Metabolife, one of the world's top-selling diet supplements, claims to aid weight loss, although there is conflicting evidence to those claims. Sold over-the-counter, it is marketed as a tool to improve metabolism, enhance weight loss and help burn fat. There are a number of variations of Metabolife on the market, although its original (and since banned) Metabolife 356 is not among them.
History
Based in San Francisco, California, Metabolife was launched by former police officer Michael Ellis, who was on probation for having a connection to a methamphetamine lab. Its first product, which dates back to the 1990s. was ephedra-based Metabolife 356. Initially marketed as a bodybuilding supplement, it was banned by the FDA in 2004 when supplements containing ephedra were linked to ill-effects and death. The owner then began lobbying against ephedra regulation; Ellis was later indicted for making false statements about ephedra to the FDA. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2005. The company now sells a range of products that do not contain ephedra, including a two-stage diet program called Metabolife Ultra, which offers some online support.
The Range
Metabolife 356 is a thing of the past. Instead, the company offers a newer selection of Metabolife products, among them: Metabolife Ultra, which claims to suppress appetite and help burn fat; Metabolife Caffeine Free, which claims to do the same without caffeine; Metabolife Green Tea, which incorporates green tea extract; and AquaSlim, which incorporates Super CitriMax and 148mg of calcium, claiming to hydrate the body, limit hunger and strengthen bones while promoting weight loss.
Ingredients
Metabolife products contain a cocktail of naturally derived ingredients, including its proprietary SuperCitrimax garcinia extract (essentially citrimax, which comes from the Indian garicinia cambogia fruit). Also included are ingredients like sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium citrate pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium and silica.
Considerations
Buying into the Metabolife program begins at about $50 monthly, as of 2009. Little research exists on the program's effectiveness, safety and history of success, which include statements that it enhances metabolism and accelerates weight loss.
Cutting Costs
You can consider purchasing its two main ingredients, HCA (citrimax) and guarana, individually to cut costs. However, guarana, the berry-producing plant found in the Amazon that's loaded with caffeine and is a common inclusion in weight loss products, shows little support to back up claims of effectiveness. Citrimax also is a standard ingredient in weight-loss products, but a 1998 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" showed no additional weight loss was achieved by taking Citrimax.
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