbal weight loss drugs on the market today. According to the National Institutes of Health, green tea may aid in weight loss by speeding fat oxidation and increasing energy expenditure. It is also rich in tannins, polyphenols and other beneficial antioxidants.

While diuretics can be helpful for decreasing water retention, the weight lost often returns rapidly after stopping the supplement. Laxatives are sometimes useful for alleviating constipation, but are not considered safe or effective when taken regularly for weight loss.

Health Risks

All herbal weight loss drugs can have side effects. Because they raise blood pressure and heart rate, stimulant herbs are often associated with cardiovascular problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, several patients have suffered heart attacks or strokes while taking bitter orange supplements. Herbs containing ephedrine, such as ephedra sinica and sida cordifolia, carry similar risks.

The laxative herb cascara sagrada has also been linked with severe side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, hepatitis, liver failure and other liver problems have occurred in people taking cascara products. Chronic use of laxatives can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, which may result in heart failure and other life-threatening conditions.

Considerations

In general, herbal weight loss drugs are not considered a good long-term solution for weight management due to the risk of side effects. A healthy diet in combination with regular exercise and other healthy living choices is the only proven method for losing weight.

Warning

If you experience chest pain, severe headache, yellowing of the skin or other troubling side effects while taking an herbal supplement, stop its use and seek emergency medical assistance. These can be signs of a life-threatening condition such as heart attack, stroke or liver failure. Do not take herbal weight loss drugs without a doctor's supervision, especially if you have a history of heart disease or other chronic health problems.