You may have noticed that weight loss has almost become an obsession with people wanting to look younger and healthier. With more stress laid on the personal appearance of a person, the weight loss industry is looking up. The market is flooded with all kinds of weight loss products from drugs and medication to food supplements and herbal formulas. Many of the products claim dramatic breakthrough formulas for quick results. How good these are in effecting weight reduction, and how safe they are is indeed a cause of concern. With the present generation on the go looking for quick solutions for weight problems, there is no stopping them from resorting to quick fix weight solutions.

Resorting to Quick Fixes like:

Drugs and Supplements

Drugs are serious issue and you should not equate them to popping an OTC pill for headache. Weight loss drugs are right for people who are obese and at a medical risk owing to their obesity. Normal people, who are overweight, are not recommended drug use for weight loss, unless there are serious health issues related to their overweight condition.

Most drugs and medications available on the market are ‘appetite suppressants’. They work on your weight by reducing appetite or enhancing the feeling of having a full stomach. They help increase the levels of catecholamine or serotonin that influence your brain and appetite.

Another important piece of information for you is that weight loss drugs need approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be marketed. Most available weight loss drugs carry the FDA approval for short-term use for a few weeks or months. However, two weight loss drugs, orlistat and sibutramine, find approval with the FDA for long-term basis for the use of highly obese patients, but the safety and effectiveness factors have not been established for consumption beyond one year. So, you should be exercising due caution if you are on these drugs for obesity.

At times, doctors prescribe medication for time durations or conditions not approved by the FDA. This practice is known as ‘off-label’ use. Doctors need to resort to this practice in case a patient is suffering from many conditions. Using more than one weight loss drug simultaneously is also known as ‘off-label’ use. So can the use of short-term drugs for longer periods called ‘off-label’ use.

The weight loss medications available for obesity treatment are effective and are known to cause weight loss of up to 15 kilos more than non-drug treatments. Please note that it is not necessary for two individuals taking identical weight loss medication and diet to lose identical amount of weight. Weight loss is dependent on the rate of metabolism and other factors. If you are obese, then at the initial phase of the weight loss medication ingestion, you may register a weight loss of over ten percent. It is a good sign, as it reduces the risk factor. Maximum weight loss can be observed during the first six months of the treatment. Thereafter, your weight tends to settle down somewhat, or increase. If you do not register a minimum 2½ to 3 kilos loss in weight within in the first four weeks, the medication might just not help you further. As such, you may be suggested a change in medication, or you may ask for an alternate medication plan.

Even some antidepressant medications are being used for weight loss purposes for their appetite suppressant properties. Of course, their use is ‘off-label’ because FDA approval is available for treatment of depression cases. It will help to know that anti-depressants have not shown to be very effective in this regard. Though initially some weight loss is noticed, but later, while still on the drug, users have been reported to regain weight.

Diet Supplements

The market is flooded with diet supplements of all kinds promising quick weight loss. Since the FDA does not strictly regulate the supplement industry, there are more chances that the side effects of ingredients may not have got the desired attention. Please take note that over-the-counter diet supplements can react with the prescription medication and produce undesired effects. They can even cause harm to the user’s health. Since adequate research may not have gone into the product because of lack of strict regulations, the under noted shortcomings have been observed.

• It is not necessary that the product may be consistent with what is mentioned on the label. The potency described on the label may be safe, but the product may not have the potency at all, or contain dangerously high doses of potency.

• The supplements are normally not free of contaminants. The proportion of minerals present may be higher than the safety standard. Lead is a serious body contaminant.

• Companies may make false claims about their products by wording their claims smartly to circumvent the law. The law states that manufacturers cannot make unproven claims. But, companies can get away with a claim saying, “The product may lead to weight loss”, instead of making a direct statement. To feed on the current craze of weight management, some companies may resort to unproven claims to make a quick buck, until they are stopped from doing so.

• People using these expensive supplements normally are careful about their diet, and to gain maximum mileage from the supplement they take up some exercise routine as well. When they lose weight, it is the supplement that gets all the credit and not the diet and exercise.

