Mentioned below is a list of doubtful or illegal weight loss products, which, as per FDA’s advice, the consumers should not buy or use.
These products contain any of the following undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients:
* fenproporex -- a controlled substance not approved for marketing in the U.S.
* fluoxetine -- an antidepressant available by prescription only
* bumetanide -- a potent diuretic available by prescription only
* furosemide -- a potent diuretic available by prescription only
* rimonabant -- a drug not approved for marketing in the U.S.
* cetilistat -- an experimental obesity drug not approved for marketing
in the U.S.
* phenytoin -- an antiseizure medication available by prescription only
* phenolphthalein -- a solution used in chemical experiments and a
suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the U.S.
The health risks posed by these products include high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), palpitations, heart attack, and stroke.
Here is the FDA's full list of all 72 tainted weight loss products:
1. 2 Day Diet
2. 2 Day Diet Slim Advance
3. 2x Powerful Slimming
4. 3 Day Diet
5. 3 Days Fit
6. 3x Slimming Power
7. 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
8. 7 Day Herbal Slim
9. 7 Days Diet
10. 7 Diet
11. 7 Diet Day/Night Formula
12. 8 Factor Diet
13. Eight Factor Diet
14. 21 Double Slim
15. 24 Hours Diet
16. 999 Fitness Essence
17. BioEmagrecim
18. Body Creator
19. Body Shaping
20. Body Slimming
21. Cosmo Slim
22. Extrim Plus
23. Extrim Plus 24 Hour Reburn
24. Fasting Diet
25. Fatloss Slimming
26. GMP
27. Herbal Xenicol
28. Imelda Fat Reducer
29. Imelda Perfect Slim
30. JM Fat Reducer
31. Lida DaiDaihua
32. Meili
33. Meizitang
34. Miaozi MeiMiaoQianZiJiaoNang
35. Miaozi Slim Capsules
36. Natural Model
37. Perfect Slim
38. Perfect Slim 5x
39. Perfect Slim Up
40. Phyto Shape
41. Powerful Slim
42. ProSlim Plus
43. Reduce Weight
44. Royal Slimming Formula
45. Sana Plus
46. Slim 3 in 1
47. Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Formula
48. Slim 3 in 1 Extra Slim Waist Formula
49. Slim 3 in 1 M18 Royal Diet
50. Slim 3 in 1 Slim Formula
51. Slim Burn
52. Slim Express 4 in 1
53. Slim Express 360
54. Slim Fast (This product is not related to the Slim-Fast line of
meal replacement and related products.)
55. Slim Tech
56. Slim Up
57. Slim Waist Formula
58. Slim Waistline
59. Slimbionic
60. Sliminate
61. Slimming Formula
62. Somotrim
63. Starcaps
64. Super Fat Burner
65. Superslim
66. Super Slimming
67. Trim 2 Plus
68. Triple Slim
69. Venom Hyperdrive 3.0
70. Waist Strength Formula
71. Xsvelten
72. Zhen de Shou
Source: FDA, US Dept of Health & Human Services, News Release
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Weight loss drugs & weight loss supplements: Chromium Picolinate
Chromium Picolinate is now widely used as a nutritional supplement in weight loss to improve the efficiency of insulin. It is a combination of the element Chromium and Picolinic acid. Trace amounts of naturally occurring Chromium are found in everyday foods like meat, poultry, fish, and whole-grain breads. The processing of foods strips them of natural Chromium.
Chromium Picolinate first gained popularity in US and several effects like weight loss, mood enhancement, energy promotion, increase in life span, and even the prevention of acne were attributed to it. The advertising claims included weight loss, fat melting, drastically reducing the appetite, and even increasing the metabolism. It has also been touted as a safe alternative to steroids, for increasing muscle and strength.
Medical studies conducted on animals demonstrated that inadequate levels of Chromium lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of insulin and subsequent damage to insulin-dependant systems. This reaffirmed the conclusion that trace amounts of chromium are needed to help in the transport of blood glucose across cell membranes. The combination of Chromium with Picolinic acid helped in efficient Chromium absorption and a daily intake of 130 mcg of Chromium was recommended by the health authorities.
