Weight Loss Supplements
(for more on each natural weight loss supplement, see below)

Introduction

The 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.