1. Weight Loss Supplements Presented by Kelsie Schuman

2. What are weight loss supplements? O Non-prescription, over-the-counter weight loss supplements O Often contain herbs O Available at many stores, especially health- promoting stores (Whole Foods, GNC, etc.) O Any supplement that claims to cause weight loss or reduce body fat O Usually makes claims like “Lose weight fast!” “All natural!” “Shred unwanted fat!”

3. A few popular examples: O Garcinia Cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) O Green Coffee Bean Extract O Raspberry Ketone

4. Who monitors weight loss supplements? O Because of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, dietary supplements don’t have to be FDA- approved O The FDA monitors for adverse affects and can pull drugs from circulation (FDA, 2014).

5. How effective is the FDA? O A study published in 2014 shows that just because the FDA bans a product from circulation, doesn’t mean it necessarily disappears: O Researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance got a list of 274 supplements recalled by the FDA between 2009 and 2012 O After analyzing 27 supplements, they found that two-thirds of them still contained banned ingredients even after the recall (Aubrey, 2014).

6. What are some positives of weight loss supplements? O Some people do see quick results using weight loss supplements, without any adverse effects O Many people view this as “healthier” than taking prescription drugs for weight loss, or undergoing surgery

7. How about negatives? O Potential side effects include headache, nausea, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, increased blood pressure, liver damage, and more (NIH, 2014).

8. What should I know before taking a supplement? O Since dietary supplements don’t have to be FDA- approved before hitting the market, it’s important to do your research (and talk to your doctor) before trying one. O People with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid these supplements unless approved by their doctor (NIH, 2014). O Women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding must also be very careful (Wong, 2014). O People taking other medications should consult their doctor first, because supplements can have negative interactions with other drugs (NIH, 2014).

9. Why might I want to avoid weight loss supplements? O Potential side effects O Lack of scientific research showing actual weight loss O Lack of scientific research proving safety O Interactions with medications O Lack of effectiveness – lifestyle changes are proven to be more effective than weight loss supplements

10. Are weight loss supplements safe? O Because of lack of scientific evidence, there’s no definitive answer O Plus, every human body reacts differently to supplements O The decision to try weight loss supplements should be made carefully and with the help of your doctor

11. Are weight loss supplements right for me? O If you are generally healthy and willing to take the risk, talk to your doctor to decide if weight loss supplements are a good choice for you. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and be on the lookout for adverse effects. O If you take medications, are pregnant, may become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or suffer from a chronic illness, weight loss supplements may not be right for you – talk to your doctor.

12. Let’s hear from some professionals: O “Health experts agree that making lifestyle changes— including following a healthy eating pattern, reducing caloric intake, and engaging in physical activity—is the basis for achieving long-term weight loss” (NIH, 2014). O “There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy low-calorie diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and be physically active” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). O “Many so-called ‘miracle’ weight loss supplements and foods (including teas and coffees) don’t live up to their claims. Worse, they can cause serious harm, say FDA regulators” (FDA, 2014).

13. Where can I find more information? O The Food and Drug Administration O FDA.gov O National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements O http://ods.od.nih.gov O NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) O https://nccih.nih.gov

14. Closing thoughts O In the end, it’s your decision what you choose to put into your body O Just be careful and cautious – talk to your doctor before making a change! O Consider other alternatives before using weight loss supplements – for example, small lifestyle changes that can make a big impact O Taking a 30-minute walk daily O Incorporating vegetables into one meal per day O Drinking 60-80 ounces of water daily

15. References O Aubrey, Allison (2014). Banned Drugs Still Turning Up in Weight-Loss Supplements. Shots: Health News from NPR. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/22/ 357831203/banned-drugs-still-turning-up-in- weight-loss-supplements http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/22/ 357831203/banned-drugs-still-turning-up-in- weight-loss-supplements O FDA (2014). Beware of Products Promising Miracle Weight Loss. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerU pdates/ucm246742.htm http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerU pdates/ucm246742.htm

16. References, cont. O Mayo Clinic (2014). Over-the-counter Weight-loss Pills. Mayo Foundations for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight- loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20046409?pg=1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight- loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20046409?pg=1 O NIH (2014). Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss- HealthProfessional/ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss- HealthProfessional/

17. References, cont. O Wong, Cathy ND (2014). Weight Loss Supplements. About Health: Alternative Medicine. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://altmedicine.about.com/od/dietpillssu pplements/a/dietpills.htm http://altmedicine.about.com/od/dietpillssu pplements/a/dietpills.htm