Advertisements for over-the-counter weight loss products pervade society today. As more and more individuals seek a quick fix for weight loss, an increased number of over-the-counter diet pills are becoming available at drug stores, grocery stores and health food stores. The Mayo Clinic indicates that caution must be taken when utilizing these products since they may be ineffective or worse, dangerous.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea is a type of tea made from unfermented leaves. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea contains more antioxidants than any other variety. This tea has been studied for its effects on heart health, cancer and weight loss. Green tea extract has been studied for the ability to speed the metabolism and increase fat burning. A PubMed study found that the antioxidants, specifically catechins, and caffeine in green tea did encourage weight loss. The Mayo Clinic indicates that green tea extract is possibly a safe dietary supplement, but more research must be done to obtain conclusive evidence.
Chromium
Chromium is a naturally occurring element used by the body to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Manufacturers often add it to vitamin supplements in the form of chromium picolinate. Picolinic acid is added to chromium to aid in its absorption. Chromium picolinate is said to encourage weight loss by prompting muscle cells to absorb glucose instead of fat cells. According to Buzzle.com, there is no exact dosage established to achieve weight loss with chromium pills, but consuming more than 1,200 milligrams per day may cause kidney damage.
Hoodia
Hoodia is a plant that is said to suppress the appetite. According to Drugs.com, a Dutch anthropologist discovered that nomadic bushmen in the Kalahari desert chewed on stems of the Hoodia plant to diminish hunger. British scientists are currently studying a molecule of the plant called P57 as the possible source of the decreased appetite. Since Hoodia has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are no manufacturing standards and all possible harmful effects have not been uncovered. It is important to seek advice from a health-care practitioner before taking hoodia, especially if there are any pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, pregnancy or diabetes.
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