To lose weight and maintain weight loss over the long term, most experts agree that diet modification along with increased and regular physical activity are necessary. Some people, particularly those with chronic health conditions or who are morbidly obese, may require additional treatment. While some turn to their doctor for a prescription appetite supressant, others turn to natural supplements or herbal weight loss programs. While many herbal weight loss programs have been successfully tied to weight loss and may be safe for some, many also are associated with serious health issues.
Popular Weight Loss Herbs
According to the article "What About Herbal Weight Loss Aids" on Foodeditorials.com, bitter orange, chromium picolinate, cayenne, coleus, garcinia cambogia, green tea, guarana, guggul, blue-green aleae and St. John's Wort are popular weight loss supplements. Many herbal weight loss programs combine several of these herbs together in capsule, drink or tea bag form.
Lack of Regulation
Even if a weight loss product label reads "natural" or "herbal," this does not mean it is safe for consumption. There are no standard requirements that herbal products be either safe or effective, and most are not inspected or regulated by the FDA, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD). This means that although an ingredients listing may be included on the packaging, there is no way to verify ingredient amounts. In addition, the validity of any scientific testing to prove safety or effectiveness is not verifiable.
Ingredient Interaction
Most herbal weight loss programs combine a variety of weight loss herbs rather than just one. It is important to learn the how each ingredient may affect you or interact with another ingredient or medication you may be taking, according to Foodeditorials.com. A physician should always be consulted to discuss potentially dangerous interactions between herbs contained in weight loss supplements and current medications.
Ephedra Clones
The herb ephedra was banned in the United States in 2006 because it was linked to serious health problems including heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure and even death, according to the NIDDK. Whereas newer herbal weight loss programs contain ingredients that are ephedra-free, they have been replaced with ingredients like bitter orange, which is similar to ephedra and may ultimately lead to the same health issues.
Side Effects of Other Popular Weight Loss Herbs
St. John's Wort is often listed as an ingredient in herbal weight loss programs. According to Bulimia.com, however, this herb has been linked to adverse side effects including photosensitivity, gastrointestinal irritation, fatigue and restlessness. It has also been linked to a reduction in the effectiveness of certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, when taken together. Bulimia.com also points out that the popular ingredient chromium picolinate has been reported to lead to cases of hypoglycemia, reduction of muscle tissue and changes in personality and brain function.
Herbal Weight Loss in a Nutshell
An article by The Cleveland Clinic Foundation titled "Over-the-Counter and Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss" summarizes the herbal weight loss debate. It states that while some provide limited weight loss by creating a feeling of fullness, serving as a diuretic or laxative, or decreasing one's appetite, the weight loss is not permanent and comes with many dangerous side effects. In addition, many herbal manufacturers make false claims and are not to be trusted. The article discourages the use of herbal supplements as a way to lose weight because such remedies have not been scientifically proven to be effective and come with many risks to one's overall health.
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