Cautious Approach

It is important for you to exercise due caution before you decide to use a diet supplement. In case you are on some medication, it will help to consult you doctor before embarking on a supplement. As mentioned above, supplements may interfere your medication.

People normally believe that natural or herbal supplements are safe. What they may not know is that dietary supplements do not require FDA approval. These may also contain drugs that promote rapid weight loss by suppressing appetite and enhancing the rate of metabolism. The weight loss caused does not have a long-term effect, as users gain weight once the diet is discontinued. Moreover, there is a two-pronged risk involving drugs – one, of being addicted to them, and two, suffering from their harmful side effects.

What you need to be aware of is the fact that most natural and herbal supplements available on the market are not put to any scientific testing before being made available for consumption. So, there is always a question mark on their safety. You will have to approach such supplements with caution, and check it out with a qualified health professional before using them for weight loss purpose.

Herbal Formulas

The word “herbal” tends to provide us a sense of safety, which is not so always. Top nutritionists and herbalists are of the view that herbs should not be taken in absence of proper medical guidance. The weight loss market is saturated with herbal formulas, some of which might not be safe for consumption. This is why herbal formulas need to be chosen wisely.

Advertisements can be quite misleading. They might make you think that herbal formulas are absolutely safe and can be taken by anyone. These advertisements feed off our sense of desperation to lose weight. In the process of looking for that magical formula, we tend to harm our health by believing the claims of some unscrupulous manufacturers.

As a consumer, you will need to assess your health condition. If you are suffering from conditions like high blood pressure, heart ailments, depression, diabetes, or any other serious ailment, it will be best to consult your health care provider first. Herbal weight loss supplements can cause a reaction with a prior medication you may be taking for a health condition.

It will help to do a little research of your own on the herbal supplement you intend taking. Make sure that the manufacturer is a reputed company. Next, see whether any qualified doctors and researchers are involved with the product. Check out their credentials. There is a lot at stake for a doctor or a team of doctors. So, you can be sure that a product they are involved in during the formulation stage can be relied upon.

Most herbal products show that an official sounding lab has been involved, and display their approval certification to create confidence in their product. It is important to check the credibility of such labs.

The label on the bottle or pack reveals critical information about the ingredients used in the product. You would be at an advantage, if you understand how these ingredients work. According to FDA guidelines, manufacturers need not mention standardized amounts in case of herbal supplements. You should check the label to make sure that standardized amounts are mentioned. That will ensure that the same formula is used in each bottle. Otherwise, even a negligible quantity of a product used will find a mention on the label, without it really helping the user.

Manufactures also mention the word ‘chelated’ or ‘amino acid bound’ to inform the user that the minerals are absorbed by the body better and more effectively. Buying individual herbs in their pure form, mixing them up, and consuming them are no guarantee that you will lose weight. Most herbs and minerals need blending in optimum proportions, which can be done through the manufacturing process only.

Herbal formulas are not going to work magic on your body. You will need a weight loss regimen that includes a healthy diet and an exercise routine besides a good quality herbal weight loss supplement.

Not all Weight Loss Herbs are Harmless

The common belief is that all herbs are safe for health. But, this is not the case. Some of the following herbs that are used in weight loss formulas can cause harm to your health in certain conditions.

• Ephedra is a herb that is most commonly used in weight loss supplements. It is popularly also known as ephedra extract, ephedrine, ephedra sinica, ma huang, epitonin, and sida cordifolia. Ephedra should be avoided in case you are suffering from hypertension, heart, kidney, or thyroid ailments. High doses of ephedra can increase heart palpitations, and cause side effects including seizures, chest pain, stroke and heart attack.

• People suffering from bowel problems or other digestion-related ailments should avoid selenium and capsaicin.

• If you are using diuretics, it is best to keep away from cascara and senna herbs that are normally found in most herbal weight loss teas. These two herbs are also used in herbal laxatives in conjunction with aloe vera, and rhubarb root, which can cause diarrhea and cramps. The overuse of these herbs can cause your bowel movements to get dysfunctional without laxative stimulation.

• People who are taking anti-coagulants or blood thinners should avoid licorice root, gingko biloba, and dong quay.

