The rate of obesity has more than doubled since 1980, and one in three American adults is obese, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity has been linked to many chronic diseases, including sleep apnea, and it is a leading cause of preventable death. Due to the health risks and social pressures associated with obesity, people are interested in new diets, exercise regimens, and weight loss products. Although the FDA has approved two prescription drugs for weight loss, many patients have concerns about side effects and prefer natural ingredients. OTC weight loss supplements often contain ingredients such as green tea extract, acai berry, raspberry ketone, white kidney bean extract, seaweed, and glucomannan. Some of these products also contain caffeine, guarana, and weak diuretics.
I get a lot of questions about OTC weight loss products, especially Green coffee bean extract (GCE) recently since it has been widely promoted. Green coffee beans are unroasted and contain higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (CGA) than a cup of coffee. This ingredient is supposed to promote fat metabolism and lessen the amount of glucose or sugar that is absorbed. This is important since glucose that is unused by your cells for energy end up turning into fat. Studies have shown that doses of 350 mg taken 3 times daily led to patients losing 5 to 10% of body weight over a 6-week period. Keep in mind, these studies were conducted in Japan, India, and other countries whose residents have different diets than the average American. If you are going to use this product, make sure it is produced in the USA, contains at least 45% CGA, and is low in caffeine. Researchers have not established a standard dosage and long term effects are unknown. Patients with heart disease should avoid this product.
I get a lot of questions about OTC weight loss products, especially Green coffee bean extract (GCE) recently since it has been widely promoted. Green coffee beans are unroasted and contain higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (CGA) than a cup of coffee. This ingredient is supposed to promote fat metabolism and lessen the amount of glucose or sugar that is absorbed. This is important since glucose that is unused by your cells for energy end up turning into fat. Studies have shown that doses of 350 mg taken 3 times daily led to patients losing 5 to 10% of body weight over a 6-week period. Keep in mind, these studies were conducted in Japan, India, and other countries whose residents have different diets than the average American. If you are going to use this product, make sure it is produced in the USA, contains at least 45% CGA, and is low in caffeine. Researchers have not established a standard dosage and long term effects are unknown. Patients with heart disease should avoid this product.
Sensa is another popular weight loss product. It was invented by neurologist Alan Hirsch and works on the same brain mechanisms that control hunger and satiety or feeling full. Sensa's manufacturers claim that when it is sprinkled on food, it enhances the smell and taste of food and, as a result, the feeling of fullness. There has been no evidence documenting the efficacy of Sensa for significant weight loss or maintenance of weight loss. Glucomannan (Lipozene) is a bulk-forming agent that works by forming a gel-like substance in the gastrointestinal tract that decreases the overall absorption of dietary fat and protein. This chemical helps you feel full as a result of it's fiber content. In studies, it was associated with a modest weight loss of 5 lbs in 8 weeks. Similar results can be achieved with a diet high in fiber. White kidney bean extract acts on a stomach enzyme called amylase, resulting in decreased digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Due to a delay in stomach emptying, it makes you feel full which can lead to less food intake and weight loss.
Raspberry ketone, present in raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries, and bitter orange are two ingredients found in weight loss supplements. These chemicals have ephedra- like properties and work by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. Evidence on safety and efficacy are limited. Increased blood pressure has been linked to raspberry ketone Fainting, heart-attacks and strokes in otherwise healthy people have been reported with bitter orange alone or in combo with caffeine.
OTC supplements marketed for weight loss are not to be used by patients with high blood pressure or that have heart related issues as these drugs can increase blood pressure and overall risk for heart attack and stroke especially in this patient population. Whether they are marketed as "natural" and most have ingredients that patients have not heard of yet have similar effects as caffeine, ephedra etc. The number of dietary supplements marketed for weight loss continues to grow. Patients should not purchase weight loss products online, as they may contain drugs, such as sibutramine or amphetamines that are harmful. Changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise, reduced calorie intake, increase fiber in your diet and overall healthy eating are really tried and true measures for keeping weight down and living healthier.
- Vanessa Andricola, Pharm D.
Raspberry ketone, present in raspberries, cranberries, and blackberries, and bitter orange are two ingredients found in weight loss supplements. These chemicals have ephedra- like properties and work by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. Evidence on safety and efficacy are limited. Increased blood pressure has been linked to raspberry ketone Fainting, heart-attacks and strokes in otherwise healthy people have been reported with bitter orange alone or in combo with caffeine.
OTC supplements marketed for weight loss are not to be used by patients with high blood pressure or that have heart related issues as these drugs can increase blood pressure and overall risk for heart attack and stroke especially in this patient population. Whether they are marketed as "natural" and most have ingredients that patients have not heard of yet have similar effects as caffeine, ephedra etc. The number of dietary supplements marketed for weight loss continues to grow. Patients should not purchase weight loss products online, as they may contain drugs, such as sibutramine or amphetamines that are harmful. Changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise, reduced calorie intake, increase fiber in your diet and overall healthy eating are really tried and true measures for keeping weight down and living healthier.
- Vanessa Andricola, Pharm D.