Over the Counter Weight Loss Supplements, are they Safe?
People want a pill to jumpstart their weight loss. While there are prescription options for weight loss medications including Meridia, Phentermine and Orlistat many people buy over the counter weight loss products. Patients ask me: are they safe? Do they work? The answer is I don't really know and this report is the kind of thing we as your Physicians worry about.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looked in to more than 25 different over the counter products marketed for weight loss and recently put out an alert because they found these contained undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put your health at risk.
Here were the over the counter weight loss medications the FDA reviewed and found to be potentially harmful:
- Fatloss Slimming
- 2 Day Diet
- 3x Slimming Power
- Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet
- 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
- 3 Day Diet
- 7 Day Herbal Slim
- 8 Factor Diet
- 7 Diet Day/Night Formula
- 999 Fitness Essence
- Extrim Plus
- GMP
- Imelda Perfect Slim
- Lida DaiDaihua
- Miaozi Slim Capsules
- Perfect Slim
- Perfect Slim 5x
- Phyto Shape
- ProSlim Plus
- Royal Slimming Formula
- Slim 3 in 1
- Slim Express 360
- Slimtech
- Somotrim
- SuperslimTripleSlim
- Zhen de Shou
- Venom Hyperdrive 3.0.
An FDA analysis found that there were undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in some of these products meaning these ingredients are found in these supplements and we don't know about it.
The "hidden" ingredients found by the FDA investigation I find shocking include:
1) Sibutramine which is a prescription medication called Meridia. When prescribed by your Physician you should be closely monitored for effects on your blood pressure and any other side effects. Additionally, Sibutramine (or Meridia) can also interact with other prescription medications so to be taking it without knowing it can be harmful.
2) Rimonabant, also known as Acomplia, is a weight loss medication pulled from distribution in Oct 2008 by the drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis for carrying double the risk of psychiatric disorders in those taking it. The drug, which was approved and used in Europe, has been associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and has been linked to 5 deaths and 720 adverse reactions in Europe over the last 2 years. Not something I want you taking as a hidden ingredient.
3) Phenytoin, also known as Dilantin,is an anti-seizure medication which when prescribed by doctors requires close monitoring for toxicity and effects on the liver. Again, not something I think any of us would want to take without knowing it.
4) Phenolphthalein is perhaps the most disturbing to me. Phenolpthalein is a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent. It also works as a laxative which may be why manufacturers put it in some weight loss medications. Ugh.
5) Importantly, some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, putting consumers' health at risk.
I understand the desire people have to use an aid for weight loss. My problem as a Physician is that these weight-loss products are readily available in retail stores and on Web sites and are marketed as "dietary supplements." As many of you know some of these products also claim to be "natural" or to contain only "herbal" ingredients but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. Some of these ingredients listed above have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal, and may be harmful to those of you who buy them.
So what should you do? The FDA advises people who have used any of the above listed products to stop taking them and consult their physician. The FDA also encourages consumers to seek guidance from a health care professional before purchasing weight-loss products.
What is the FDA doing about it? The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products, and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA's inspections and the companies' inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.
Thoughts? Experience?
Dr O.
Categories: News
Support Groups:
Abstinence & Celibacy, Accidents, Achondroplasia (Dwarfism), Achromatopsia, Acne, Acromegaly, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Addison's Disease, ADHD / ADD More...
25
Yeah i too think that over supplement wont reduce the weight.Only prescribed foods,vegetables and one main thing exercise can reduce it.
==========================
lara
The Lemonade Diet Cleansing Directions
By lara123 January 31, 2009 5:51am
24
In my minds eye, I place OTC weight loss supplements in the same file with Statins, and the National Inquirer. They just sell you what you want to hear.
By MedLab1 January 23, 2009 3:05pm
23
how about slimfast? is is ok?
By aaauuugh January 18, 2009 1:26pm
22
I am a doctor of medicine and an experienced dieter.
My advice to anyone would be to avoid OTC weight loss pills. Unlike prescription medications, there are no laws in place to ensure efficacy. Most of them have no effect whatsoever. The only loss which occurs is a monetary one.
Some OTC weight loss pills are mild thyroid stimulants. The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic processes. Theoretically, a thyroid stimulant could actually raise mood and in rare cases, could predispose to hypomania.
Orlistat is a fantastic medication, and gastric banding is an effective procedure.
Topamax is a mood stabilizer and antiepileptic. I use it for bipolar, and the side effect of weight loss is an added benefit.
By RosieCT January 17, 2009 7:42pm
21
I'm a chemistry teacher and I about fell off my chair when I read that phenolphthalein was a "hidden ingredient" in OTC weightloss supplements! One use of that chemical is to indicate whether a substance is an acid or base. It is made with denatured ethanol which can cause blindness. It can cause serious gastrointestinal problems (extreme laxative) and has many other health risks. Also has to be stored in a special "flammables" cabinet. Good grief.
