Slimmers have been warned by the FDA to avoid nearly 30 weight-loss products sold on the internet due to potentially harmful ingredients.
Many of these products are marketed as ‘natural’ fat burners. The manufactures claim that they are new and improved versions of ancient health remedies from Asia. Sold globally to dieters via the internet, these weight loss products promise a quick fix.
The potentially dangerous dieting products include Zhen de Shou, Imelda Perfect Slimming, 2 Day Diet, 24 Hours Diet, ProSlim Plus, 999 Fitness Essence, Miaozi Slim Capsules, Slim Express 360, Royal Slimming Formula and Somotrin.
The FDA stated that these products contain unlisted ingredients, including high doses of a powerful prescription anti-obesity drug, as well as a chemical linked to cancer.
Laboratory analysis revealed that 28 of the diet pills tested could put users in hospital. Nearly all were found to contain Sibutramine, a strong appetite suppressant similar to amphetamines. Sibutramine is also the chemical ingredient in the prescription drug Meridia, which is used to treat obesity Side effects can include heart attacks, strokes and heart palpitations, especially in people with a history of high blood pressure or heart problems.
Some of these weight loss pills were found to contain nearly three times the recommended daily dose of Sibutramine. Several contain Phenolphthalein, a chemical used as a laxative, but which is now being withdrawn from the market because of suspected cancer risks.
None of the slimming supplements, believed to have originated in China, lists the dangerous chemicals on their packaging or containers. The FDA is considering criminal charges against some of the companies, because they have not responded to requests for product recalls.
DiCaffeine Malate is a combination of caffeine and Malic acid. These ingredients are ionically bonded into a compound that claims to optimize energy, stimulate thermogenesis, and increase mental focus. By combining these two ingredients together, the Malic acid buffers the caffeine salt so that it digests easier than the natural caffeine on its own.
Employed originally by Coca Cola as an alternative to cocaine, DiCaffeine Malate is a stimulant-based ingredient used in colas, soft drinks, energy drinks and weight loss supplements.
Malic acid
Malic acid (originally isolated from apple juice) is involved in the citric acid cycle as part of the overall metabolic cycle. It helps in the conversion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into CO2 and water. This process results in energy that can be utilized by the body.
DiCaffine Malate performance
DiCaffeine Malate is a familiar weight-loss ingredient (though the current manufacturer, Creative Compounds lists it under the name ‘Infinergy’). It is designed to replace the now illegal stimulant Ephedra which was once popular in diet pills. There is no available research to show that DiCaffeine Malate is comparable to Ephedra, or that it is more effective than caffeine alone.
Clinical studies have validated caffeine as a stimulant for boosting energy and helping with weight loss. While DiCaffeine Malate is gentler on the stomach, it still has similar side effects to natural caffeine. In effect, DiCaffeine Malate should be viewed in the same light as caffeine in a diet pill. It will increase metabolic rate at the (possible) cost of side effects.
Side effects of DiCaffeine Malate
DiCaffeine Malate may cause jitters, insomnia, headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Is DiCaffeine Malate a stand-alone supplement?
While DiCaffeine Malate is relatively inexpensive, it is not offered as a stand-alone supplement.
Best Weight Loss Pills
With over 400 weight loss products on the market, it can be extremely difficult for slimmers to decide which product is best for them. While they are all promoted to the hilt, the majority do not live up to expectations. If a decision to take weight loss pills is made, it is always advisable to understand how they work.
Weight loss pills fall into two major categories – those available only on prescription and those available over-the-counter, or on the internet. Prescription weight loss pills are clinically tested and proven to work. But prescription weight loss pills are not ideal – they have side effects. These pills tend to be used where excessive body weight is a potential danger to health.
The problem with most non-prescription weight loss supplements and diet pills is that the claims made by the manufacturers are not supported by clinical studies.
Types of weight loss pill
There are different categories of weight loss pill based on their mode of action, namely fat burners, appetite suppressants, fat blockers and detoxification products.
Appetite suppressants
The most widely used diet pills are appetite suppressants. These pills inhibit the desire to eat, and as a consequence, calorie intake. Most of the prescription slimming drugs are appetite suppressants, for example Phentermine, Meridia (Sibutramine), and Acomplia.
The leading natural over-the-counter appetite suppressant is Hoodia gordonii.
Fat blockers
Another type of weight loss pill growing in popularity is the fat blocker. Basically fat blockers prevent the gastrointestinal tract from absorbing a proportion of the dietary fat that is consumed. The unabsorbed fat flushes straight through the digestive system. Xenical is the leading prescription fat blocker. It works by inhibiting the lipase enzyme responsible for fat absorption. It has helped many people lose weight, but side effects include abdomen discomfort, and diarrhea.
Alli is a weaker version of Xenical available without prescription, but with similar side effects to Xenical.
Among natural fat blockers chitosan is a widespread ingredient. There are many weight loss pills based on chitosan, but scientific studies suggest that this compound has only weak fat blocking capacities.
