The effectiveness of popular, non‐prescription weight loss supplements

Abstract

Objectives To review the evidence for the effectiveness of popular, non‐prescription weight loss supplements. Data sources A detailed literature search including all relevant medical and supplementary medicine databases and evidence submitted from manufacturers. Data synthesis The theoretical basis and rationale for the use of each substance is considered along with available research in the published literature on effectiveness and potential risks. We classified the level of evidence represented by the main research studies on each substance. Conclusions There is no good evidence for any weight loss benefits from most of the substances reviewed here. There is some support for mild effects of capsaicin, caffeine and fibre, but only in whole foods. In some cases (eg, chitosan), there is a plausible theoretical basis for the product, but no supporting proof of effect in humans in the absence of a calorie‐controlled diet. Possible synergistic effects of different ingredients cannot be dismissed, but cannot be assessed from current data. There is an absence of good quality research on many substances, which means that advertising claims may be misleading.

Alternative Treatments for Weight Loss: A Critical Review

“…105,106 Our conclusions are largely in concert in general and with respect to specific compounds reviewed in common with those of Clarkson and Rawson 52 and Egger et al 166 Our conclusions are also in concert with the results of Martinet et al 167 who investigated 12 different commercially available herbal preparations claimed to have anti-obesity action and finding that none of them produced a significant change in energy expenditure or respiratory quotient.…”

Flotation separation of copper–molybdenum sulfides using chitosan as a selective depressant

“…Chitosan has been used in many areas such as biomedical engineering, healthcare, wastewater treatment, paper and textile industry, agriculture and food industry, etc. because of its abundance, biodegradability, biocompatibility and film-forming ability (Burke et al, 2002;Crini and Badot, 2008;Egger et al, 1999;Gerente et al, 2007;Gonzalez Siso et al, 1997;Houshyar and Amishahi, 2002;Illum, 1998;Loke et al, 2000;Majeti and Kumar, 2000;Shin and Yoo, 1998;Wang et al, 2002).…”

The effects of a new soluble dietary fiber on weight gain and selected blood parameters in rats

“…Although Howarth et al [12] report that the addition of 14 g/d of either soluble or insoluble fiber increases postmeal satiety and causes a modest decrease in body weight, both Pittler and Ernst [13] and Egger et al [14] suggest that there is little evidence that the commonly available fiber supplements, such as chitosan, have any beneficial effects on human health.…”