How To Lose Weight Fast
Learn The Fast Way To Lose Weight

Best Weight Loss Product

Green tea, just like the acai berry and pomegranate, has been touted as perhaps the best weight loss product you can consume, but is it really a cure-all for weight gain? Is it any better than other drinks for controlling your weight loss?

Green tea comes from the same tea leaves--Camellia sinensis--as black tea and other kinds of teas. The difference is that green tea receives minimal oxidation during processing. It is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, especially catechins, as well as carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), and other minerals.

This abundance of good-for-you compounds makes green tea a great drink for the health-minded individual. But does it live up to the weight loss claims?

Possible Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

Because of the rich mixture of healthy compounds green tea contains, it has become the darling of the diet set, a beverage that supposedly gives amazing health benefits and aids in weight loss.

Green tea has been reported to aid in the treatment or prevention of Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. It has also been touted as a way to combat free radicals in the body, and as a way to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and elevate levels of HDL (good) cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Some researchers also claim that drinking green tea can increase metabolic rates and burn extra calories. Because green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, it has also been used to wean people off of a coffee or soda-induced caffeine addiction. With all of these claims, its difficult to separate fact from fiction.

What Scientists Say

Of all the claims that have been made about the health benefits of drinking green tea, the Food and Drug Administration will only agree to one claim. The agencys official response is that there is very limited credible evidence for qualified health claims specifically for green tea and breast cancer and for green tea and prostate cancer, provided that the qualified claims are appropriately worded so as to not mislead consumers."

A number of independent studies have proven some limited claims about the health benefits of consuming green tea. (For more information on the numerous scientific studies conducted on green tea, read through the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and other medical abstracts.)

As for weight loss, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study in its January, 2005 edition concluding that drinking green tea every day for 12 weeks reduced overall body fat. However, these claims have not been verified by the FDA.

The Bottom Line

Green tea does offer a potential host of benefits to tea drinkers, but is it really the best weight loss product? As you can probably imagine, there is no magic cure for weight loss, so green tea should not be used as a cure-all for obesity.

Because of its rich levels of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, however, it should be incorporated into a healthy diet program. Replacing sodas and juices with more health-giving beverages such as green tea is a great step forward on the road to getting fit and staying fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What's the best weight loss product on the market?
    In addition to hardcore diet and excercise, I'm looking for somewhat of a "catalyst" to aid me in the process of losing weight.

    What are some products that will most definitely work and will yield excellent results?

    Has anyone used any products that they strongly reccomend?

    Has anyone used any products that they strongly do not reccomend?

    What is THE BEST product out there?

    Any other secrets or tricks that will help out?

    Please suggest anything you guys can think of, I would really, really appreciate it! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to take a pill and lose 30 pounds overnight.

      In fact, almost every "fat burning" supplement out there isn't reviewed by the FDA, so there's very little chance you're taking anything effective.

      I'm sure there are vitamin concentrations that can help you lose weight, but there are so many fake medecines claiming to work, it's not worth the risk.

      With the hardcore diet and exercise, you'll lose plenty of weight. However, remember to keep up the cardiovascular and aerobic sections of exercising, to keep your metabolism high. If you only diet and do weight lifting, your body will naturally adjust to use just enough calories and carbohydrates, instead of using all of them and moving on to fat.

      Cheers, and good luck!

      CR

  2. QUESTION:
    Which is the best weight loss product available online?
    I've been trying to lose weight from ages and I've recently heard that there are good weight loss products available online. So, I want to know which is the best weight loss product available online

    • ANSWER:
      Hi There, I also had the same problem like you from a long time and I know the feeling.

      By chance I've come across http://www.superweightlossplans.com/best-weight-loss-product/the-best-weight-loss-product-strip-that-fat

      This website provides the best weight loss products available online with their reviews.

  3. QUESTION:
    what is the best weight loss product?
    along with proper diet and exercise, what is the best and safest product on the market for weight loss?

    • ANSWER:
      i bought some green tea pills, at the health food store, i lost 10 pounds in a month, along with diet and exercise, they speed up you metabolism! And they are All natural!
      good luck!

  4. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product out there that you have found?
    I am looking for a non-prescription weight-loss pill that will help me to lose weight. I am tired of all the hype by the companies, I want to hear from a real person that has had success with this particular product.

