Weight Loss Supplements

The FDA states that some bulking agents used in diet supplements, such as fiber-based products, may absorb liquid and swell in the stomach, thereby reducing hunger. Some of these fillers, such as guar gum, can be harmful, causing obstructions in the intestines, stomach, or esophagus. The FDA has taken legal action against several promoters of diet supplements containing guar gum.

There are some effective and healthy diet supplements for weight loss. Some weight loss supplements help control appetite, but they can have serious side effects. Other diet supplements can be highly addictive and can have adverse effects on the heart and central nervous system, while some weight loss supplements do nothing at all.

Some appetite suppressant supplements contain amphetamine derivatives and are highly addictive. In addition their effect tends to wear off if they are taken for long periods, so the patient is inclined to take larger and larger doses with ever increasing addiction. A high risk method of weight loss with no evidence of long term weight control.

HCA or hydroxycitric acid, is an herbal extract found in commercial weight-loss supplements. The chemical supposedly suppresses the appetite and slows down the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. But in a study published in the Nov. 11, 1998, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from Columbia University gave HCA herbal diet supplements (1,500 milligrams each day) to 66 overweight patients. Result: HCA failed to produce significant weight loss.

Short for phenylpropanolamine, PPA was one of the most popular weight loss drugs in the country, but not because of it's outstanding weight loss benefits. According to Robert Sherman of the FDA's Office of Over the Counter Drug Evaluation, "even the best studies show only about a half pound greater weight loss per week using PPA combined with diet and exercise." PPA also had significant side effects. In October 2000, The FDA concluded that PPA was too dangerous to be available in over-the-counter weight loss supplements and called for makers to stop selling diet pills containing it.

When checking out weight loss supplements, read the claims and literature carefully. One product manufacturer, who claimed his diet supplements were very beneficial for weight loss, also encouraged users to exercise for 20 to 60 minutes five to seven days a week; eat three low-fat, balanced meals and two snacks every day; eat at least two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetable each day; drink six to eight glasses of water every day; limit or stop drinking alcohol; stop eating two to three hours before bedtime; reach for the walking shoes before reaching for the refrigerator...etc. Since all this virtually guarantees weight loss and long term weight control, what is the point of buying the weight loss supplements?