• Fen-phen, a popular weight loss ingredient has been known to cause heart valve damage and primary pulmonary hypertension.

• Kava is not suitable for persons on mood altering drugs, or those who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Some Beneficial and Safe Herbs

As mentioned above, not all herbs are safe under certain medical conditions and in conjunction with particular medication. Most herbalists are of the opinion that users should consult with their health care providers before starting to use a new herbal supplement. Some beneficial and safe herbs are described below for your benefit.

Herb

Botanical Name

Description

Kelp

Macrosytic pyrifere Kelp is a plant that contains high iodine content. Iodine is ideal for the thyroid and helps enhance its efficiency, thereby keeping body weight under control through improved metabolic process. The selenium content is high too, which helps in reducing depression caused by the weight problem. Kelp is a very useful herb, as it also provides Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin G, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, lithium, chlorine, zinc, sulfur, potassium, and sodium. It helps in improving the digestive process.

Parsley

Petroselinum sativum Parsley is an efficient diuretic. It strengthens and allows the kidneys and bladder to work more efficiently. As it regulates the flow of urine, it is helpful for patients with edema. Parsley taken in leaf form is used in salads as a side garnish. It is good for stomachaches, and releases abdominal gas. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur.

Dandelion

Taraxacum officiale Dandelion contains potassium and sodium that helps in reducing high blood pressure. The lecithin content helps improve the functioning of the liver and gallbladder. An efficient diuretic, dandelion assists the kidneys to flush out toxins and excessive body fluids. It also improves digestion and blood circulation. Dandelion also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin G, Vitamin P, calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Echinacea

Brauneria angustifolia Echinacea has great healing properties. It assists the assimilation of other herbs. When used with goldenseal it effectively clears infections and boils. Used both internally and externally, Echinacea is used to treat eye infection, sty, ear infection, throat infection and urinary bladder and kidney infections. It also assists in the cleansing of the lymphatic system.

Mandrake

Podophyllum peltatum Mandrake is used as a mild laxative to relieve constipation. It also is good for the liver. When blended with some herbs, it helps detoxify the blood. It is also used on fresh wounds to prevent infection. It is used in small quantities, as it can cause hallucination.

Black Walnut

Julgans nigra It helps in keeping the skin healthy. The iodine content helps the thyroid to perform efficiently, which regulates weight through improved metabolism. In conjunction with Echinacea and goldenseal, it helps in eliminating infection and parasites.

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare Being fibrous, fennel helps the eliminative process. It removes the old waste stuck to the colon walls. It normalizes appetite, thereby controlling weight of heavy eaters. Fennel contains potassium, sodium, and sulfur. It helps in obesity and digestive system problems.

Chickweed

Stellaria media Chickweed is an efficient diuretic that assists in assimilation of other herbs and helps them process and dissolve fat. It assists the process of weight loss. It is also used as a mild scrub for facial acne.

Saffron

Crocus sativus Saffron acts as a mild laxative, and provides a soothing and calming effect. It relieves abdominal gas, while preventing its formation. It is good for people suffering from constipation and stomach cramps. Known to improve oxygen content in blood, saffron purifies the blood thoroughly. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and relieves headaches. It contains Vitamin A and Vitamin B2.

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza globra Licorice is a sweet tasting root that causes antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergenic action in the body. Being mildly laxative in nature, it helps relieve constipation. It has properties that help in reining in high blood pressure, growth of cancer cells, and preventing tooth decay. Licorice is also useful in urinary tract problems, colds, and stomachaches. It contains phosphorous.

Hawthorn Berries

Crataegus oxyacanthus Shaped like a human heart, these berries are beneficial to the heart. It checks heart palpitations by soothing it. When in need of energy and vitality, you can turn to hawthorn berries.

Burdock

Arctium lappa Burdock is known for its blood purifying properties, and is used as a diuretic too. It improves the flow of urine and, thereby, helps people suffering from edema (water retention). It helps soothe skin irritation. Burdock helps obese people lose weight.

