Safety and Effectiveness of Common Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Pills
PRODUCT CLAIM EFFECTIVENESS SIDE EFFECTS
Alli OTC version of Decreases absorption of Effective; but weight loss Loose stools, oily spotting, frequent or hard-to-
prescription drug orlistat (Xenical) dietary fat is even more modest than that with Xenical control bowel movements; reports of rare, but serious liver injury
Bitter orange Increases calories burned Probably ineffective Similar to ephedra: raised blood pressure and heart rate
Chitosan Blocks absorption of dietary fat Probably ineffective Uncommon: upset stomach, nausea, gas, increased stool bulk, constipation
Chromium Decreases appetite and increases calories burned Probably ineffective Uncommon: headache, insomnia, irritability, mood changes, cognitive dysfunction
Conjugated linoleic acid Reduces body fat Possibly effective Upset stomach, nausea, loose stools
Green tea extract Decreases appetite, and increases calorie and fat metabolism Insufficient evidence to evaluate Dizziness, insomnia, agitation, nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, diarrhea
Guar gum Blocks absorption of dietary fat and increases feeling of fullness Possibly ineffective Abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea
Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Pills: Do They Work?
Safety and Effectiveness of Common Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Pills Photo Gallery
Hoodia Decreases appetite Insufficient evidence to evaluate Insufficient information available sometimes result in rapid short-term weight loss, the weight is typically regained because users don’t learn to change their eating and lifestyle behaviors.
Herbal Supplements As described in Chapter 8, herbs are marketed as dietary supplements, and there is little information about effectiveness, proper dosage, drug interactions, and side effects. In addition, labels may not accurately reflect the ingredients and dosages present, and safe manufacturing practices are not guaranteed. For example, the substitution of a toxic herb for another compound during the manufacture of a Chinese herbal weight-loss preparation caused more than 100 cases of kidney damage and cancer among users in Europe.
The FDA has banned the sale of ephedra (ma huang), stating that it presented a significant and unreasonable risk to human health. Ephedrine, the active ingredient in ephedra, is structurally similar to amphetamine and was widely used in weight-loss supplements. It may suppress appetite, but adverse effects have included elevated blood pressure, panic attacks, seizures, insomnia, and increased risk of heart attack
