Another Look at Weight Loss Treatments

Whether you don’t have time to shop in drug marts or online to try and find effective solutions to your ailments, or you just need fast relief, our researchers work hard at testing almost all products on the market to find the best ones for you.

Weight Loss

Unless obese, your doctor will probably not prescribe weight loss drugs or appetite suppressants. But some overweight people with a genetic predisposition to gaining weight can have a hard time losing those extra pounds that may become a health hazard if not taken care of. Of course, every doctor will tell you to eat right and get plenty of exercise: you can’t beat that as the first and foremost steps to take to lose weight. Unfortunately, it is easier said than done, and you might be living a hectic life with not enough time to eat the right foods or exercise regularly. Here are some suggestions to help lose weight you might want to try.

Weight Loss Treatments

Ephedra (potentially dangerous)

We first look at Ephedra in our list to prevent you from taking it. Its active ingredient, ephedrine, is apparently an appetite suppressant although doctors are not unanimous whether this is true or not. What they do know is that ephedrine is a main ingredient in speed (methamphetamine) and is considered unsafe, with side effects ranging from irregular heartbeat to death.

Ephedrine has been banned in the United States since 2004 and as such was removed from all diet supplements. Unfortunately, it is available on the net from foreign importers, where it is far from being regulated and even more dangerous. Watch out for the word “ma-huang” in these contexts.

It is not recommended as a weight loss remedy, and you must avoid it completely for your own good.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is an herbal remedy mainly used as an antidepressant. It is considered an herbal supplement without any proof of its efficacy as a weight loss aid. It has not been tested or regulated by the FDA and as such is not approved as being safe or effective. However, what is known about St. John’s Wort is that it should not be taken simultaneously with foods like cheese or wine, or any other foods that contain tyramine. If you do start a treatment with St. John’s Wort, avoid these foods throughout your treatment.

As it can interact negatively with other medications and produce dangerous side effects, you must consult your doctor before beginning treatment with St. John’s Wort along with any other weight loss therapy. There is no evidence that St. John’s Wort is a valid weight loss remedy, although some people insist on its effectiveness. If you want to try it, speak to your doctor first.

Guarana

Guarana is an herbal supplement thought by some to be an appetite suppressant. It forms part of the ingredients in some energy drinks and sodas. If it is in fact an appetite suppressant or not is debated, but it does stimulate brain activity and is a mild diuretic. Being an herbal remedy, the FDA has not tested nor approved Guarana, so you take it at your own risk. It can cause anxiousness, nausea and elevated blood pressure.

Speak to your doctor before taking it as a weight loss remedy. It could work against other remedies or medications as it may not affect you at all. However, it may help you eat less so check with your doctor first.

About the author - Dave Conway: