Weight Loss pills, information on
rapid, effective and best dietary herbal products
A review of over the counter non prescription weight loss supplements
You have come to the right page to find honest and
science based weight loss pill information. There really are certain natural weight loss pills that
work. Even though the medical establishment is quite skeptical, if
doctors learned more about these natural weight loss pills and actually used
them in their practice, they would soon find out that some of these herbal pills are quite
effective. Many people ask if over the counter and non prescription supplements
are FDA approved. The FDA does not get involved in approving such pills or to
determine whether they are effective or not effective. As long as the
ingredients in the capsules are approved, any company can combine several such
approved ingredients and create a formula to sell as diet pills. The FDA does
not test the final formula to see if it works to reduce appetite.
There are two ways to lose weight -- either by reducing energy intake,
or increasing energy consumption. If you currently don't have enough will power
to reduce energy intake by eating less, then Diet Rx, a natural appetite
suppressant formulated by a medical doctor, will help you control your appetite.
Most people find that they eat 20 to 40 percent less each day while taking 2
Diet Rx capsules in the morning.
Do the medical
establishment and the mainstream media understand the benefits of natural
herbs for weight loss?
A number of weight loss pills are available online or at your local health food
store, drugstore, or supermarket.
Most mainstream articles in magazines and newspapers question the effectiveness
of these herbal weight loss pills. Many of these articles are written by people who have
little first hand knowledge or clinical experience with these pills. Here, you
will get an honest review of the benefits and shortcomings of these natural
weight loss pills and you will find our which of them work, and which have
little or no basis to support the claims made by advertisers.
Diet Rx natural and safe appetite
suppressant
If you want like to eat less, then Diet Rx is the diet pill for you. This natural
appetite suppressant works without stimulants. Diet Rx has no added caffeine, ephedra, ephedrine alkaloids, synephrine, hormones, guarana, ginseng, or
stimulating amino acids.
The many benefits of Diet Rx --
FREE Diet Rx Bottle
All
natural appetite suppressant, decreases appetite so you eat less.
Has no significant side effects when used in the recommended dosages.
Helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. When you eat less, your blood
sugar is less likely to rise.
Helps you maintain healthy cholesterol and lipid levels. When you eat less, your
cholesterol and triglyceride levels are less likely to become elevated.
Provides a variety of antioxidant from two dozen herbs and nutrients.
Provides healthy fiber in the form of apple pectin, glucomannan, and psyllium.
Improves energy so you are more eager to take a walk or be physically active.
When you take more walks, you will burn up more calories.
Balances mood so you feel good.
Improves mental concentration and focus so that you stay sharp and mentally
alert and perform your daily work or duties at peak levels.
Improves will power and choice of food selection so that you avoid calorie dense
foods.
Weight Loss pills
The following herbs and nutrients are promoted in the natural health
industry, magazines, radio ads, or TV infomercials as weight loss pills. We have
listed some of the claims made regarding their benefit but not all these claims
are necessarily true. Which are effective? Which have no research to support the claims made
below?
Weight loss pills and the claims
that you will come across
These are not necessarily accurate claims, but you will find them
mentioned by marketers of weight loss products.
See a website by Dr. Ray Sahelian to
find out the actual research studies that support or refute these claims. Direct
links will be provided over time.
Aloe-Vera is added to herbal weight-loss products as a strong cathartic response
(producing bowel movements) and many aloe weight-loss products are marketed as
"internal cleansers." We have not seen good evidence that aloe vera
supplements are effective as weight loss pills.
Apple-Cider-Vinegar is promoted as a weight loss pill but little human research
is available to support the claims that apple cider vinegar supplements are
effective as weight loss pills.
Banaba leaf is used in Southeast Asia to lower blood sugar and promote healthy
insulin levels that are related to appetite. We have not seen evidence that
banaba leaf extract, by itself, is an effective weight loss pill.
Bitter Orange is the same as citrus aurantium and found in many herbal weight
loss pills..