By teach2live January 17, 2009 9:43am
20
I have a natural fat burning recipe that actually DOES work. It comes from a book of long ago called, "The Catalyst Enzyme Diet". Not sure if that book is in print any more but this recipe comes from that book and it truly does work, as I found out. and, it's from real food, not genetically engineered foods. The ingredients are carrot juice and pineapple juice. I know how that sounds but it actually tastes good. The ratio is one part carrot juice to 2 parts pineapple juice. Mix together and place in a glass container (not mandatory but better for taste and your health).
1 cup carrot juice
2 cups pineapple juice
You are to drink 1 cup approximately one hour to 1/2 hour before meals
Not only will this drink cut down on how much you eat, it will burn off calories much quicker. I drank a cup one hour before bedtime and by morning I felt healthier and full of more energy.
Don't go overboard on the drink as it is full of natural acid and can possibly irritate your stomach.
By Cybercatxq January 16, 2009 10:41am
19
I think by now we all now how to lose weight. Cut out the foods that come in boxes and cans and exercise. At first, begin with walking. Keeping a log of your progress will help keep you motivated. The diet products on the market are not what you need to lose weight and who knows what all those man-made, genetically altered chemicals are doing to your body? I say don't take chances with your health. Natural is always better and by the way, stop microwaving all your food.
By Cybercatxq January 16, 2009 10:15am
18
I saw a recent study on the BBC website saying that diseases like Anorexia have a biological componant based in the brain. I don't recall all the details but that was the gist of it.
OTC diet pills aren't the only way anorexics lose weight. If all diet supplements were banned they'd use another way to keep from eating. They're a very determined bunch and it's hard to reach them no matter what the means. I'd like to see some kind of ban on the eating disorder internet groups where girls actually ENCOURAGE eachothers destructive behavior. Of course you can't do that on Freedom of Speech grounds, but it would be nice.
I'm sorry you and your daughter are going through this and I hope it's resolved for the best soon.
By ALC67 January 15, 2009 12:32am
17
thanks dr.o ,my only thought is that i truly wish they would ban ,ALL otc slimming aids!
As a mother of an anorexic/bulimic ,who is dangerously underweight already ,it scares me silly ,that she can go into any chemist here ,and buy a drug that not only could increase that weight loss ,but also exacerbate the health problems shes already experiencing ,putting her body through what can only be described as torture.
I`m at a loss as to what to do~~~her drs seem to think this is a mere
"phase"(gese ,how i`d like them to spend a week or more with us!)~~~she`s not had a "phase" ,since she was about 2/3??
I hope you can bring enough attention to these very harmful drugs ,a nd keep on at the government until thier banned!
Again .,thanks for a much needed article~~~sharon (rocky7)
By Rocky7 January 14, 2009 9:18pm
16
As for an appetite suppressant, Hoodia works to supress the appetite but as I said that's all it does. I'd like to see what study desrtrs was reading about CLA. According to Prescription for Drug Alternatives by James Balch, MD,Mark Stengler, ND and Robin Young Balch ND, pages 291-292 CLA ; "This supplement has been shown to improve body composition in people who are overweight or obese. For some people it can significantly decrease body fat mass and it may increase lean body mass in some users. Several studies have shown that CLA can reduce body fat mass. For example, a randomized double-blind study published in the Journal of Nutrition looked at the effect of CLA on over 60 overweight and obese people. Those taking CLA had a significantly greater reduction in body fat mass as compared to those taking a placebo.
There are other factors contributing to weight loss. Hormode imbalance can make it more difficult to lose weight. An example is high insulin levels as found in those with pre-diabetes or diabetes or in women with polycystic ovarian symdrome. In addition hormone deficiency such as thyroid, testosterone, progesterone, leptin or DHEA can slow the metabolism and make it more difficult to burn calories. Another aspect is appetite control. Those who do not feel satisfied from a normal caloie intake will have more trouble reducing their calorie intake. Lastly neurotransmitter imbalance can have a negative effect on appetite. A holistic doctor can assess all these factors and develop a protocol that will optimize ones weight loss and weight managment.
Dosage; take 1,000 to 1,500 mg before each meal 3 times a day. Safety; CLA may cause digestive upset. Those with diabetes should have their glucose levels monitored closely while on this supplement. Also CLA may increase lipoprotein, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. "
By ALC67 January 14, 2009 2:13pm
15
Thanks so much for your informed input J4A. No I didn't work at GNC. I worked at a private store owned by a certified clinical nutritionist with a masters degree. I've also studied alternative medicine since I was 16 and I won't tell you how many years THAT is. And believe me there were PLENTY of things we had at the store we couldn't keep on the shelves.
As for regulation, the supplement industry is regulated by a number of laws (ever hear of the DSHEA law? And so many others?). If companies were putting lead and ephedra (which is ILLEGAL to sell I might add) would they still be in business 30, 40, 50 or more years? Supplements have to follow the same labelling restrictions as other things like your generic cold medicines. Yeah there are plenty of unscrupulous fly by night operators who will put anything in anything (kind of like your local street corner drug dealer) but they usually advertise directly on the internet or on late night TV.
