Losing weight?

Try not to use weight loss products. 1. they may not be safe; 2. they likely won't work. (will work for some people, I won't argue with that)

Caution: if you have diabetes or other conditions, talk to a licensed health care professional before buying anything. May be dangerous.

A few kinds that are out on the market are discussed here.

OK to try:

1. Bean Pod: blocks starch digestion theoretically. Pretty safe overall, not for diabetic patients.

2. Glucomannan: soluble fiber that can form a glue-like gel in water. Taken with lots of water can stuff you up! Getting you that sense of fullness. Should take with lots and lots of water, else it may bulk up and cause some obstruction in the gut.
PGX has a similar property, but a different molecule. (you really need that 500mL of water with PGX dose, because PGX's own research study did it this way to get the result. And 500mL is a lot...)

3. CLA (conjugated Linoleic Acid): an omega-6 fatty acid. Can decrease body fat. Have shown to work mildly (~2% drop in body weight in 1 year). Pretty safe, but avoid in diabetic patients.


Maybe think again: (not recommended)

4. 5-HTP: aka 5-hydroxytryptophan. Body uses it to make serotonin and serotonin can reduce appetite (besides other things it can do). Interacts with many drugs, always check with your pharmacist! (ex. some anti-depressants, migraine drugs).

5. Caffeine (aka on label: coffee, tea, cacao, kola nuts, guarana, yerba mate, etc): said to burn the fat... but high doses can cause problems (just like coffee). Very little evidence suggest that they work. Just try coffee. Coffee tends to be cheaper as well~

6. Bitter Orange: aka Seville orange, citrus aurantium. Active chemical is synephrine. It's a stimulant, can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. Not that safe at higher doses >54mg. Research has shown no efficacy. Highly discouraged.

7. Laxatives and Diuretics: You really shouldn't try. Body can get dependent on long term laxative use and you lose nutrients using them. Diuretics really doesn't help you lose fat, they only help you lose water and important electrolytes. Too much of either can cause big problems. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure what the ingredients do. Many products do contain these ingredients!