Bladderwrack is a sea vegetable that is an excellent source of iodine and it is
promoted as a weight loss pill. Fucus vesiculosus
is the botanical name for bladderwrack.
Caigua has been popular as a weight loss pill in South America.
Caffeine speeds up body functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
Caffeine can help with weight loss when combined with other herbs, but the side
effects are unpleasant.
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana, Cascara sagrada, bitter bark, chittem bark) - promoted as a laxative and diuretic.
Cascara is a common ingredient used in weight loss herbal products. One of the
few pills approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong
stimulant laxative.
Cayenne pepper is a thermogenic weight loss herb that contains a substance known
as capsaicin. Capsaicin that stimulates saliva, stimulates digestion and
accelerates your metabolism.
Cha de bugre is a weight loss herb used in South America.
Caralluma extract is being promoted as a weight loss herb, or
specifically as a cactus or succulent.
Cinnamon herb has been touted as an aid to blood sugar control in patients with
diabetes.
Citrus-Aurantium is the same as bitter orange. Citrus aurantium
supplements may be effective weight loss pills but the side effects are of
concer.
Coleus forskohlii has
Forskolin, a chemical that activates the enzyme adenylate
cyclase.
Dandelion is promoted as a gentle diuretic and laxative.
Dandelion may produce weight loss by decreasing body water, however this is not
a long term effective way to lose weight.
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, acts as a fat burner, stimulant, and appetite
suppressant. Ephedra can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, increase
body temperature, cause heart palpitations, chest pain, and stimulates the
central nervous system. Ephedra is not longer allowed to be sold to consumers as
a weight loss pill.
Ephedrine is found in ephedra. Ephedrine can cause high blood pressure,
irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks,
strokes and even death. In February 2004, the FDA officially banned the sale of
ephedra and ephedrine in any dietary supplement in the U.S..
Flax can act as a bulk laxative and regulate bowel movements.
Fucus vesiculosus is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals
including iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. As a source of iodine,
it assists in the production of thyroid hormones, which are necessary for
maintaining healthy metabolism in cells of the body.
Garcinia cambogia appetite suppressant, fat burner, digestive aid weight loss
pill. This herb has
a high concentration of
Hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, which is believed to promote
weight loss by blocking the conversion of sugars and starches into fats. More
research is needed before the claims can be verified.
Ginger herb can help sooth the gastrointestinal system.
Ginseng herb is sometimes added to weight loss pills to increase energy.
Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac fiber) is a dietary fiber source obtained
from the root of the konjac plant. glucomannan is said to contribute to weight
loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines or by providing
fullness. Research indicates glucomannan to heave potential benefits as a weight
loss pill.
Green tea helps as a thermogenic
weight loss pill. Green tea extract has EGCG, a potent antioxidant.
Guarana contains
3% to 5% caffeine and may cause high blood pressure. It grows mainly in Brazil.
Guarana weight loss pill has caffeine
combined with other compounds, namely theobromine and theophylline. Guarana is a
nervous system stimulant that may suppress appetite. People in Brazil chew guaraná seeds as a source of energy or drink the powder dissolved in water.
Guar gum is a
dietary fiber obtained from the Indian cluster bean. Guar gum has been commonly
used as a thickening agent for foods and medications. Guar gum decrease appetite
by providing a "feeling of fullness."
Guggul is a resin which is produced by the stem of the commiphora mukul tree.
Guggul extracts are approved in India for lowering elevated serum cholesterol
and triglyceride levels. Guggul contains ketonic steroid compounds known as
guggulsterones. Guggul is recommended by Ayurvedic doctors as a weight control
herb.
Hercampuri has been popular in Peru
Hoodia gordonii is one of the most popular weight loss pills on the market.
Hydroxycitric acid is found in garcinia cambogia. Citrimax or Super Citrimax is
a trademarked extract that has hydroxycitric acid.
Kelp is also known as Laminaria
Kola nut
Licorice root satisfies cravings for sweets
P57 is an appetite suppressing substance found in hoodia plant, a supplement
often found in various natural weight loss pills.
