II. General
- Most studies on these agents are too short duration
- Most studies have also been of low power
- No strong evidence that any supplements are effective in weight loss
III. Preparations: Agents with inconsistent results or weak evidence
- Glucomannan (Dietary Fiber source)
- Modest weight loss in small trials
- Hydroxymethylbutyrate or Pyruvate
- May increase Lean Body Mass
- Yohimbine
-
Ginseng
- No evidence to date supporting weight loss role
- May improve Glucose tolerance in diabetics
- Green Tea
- Pyruvate
- Raspberry Ketone
- Artificially synthesized to flavor food or as perfume in cosmetics
- Animal studies may show benefit in Lipid Metabolism
- No human studies to demonstrate benefit in weight loss
- No safety data for doses or frequency used for weight loss
- Palpitations have been reported
- Warfarin Drug Interaction reported (reduced Warfarin effect)
- References
- (2012) Presc Lett 19(5): 29
- Dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- Sex Hormone precursor (Testosterone, Estrogen)
- May reduce abdominal fat
- May increase Insulin sensitivity
- Long-term safety unclear
- Risk of Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer
- References
IV. Preparations: Ineffective Agents (Avoid these)
- Chitosan
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
-
Chromium Picolinate
- Ineffective with risk of Rhabdomyolysis
- Vincent (2003) Sports Med 33:213-30 [PubMed]
- Human chorionic Growth Hormone (HCG)
- Pulled from U.S. market by FDA in 2012
- Ineffective for weight loss despite which use continues by some weight loss clinics and someOTC manufacturers
- Risk of Venous Thromboembolism, Major Depression, cardiovascular events
- FDA Consumer Update
- Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid)
- Trials have shown conflicting results, but no evidence of either meaningful or sustained weight loss
- Risk of Serotonin toxicity and Serotonin Syndrome
- (2014) Presc lett 21(10): 58
- Fiber (guar gum, Psyllium)
- Yerba mate
- Licorice
- Vitamin B5
- L-Carnitine
- Dandelion (Diuretic)
- Cascara (Laxative)
- St. John's Wort (no effect on weight loss)
- Laminaria (kelp)
- Spirulina (blue green algae)
- Goggul (myrrh tree extract)
- Apple cider vinegar
V. Preparations: Agents with significant safety concerns (do not use)
- Avoid Ephedra
- Significant adverse effects (see Ephedra for risks)
- Marginal benefit in weight loss (1 kg)
- Shekelle (2003) JAMA 289:1537-45 [PubMed]