The primary active ingredient in Proshape RX is the controversial appetite suppressant Hoodia gordonii. This is a cactus which has traditionally been used by Bushmen in South Africa to stave off hunger. The official website claims that weight loss will start to occur at 2-3 weeks after using Proshape RX. The manufacturer claims that Proshape RX will curb appetite and cravings for food, increase energy and promote liver and digestive tract health. A review of Hoodia products by Alkemists Pharmaceuticals found that at least half of them did not incorporate Hoodia gordonii. Unfortunately at the time of writing no evidence is presented on the Proshape RX website, such as CITES and USDA certificates, that their Hoodia gordonii is authentic. The official website does not indicate the country where Proshape RX is manufactured or the quality control procedures. Additionally, there is no contact address or telephone number for the manufacturer on the website – a red flag.

Authentication of Hoodia products

Hoodia gordonii is a species that could come under threat if supplies are not closely monitored. It is listed under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). It is illegal to export the plant from Africa without a CITES certificate.
In the USA, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and United States Customs and Border Protection regulate the importation and re-exportation of species such as Hoodia gordonii. Current U.S. laws stipulate that not only must a CITES certificate accompany shipments of Hoodia gordonii, but that the importers must possess a permit issued by the USDA to import Terrestrial Plants. In addition to CITES and USDA certificates a consumer should look for a report from an independent testing laboratory verifying the presence of Hoodia gordonii.

How does Proshape RX work?

ProShape RX diet pills contain stimulants, appetite suppressants and fat blocking agents. They have been formulated to: reduce appetite; inhibit dietary fat absorption; boost energy; and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In addition to Hoodia gordonii which is believed to suppress appetite, Proshape RX also contains chitosan and white kidney beans which are also found in some other weight loss products. Chitosan is derived from shellfish and binds to fat and cholesterol in food and thus inhibits its absorption. White kidney bean is believed to reduce the absorption of starch from dietary sources.

Proshape RX pros

• Proshape RX contains natural ingredients
• At time of writing there were up to 60% savings if you purchase multiple bottles
• There is a free 30 day trial

Proshape RX cons

• Proshape RX is a propriety blend. Are there high enough doses of the active ingredients for optimal weight loss effectiveness?
• There are few testimonials on the official website and no before and after photos
• Proshape RX contains caffeine
• Some users report experiencing side effects using Proshape RX
• No details of the manufacturer, the country where Proshape RX is made, product quality control and purity or a contact address are given on the website – always a cause for concern
• There is no FAQ section on the website
• Proshape RX is expensive if you buy just one bottle

ProShape RX ingredients

The ingredients in Proshape Rx diet pills are:

• Hoodia gordonii
• White willow bark
• Chitosan
• Green tea
• White kidney bean powder
• L-Methionine
• Beet root extract
• Fenugreek

Looking at the key ingredients in greater detail:

Hoodia gordonii: The concentration of this ingredient is not given by the manufacturers. Both animal and human studies indicate that Hoodia gordonii can function as an effective appetite suppressant if used appropriately. The hypothalamus, which is located in the midbrain, has nerve cells that detect glucose. When food is consumed blood glucose levels increase, and the hypothalamus is activated, informing the brain that the stomach is full. The P57 molecule contained in Hoodia is about 10,000 times more effective than glucose in stimulating these nerve cells. The overall effect is to fool the brain into thinking that the stomach is full, thus suppressing the appetite.

White kidney bean extract: This ingredient is known to have numerous benefits particularly the ability to block starches. It can achieve this by blocking the alpha-amylase enzyme. This has the effect of preventing carbohydrates from being converted into fat – instead, they are removed from the body before they enter the blood stream. In addition white kidney bean extract is also a rich source of cholesterol-lowering fiber which is a great way to promote good cardiac health. Furthermore, this extract is also believed to lower triglycerides.

Chitosan: This is a sugar that is extracted from the hard outer skeleton of shellfish, including crab, lobster, and shrimp. Chitosan is used to treat obesity, high cholesterol, and Crohn’s disease. It is also used to treat complications that patients undergoing dialysis often encounter, including high cholesterol, anemia, loss of strength and appetite and insomnia.

Green tea: It contains caffeine that speeds up the body’s metabolic rate. The combination of green tea (standardized for caffeine and ECGC) and caffeine has been demonstrated to promote modest weight loss (Obes Res. 2005; 13: 1195-204).

Proshape RX dosage

The manufacturer recommends taking 3 Proshape RX pills per day, one before each meal.

Potential side effects of ProShape RX

ProShape RX does not contain strong stimulants. However, individuals who are sensitive to caffeine may experience caffeine-related side effects from the green tea extract. Potential side effects include: constipation (due to the white kidney powder and chitosan) and insomnia and anxiety (due to the green tea extract). ProShape RX has not been approved by the FDA.

Proshape RX conclusion

Although there are positive consumer reviews on Proshape RX there is no clinical evidence on the product itself to support the claim of significant weight loss. 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 them 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. Unfortunately at the time of writing no evidence is presented on the Proshape RX website, such as CITES and USDA certificates, that their Hoodia gordonii is authentic. In addition a search also revealed that the Proshape RX trademark has been abandoned by the manufacturer – not an encouraging sign.

Proshape RX contact details

Website: http://www.proshaperx.com/