Along with general health aids, weight loss supplements are the top selling supplements in the United States, with average sales of $4.7 billion per year, according to the Consumer Health Products Association. Unlike prescription weight-loss drugs, supplements are generally not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and may cause serious side effects, especially when combined with other medications. Do not take supplements without speaking to your physician first. Weight-loss supplements come in a variety of forms, including pills, powders and liquids.
Fat Blockers
Orlistat, sold under the brand name Alli, is the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight-loss supplement. Orlistat is a fat blocker that works by preventing the body from absorbing some of the fat you eat. Side effects include loose or greasy stools, uncontrollable bowl movements and anal leakage. Orlistat also blocks absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K and may interact with other medications, according to Medline Plus. Talk to your doctor before taking orlistat, especially if you have a preexisting medical condition such as diabetes, liver or heart disease.
Chitosan, a chemical found primarily in the exoskeleton of shrimp, lobster and other shellfish, is also marketed as a fat blocker, although there is little scientific evidence to suggest effectiveness. Chitosan may cause constipation and flatulence, according to Drugs.com.
Metabolism Boosters
Manufacturers of supplements such as green tea, chromium and bitter orange claim their products boost metabolism and increase the rate at which calories are burned. MayoClinic.com explains that there is very little supporting evidence to back these claims, and some products may be unsafe. Bitter orange, for example, may dangerously increase heart rate and raise blood pressure, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Some metabolism boosters, such as green tea extract, contain caffeine; use with caution if you have diabetes, liver disease, a heart condition or other medical conditions. Metabolism boosters often come with a disclaimer stating that proper diet and exercise are essential to successful use of the supplement. However, diet and exercise are sufficient weight-loss tools on their own.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressant supplements claim to help you lose weight by decreasing your desire to eat. Hoodia, one of the most popular appetite suppressants, has a long history of use by Kalahari Desert Bushmen to stave off hunger, according to Dtugs.com. P57, a molecule in hoodia, acts similarly to glucose and may trick your brain into believing you are full, even when you have not eaten. However, more studies are needed before substantiating this claim. Hoodia should not be used by people with diabetes, heart disease or clotting disorder unless under the direction of a physician.
Prior to 2000, appetite suppressants primarily contained phenylpropanolamine, a nasal decongestant. However, after receiving reports that the drug increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, the FDA issued an advisory and most manufacturers voluntarily removed the ingredient from their formulas.
Member Comments