Weight Loss pills - Do Herbal Weight Loss pills work? A review of over the counter weight loss pills and products

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.
  
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.

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.

Try a FREE Diet Rx bottle by clicking here, find out the ingredients, and see a list of hundreds of high quality natural supplement products

High Quality products formulated by a medical doctor
Consider highly popular all natural products formulated by a world famous medical doctor, Ray Sahelian, M.D. These include Mind Power Rx for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less; Good Night Rx with valerian, 5-HTP and melatonin for better sleep; Eyesight Rx for better vision, often within days; MultiVit Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; Passion Rx for sexual enhancement in men and women; and Veg Rx which supplies the missing nutrients in a vegetarian diet.

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.

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 www.raysahelian.com 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."
Apple cider vinegar is promoted as a weight loss pill but little human research is available to support the claims.
Banaba leaf is used in Southeast Asia to lower blood sugar and promote healthy insulin levels that are related to appetite.
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.
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 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. For more hoodia diet weight loss information.
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.
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. See St. John's wort depression for more information.
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 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 links of interest
Anti obesity drugs and prescription weight loss pills information
Ray Sahelian, M.D. natural healing web site that has a discussion on weight loss pills and programs.

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 weight loss pill
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.

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 to be the most common. 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
Withanolide found in ashwagandha plant
Yastimadhu is an Ayurvedic herb known as licorice root
Xanthium sibiricum fruit health benefit
Xanthophyll ingestion, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, is associated with a lower risk of advanced age-related macular degeneration.

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.

Additional pages on this website
Zanthoxylum bungeanum Green Huajiao
Zeaxanthin astaxanthin information as antioxidants and benefit for vision health.
Zhejiang fritillary can be found in bamboo thickets in China and Japan.