Quest For Weight Loss Magic Goes On

Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided ephedra was too dangerous and banned it, dieters are turning to other "magic bullets."

One is bitter orange, which is supposed to increase metabolism, suppress appetite and reduce the conversion of carbohydrates to fat.

Bitter orange is an extract from the peel of the Seville orange and is found in foods such as orange marmalade. Although safe in the tiny amounts found in food, bitter orange has yet to be proven safe in the larger quantities used in supplements.

Some small studies suggest this might work for weight loss. However, before you run off to the store, keep in mind that major studies are needed to find out if it's safe or effective. Bitter orange contains a chemical called synephrine, a weaker relative of ephedra.

"This is a poorly studied herb," says Michael P. Wascovich, associate director of pharmacy at the Cleveland Clinic. "It can affect the lungs, the heart and blood pressure."

CLA, green tea, chromium

Another supplement said to help people lose weight is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This is a type of fat normally found in beef and dairy products. Some researchers think CLA might help prevent obesity by affecting how the body absorbs fat and that CLA increases metabolism.

However, most research on CLA has been in animals, making it unclear whether it is safe and effective as a supplement for humans. However, emerging research suggests CLA may help ward off colon cancer. Your best bet? Get CLA from foods.

Green tea extract is an ingredient put in weight loss supplements. Manufacturers claim green tea extract, which contains caffeine, increases your metabolism, although this is not proven.

"Green tea extract and green tea in general have shown numerous benefits, including cholesterol-lowering effects, and some potential cancer-prevention effects," says Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, a nonprofit educational group for herbs.

Another popular supplement is chromium, which is an essential mineral that helps break down carbohydrates, protein and fats. Found in meat, cheese and whole grains, chromium helps your body use sugar. Its role in weight loss is unclear. Scant studies have been done in animals, but research in humans does not prove taking supplements of chromium helps people lose weight. High doses of chromium supplements may cause headaches, mood swings and insomnia.

Big money at stake

"Supplements are like snake oil. Anything you put in a bottle and say it will help you lose weight, people will buy it," Wascovich says. "Many of these supplements have poor studies on safety and efficacy."

The FDA does not monitor supplements and herbs. In most cases, you have no way of knowing the product's quality, safety and effectiveness. None of these weight loss supplements has been proven safe and effective in careful clinical trials. Some supplements and herbs can cause dangerous interactions with medications or worsen a health condition. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take these products. EVERYONE SHOULD TALK TO A DOCTOR, HEALTH CARE PROVIDER OR PHARMACIST BEFORE TAKING ANY SUPPLEMENT OR HERB.

Generally, manufacturers of weight loss supplements aren't motivated to sponsor studies on the safety and effectiveness of these substances. And there's no federal law requiring them to do studies on supplements and herbs, as there is for prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Not even stores that specialize in selling supplements have accurate information, Wascovich says.

"The staff at these stores often doesn't know what they are talking about. They have no obligation to protect patients' health, whereas the medical community does. And that's what worries me," Wascovich says.

A 1994 law allows the FDA to remove a dietary supplement from the market if the product harms people. This is what happened with ephedra, an herb used for weight loss. Hundreds of reports were sent to the FDA about ephedra's dangers, including effects on the nervous system and heart. The FDA also received hundreds of reports from consumers who were hurt by the drug, and some deaths were traced to the herb. The FDA finally took the unusual step of banning all ephedra products from the marketplace.

Diet and exercise

"The best way for people to lose weight before they take a pill is to watch their caloric intake and exercise more. It's a very simple and old formula that works," Blumenthal says, adding that supplements should be used only as an adjunct.

The Federal Trade Commission cites several red flags for weight-loss claims. Look out for anything that says it can:

• Cause weight loss of 2 pounds or more a week for one month or longer without dieting or exercise.
• Cause substantial weight loss regardless of what or how much you eat.
• Block the absorption of fat or calories so you can lose a lot of weight.
• Safely allow you to lose more than 3 pounds a week for more than four weeks.
• Cause substantial weight loss for everyone.
• Cause a lot of weight loss by wearing a product on the body or rubbing it on the skin.

Related Articles Eating Toward a Healthy Weight Reversing Obesity Weight-Loss Earrings? Eyeglasses? Staying On Track

External Sources The American Botanical Council The Cleveland Clinic

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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