Weight Loss Supplements

        Dr. Oz and many other popular “nutritionists” tout the efficacy of weight loss supplements such as Garcinia Cambogia and Raspberry Ketones. However, many weight loss supplements, especially those sold over the counter, may not be scientifically proven to be effective and can even cause dangerous side effects. In fact, there are only a few supplements that have been FDA approved for weight loss. FDA stands for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this body can investigate supplements once safety issues have been reported and then they may provide warnings, approve the drug or remove the drug from the market if warranted. This means that weight loss supplements seen on store shelves do not need FDA approval to be there, it is the manufacturers responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and claims are truthful.

        Supplements that have been approved by the FDA include Orlistat Belviq, Qsymia and Contrave. The only supplement that can be found over the counter is Alli, which is half the strength (60mg Orlistat) of the prescription drug Xenical (120mg Orlistat). These supplements are recommended for use in those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight related comorbidity (ex. hypertension, type 2 diabetes).

        There is a common misconception that weight loss supplements are magical pills that will simply melt fat away without any lifestyle changes. Over the counter supplements will often advertise their medications in this manner. However, the FDA certainly does not claim that approved drugs are “magic pills” and they encourage that medications be used with a reduced calorie diet and exercise for maximum benefit.

        The mechanisms of each of these approved drugs varies. Orlistat reduces the absorption of ingested fat by binding to gastric and pancreatic lipases. This helps contribute to a caloric deficit, which aids in weight loss. Qsymia is a combination of two FDA approved drugs. It is composed of an appetite suppressant (phentermine) and an anti-epileptic drug (topiramate). It is unclear how exactly topiramate, meant to reduce seizures, is helpful for weight loss, but it is thought to reduce appetite and increase feelings of satiety. Belviq (locaserin hydrochloride) is thought to activate serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus to stimulate a hormone (alpha-melanocortin), which suppresses appetite. Lastly, Contrave is another combination of two FDA approved drugs, Naltrexone hydrochloride and Bupropion hydrochloride. Naltrexone treats alcohol and opioid dependence, while bupropion treats depression and helps aid in smoking cessation. It is unknown how this drug combination causes weight loss, but they are thought to have appetite-suppressing effects. 

        Studies conducted by the FDA, demonstrate that these medications result in significant weight loss. Trials have shown a 5% average weight loss after about a year of using the approved supplements when in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. By no means are these medications a quick or easy weight loss fix, but their efficacy has been shown in obese and overweight patients.