Phaseolus
vulgaris extract from
white kidney beans, is promoted as a weight loss pill.
Pomegranate juice extract has been shown to have potent antioxidant activity
protecting nitric oxide and acting as a detoxifier.
Psyllium laxative contains mucilage to build mass in the digestive tract and
push waste day. Psyllium reduces hunger
by providing a feeling of fullness.
St. John's wort herb seems to increase serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain and
may help suppress appetite. It may reduce depression-related overeating. Many weight loss pills
include St. John's wort in their formula.
Seaweed has iodine and is a natural thyroid stimulant. It is normally found in
kelp capsules or tablets.
Senna acts as a laxative and diuretic.
White Kidney Bean extract, also known as phaseolus vulgaris,
reduces the absorption of calories from a starch source. Many studies have shown
that white kidney bean interrupts the digestive process that converts starch to
sugar. More research is needed to determine if white kidney bean extract can be
considered an effective weight loss pill.
Yerba-Mate is a strong brain stimulant (the doses typically used mimic that of
100 to 200 mg of caffeine). The main side effects of yerba mate are excessive
stimulation and increased blood pressure. Yerba mate is added to many natural
herbal weight loss pill products.
Weight loss supplement pills that are not herbs
Carnitine or L-Carnitine, and the acetyl form called acetyl l-carnitine are common ingredients in many weight loss pills and
supplements.
Chitosan, derived from chitin found in crustacean shells, is a positively
charged polymer thought to prevent fat absorption by binding negatively charged
fat molecules within the intestinal lumen. Chitosan also comes from shrimp,
crab, and other shellfish. Promoters say chitosan binds to the fat and
cholestrol in your food before your body has a chance to absorb it. Chitosan
itself cannot be digested, and the body simply eliminates the chitosan and the
fat mass attached to it.
Choline is converted in the body to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
CLA or conjugated linoleic acid refers to a family of trans-fatty acids that
have been found to reduce fat deposition in obese mice, possibly through
increased fat oxidation and decreased triglyceride uptake in adipose tissue.
Corosolic acid
HMB
Phenylalanine is an amino acid that may trigger the release of an
appetite-suppressing hormone in the gut called cholecystokinin.
Pyruvate - Six weeks of pyruvate, in a dosage of 6 g per day, was associated
with a weight loss of 1.2 kg (2 lb, 10 oz), compared with placebo. This is not
very impressive. Pyruvate is
formed in the body during digestion of carbohydrates and protein from food.
Found in the form of pyruvic acid, pyruvate can be found in various foods
including red apples, cheese and red wine.
Soy Protein
Tyrosine is an amino acid weight
loss pill supplement
which can reduce appetite but has side effects of anxiety and rapid heart beat.
Yohimbe or yohimbine is an indirect adrenergic agonist. Anxiety, elevated blood
pressure, queasiness, sleeplessness, tachycardia, tremor, and vomiting are
potential side effects related to this herb.
Weight loss hormone pill
7-KETO DHEA weight loss pill in the form of a hormone has been promoted, but
there are safer alternatives.
DHEA is an adrenal hormone
that may help with weight loss but side effects occur quite readily.
Weight loss minerals
Chromium is a mineral thought to enhance the effect of insulin and therefore the
breakdown of carbohydrates. It has been touted as a weight loss pill and a fat
burner.
Weight loss vitamin pills
Pantothenic acid - Although vitamin B5 has been promoted to cause weight loss,
no human trials have been done that we are aware of regarding its influence on
body weight..
Categories of weight loss pills
1. Appetite suppressants reduce hunger by changing neurotransmitter levels.
Hoodia gordonii is one example.
2. Stimulants increase metabolism to burn more calories. Ephedra is a typical
example.
3. Diuretics cause the body to excrete water through excess urine. Dandelion is
such an herb.
4. Cathartics or laxatives cause evacuation of the bowels, reduce calorie
consumption by impeding full digestion. Cascara sagrada, bisacodyl, senna,
magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium citrate fall into this category. Oral aloe
produces a strong cathartic response.
