Lose Weight Pills - Effects Of Various Supplements

There are many lose weight pills on the market. They claim numerous benefits and list a variety of ingredients that supposedly trigger weight loss. But are all these claims medically sound? We turned to the respected Mayo Medical Clinic to get the low-down behind all the hype.

One hot product right now among lose weight pills is Bitter Orange. It is marketed as a very effective weight loss supplement, but critics say it can cause some serious side effects similar to ephedra.

If you recall, ephedra-containing weight loss pills were pulled off the market for causing heart attacks and strokes. In the case of Bitter Orange - which is now being used as an ephedra substitute - the verdict is still out on its long term effects. Research is still lacking, so the experts say: be wary.

Chitosan is described as a relatively safe ingredient in supplements. The manufacturers often tout this as having the ability to block the absorption of fat into the body. Mayo says this is highly unlikely. Also, they caution that it may cause constipation and bloating. Again, the long term effects are unknown.

Chromium sellers claim this ingredient reduces body fat and builds muscle. Chromium is relatively safe, yes. But according to the experts at The Mayo Clinic, there is still no pill that exists to build muscle so it is unlikely to work.

Another ingredient, CLA can cause diarrhea and indigestion. Mayo says this one is also unlikely to reduce overall body weight.

Country Mallow is supposed to decrease appetite and increase the number of calories burned. But Country Mallow contains ephedra and has all of the associated risks.

Ephedra has been banned for medical or supplement use, but is still allowed to be sold as a tea. Despite this, many other supplements still contain ephedra. It can cause high blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, sleeplessness, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. Obviously, products containing ephedra must be avoided at all costs.

Green tea extract is included in many lose weight pills sold in health stores. It is supposed to increase metabolism while decreasing appetite. There is limited evidence to support this claim, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can cause vomiting, bloating, indigestion and diarrhea. Also, it contains a high amount of caffeine, so if you are watching that, you may want to restrict supplements containing Green tea.

Guar Gum is another supplement that is harmless but unlikely to cause any real weight loss. Makers claim that it blocks the absorption of dietary fat and increases the feeling of fullness, which leads to decreased calorie intake. However, it is more likely to cause diarrhea, flatulence and other gastrointestinal problems

Finally, Hoodia is another ingredient found in many lose weight pills. It is supposed to decrease appetite. However, the Mayo Clinic says there is no conclusive evidence to support this claim.

Still some people have found success using these type of supplements. But they are expensive and there are no legitimate scientific studies that back up their claims. Your safer, surer and more cost-effective bet is the good-old healthy diet combined with exercise.