According to the Colorado State University Extension, 50 million Americans go on a diet annually. The New York Times reports, from the "Nutrition Business Journal," that in 2007 "$1.7 billion went for weight loss pills" as part of these weight loss efforts. Diet pills that appear to be safe should still be taken with caution as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cited 69 tainted weight loss supplements, writes the NY Times.
Alli
In 2007, Alli, the over-the-counter version of orlistat, whose prescription brand name is Xenical, was approved by the FDA as a weight loss medication. Alli is a fat-absorption inhibitor, instead of your body absorbing all the fat from a meal; some of it passes through your intestines to be excreted. Alli warns that you should follow a low-fat diet as a high-fat meal will likely result in greasy, loose stools. In 2009, the FDA required a warning be added to Alli's label regarding liver injury. Only one case has been reported with the use of Alli, but it is still recommended to discuss potential hazards with your doctor.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
According to the Mayo Clinic review of over-the-counter weight loss pills, conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, seems to be safe and has potential to be effective. CSU extension states that CLA is found naturally in meat and dairy products. CLA supporters claim that it burns fat and builds muscle, but CSU states specific evidence thus far is limited; however, some studies have shown weight loss with CLA.
Chromium Supplements
MayoClinic.com suggests chromium supplements are safe but still have insufficient evidence to fully support them as a weight loss pill. However, CSU extension reports that "roughly 50 percent of scientific studies have shown that chromium has a beneficial effect." Chromium supplements claim to lower blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce body fat, states CSU. CSU cautions against a form of the supplement called chromium picolinate, as it may cause "anemia, memory loss and DNA damage."
Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii is unique in that it comes from the Hoodia gordonii plant. Hoodia has been used for its appetite-suppressing effect for centuries. Hoodia is limited in supply as it has only been found to grow successfully in the Kalahari Desert, where it originated. According to Hoodia Advice online, Hoodia is very difficult to find in its pure form without fillers. It must be in its pure form to have an appetite-suppressing, thus weight loss, effect. As a result, it is important to research the product and manufacturer before buying a Hoodia Gordonii supplement.
References
- Colorado State University Extension: Weight Loss Products and Programs
- "The New York Times"; F.D.A. Finds 'Natural' Diet Pills Laced with Drugs; Natasha Singer; February 2009
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Completed Safety Review of Xenical/Alli (orlistat) and Severe Liver Injury
- Mayo Clinic: Weight Loss: Over The Counter Weight Loss Pills, Do They Work?
- Hoodia Advice: Hoodia
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