    • ANSWER:
      Try a cleansing diet! I did and lost 11 pounds and 21 inches in only 9 days. I was very happy with the results and continued on the program and lost 29 pounds in 5 weeks. This is the fastest I have ever lost with other diets like Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Medifast, Slimfast etc…. Cleansing works by removing impurities from your body. You get impurities from your food (pesticides, preservatives, food additives, colorings) water, chemicals, pollution, medications, alcohol, hormones that the animals you eat were fed etc….YUCK! The impurites get coated with fat and remain in your body. To remove the fat, you have to remove the impurites. This system worked for me, maybe it can work for you too. You can check out the website or call this toll free number 1-877-587-4647 for more info. The program is not cheap, but it is worth every penny since it works and keeps you motivated. Good luck! More cleansing info at http://losebigweight.com

  5. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product that you have tried?
    I had a baby 4 months ago and i gained 35 pounds.I know it is not realistic to just take a pill and lose a ton of weight, i just want to get a bit healthier and need to jumpstaart the weightloss,i also plan on joing the gym etc.. But what weightloss product have you found to work best??
    Any opinions or advice is appreciated.
    Thanks in advance :)

    • ANSWER:
      There are many good weight loss programs out there. You just need to find the one that fits in with your lifestyle and motivation. Some are designed for rapid weight loss and others employ a slower long term approach. You can find a lot of help on the web these days, information and support forums. I listed some popular sources that might help you.

  6. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product for me?
    I'm looking for a product (pill, drink, powder, etc) that will help me lose weight fast. Price doesn't matter. Please help! Does acai berry work? ASAP!

    • ANSWER:
      try the Lil Jack workout video.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKCGe2Ezris it will get you in shape

  7. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product out?
    I'm looking for a product that will burn fat as fast as possible.

    • ANSWER:
      Hey i don't know if you really care but when i want to lose a weight class for boxing i bust out my secret formula i lose weight without losing muscle and get more stamina i really get the most out of my exercises.

      Have you ever heard of Omega-3, 6 and 9 oils. It's not only good for you, but many world class athletes drink it while training because it's so loaded with nutrients it helps increase metabolism,fat oxidation and increase energy and much more you have to check this out.

      Well i get my stuff for http://Acai-Berry-Top-Elites.com

      Its the best if came across for my exercises.

      Well i hope this really helped you out.

  8. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product on the market right now?
    I need to shed some pounds along with my diet and exercise.

    • ANSWER:
      dont waste your money on diet pills - if they worked dont you think there would be no obese people???
      find calorie/fitness calculator on the net, enter all your stats and it will tell you how many calories you need a day to maintain, take off 300-400cal off that number and thats how much you need to lose.
      eat 5-6 small meals a day (eat every 2-3 hours)
      5-8 servings of fruit and veggies a day
      8 glasses of water
      have complex carbs for breakfast - they give you energy
      have lean meat (protein) for dinner - repairs muscle
      cardio exercise 4-6 times a week for 30-50min, light weight training
      dont consume foods that are made of white flour (white bread, cakes, past etc.), sugar loaded foods (cookies, icecream, candy etc) and nothing fried, oily.
      ofcourse you can spoil yourself once in a while with a little treat:)

  9. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product available that actually works?

    • ANSWER:
      Here is a place that reviews a bunch of weight loss programs, dieting aides, supplements and so on. The site even has categories like diabetes, low fat and hypnosis. Pretty cool site.

      http://www.reviewplace.com/cat-135-DietsWeightLoss--Top-10-Weight-Loss-Programs.html

      Many of the products and programs listed have consumer reviews, so you can read what others think before you decide on one for yourself.

      Hope this helps!

  10. QUESTION:
    Whats the best weight loss product?
    Looking for the best weights loss product available at like a walmart or happy harrys sort of thing. Im not really fat just looking to get my muscles to show more.

    • ANSWER:
      a gym membership with some whey protein

  11. QUESTION:
    What is the best Acai weight loss product?
    I want the best possible product, with the best shown results. I don't care how much money it takes. So any suggestions!?

    • ANSWER:
      There is no such thing as Acai Berry weight loss product. None of them help you lose weight. No more than drinking any kind of berry juice does. It is a pyramid scam. A MLM (multi level marketing product selling scam).

  12. QUESTION:
    what Slim Berry is best Weight loss product ?
    That is an efficient company. My question is, can you do it effectively as we'll jump into Slim Berry. You should notice at least three of these a day. I feel I'm going to do a little jig although this story might not make sense to a lot of affiliates.

