What Are These Weight-Loss Aids?
(And Do They Work?)
Source: Health, October 2003

A common ingredient in weight-loss supplements, ephedra, is getting a bad rap, so you might see different ingredients replacing ephedra in these types of pills. Here's a rundown of replacements.
 
Bitter orange: Extract of the immature Seville orange, which is also used to make marmalade. Industry studies have shown it has a modest effect on weight loss, but it does have side effects. It can narrow blood vessels near the skin and cause you to overheat when you're exercising. If it's mixed with caffeine, it could also raise your blood pressure and lead to heart problems.
Green tea: One study did find that green tea can help boost metabolism and help you burn about 80 more calories per day, but nobody has been able to demonstrate that this will actually lead to weight loss. Drinking too much of this tea can give you jitters, headaches, and insomnia, especially if it's combined with other ingredients and extra caffeine.
Guarana: Extract from an Amazonian vine, which is rich in caffeine. You shouldn't take it with additional sources of caffeine. It's often used in drinks and other supplements that have additional ingredients, so weight loss benefit is questionable.
Hydroxycitic acid: A chemical in the fruit used to flavor curry. It probably won't harm you, but evidence shows it probably doesn't help you much with weight loss, either. Cooking with curry may be very good for you, however. Recent studies have found that the nutrients in the spice may help fight off brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.