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Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warning

Two over-the-counter dietary supplements that are promoted to accelerate metabolism with subsequent weight loss have been labeled dangerous by the FDA. These two products are Ephedra (also known as Ma Huang, Ephedra sinica or Chinese ephedra), and Phenylpropanolamine.

In addition, other commonly used weight loss supplements like Cola acuminata, dwarf elder, Yohimbine, and Garcinia camborgia are either lacking controlled clinical trials, or in the case of the last two supplements, were shown in clinical trials to be ineffective (Garcinia was successful in trials as part of a mixture with other substances. It is unclear, however, if Garcinia itself was effective). The FDA also states that the safety of these weight loss supplements is currently unknown.

With the increased marketing and use of these products, FDA has received an increasing number of reports of adverse reactions associated with their use including:

 

These adverse reactions have been reported both in young, healthy individuals and persons with confounding or complicating conditions such as high blood pressure. In addition, a stimulant "overdose" syndrome has been reported in children and teenagers who have use these products.

Related weight-loss products often marketed as "dieter's or slimming teas" contain a variety of strong botanical laxatives and diuretics such as Cassia species (senna) and Cascara sagada. Adverse reactions associated with these products that have been reported to FDA are typically characteristic of those seen in laxative abuse. These include severe electrolyte imbalances leading to heart problems and even death. 

The FDA is concerned about the seriousness of these reported adverse events and their increasing number. Because these products are commonly marketed as dietary supplements, there is no pre-market review by FDA of their safety or effectiveness, no reliable dosing information, and no monitoring advice.