Considering hwo many PHARMACEUTICALS have been pulled off the shelves in recent years because they were causing heart attacks and liver danmage (Celebrex, Vioxx, Phen-Phen;remember THAT ONE?)it's a wonder MORE people don't abandon the drug industry and take herbs instead. All you have to do to learn the truth of this is listen to ANY drug commercial and hear what their list of 'possible side effects' are. Most of our customers at the store came in looking for just such an alternative. They said time and again that their doctor wanted to them to take something but they were scared of the side effects.
Hey, anyone who wants to take whatever overpriced pills their doctor prescribes (example; Zoloft costs pennies to make per pill but costs $100.00 a month for a prescription....even with generics) OK. But don't throw stones at people who want something better for themselves.
By ALC67 January 14, 2009 1:46pm
14
I just want to say that given the extreme interest in weight loss supplements... If something actually worked, they couldnt keep it on the shelves. You would hear word of mouth almost immediately, no hokey commercials needed.
By wag952 January 14, 2009 10:56am
13
Thanks ALC97. I think I'm a little more educated than a former GNC employee or wherever you shilled. No supplement is cost effective for weightloss. Yes, plenty have health benefits. It is an entirely unregulated industry... and just because a label says green tea and pixiedust, doesn't mean it's not full of ephedra and lead. Doesn't matter what's on the label.
By J4A January 14, 2009 9:42am
12
Hey you guys, look at a previous blog I wrote on Weight loss here is the link: http://dailystrength.org/blog/74-w...
In it I discuss the prescription weight loss medications among other things. Re: the question about water pills--diuretics wont cause weight loss, they will only help you with swelling in your legs and even then you need to be watched closely for potassium depletion.
Dr O.
By DrOrrange January 14, 2009 1:18am
11
So what is a good pill to take to curve your appertite and what about a water pill?
By cookie53 January 13, 2009 7:37pm
10
In reading on CLA I caution anyone considering this. It also has some damanging effects and the studies done on rats produced results of fat reduction yes, but also death. CLA affectd functioning organs such as the heart tissue and there are too many unknown factors for this to be declared a safe product.Again, caution with the quick fixes. Fresh, whole foods (not contaminated with any pesticide or enhancement process), balance, exercise and awareness (there may be toxins in the soil that food is grown in or the water) are the best remedies for a fat infested toxic body.
By desrtrse January 13, 2009 4:49pm
9
Green tea has caffine in it too. No more than a regular cup of coffee though. But watch out for 'Mega green tea' on supplement labels because that means they've boosted the caffine levels.
And CONTRARY to what J4A says, the supplement industry is NOT all snake oil. Since 50% of all pharmaceuticals are derived from the SAME plant materials found in supplements (only chemically synthesized and enhanced) you're getting the same thing only in it's natural state. I'd rather take a natural substance over an over priced pharmaceutical and avoid all the nasty side effects any day.
By ALC67 January 13, 2009 1:21pm
8
Drinking green tea every day worked for me. Dancing too. Go take some ballroom lessons, your spouse will thank you!
By AdriUrchin January 13, 2009 11:48am
7
OK here's something I know a little about.
I used to work at a health food store and one of our busiest lines was weight loss.
The FIRST thing to remember is that not every product works for every person. We're all a little different and so respond differently to different things. What works for you may not work for your friends and vice versa.
Secondly, READ THE LABEL of anything you're considering. If it has a lot of caffine, stay away. Caffine (as the doctor can tell you) simply revs up your system and can create a dangerously fast heartbeat. Some natural substances like Guerana have caffine in them, so keep that in mind. When in doubt ask someone about the ingredients.
Third don't expect miracles. There is no 'magic pill' that will take off weight. It HAS to be done with a combination of diet and exercise. I know no one wants to hear that but it's true.
Fourth beware of anything that CLAIMS miraculous results. If it sounds too good to be true it is, and could be dangerous besides.
Natural weight loss supplements that HAVE worked (based on my experience and what I've seen from customers)include Hoodia, Apple Cider Vinegar, Genaslim ( company name for a product by Country Life) and Brown Seaweed (most commonly known as Fucothin, but also sold under other names). CLA also works. CLA is short for Conjugated Linoleic Acid. It's a fat that burns fat. Don't ask me how.
Hoodia is useful if you need an appetite supressant. That's basically all it does. It doesn't melt fat away or anything else it just stops you from being hungry. Anyone who says anything else is pitching something
I'm not clear on HOW the others work but I used to have customers that swore one or the other were the ONLY ones that worked for them. I have used Geneslim and that worked.
I never heard of TH121 but I'm suspicious of it.
I would also avoid ANYTHING advertised on the internet. Unless you know you're dealing with a REPUTABLE company (like NOW foods, Vitacost.com, Solgar) that has been in business for a long time it's probably a scam.
OK that's MY take on the subject. Hope it helps...
By ALC67 January 13, 2009 10:53am
6
What about the "natural" weight loss supplements? Has anyone had any experience with TH121 which is advertised on WOR radio?
Thanks.
By NightGoddess January 13, 2009 10:06am