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Ephedra Diet Pills: Ephedra Sinica, Weight Loss, Side Effects, FDA Approval

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Published: November 5, 2007

Busy schedules, shortage of willpower and urban sprawl are just some of the many factors contributing to America's obesity epidemic. Because of so many obstacles when trying to lose weight, individuals fall victim to ineffective, possibly dangerous diet pills. Ephedra diet pills, in particular, are potentially very dangerous and have been banned. Therefore, Americans need to exercise caution when choosing dieting supplements.

Derived from the plant called Ephedra sinica, ephedra diet pills have been a popular weight loss choice due their appetite-suppressing and metabolism-boosting abilities. However, in recent decades, ephedra has been used as a diet supplement. Also known as ma huang, ephedra has historically been used by the Chinese to treat asthma, hay fever and cold symptoms. Whether used for upper-respirator ailments or for weight reduction, Ephedra sinica derivatives stimulate the nervous system and make people feel more energetic. Some of the many products made with ephedra are Metabolife, Ripped Fuel, Stacker 3 and NaturalTrim.

The active ingredient in ephedra diet pills is called ephedrine, a compound known to cause adverse side effects. Studies demonstrate that not only do ephedra diet pills contribute to only short-term weight loss, but they also cause many health risks. Ephedra diet pills increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can pose a threat to people with sensitive circulatory systems, such as those with heart disease and diabetes. Other side effects include heart palpitations, gastrointestinal problems, tremors and insomnia.

In 1997, after reports of 22 ephedra-related deaths, the FDA recommended that ephedra diet pills be labeled with every side effect, including death, and limit the daily dose to 24 milligrams. Originally, the maximum daily dose was 100 milligrams. Although ephedra diet pills failed to meet FDA approval, ephedra lobbyists convinced Congress to blocked any limitations on these products.

Finally, after investigating hundreds of complaints regarding ephedra diet pills, the FDA banned the sale of ephedra as a dietary supplement on April 12, 2004. This ban excluded ephedra used in traditional Chinese medicine, because it is not marketed as a method to lose weight.

Despite today’s ban on ephedra diet pills, many online retailers still sell ephedra products. Boastful descriptions typically accompany these products, but many fail to mention adverse side effects. Because ephedra diet pills are illegal, consumers should be cynical of the integrity of these products and the people selling them. When shopping for any supplements, consumers should be vigilante for small print that states these products have not met FDA approval.

Although many legitimate supplements are available that may help people reach their weight loss goals, many scam products are also accessible, especially ephedra diet pills. Due to the difficulties of losing weight, dieters can be tempted to try these products that are too good to be true. But the many possible risks associated with ephedra diet pills significantly outweigh their advantages.


Sources:
"Ephedra (Ephedra Sinica) / Ma Huang." Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 1998-2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ephedra/NS_patien t-ephedra.

"Ephedra Laws." Ephedra.com. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.ephedra.com/ephedra-laws.htm.

"Products Containing Ephedra." Ephedra-News.com. 2007. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.ephedrine-news.com/html/ephedrine_produ cts.html

Rados, Carol. "Ephedra Ban: No Shortage of Reasons." FDA Office of Public Affairs. 2004. 1 Nov. 2007. http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/2004/204_ephedra. html.
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