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Obesity - the abnormal increase in body fat - is a disease. You are considered obese if your body weight is 20 percent higher than it should be for someone your age, sex, height, and body build. Eating too much, not getting enough exercise and family history are some factors that can cause obesity. Obese people have a greater chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, depression and certain cancers.
A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition you have or a medication you take. You do not know about the purity or quality of a supplement, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.
| Herb or Supplement |
Claim |
Possible Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the Experts Say |
| Chromium |
Can reduce fat and increase muscle. |
Some evidence suggests that chromium can hurt healthy cells. Chromium might also lower blood sugar levels. Chromium may affect the kidneys, heart and liver. Also avoid if you have a suppressed immune system. Common side effects can include nausea and stomach discomfort. |
To date, there is no evidence that chromium supplements help with weight loss. |
| CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) |
Causes weight loss and helps keep the fat off. |
Too early to tell. May cause gastrointestinal symptoms. |
Little is known about CLA, and the long-term risks are unknown. Not enough human studies have been done. One study from the USDA found CLA supplements did not affect body fat. |
Avoid foods high in saturated fats as well as products containing highly refined sugar, such as soda, cakes, doughnuts, etc. Make sure you remain hydrated (drink enough water each day) and get plenty of fiber in your diet. Prunes and sea vegetables (kelp, alaria, lavar & dulse) are rich in minerals that may aid in the efficiency of fat metabolism. Get the proper amounts of protein or amino acids in your diet, because some of these chemicals may help break down fat and act as appetite suppressants.
Conventional treatments
- Meridia® (sibutramine) is the first in a new class of anti-obesity drugs known as neurotransmitter uptake inhibitors. The drug manipulates the brain's appetite control centers.
- Xenical® (orlistat) is the first in a new class of anti-obesity drugs that blocks the absorption of dietary fat. Orlistat works in the gastrointestinal tract, blocking an enzyme that helps digest fat. Instead of being absorbed into the body, as much as one third of the fat you eat is excreted in the stool.
Appetite suppressants including phendimetrazine and phentermine may be used as a short-term treatment for obesity by potentially providing an appetite-reducing effect.
This article was reviewed and updated
June 2007.
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