A natural fat blocker that binds fats directly in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, is Proactol. It acts safely and helps promote steady weight loss.
Fat Burners
Fat burners are designed to elevate the body’s metabolism in order to burn more calories. There are many different types of ingredients that are used in fat burners. Some of these weight loss ingredients boost energy and others help to make fat burning processes more efficient.
Detoxification products
Detoxification products take a different approach to weight loss. The body absorbs toxins through the skin, from pollutants in the air, and from the preservatives and contaminants in food and drink. Toxin build-up can slow the body’s metabolism and cause weight gain. Weight loss pills that use detoxifying ingredients focus on flushing toxins from the body, stimulating optimal metabolic activity and thus weight loss.
Other weight loss products
There are other types of weight loss pills on the market today. Many combine multiple modes of action, such as appetite suppression and fat burning, in one pill.
What makes a good weight loss pill?
- Weight loss pills should be manufactured by a reputable company that is established on the weight loss market. There should be a full money back guarantee and additional discounts.
- There should be comprehensive contact details, namely, an email address, telephone number and mailing address.
- The company should be able to guarantee high manufacturing standards.
- The ingredients of the weight loss pill should be authentic and of high quality. The best assurance of quality is a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- The mix and concentrations of herbs and other compounds should be based on solid research findings and not an ad hoc formulation.
- There should be testimonials available from customers that have used the weight loss pill.
- Another factor is pricing. High prices do not necessarily guarantee quality and performance.
What are the best weight loss pills?
Appetite suppressants
Hoodia gordonii is one of the safest and most effective appetite suppressants available on the market today. Unfortunately, there are well in excess of 300 products claiming to contain Hoodia gordonii that are being sold worldwide. A review of Hoodia products by Alkemists Pharmaceuticals found that at least half of these products did not incorporate Hoodia gordonii. Both animal and human studies indicate that Hoodia gordonii can function as an effective appetite suppressant if used appropriately. The problem is finding a product that contains pure Hoodia gordonii in sufficient concentration to be effective.
At present only fresh or dried Hoodia in the form of a pill or capsule, is likely to have any real potential to promote weight loss. Like all supplements, the amount of Hoodia in the weight loss product is an essential part of its potency and potential benefits. There appear to be relatively few authentic Hoodia products on the market. It is not advisable to buy from websites that do not display an email contact and preferably a toll free phone number. Avoid Hoodia products from websites using spam emails. Likewise avoid free trials. It is highly unlikely that Hoodia would be provided free. Hoodia costs over $300/Kilo.
Hoodia Prime™ is a product that has received many positive reviews and testimonials. The slimming capsules contain pure fully authenticated Hoodia gordonii, and no fillers (1200 mg per capsule). Hoodia Prime™ is available from Natures Biology, Los Angeles, CA 91367.
Related article: Hoodia gordonii Scams
Fat blockers
There are many fat blockers available. Most are not very effective. The key is getting a product that is both safe to use, and has a proven track record. A major problem with many fat binders is that they cannot differentiate between “bad” saturated fat, and “good” poly and monounsaturated fats. These fat binders may prevent the body from absorbing and utilizing enough of the required beneficial fats. Some fat is required in the diet to maintain key bodily functions. This would, however, not appear to be an issue with Proactol.
Proactol is set to become the most credible weight loss pill available online today. The product is backed by clinical trials. In line with the clinical studies, users of Proactol have been reporting appreciable weight loss with no side effects. Proactol is receiving intense attention from the media and health and fitness professionals around the world.
Related article: Is Proactol a Miracle Pill?
Fat Burners
Apidexin is a non-prescription fat burner that relies on eight ingredients, all of which have apparently been clinically tested and are now patented, or patent-pending. Because of the novelty, and perhaps the quality of these ingredients, Apidexin is on the expensive side. From the studies that have been carried out, Apidexin contains some of the best diet and fat burning ingredients available. Many of the ingredients, such as ThermoDiamine, are not found in many diet pills currently on the market.
Related article: Is Apidexin the Best Weight Loss Pill?
Detoxification products
The benefits of detoxifying the body are well recognised. DetoxaTrim offers a product based on natural ingredients. They have been proven to promote beneficial intestinal bacteria and maintain pH balance in the body. The small print at the bottom of the website states that DetoxaTrim works best as a weight loss product when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
More recently, focus has been put on the connection between toxins and obesity. There are some products on the market that endeavor to convince dieters that detoxification promotes weight loss. While it is true that some weight is loss due to more frequent elimination of waste from the body, no detoxification program should be followed just to lose weight.
The manufacturers claim that DetoxaTrim is a new scientific approach to weight loss. The product is designed to detoxify the body and jump-start thermogenesis. The two-part program is purported to cleanse the body, reduce bloating, increase energy, boost metabolism, curb appetite, and eliminate Candida yeast in the digestive tract.
Related article: DetoxaTrim: Does Detoxification Promote Weight Loss?