Three theories are now widely held:
· Chromium Picolinate improves insulin efficiency, which causes an increase in the production of Seratonin that subsequently reduces appetite
· Chromium regulates the fat formation processes in the body, preventing excess fat from being generated
· Chromium Picolinate enhances protein synthesis, thus stimulating muscle growth
A study by Trent and Thieding-Cancel (1995) concluded that there exists absolutely no link between body fat, insulin insensitivity, and Chromium Picolinate, and did not recommend the supplement as a useful aspect of weight-loss programs (Trent & Thieding-Cancel, 1995).
Chromium Picolinate is not only an ineffective tool for weight loss, but may in fact be counterproductive in dieting endeavors (Grant et al, 1997).
At the end of an eight week period, two groups were tested for strength, fat-free mass, and muscle mass. The experimental group received CP, and control group did not; while all measures increased as a result of resistance training, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Additionally, there was no effect on fat loss in either group (Lukaski et al, 1996).
Another study specifically refutes claims that Chromium Picolinate produces results analogous to anabolic steroids, and discourages the use of the supplement among athlete populations (Walker et al, 1998).
However, one study did reveal Chromium Picolinate as an effective aid for weight loss. Harris et al (1998) examined dietary supplementation with Chromium Picolinate and lipotropics such as L-carnitine. The combination of supplementation and exercise significantly increased fat loss as compared to the control group. The results of this study were available only in abstract form and offered only these preliminary results (Harris et al, 1998).
Several studies using animal subjects also assert fat loss and muscle growth (Mooney et al, 1995; Lindemann et al, 1995).
However, scientific evidence that Chromium Picolinate can accomplish the same feat in humans is still rare…
(Reference sources for the researches quoted above will be emailed on request)
Chromium Picolinate first gained popularity in US and several effects like weight loss, mood enhancement, energy promotion, increase in life span, and even the prevention of acne were attributed to it. The advertising claims included weight loss, fat melting, drastically reducing the appetite, and even increasing the metabolism. It has also been touted as a safe alternative to steroids, for increasing muscle and strength.
Medical studies conducted on animals demonstrated that inadequate levels of Chromium lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of insulin and subsequent damage to insulin-dependant systems. This reaffirmed the conclusion that trace amounts of chromium are needed to help in the transport of blood glucose across cell membranes. The combination of Chromium with Picolinic acid helped in efficient Chromium absorption and a daily intake of 130 mcg of Chromium was recommended by the health authorities.
Three theories are now widely held:
· Chromium Picolinate improves insulin efficiency, which causes an increase in the production of Seratonin that subsequently reduces appetite
· Chromium regulates the fat formation processes in the body, preventing excess fat from being generated
· Chromium Picolinate enhances protein synthesis, thus stimulating muscle growth
A study by Trent and Thieding-Cancel (1995) concluded that there exists absolutely no link between body fat, insulin insensitivity, and Chromium Picolinate, and did not recommend the supplement as a useful aspect of weight-loss programs (Trent & Thieding-Cancel, 1995).
Chromium Picolinate is not only an ineffective tool for weight loss, but may in fact be counterproductive in dieting endeavors (Grant et al, 1997).
At the end of an eight week period, two groups were tested for strength, fat-free mass, and muscle mass. The experimental group received CP, and control group did not; while all measures increased as a result of resistance training, there were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Additionally, there was no effect on fat loss in either group (Lukaski et al, 1996).
Another study specifically refutes claims that Chromium Picolinate produces results analogous to anabolic steroids, and discourages the use of the supplement among athlete populations (Walker et al, 1998).
However, one study did reveal Chromium Picolinate as an effective aid for weight loss. Harris et al (1998) examined dietary supplementation with Chromium Picolinate and lipotropics such as L-carnitine. The combination of supplementation and exercise significantly increased fat loss as compared to the control group. The results of this study were available only in abstract form and offered only these preliminary results (Harris et al, 1998).
Several studies using animal subjects also assert fat loss and muscle growth (Mooney et al, 1995; Lindemann et al, 1995).