5. Fibers absorb water and make the stomach feel more full. Psyllium and guar
gum are examples of this kind of weight loss herbs.
6. Fat absorbers such as chitosan. Chitosan supposedly binds to fat in the
stomach and intestines and excretes it.
7. Starch blockers such as white kidney bean extract are promoted to block carbohydrate
metabolism.
8. Mood lifters, such as St. John's wort, may reduce food consumption in those
whose propensity to overeat is due to low mood.
Additional pages of interest
Anti
obesity drugs and prescription weight loss pills information
Weight loss diet
ideas that work to keep unwanted weight off your belly.
Weight loss benefit
In addition to reducing cholesterol and other known cardiac risk factors,
controlling one's weight slows the build up of calcium on the walls of the
coronary arteries and retard the progression of atherosclerosis.
Best proven weight loss pill
Q. What is the best proven weight loss pill?
A. A study in 2007 did not find any of the three most common
prescription weight loss pills on the market, Xenical, Meridia, or Acomplia, to
induce significant weight loss when used for long term.
Buy weight loss diet pill
You can buy weight loss diet pills online, health food stores, or pharmacies. A
reliable site for natural weight loss diet pills is Physician Formulas web site.
Be careful when you buy a weight loss pill online if the claims made about the
product are too good to be true. Cheap weight loss diet pills are sometimes as
effective as expensive ones. The effectiveness of a product does not necessarily
depend on the amount of money you pay for a natural weight loss diet pill. Diet
Rx is a safe, effective, and relatively cheap diet free weight loss pill product
which gives you more energy. Diet Rx is a healthy weight loss pill since it has
spirulina, ginger, green tea, and cinammon.
Brazilian weight loss pill
Some Brazilian weight loss pill formulas have been found to be laced with
amphetamines. Cha de Bugre is a Brazilian weight loss herb which started being
promoted heavily around 2005.
Compare weight loss pill
We are often asked to compare natural weight loss pills. This is very difficult
to do since double blind studies would need to be done and these are too
expensive to do.
Free trial
If you would like a 15 capsule free trial weight loss pill, consider Diet Rx at
Physician Formulas.
Good weight loss pill
We consider green tea extract, hoodia extract, and carnitine to be good weight
loss pills.
Herbal pills
Some "herbal" weight-loss products may contain prescription drugs that could put
consumers at risk of side effects. German researchers report the cases of 17
patients who were poisoned after taking "Chinese slimming capsules" sold over
the Internet. Though the products were marketed as "herbal," tests showed that
they contained high doses of sibutramine -- the active ingredient in an
anti-obesity drug sold as Meridia in the U.S. and Reductil in Europe. The
patients suffered symptoms such as elevated heart rate, chest pain, nausea,
vomiting and breathlessness. In two cases, patients developed temporary
psychosis when they used the weight-loss product in combination wit prescribed
psychiatric drugs. Sibutramine is chemically similar to amphetamine, and it
enhances the activity of the hormone norepinephrine and the chemical serotonin,
which transmits messages to nerve cells and plays a role in appetite, metabolism
and mood. Deutsches Arzteblatt International, April 2009.
Hydroxycut recalled
FDA announced in May 2009 the recall of popular weight loss pill Hydroxycut
after reports of liver damage and other health problems. The manufacturer of
Hydroxycut has launched a nationwide recall of the dietary supplement, used by
people trying to shed pounds and by body builders to sharpen their muscles.
Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients. It accounts for about
90 percent of the market for weight loss supplements, with sales of about 1
million bottles a year. This product was distributed by Iovate Health Sciences
Inc., of Oakville, Ontario and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of
Blasdell, N.Y.
The FDA received 23 reports of serious health problems ranging from
jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury, to
liver damage requiring liver transplant. One death due to liver failure has been
reported to the FDA. Other health problems reported include seizures;
cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis, a type of muscle damage that can
lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure. “The FDA urges
consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue
risk. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician
or other health care professional if they are experiencing symptoms possibly
associated with these products,” said Linda Katz, M.D., interim chief medical
officer of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Hydroxycut
products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat
burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under
the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names.
Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 2 Caplets,
Servings Per Container: 75. Calcium (as hydroxycitrate) 156 mg, Chromium 133
mcg, (as polynicotinate), Potassium (as hydroxycitrate) 218 mg, Hydroxagen Plus
1.32 g, Garcinia cambogia extract [fruit & rind], Standardized for 60%
hydroxycitric acid, Gymnema sylvestre extract [leaf] Standardized for 25%
gymnemic acids, Soy phospholipids supplying phosphatidyl ethanolamine (NOPE),
phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl choline, Rhodiola rosea extract [root]
Standardized for 5% rosavins, Withania somnifera [root] standardized for 1.5%
withanolides, HydroxyTea: 414 mg, Green tea extract (as Camellia sinensis)
[leaf] Supplying polyphenols, catechins epigallocatechin gallate - 91 mg EGCG,
Caffeine anhydrous - White tea extract (as Camellia sinensis) [leaf]
Standardized for 50% polyphenols, 50% catechins, 15% EGCG, Oolong tea extract
(as Camellia sinensis) [leaf] Standardized for 50% polyphenols, 25% catechins,
15% EGCG, Supplying 200 mg of caffeine.
Comments: We wonder whether the high amounts of chromium are partly
or mostly responsible for the liver damage. Each Hydroxycut pill contains 133
mcg of chromium and some people may have taken 4 pills a day.
Quick weight loss pill
We believe, based on feedback from users, that Diet Rx is a quick weight loss
pill.
The strongest or most effective
weight loss pill
We are often asked what the strongest or most effective weight loss pill is on
the market today. This is impossible to answer since there are thousands of such
products and no comparison tests have been done to determine the most effective
and best weight loss pill.
Thyroid weight loss pill
If you have low thyroid hormone in your body, you are likely to gain weight. By
taking thyroid hormone pills, you can improve your metabolism and lose weight.
However, we don't recommend people with normal thyroid levels to take additional
thyroid hormone since heart rhythm problems could occur.
Top 10 weight loss pills
We are often asked to list the top ten weight loss pills. This is impossible to
do since there are thousands of natural herbal weight loss pills on the market.
Weight loss diet pill medicines
don't work too well
Long-term treatment with the prescription
weight loss drugs orlistat (Xenical or over the
counter Alli),
sibutramine (Meridia) or rimonabant (Acomplia) produces only minor weight loss
while increasing the risks for heart disease and other side effects. Although
patients taking these weight loss drugs may lose a few pounds, in a review of
long term studies, orlistat reduced weight by 3 kg, sibutramine by 4 kg,
and rimonabant by 4.7 kg. Not only are these prescription weight loss drugs expensive, but
the side effects counter any potential weight loss benefit.
Xenical prevents the absorption of fat. It improves blood pressure and blood
sugar
control in patients with diabetes but increases gastrointestinal side
effects, lowers HDL cholesterol levels, and lowers the absorption of fat soluble
vitamins. Some claim that it may increase the risk for colon cancer.
Meridia weight loss pill is chemically related to amphetamines. It lowers HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels but raises blood pressure and
pulse rate. Acomplia
improves HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as
blood pressure and blood sugar control in diabetic patients but increases mood
disorders, such as depression or anxiety. and increases the risk for suicide.
Many doctors
prescribe weight loss pill medications thinking that they
are effective and safe. These prescription weight loss pills have disappointed
many people.
Weight loss energy pill
Green tea extract is a good weight loss energy pill. Carnitine can also increase
energy, so can hoodia.
Women's weight loss pill
There is no need to have a weight loss pill for women that has a different
composition that for men. Natural weight loss herbs and supplements work in a
similar manner in a man and a woman.