    • ANSWER:
      Yes, very nice product " Slim Berry" for our weight loss. I uses and full satisfied because i take a best result after use.. and loss extra fat. so that this time my body is good slim body...
      http://slimberrysite.org

  13. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      The gym membership. There is only one way to lose weight and keep it off....Lower intake of calories, increase burning of calories. No products helps this that does not use exercise and reasonable diet. Pill, gimmicks and shortcuts are for fools and waste your money.

  14. QUESTION:
    Is Green Coffee 800 the best weight loss product?
    I am using Green Coffee 800 and the results i accomplished in 90 days are just astonishment. 36 kilo in 90 days. My body looks just great. I was on Alli, Herbalife, Weoight watchers, and many other programs and nothing but Jojo.This time i am not hungry and my fat belly is gone . I am just wonder did any one else try??

    • ANSWER:
      Supplements are not miracle cures and should be used in conjuction with a good diet and exercise program. That said green coffee is proven to be a good weight loss aid when added to an overall diet plan. It's not surprising that those kind of results were acheived.

  15. QUESTION:
    Best Weight Loss Product...Clinically Proven, Money Back Guarantee!?
    The best new weight loss product i have found. I was just like you, sick of getting scammed and overpaying. Now i am not telling you this product is going to make you lose 10lbs a week without exercising because that is impossible, but combined with a healthy exercise plan and diet this product will have you shedding pounds in no time. What do you have to lose its a money back guarantee!

    • ANSWER:
      You should have a look this way that I use. It works very well for me and I lost 9 pounds in 30 days. You can find more information from http://bit.ly/ftfjo785

  16. QUESTION:
    Postmenopausal women - best weight loss product?
    I am postmenopausal now and no matter what I do I can not lose weight. Is there a diet product or diet that seems to work better than others for those in our group. I've really cut down on eating and walk vigorously most days but nothing. Diets that work on younger women probably won't work for me as they have a different metabolism/hormonal balance. Any suggestions.

    • ANSWER:
      Try low "carbing". Thats probably not what you want to do (I don't like it) but it works. You have to give up things like bread and ice cream, but you get to eat real food (meat, cheese, eggs, cream...) and you wont be hungry.

  17. QUESTION:
    what is really the best weight loss product?
    theres soo much junk on the internet! can anybody refer me to something that has worked for them?
    and why?? thanks

    • ANSWER:
      lol there is no "best" weight loss product.
      weight loss is pretty simple actually,
      1-reduce you calorie intake
      2-exercise regularly (could be just long walks or some jogging here and there)
      3-stay motivated!!

      if you still need more guidance i'd recommend checking out the Fat Burning Furnace.
      great information. you can find it here http://FatBurningFurnace.Atspace.com

  18. QUESTION:
    Best weight loss product?
    Along with proper diet and exercise, what is the best weight loss product on the market?

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:

  19. QUESTION:
    Best weight-loss product?
    Hi there,

    I'd like a little help with my dieting and am considering a weight loss product. I've come across the words: 'appetite suppressant', 'fat metabolizer', 'fat binder' etc.

    What is the best weight loss product? Has any product worked for you?

    thanks.

    • ANSWER:

  20. QUESTION:
    what is the absolute best weight loss product on the market that you have personally used?

    • ANSWER:
      meth...

  21. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product out there? I have try every thing.?

    • ANSWER:
      Will power.

  22. QUESTION:
    what is the best weight loss product on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      Running shoes. You can't easily lose weight without them !

  23. QUESTION:
    what is the absolute best weight loss product out on market i just want to know the best?

    • ANSWER:
      Nothing will work if you don't eat or work out like you should. I use Zantrex-3 and it works really good but ONLY when I am exercising with it. If I just take it and don't work out I don't lose at all. Also, drinking TONS of water and nothing else really sheds the weight. I swear by that.

  24. QUESTION:
    Whats the best WEIGHT LOSS product that you could bye at a place like Walmart?
    somethings that good and fast and that you dont have to order
    thankss

    • ANSWER:
      this isnt at wal mart but have you tried this workout video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKCGe2Ezris

  25. QUESTION:
    what is the best weight loss product out there?
    What realy drops the pounds... With Moderate time results

    • ANSWER:
      Fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, pulses and water

  26. QUESTION:
    What is the best diet / weight loss product out there? I'm looking for the fastest way to loose weight!?

    • ANSWER:
      If you drink soda: stop.
      Excessive dairy products like cheese can also contribute to weight problems.
      Don't fall for the pill gimics. Loose weight the old-fashioned healthy way. Quit eating fast food and pick up better eating habits. You're going to hear this from a lot of people. You have to eat right and exercise, that's all there is to it.

  27. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss product on sale on the internet? There seem to be so many, I can't chose!?
    Have you tried any?
    I'm not going to work out !!!!

    • ANSWER:
      New Balance Running Shoes!

      Pills don't work... AT ALL. And, they are not safe. If there was one that worked, there wouldn't be so many weight loss products out there. Save your money - buy a good pair of shoes for exercise, and watch your diet, and you will lose weight. And, you can keep it off.

  28. QUESTION:
    What are best weight loss products?
    I need best weight loss products, no pills, because I am unable to swallow them :P
    I am trying to lose about 20 pounds, and I would like something low maintenance, maybe like benefiber shape management? Any sugestions?

    Thank you!

    • ANSWER:
      Not everyone knows that there is a food and such products are not only at the use will not affect your weight, but also contribute to weight loss.

      One has only to bring them into their permanent diet and after a while … get on the scales. You will be witness to what your weight began to melt before our eyes. What are these products for weight loss?

      Grapefruit
      Pumpkin
      Beef
      Olives
      Green tea

  29. QUESTION:
    What are the best weight loss products?
    I'm currently going to the gym and exercising daily. I've hit a plateau and am looking for the best weight loss products. Feedback would be appreciated.
    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      So called weight loss products don't work like they claim. They do make the sellers rich though. If you're serious about losing weight you need to find an exercise program that's fun and easy and get help with your nutrition. Check out the video below.
      http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/BradDunagan?bctid=1861298193
      After you watch the video take a minute and register at Team Beachbody and you'll get me as your free coach. I can help you with all your fitness and nutrition needs.
      http://www.freecoachBradDunagan.com

  30. QUESTION:
    what is the best synthetic weight loss product on the market for women?
    Any input would be appreciated, experience...thanks :)
    ps i will flag you if you try to answer my Q with an ad for your dumb product

    • ANSWER:

  31. QUESTION:
    best weight loss product?
    What is the most effective weight loss pill or product that you have tried?

    • ANSWER:
      It's not willpower or a magic pill that will help you lose weight...it is changing your lifestyle and getting rid of your bad habits and replacing them with new ones. Eat healthier, drink lots of water and walking. That's how I lost 41 lbs. so far...and counting!
      I also highly recommend you read Dr. Phil's "Weight Loss Solutions" it helped me re program my way of thinking of food. Eat to live...don't live to eat!

  32. QUESTION:
    Best weight loss products for USA and Canada?
    I'm looking for the best weight loss products available with free trials for USA and Canada. Please advice me the best weight loss products with free trials. I'd like to try before i buy. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      Hi. I had the same question like you for a long time and know
      what it’s all about. It happened to me to come across
      http://www.weightlosstop5.com . This website provides reviews for the best weight loss products with free trials.

      I tried Wu-yi Easy Weight Loss Tea and lost 5-15 pounds during the first week. Many thanks to them.

  33. QUESTION:
    whats the best weight loss product on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      WALKING! I lost 51 pounds in 6 months by walking 1 hour a day..........of course I also started eating "fresher"....less canned stuff.........also resulted in 10% reduction in total cholesterol and 30% in LDL and triglycerides! NO DRUGS ARE NEEDED....just make up your mind that you WILL commit to a healthier lifestyle!
      Good Luck..........

  34. QUESTION:
    what's the best weight loss product you've used?

    • ANSWER:
      Best weight loss product? Everything natural. Eat your fruits/veggies and exercise to burn fat. Keep this in mind: If it was made in nature, it's good for you. If it was made by man, it's bad.

  35. QUESTION:
    best weight loss product you have used?
    just want to know a product you can use to lose weight fast.

    like 5 kg max

    • ANSWER:
      following a plan by a well known member on Yahoo I lost pounds of fat while my muscle stayed on and gained more

  36. QUESTION:
    whats the best weight loss product???Any ideas?
    wanting to lose weight.

    • ANSWER:
      the best way to lose weight is via exercises and a balanced diet, but, anyway if you insist on knowing which is the best weight lost pills i will say (RIMONA-BANT) Known also as ACOMPLIA, it was supposed to be a pill to help quit smoking by targeting some special areas in the brains, but then they found also that it helped reducing weight, improved cardio vascular functions, and liver.
      this product is still in the research phase, it should hit the market in 2007, till now no bad side effect was found, and it is called the miracle pill.

