Weight loss is achieved by eating less and exercising more. Even once the pounds come off, a healthy diet and regular physical activity are needed to prevent regaining weight. But diet drugs aren't always a good answer. The popular diet drug, phen-fen, was pulled from the market after doctors reported several cases of heart valve problems in patients using the medication. Some people have turned to herbal supplements to lose weight.
Products containing the ingredient, ephedrine, stimulate the central nervous system.
This curbs the appetite and slightly increases the number of calories burned by the body. On the other hand, in some people, ephedra compounds can have serious side effects, such as insomnia, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, nervousness and shaking, seizures, heart attacks, stroke, and death. A compound called hydroxycitric acid is obtained from the herbs Garcinia cambogia and Garcinia indica. It's believed to promote weight loss by blocking the body's ability to process fats. A recent study found the herb had no side effects, but wasn't any better than a placebo during a 12-week trial.