Most common weight loss
supplements
A review of the most common weight loss supplements in stores done in 2006
revealed the following. Green tea (Camellia sinensis),
chromium picolinate, ginger root [Zingiber officinale], guarana [Paullinia
cupana], hydroxycitric acid [Garcinia cambogia], white willow [Salix alba],
Siberian ginseng [Eleutherococcus senticosus], cayenne [Capsicum annuum], and
bitter orange / zhi shi ( Citrus aurantium ).
Additional pages on this website
Weight control
tips that can help you lose weight with or without the use of weigh loss
pills.
Weight loss program
ideas that work to keep unwanted weight off your abdomen.
Weight loss study
provides up to date research on new studies involving effective natural weight
loss.
Withanolide found
in ashwagandha plant that help with relaxation and stress reduction.
Xanthium
sibiricum fruit health benefit
Xanthophyll ingestion,
such as lutein and zeaxanthin, is associated with a lower risk of advanced
age-related macular degeneration.
Yastimadhu is an
Ayurvedic herb known as licorice root.
Withaferin A is present
in high amounts in an herb called ashwagandha.
Zanthoxylum
bungeanum Green Huajiao
Zhejiang
fritillary can be found in bamboo thickets in China and Japan.
Weight loss pill products sold over the counter
Slim Styles PGX, 500 mg, 180 Capsules Natural Factors
Weight loss claims, May 2008 - Drug
companies and weight loss drugs
In response to a joint citizen’s petition filed by the American Dietetic
Association (ADA), The Obesity Society, Shaping America’s Health and
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, LP, which asks the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to treat weight loss claims for dietary supplements as
disease claims, the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), the leading trade
association representing the dietary supplement industry, issued the following
statement.
Statement by Steve Mister, President and CEO: “CRN plans to oppose this petition
to re-classify weight loss claims as either disease claims or health claims
requiring FDA approval. We believe weight loss claims are legitimate and
appropriate claims for products in the dietary supplement category, provided
these products have substantiation to support the truthfulness of these claims.
FDA has made it clear that it considers weight loss claims appropriate and
permissible under the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act (DSHEA)—meaning
that manufacturers should not have to seek the Agency’s approval before making
these claims. Therefore, CRN intends to vigorously defend the industry’s rights
in this area.”
14-May-2008 - A petition by drug firm GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
requesting that weight loss claims be treated as disease claims maintains that
there is no credible science to back up weight loss ingredients used in dietary
supplements. GSK filed the petition, together with the American Dietetic
Association, The Obesity Society and Shaping America's Health, an association
for weight management. The petition says that obesity and overweight are
significant risk factors for certain diseases, and so natural products promoting
weight loss should be treated as drugs. However, the petitioners also claim that
"there is no credible evidence whatsoever to support any type of qualified
health claim for a weight loss supplement".
It appears that drug companies feel threatened by natural weight
loss supplements and are trying to prevent the market growth of natural
supplements that may compete against
weight loss drugs.
Weight loss pill scams -
prescription drugs in over the counter weigh toss pills
December 2008 - The FDA testing has identified sibutramine (a prescription drug)
in many over the counter weight loss pills products, rimonabant in one product,
phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) in two products, and phenolphthalein (a
solution used in chemical experiments) in eight of the products. Sibutramine can
cause high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or
stroke. Rimonabant, has been associated with increased risk of depression and
suicidal thoughts. The weight loss pill products listed by the FDA include
Somotrim; Superslim; TripleSlim; Zhen de Shou; Fatloss Slimming; 2 Day Diet; 3x
Slimming Power; Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet; 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming; 3 Day
Diet; 7 Day Herbal Slim; 8 Factor Diet; 7 Diet Day/Night Formula; 999 Fitness
Essence; Extrim Plus; GMP; Imelda Perfect Slim; Lida DaiDaihua; Miaozi Slim
Capsules; Perfect Slim; Perfect Slim 5x; Phyto Shape; ProSlim Plus; Royal
Slimming Formula; Slim 3 in 1; Slim Express 360; Slimtech; and Venom Hyperdrive
3.0.