However, scientific evidence that Chromium Picolinate can accomplish the same feat in humans is still rare…
(Reference sources for the researches quoted above will be emailed on request)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Weight loss drugs & Weight loss supplements - Orlistat
Orlistat is an intestinal lipase inhibitor that causes peripheral action in gastrointestinal tract. In simple words, this means Orlistat reduces fat absorption in the intestine – 30% of fat eaten is malabsorbed. The fats in the diet have to be broken down into smaller pieces before the body is able to process and subsequently store them. Orlistat works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in the diet. This undigested fat then passes out of the body in the bowel movement. However, Orlistat is not able to block the absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so total intake of calories would still need to be restricted. It should also be noted here that Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal problems and the user must strictly be on a low-fat, reduced calorie diet to prevent them.
Studies have shown that Orlistat is capable of producing 70% more fat loss than an intensive lifestyle program alone. Orlistat is associated with reductions in cholesterol over that to be expected with weight loss, falls in blood pressure and serum triglycerides, as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity. Taking Orlistat can also help prevent the user from regaining the weight he or she had lost.
Absorption of fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E & K may be compromised with long term usage, but levels of these vitamins remain in the normal range after four years of treatment with Orlistat. However, to be on the safer side, it would be advisable to take a multivitamin supplement at night after a year of treatment, to compensate for any issues.
Use of this drug is indicated is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
The common gastrointestinal adverse effects include Oily Spotting, Flatus with Discharge, Fecal Urgency, Fatty/Oily Stool, Oily Evacuation, Increased Defecation and Fecal Incontinence.
Please note that this posting does not include all possible adverse effects. Therefore, before using Orlistat, check with your doctor and inform him/her about all the medications you are taking.
Studies have shown that Orlistat is capable of producing 70% more fat loss than an intensive lifestyle program alone. Orlistat is associated with reductions in cholesterol over that to be expected with weight loss, falls in blood pressure and serum triglycerides, as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity. Taking Orlistat can also help prevent the user from regaining the weight he or she had lost.
Absorption of fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E & K may be compromised with long term usage, but levels of these vitamins remain in the normal range after four years of treatment with Orlistat. However, to be on the safer side, it would be advisable to take a multivitamin supplement at night after a year of treatment, to compensate for any issues.
Use of this drug is indicated is indicated for obese patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 in the presence of other risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia).
The common gastrointestinal adverse effects include Oily Spotting, Flatus with Discharge, Fecal Urgency, Fatty/Oily Stool, Oily Evacuation, Increased Defecation and Fecal Incontinence.
Please note that this posting does not include all possible adverse effects. Therefore, before using Orlistat, check with your doctor and inform him/her about all the medications you are taking.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Weight loss drugs & Weight loss supplements - Sibutramine
Sibutramine is a derivative of fluoxetine. Apart from having a mild thermogenic action, it is also a proven central appetite suppressant. Sibutramine is capable of acting as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) and Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI). In simple words, this means that Sibutramine works by acting on the area in your brain that is responsible for controlling hunger and providing you with a sense of fullness and satisfaction.
Sibutramine has been shown to produce 50-100% additional weight loss above that identified with significant lifestyle changes. Obesity related medical conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea are also believed to reduce in proportion to the weight lost. Also studies have shown that Sibutramine has a specific effect of raising HDL levels quite markedly.
Sibutramine should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor if you have: eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa), uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure, severe heart disease (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms), and stroke. Also, Sibutramine should not be used with certain other weight loss medicines like diethylpropion and phentermine, since very serious interactions may occur.
When on Sibutramine, do not consume large amounts of beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks like red bull, battery etc), since side effects like increased heart rate can get aggravated.
Please note that this posting does not include all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Sibutramine, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Sibutramine has been shown to produce 50-100% additional weight loss above that identified with significant lifestyle changes. Obesity related medical conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea are also believed to reduce in proportion to the weight lost. Also studies have shown that Sibutramine has a specific effect of raising HDL levels quite markedly.
Sibutramine should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor if you have: eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa), uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure, severe heart disease (coronary artery disease, history of heart attack, congestive heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms), and stroke. Also, Sibutramine should not be used with certain other weight loss medicines like diethylpropion and phentermine, since very serious interactions may occur.
When on Sibutramine, do not consume large amounts of beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, colas, energy drinks like red bull, battery etc), since side effects like increased heart rate can get aggravated.
Please note that this posting does not include all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Sibutramine, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
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