  37. QUESTION:
    The best weight loss product?
    I'm willing to spend give or take , but paying this kind of price I would like something that works wonders. Could I get some recomendations on weight loss products like diets pills that should try?
    I'm already on a low calorie diet and I exercise everyday. I did not ask for any advice other than weight loss PRODUCTS.
    I drink 6-8 large water bottles a day. I have a caloric intake ranging from 500-1000. I also do lots of cardio workouts along with pilates up to an hour a day. I also take multi-vitamins every morning.

    • ANSWER:

  38. QUESTION:
    Whats the best weight loss product under ??
    im not really fat but im not skinny, so as long as the product takes off a few pounds it will do

    • ANSWER:
      Use that 30 bucks to buy healthy food. Start counting calories & use your money to buy the Healthy Choice dinners or Smart ????, etc. These meals are satisfying (take some getting use to), but they are usually about 200-300 calories/meal with 3-6g of fat.

  39. QUESTION:
    what is the best diet/weight loss product you have ever taken/used?
    Im not asking for your oppinions of safty or how the combination of diet and exersie. its a simple question.

    • ANSWER:
      WATER, to "fast" can be a very efficient way to lose weight and/or clean your body out... make sure you are in the right "condition" to fast....

      it takes MIND-POWER

      BE VEGAN, peace

  40. QUESTION:
    What is the best & most effective weight loss product out there currently?
    i know dieting and excersise deals with it also.

    • ANSWER:

  41. QUESTION:
    What's the best energy/weight loss product on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      It is pointless buying anything.
      Eat less and exercise more.

  42. QUESTION:
    I exercise/eat right every day. Which weight loss product is best for losing weight when it just won't go?
    I run 2-1/2 miles a day minimum and try to eat right. I've lost 100+ lbs but those last 30 just won't budge over the last year. Which weight loss drugs can help "kick start" my body again?

    • ANSWER:
      Drugs aren't the solution. It seems you have reached a plateau. It happens to almost everyone who tries to lose weight. Your body has just gotten used to your particular diet and exercise habits. If you want to jumpstart your metabolism you have to change up your routine a bit. Try eating MORE calories for a week and then go back to your regular routine. Try a different type of workout like interval training.

  43. QUESTION:
    What is the best weight loss/ appetite supprecent product on the market?

    • ANSWER:
      hoodia gordini

      its in all the top charts positions and will be number one soon

      becouse it really works, all it dose it anihilates ur appetite
      weight loss comes naturally

      Check with your doctor before starting any weight loss program.
      The problem w/Hoodia is 90%+ are scams. The real Hoodia is expensive and only the one imported from S.Africa has been show to work.
      Many people go for the low cost scam Hoodia and have no results!
      **** VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO GET RIPPED OFF ---
      #1. Be sure you are buying pure Hoodia...look for the import certificate on the website. No matter the price, if they do not display this, you really do NOT know what you are getting!
      #2. Be sure it is 100% Hoodia & not mixed w/other herbs, etc.!!
      #3. Keep in mind it stops your hunger pangs…you MUST remember to break your habit to always eat at certain times.
      #4. Drink a full 8oz. glass of water with it!
      You can read a good article about how it works at:

  44. QUESTION:
    What is the best product to help in weight loss?
    I got a new Wii fit board and I love the exercises. . .but what is the best product to take while working out to aid in weight loss?

    • ANSWER:
      water!

  45. QUESTION:
    does anyone know what the best weight loss product for women is? Please help!!! i gotta lose weight fast!!!!?

    • ANSWER:
      The best weight loss products is fruit and vegetables and plenty of water, coupled with exercise! Anything else is a quick fix.

  46. QUESTION:
    Which is the Best Pure Hoodia Weight Loss Product.There are so many Out there which is the Real Hoodia Product?
    I love to know which is Real Pure Hoodia Product for my weightloss i know Hoodia works for the weightloss or say lose weight.i hope someone answers my question

    • ANSWER:
      I can say for sure you better go to the website http://www.top5hoodia.com these guys are really researching in the kalhari desert in the africa and they do the ratings of which is the best hoodia product.So thats how i know whicj rated the best Hoodia Product in the number one position.
      I used Desert Burn "King Hoodia" that is the Best.
      I have to say with this product i lost so much weight in few weeks i mean it took me a 3 months to see the results.This really worked for me.Best of Luck for you.

  47. QUESTION:
    What's the best weight-loss product I can buy at WALMART? (pill, mix, etc)?
    I'm not looking to lose more than ten or so pounds, but I want to lose ALL of that.

    also, if you're going to preach about why I shouldn't use them, I'm reporting it because that doesn't answer my question, it's just ranting I don't need or want.

