Diet & Weight-loss Supplements

Weight loss is a big business. There are a variety of diets, diet aids and programs readily available at most grocery, drug and department stores. Weight loss supplements are found as pills, food products and teas. Some work by suppressing hunger while others tout their ability to increase energy. Not all products are safe, and many contain ingredients that are dangerous. Before taking a weight loss supplement, first speak to your doctor.

History

According to Colorado State University, over 50 million Americans go on a diet every year, yet only 5 percent of them are able to keep the weight off. Many of these individuals reach for a diet pill hoping to find easy weight loss. In the early 1900s, ingesting tapeworms was seen as a weight loss plan, as it was believed to reduce the absorption of fat. In the 1940s, an appetite suppressant candy called Ayds came to the market and was extremely popular during the 1970s and 1980s. As of 2010, there is a virtual plethora of diet supplements available.

Types Available

Prescription weight loss supplements should only be taken by individuals whose weight is putting them at high risk of contracting serious medical conditions. This category would include people who have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Most of these medications are used to decrease the appetite and include diethylpropion, sibutramine and phendimetrazine. These ingredients are generally only prescribed for short-term use. One chemical, orlistat, is a lipase inhibitor, but its side effects include painful gastrointestinal conditions. Over-the-counter supplements include diet shakes, teas and pills. These are intended to either suppress your appetite, increase the number of calories burned or inhibit fat absorption.

Ingredients and Dangers

According to MayoClinic.com, there are several ingredients found in diet supplements that you should be aware of. Bitter orange is believed to increase your metabolism but may be unsafe. Chitosan is supposed to block fat absorption, but there is not enough proof of either its effectiveness or safety. Heartleaf and ephedra are both supposed to suppress the appetite, but have been banned by the Food and Drug Administration because they can also raise the blood pressure and stress the heart. Hoodia is another herb considered to be an appetite suppressant, but there is no research on its effectiveness.

Government Oversight

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, established in 1994, puts dietary supplements under the foods category to be overseen by the Food and Drug Administration. The manufacturer of a dietary supplement does not need FDA approval to market products if all of the ingredients have been pre-approved and no false claims are advertised. It is also the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure that the product is safe. Once the item is marketed, it is the FDA's responsibility to remove any products that are deemed unsafe or claim to cure or treat diseases.

Expert Insight

Permanent weight loss requires that you burn more calories than you consume. For safe and healthy weight loss, you should consume vitamin-rich foods and not restrict your dietary health by participating in long-term fasting or restrictive meal plans. Expect to lose only 2 lbs a week to maintain good health. If you plan on losing weight, you should first speak to your physician before taking any supplements.