The Federal Drug Administration announced that weight loss pills and dietary supplements sold in health food stores, pharmacies, and groceries can be hazardous to one's health. For example, "natural" ingredients such as papaya and bitter orange interact with prescription drugs. Also, some of these products contain illegal, unapproved drugs that cause some people to have seizures, heart problems, and other difficulties.

Even inert herbs can cause side effects, warned Dr. Paul Coates, director of the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.

"Anything biologically active may have a risk for somebody," Dr. Coates said. "Whether they have the ability to keep weight off long-term is unknown."

The 69 brands that were cited as products to avoid include Starcaps, Superslim, Sliminate, Slimup, 3X Slimming Powder, and Imelda Perfect Slim. The FDA is not allowed to test or pull these products until after they appear on the market.

Experts also warned against using popular are "detoxification" products that are supposed to remove toxins - including harmful bacteria and stool - from the intestine, gall bladder, liver, and other organs. These products are often packaged as detox smoothies, colon cleansers, and even as foot and skin creams. Celebrities such as Beyonce, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss have used them.

The problem with extreme detoxification "cleansing" is that it can cause salt and water imbalances. A 52-year-old British woman won a $1.5 million settlement after suffering brain damage during a detoxification regime.

"For healthy people without medical problems, these detox kits are largely safe," said Dr. James Boxtart, Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors. "The problem lies when people have preexisting health problems. If they are taking a prescription medication, they should not do this."

Americans spend $24 billion on dietary supplements and $1.76 billion on weight loss pills ever year.

Labels: diet_pills, fad_diets, detox

Posted By: Aspen Education Group