    THANKS!:)
    okay, I WORK OUT!!!!!!!
    I work out with weights 10 minutes a day, and do cardio for 30 minutes.
    I've just got this last little bit to lose, okay?

    • ANSWER:

  48. QUESTION:
    BEST WEIGHT LOSS DIET PILLS LOSE WEIGHT SLIMMING CAPSULES?
    Whats the most recommend weight loss products? Looking for the best weight loss product on the internet!! have been over-weight need help to lose 39 pounds. So many scams online hard to find the right supplier!

    if any suggestions please advise!
    very appreciate thanks

    • ANSWER:

  49. QUESTION:
    what is the best over the counter weight loss product?
    I only need to loose 5-10lbs, but am having a harder time than usual. I just need a little boost. Any suggestions? and thank you in advance.

    • ANSWER:
      Learning to eat well and exercise is the only solution to long-term weight loss. We offer the following tips to help you lose weight to look better, feel better, and live a healthier life. Check out http://use-weightloss.blogspot.com/ for all info regarding weight loss.

  50. QUESTION:
    What is the best Over-the-Counter weight loss product available today?
    I am a 50 year old male and need to lose 30 pounds. My family physician refuses to prescribe anything because of my high blood pressure.

    • ANSWER:
      It has been estimated that as much as 65% of adult Americans are suffering from obesity. This does not include those suffering from morbid obesity, an extreme form of the disease. Every year, the numbers continue to increase, and even children are getting affected. That is why extra measures are being taken to curb the spread of this disease.

      About obesity

      Simply put, obesity is the accumulation of body fat in the body. It can be measured roughly through the body mass index (BMI). The BMI is the proportion of your height to your weight. Morbid obesity is an extreme form of obesity, affecting those who are more than 100 lbs. overweight and have a BMI of over 40. If left untreated, obesity can lead to serious health complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

      Finding the cure

      According to reports, Americans spend as much as billion on weight loss products, including weight loss pills, exercise, and surgery. However, because of all the media hype on being thin, over the counter weight loss product has become widely popular. But here’s the catch: of the billions spent on weight loss products, around billion goes to ineffective and sometimes even harmful over the counter weight loss product.

      How it works

      An over the counter weight loss product mainly consists of appetite suppressants and fat burners. Suppressants work by “tricking” the body into thinking that it is full. Meanwhile, fat burners block natural chemicals that help the body break down fat. At first, using these pills can be good, even effective. However, fraudulent products can lead to serious complications.

      Commonly used weight loss products

      Below are some of the commonly used over the counter weight loss product:

      • Ephedra – this is the most common type of over the counter weight loss product. Its active ingredient, ephedrine, is mainly used to cure asthma, but it can also suppress your appetite. However, recent studies have shown that this drug has serious side effects such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and even death. In 2004, FDA officially banned this product from commercial sales.

      • St. John's wort – this herbal product is mainly used as an antidepressant and has recently been used for weight loss. However, little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of this drug on weight loss. It also contains the active ingredient ephedra.

      • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) – this ingredient is extracted from a West African plant seed and can be harmful to the liver in large doses.

      • Chitosan – a dietary supplement made from chitin, a starch found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. It works by binding with fatty foods and removing them from your body.

      • Chromium – a nutrient believed to enhance the effect of insulin, thereby making the breakdown of carbohydrates faster.

      • Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – believed to reduce body fat, decrease appetite, and build body muscle. However, studies have shown that CLA has side effects including diarrhea, indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems.

      • Hoodia – otherwise known as Oprah's weight loss secret, this dietary supplement claims to help suppress appetite.

      Pitfalls

      Because of the influx of weight loss products sold over the counter, users should be extra careful when buying them. A lot of over the counter weight loss product come without sufficient scientific studies to support their claims. Add to that all the media hype on their effectiveness, and it is almost impossible to fully scrutinize the effects of each over the counter weight loss product. Scientists are being bombarded by the constant emergence of new weight loss products, and they can’t possibly review each of them. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to judge each product yourself.

      Tips

      As consumers, scrutiny and curiosity are the best weapons against fraudulent weight loss producta. Do not just trust an over the counter weight loss product because it was endorsed by a celebrity. Do your own research about the drug, its ingredients, and its possible side effects. Better yet, consult with a professional on what steps to take. Here are other tips:

      • If you immediately notice any side effects, stop taking the drug and see a doctor immediately.

      • It is best not to take diet pills if you are pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant.

      • Do not ingest large quantities of herbal supplements