The use of dietary supplements for weight loss is a topic about which there has been much controversy. Concerns about excess weight have existed in our society, as well as those of other developed countries, for a very long time. In their efforts to lose weight, people have used, and continue to use any and all means at their disposal, including some methods that may even pose a risk to their health. For instance, the use of prescription weight loss drugs has become increasingly more popular, despite the fact that such drugs continue to be under the watchful eye of government agencies, in the U.S. and abroad, due to potential health risks.
      With this in mind, those using or considering the use of such drugs would be prudent to at least evaluate other options, such as natural weight loss supplements, that tend to carry little, if any, health risk. Keeping in mind that excess weight is a serious and growing problem, directly tied to many of the most serious public health risks, it is no wonder that the use of weight loss supplements has increased dramatically in recent years.

      There are hundreds of weight loss supplements on the market today. The majority of them are formulated to either suppress the appetite, control the appetite, particularly cravings, influence fat absorption, or increase the body's metabolism resulting in the burning of fat. Which of these categories, if any, are appropriate for any particular individual depends on many factors, all of which should be given serious consideration in consultation with a health care provider before a decision is made.
      Appetite control. The category of supplements involved in appetite control has received considerable attention in the scientific community in recent years. Numerous studies have shown a connection between the role of the brain in eating behavior and common food cravings. Supplements formulated according to this so-called neuronutrient science are designed to help your brain control your urge to indulge in food. When used as part of a healthy diet and exercise program, this type of supplement may help you lose weight and more importantly, maintain the loss.
      Fat burning. Perhaps the most popular, and controversial category of weight loss supplements involves the stimulation of the body's metabolism to promote fat burning, a process known as thermogenesis. The most common ingredient found in such supplements is ephedra, a plant that is used as a natural source of ephedrine alkaloids. The most common species of this plant used for dietary supplement purposes is ephedra sinica, also known as ma huang.
      The ephedrine alkaloids in ephedra clearly act as a mild stimulant, and as such, help promote energy. The focus of previous and ongoing research is on whether ephedra is useful as an aid in weight loss. Most ephedra products formulated specifically with weight loss in mind contain a variety of other herbs in addition to the ephedra. Many, but not all products also contain some form of caffeine. Much of the research to date shows that individuals can achieve significant weight loss through the use of ephedra products, with or without the caffeine.
      As the controversy over ephedra use heats up, ephedra-free weight loss supplements are becoming increasingly more popular as consumers look for alternative fat-burning products. More and more companies are developing products using a variety of herbs and other nutrients to stimulate the body’s metabolism and thus burn fat.

      Appetite control supplements formulated with naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids do not include any stimulants, and are therefore considered non-addictive. The use of such neuronutrients to resist food cravings and control the appetite does not appear to be a safety concern for individuals choosing this type of supplement for weight loss purposes.
      On the other hand, despite the positive weight loss outcomes experienced by millions of individuals, the use of ephedra has raised some serious questions due to the number of reports of adverse events related to its use (see ephedra alerts). It would appear that the ongoing controversy has more to do with the safety of ephedra than it does with the potential benefits of its use. The question at hand has to do with the degree, if any, to which the various adverse events were a result of using irresponsibly labeled and/or marketed products, or not taking the product as directed on the label (i.e., inappropriate dosage, or failure to heed warnings and recommendations against its use).
      As a result of safety concerns and legitimate issues raised regarding ephedra use, the dietary supplement industry has recognized the need for, and is actively promoting, national standards and consumer education to assure that their customers are both protected from irresponsible marketing and sales, and informed about how to safely consume ephedra products. Despite these efforts, many companies have already developed ephedra-free alternatives, and some companies have gone so far as to completely discontinue the sale of any ephedra-based product. As a result of these concerns, it is important that consumers be well informed and not be complacent when considering the use of ephedra products.

      As with any dietary supplement, and even more so with weight loss supplements, it is imperative that you discuss your intended use of these products with your health care provider. This is particularly important if you are excessively overweight or have any preexisting health conditions that would make the use of such products inappropriate, and possibly even unsafe. If weight loss supplements are appropriate for you, they may play an integral role in your weight management efforts as part of a healthy diet and exercise program.

      If you feel that a dietary supplement for weight loss might be appropriate, but you still have reservations, you are likely an intelligent consumer that would appreciate some additional information before deciding what course to take.
      Information on ephedra. If you would like additional information on ephedra and its derivatives, and/or some of the recent research that has been done on this herbal supplement, please see our Herbals page.
      Ephedra Education Council. Although supported by interests in the dietary supplement industry, the Ephedra Education Council has for some time sought to provide information as objective as possible concerning the use of weight loss supplements containing ephedra and its derivatives. The information on the Ephedra Education Council website is quite informative.

      Please see this additional information on a variety of specific ephedra-free weight loss supplements...

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