logo for medical-weight-loss-guide.com
leftimage for medical-weight-loss-guide.com

Introduction

Woman's face with eyes closed infront of a leafThe use of natural weight loss supplements falls under the category of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), which is defined by the National Institutes of Health as: "a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine."

The field of quality CAM research is still quite young, and most of the natural weight loss products on the market have not been studied by randomized controlled trials.
 
Most research has only been done on single ingredients, not combinations of supplements. In order to recommend the use of herbs or other weight loss supplements, there needs to be sufficient good evidence about a product's quality, safety, and efficacy. Currently, too little is known, for any product to be recommended by conventional medicine.

Nevertheless, some weight loss supplements have initial research that appears promising. By clicking on any of the natural weight loss pills below, you can see scientific information on which ones may have benefits as well as known side effects.

It is commonly believed that any natural or herbal product is completely safe. As mentioned above, these natural weight loss products can have side effects. For example, ephedra can cause heart attacks, stroke, and death. In 2004, the FDA banned the sale of ephedra dietary supplements. In addition, some products can interact with prescription drugs.

Because of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, natural weight loss supplements are not required to prove that they are safe or that they actually work before they can be sold.

Because the adoption of good manufacturing practices are not mandatory in this industry, quality and contamination can be uncertain. Chemicals in prescription medications have shown up in these products. Sildenafil (Viagra), lovastatin (Mevacor), estrogen, alprazolam (Xanax), and warfarin (Coumadin) are some examples.

To better inform yourself on any natural weight loss supplement listed in the table below, click on each product's name.

Name Proposed Mechanism of ActionMain Side Effects
Acai Berrynoneunknown
Apple Cider Vinegar

Increased sense of fullness

Irritability, nervousness, and palpitations

CaffeineIncrease energy expenditureHigh blood pressure, fast heart beat, chest pain, restlessness, insomnia
CascaraLaxativePotassium loss, electrolyte imbalances, decreased drug absorption
ChitosanBlock dietary fat absorptionBlock absorption of fat soluble vitamins, may interfere with blood clotting, may cause low blood sugar
ChromiumModulate carbohydrate metabolismProduction of free-radicals, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)Increase fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		Mild to moderate gastrointestinal symptoms
DandelionIncrease water eliminationElectrolyte imbalance and increased bleeding
EphedraIncrease energy expenditureHigh blood pressure, abnormal heart beats, heart attack, stroke, seizure, death
GinsengModulate carbohydrate metabolismAbnormal bleeding, fast heart rate; should not be taken by pregnant or breast feeding women and people with kidney failure
GlucomannanIncrease sense of fullnessStomach pain, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting
Green TeaIncrease fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		Bleeding risks, caffeine side effects if not decaffeinated
Guar GumIncrease sense of fullnessStomach pain, gas, diarrhea
GuggulLowers cholesterol
and causes release of thyroid hormone		Gastrointestinal upset, interferes with blood clotting, medicine interaction, avoid in pregnancy and thyroid disease
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii or P57)Appetite suppressantNone yet known
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) or Garcinia cambogiaIncrease fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		low blood sugar, may interact with medicines
Hydroxy-
methylbutyrate		Builds muscleNone known
L-CarnitineIncrease fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		Gastrointestinal symptoms; avoid in liver disease
LicoriceIncrease fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		low potassium, high blood pressure, swelling, risk of bleeding, avoid in pregnant and breast feeding women
PsylliumIncrease sense of fullnessDiarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, bowel obstruction
PyruvateIncrease fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		Gas, bloating, diarrhea
Salacia rootActs on multiple cell receptors and processesUnknown but appears to be minimal
Spirulina (Blue-green algae)Appetite suppressantAvoid in people with phenylketonuria (PKU)
St. John's WortEnhanced moodHypertensive crisis, mania, drug interactions, should be avoided by pregnant women
Vitamin B5Increase fat oxidation or
Reduce fat synthesis		Gastrointestinal symptoms
YohimbineIncreases energy expenditureFast heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, tremors, panic attacks



Return to the Home Page

It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.

This article was written by John Vickery, MD.

References
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/ (accessed on 3/29/08)
Aust Fam Physician. 2006 Aug;35(8):605-6.
Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.
Med Lett Drug Ther 2008; 50:9

footer for Medical Weight Loss page

Site Build It!
Last updated: 8/9/09