Hoodia is a weight loss aid that is widely available online and in stores. Although it may be tempting for an overweight man to pop a pill to help him lose weight, it is important for him to understand exactly what hoodia is, its effectiveness and what risks it may pose.
Types
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explains that hoodia comes from a plant native to the Kalahari Desert of Southern Africa. The extracts from the roots and stems are used to make weight loss capsules, tablets and powders. Hoodia is also sometimes used in teas and liquid extracts. Although it can be used as a standalone product, hoodia is sometimes combined with other minerals and herbs such as green tea.
Benefits
According to the Drugs website, hoodia nomadic Bushmen used hoodia to delay hunger on prolonged hunting trips. In addition, anthropologists in the Kalahari Desert noted that it possessed appetite suppressant qualities. This is due to a molecule in hoodia called P57. Scientists from the pharmaceutical company Phytopharm claim that hoodia works similarly to glucose by fooling the brain into thinking the body is full. They also claim that it delays feelings of hunger and reduces food interest.
Effectiveness
Hoodia has not been clinically proven to encourage weight loss. In addition, herbal supplements such as hoodia do not have to undergo testing for quality, safety or effectiveness. In fact, Drugs.com reports that the FDA warned several hoodia manufacturers to stop making claims regarding weight loss. There is no magic supplement to make a man lose weight. Instead, he must eliminate weight through healthy lifestyle changes such as nutritious meals and exercise.
Considerations
Hoodia has not been sufficiently studied, making its safety, side effects, interactions and risks unknown. In addition, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that the quality of hoodia products can vary. Some products that claim to contain hoodia may not actually contain any. A man should always talk to a doctor before using an alternative practice for weight loss. A physician can offer advice and assure that he takes hoodia safely.
Warnings
The Mayo Clinic warns that some over-the-counter weight loss supplements such as hoodia can not only be ineffective, but dangerous. Additional studies must be performed before hoodia can be deemed safe. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test the safety of supplements like hoodia, it can pull products from shelves once they prove dangerous. Therefore, a man should check the FDA's website for product recalls or safety alerts prior to trying hoodia.
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