About Herbal Weight Loss Programs

There are many weight loss methods, from diets and exercise programs to programs that use drugs and herbal supplements. Herbal weight loss programs are quite popular because many people view them as being safer than drugs. Some of these programs claim to deliver fast results without diet and exercise, which increases their appeal. There is no magic weight loss herb; although some may support weight loss, users must be realistic about what to expect. They also need to know that herbs can have risks just like drugs and must be used carefully.

Stimulants

Some herbal weight loss programs depend on herbs like yerba mate and guarana that have a stimulant effect on the body. Stimulant herbs should be used with caution, as they can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems and other conditions. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration banned the herbal stimulant ma-hung (ephedra) because of its links to illness and death in some users. They may also interfere with the action of prescribed medications.

Laxatives

Some herbs used for weight loss, such as cascara, have a laxative effect on the body. Cascara is actually approved by the Food and Drug Administration for laxative use, but it can cause problems if used in excess as part of a weight loss program. It can cause problems with certain minerals in the body and can interact with certain medications.

Diuretics

Some herbal weight loss programs use herbs or plants with a diuretic effect, such as dandelion, to promote the loss of water weight. This weight loss is not permanent because diuretics do not work on body fat. They can interfere with the action of prescription medications.

Fat Burners

Some herbal weight loss programs claim to burn fat through various mechanisms. For example, green tea and pyruvate are said to increase metabolism and inhibit appetite, and hoodia is also claimed to be an appetite suppressant. Glucomannan is supposed to keep glucose from being absorbed by the intestines. Chromium is believe to affect insulin and the breakdown of carbohydrates in the body. Although there may be some evidence of effectiveness for some of these herbs, none has been shown conclusively to be an effective weight loss aid.

Warning

Herbal weight loss programs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so they do not have to prove their effectiveness. The FDA can only step in if there is a safety concern like the situation with ephedra. The Mayo Clinic also warns that they can have side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and interference with sleep. Because there is no assurance that an herbal weight loss program works, consumers who consider using these programs should be cautious. Talk to your doctor before starting any herbal weight loss program to assess any possible interactions with your current medication.