Weight Loss Supplements – Part 1

Weight loss supplements are all the rage. The weight loss industry has many options available that take advantage of the different genetic variations, metabolisms and exercise habits of people who desire to lose weight.

Obesity is a problem that faces 2/3 of the American adult population and 15% of the teenagers. The problem has been growing over the past several decades and continues to create medical and emotional problems. (1) The number of weight loss supplements is also growing as the waistline of Americans continues to expand.

Although the way to lose weight is simple, the execution is difficult. Many people turn to weight loss supplements because changing their eating habits is very difficult and using supplements and pills can sometimes help reduce the challenge.

We also want fast progress. We want fast food, fast Internet, fast service and fast weight loss. We want it all, and we want it all quickly and painlessly.

Weight loss supplements fall into two large categories; over the counter and prescription medications. Prescription supplements are only available through your doctor and a licensed pharmacist. Prescription medications have undergone severe testing by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The manufacturing of these products is also regulated.

Over the counter weight loss supplements are not regulated by the FDA and are not classified as drugs. Because they are not classified as drugs there is no regulation on their distribution or the manufacturing process. And there usually are no stringently performed research studies that evaluate the efficacy and side effects of the weight loss supplements.

Ephedra is an example of a weight loss supplement that has shown a high success rate with weight loss but also has very serious side effects, which include blood pressure problems, cardiac issues and death. Eventually, the media coverage on Ephedra made a huge dent in the sales volume of the supplement and improved the health of those who thought that taking it would be an easy route to lose weight. (2)

References:

(1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Adult Obesity Facts

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

(2) University of Maryland Medical Center: Ephedra Overview: Potential Dangers of a Widely Used Supplement

http://www.umm.edu/features/ep_overview.htm

(3) Planta Medica; Characterization of in vitro pharmacokinetic properties of hoodigogenin A from Hoodia gordonii.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19639535