Herbal Weight Loss Supplements

In a quest to lose weight effectively in a natural way, a number of people turn to herbal weight loss supplements.  In fact, herbal weight loss aids are high-sellers in the marketplace.  One manufacturer, Metabolife 356, found that sales skyrocketed from $12 million in 1995 to $900 million in 1999.   This shows the widespread popularity of herbal supplements.

Makers of herbal diet products say that they enhance weight loss by increasing metabolism.  They often contain the ephedra herb ma huang and natural caffeine sources such as guarana.    Theoretically, herbal diet aids work like this:  cells known as brown adipose tissue burn calories, a process called thermogenesis.  Through thermogenesis, herbal supplements aid weight loss.  Some research indicates that a mixture of ephedrine and caffeine can raise the body’s metabolic rate, as well as suppress appetite.   

One study of 24 overweight people found that the average weight loss of those who took hydroxycut and exercised three times a week was more than eight pounds.  Doctors found no significant change in blood pressure or other health concerns resulting from the use of hydroxycut.   However, medical experts add that it is important to see a doctor before taking the substance because of the stimulant properties in ephedrine and caffeine.   These stimulants can lead to agitation in some people.  

Because herbal remedies seem to be a natural approach to weight loss, some consumers assume that it is perfectly safe to take them.  However, what they may not realize is that the Food and Drug Administration does not have the authority to review and approve the ingredients in supplements.  The FDA does attempt to ensure that dosages match the amount indicated on the bottle—however, the system can be flawed.  For instance, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Arkansas found that the ephedra content in weight-loss supplements can vary from none to more than 150 percent of the amount indicated on the label.  Once an herbal product has made it onto the market, the FDA must demonstrate that it is unsafe before the product can be restricted in any way.   This can make it difficult to get a potentially dangerous herbal supplement off the market.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, there are a number of reasons why individuals turn to herbal weight loss supplements.  For instance, they may desire the health benefits of weight loss and are looking for a “magical” solution to their weight problems.  They may be tired of the social stigma of obesity, but don’t want to go through the trouble of exercising and making changes to their diet.  Herbal supplements are also available without a prescription, making them easy to access.   They may also simply like the idea of a “natural” remedy for weight gain.

Different herbal supplements promise different ways to enhance weight loss.  For instance, ephedra, ginseng, and bitter orange are recommended for increasing the expenditure of energy.   Guar gum, glucomannan, and psyllium are promoted for their reported ability to increase feelings of fullness.  Green tea, pyruvate, and L-carnitine are billed as a way to increase fat oxidation or reduce fat synthesis, while chitosan is said to block dietary fat absorption.