Fat and carb busters
Nevertheless, ephedra preparations are still being sold in combination with caffeine in health food stores and gyms, much to the chagrin of Health Canada. (Beware of products containing Ma Huang, which is Chinese ephedra, and also illegal.) Like ephedra, bitter orange (a citrus tree extract) contains a stimulant that has been linked to stroke and heart problems. It is not approved by Health Canada for use in weight loss, although it is used in traditional Chinese medicine for other remedies.
Another one to miss is guarana, the seed of a Brazilian fruit, which works like caffeine as a stimulant on the central nervous system. You may find it in energy drinks and even daily multivitamins (One-a-Day WeightSmart Advanced vitamins in the U.S. contain it). While it appears to be safe, there is no solid research supporting its effectiveness.
The fat and carb busters
Lastly we get to a host of supplements that claim to interfere with fat synthesis or speed fat breakdown, such as green tea extract, hydroxycitric acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), L-carnitine and one very popular carb-buster: chromium. In a nutshell, experts say there is no evidence that they're effective at fighting fat. In fact, high doses of green tea extract can be dangerous, with side-effects such as heart palpitations and liver damage, while chronic use of chromium may cause muscle and kidney damage.
Use of CLA may cause gastrointestinal distress, raise blood cholesterol levels and impair insulin resistance. The fundamental problem with these supplements is that their manufacturers claim you can somehow alter your body's natural processes, which is entirely unproven.
Clearly, you take your chances when opting to use any short-term weight-loss aids. Given the limited supporting evidence, your money will be better spent on a gym membership. Hope is essential for a positive outlook, but it doesn't belong on the dieter's list of weight-loss remedies.
If weight-loss drugs aren't your thing, you may be more comfortable following a dietitian's weight loss secrets for healthy, safe dieting.
 | This article was first printed in the February-March 2008 issue of Homemakers Magazine. Click to subscribe online and never miss an issue. |
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