OTC Weight Loss Products

Despite claims by manufacturers, the use of OTC (Over the Counter) products alone does not cause weight loss. Sadly, herbal weight loss products considered fat burners are misleading. These products may contain a combination of ma huang (a botanical source of ephedrine), white willow (a source of salicin), and/or guarana or kola nut (a source of caffeine). In short, this makes these supplements stimulants, which they claim increases your metabolism and helps your body break down fat. However, there is no proof they are effective for weight loss. In addition, ma huang has been linked to serious side effects such as heart attacks, seizures, and death. Chromium, another popular ingredient in weight loss products, has no proof to back up its claim that it has an effect on weight loss.

Weight loss teas contain strong botanical laxatives (Senna, cascara sagrada) and diuretics (Rhamnus purshiana). They cause diarrhea and loss of water from the body. Diarrhea and water loss deplete your body of sodium and potassium and consequently cause dehydration. Although weight may decrease, the loss is fluid and is only temporary. To make matters worse, low sodium and potassium levels can cause abnormal heartbeat and can even lead to death.

The OTC products mentioned above are not considered drugs. Therefore, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As a result, there is little information on their effectiveness or safety.

Phenylpropanolamine
In November of 2000, the FDA tried to remove phenylpropanolamine from all drug products and requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing phenylpropanolamine. FDA issued a public health advisory concerning the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, or bleeding into the brain, associated with phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. because it increases blood pressure.

There are important drug interactions that occur with PPA. The use of PPA at the same time as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate) accentuates the blood pressure elevating effect of PPA. This can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure.

The most common side effects of PPA are nausea and vomiting. PPA, by increasing blood pressure and stimulating your heart and other organs, can cause stroke, heart attack, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, dizziness, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), hallucinations, and restlessness.

Individuals with an enlarged prostate, heart disease, glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid problems, depression, and eating disorders should not use PPA because it accentuates the detrimental health effects of these diseases.

In short, maintaining an ideal body weight is a balancing act between how much you eat and how many calories your body needs for energy. That old saying, "you are what you eat" is true!. The type and amount of food you ingest affects your ability to maintain your ideal weight and to lose weight as well.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's current dietary guidelines state:

1. Eat a variety of foods.
2. Balance the food you eat with physical activity.
3. Maintain or improve your weight.
4. Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
5. Choose a diet moderate in sugars.
6. Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium.
7. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.