The above twelve herbs are safe for weight loss purposes. They are based on effective elimination of wastes and purification of blood. It is important to have complete bowel movement everyday. Waste matter that is not cleared is responsible for toxin build up in your body and can cause weight gain too. The accumulated waste can weigh up to 3 kilos.

These twelve herbs are taken in equal proportion and mixed thoroughly. The mixture can be stuffed in “00” veggie or gel capsules. You may gulp down three capsules after every meal. Take three papaya enzyme pills along with these capsules. Thereafter, you may take a cup of chickweed tea.

This herbal supplement can make you lose up to 10 kilos of weight in a month, besides providing you nutrients. Begin this supplement program by taking only one pill after every meal along with two pills of papaya enzyme pills for the first few days. You may initially experience some stomach cramping and release of abdominal gas. Weight loss will be noticed within a month of starting this supplement program.

Effect of Diet Drugs In the Long Run

The sense of desperation attached to weight loss is so strong that people can easily be influenced into taking something that can cause harm to their health. You can easily be swayed into taking these diet drugs when a friend taking these pills loses weight. These quick fixes can reduce your weight, which might seem impressive, but you tend to regain weight when the drug intake is stopped. Besides, you may have to suffer the side effects that can cause permanent harm to your health.

Types of Diet Pills

Most diet pills can be classified as Over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills, and prescription diet pills.

(i) OTC Diet Pills

The OTC diet and weight loss pills are very popular among overweight people trying to lose weight. These pills are classified as food supplements and not diet drugs, and experts feel that it is misleading. The food supplement industry is largely unregulated and these diet pills are not tested by the FDA. These are exempt from dosage and labeling requirements unlike prescription diet pills. As such, experts feel that these OTC supplements should be classified as diet drugs since they could prove to be health hazards in absence of official regulation.

The OTC diet pills and weight loss supplements are not free from dangerous side effects. Some of the ingredients behave the same way as amphetamine does. Since the dangerous side effects go unreported, unsuspecting people continue to follow this dangerous OTC diet and weight loss pills fad.

Dangers of OTC Diet Pills

There is no guarantee that OTC diet and weight loss pills are safe. Since they contain a blend of various ingredients that have not been adequately tested for their side effects and dosage, they can never be considered safe. Some of the side effects noticed are tremor, nervousness, heart palpitations, bulging eyes, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and even heart failure.

(ii) Prescription Diet Pills

Prescription diet pills are classified as diet drugs, and are regulated by the FDA. The side effects of these pills are monitored. Some of the brands of prescription pills available on the market are Adipex, Bontril, Didrex, Meridia, Phentermine, Tenuate, and Xenical. Prescription diet pills are required to have labels that mention the ingredients and the proportion used.

Prescription diet pills are meant for people suffering from serious obesity. Their BMI (body mass index) should be above 35. Diet pills are not to be taken lightly, and in no way are these to replace normal weight loss diet plans and exercise regimens. Generally, people who do not get the desired results from conventional diet plans and exercise programs are tempted to try out these pills, which are fraught with risks of dangerous side effects.

Dangers of Prescription Diet Pills

Prescription diet pills have side effects that can be dangerous to your health. That is the reason that these drugs are required to be prescribed by qualified doctors only. Overdose of these drugs can be harmful; hence, you need to follow the doctor’s advice diligently.

Many of the prescription diet pills work on your brain, which then sends a signal to your body that the stomach is full. These appetite suppressant drugs can cause side effects like high blood pressure, hair loss, fever, chest pain, heart damage, impotence, and depression among many others. Certain diet pills that act on the intestines have side effects such as diarrhea and oily stools. Xenical users have these typical side effects and have to follow a low-fat diet plan.

Many of the side effects vary in individuals depending on factors such as the amount of drug taken, the number of times taken, the drug taken in combination of other drugs, substances or foods. The effect of the drug varies according to body type, too.

The dramatic breakthrough formulas that have hit the weight loss scene with great impact need to be explored with a lot of caution. Jumping the weight loss bandwagon just to have a quick fix solution is fraught with risks that can cause long-term health damage. Shedding a few kilos off your body frame quickly is not worth it. You end up losing both your money and health. A better option of course is the slightly longer but safer conventional healthy diet and exercise regimen.