31
Weight Loss Supplements Considered Potentially Unsafe
by the FDA
Many weight loss supplements thought unsafe are available via the
Internet. Clinicians and patients should optimally be aware of these
products and their associated risks.
Intervention Side Effects Mechanism of Action
1,3-dimethylamylamine
methylhexanamine-
DMAA (geranium
or pelargonium
graveolens extract)
Adverse adrenergic
side effects (e.g.,
high blood pressure,
myocardial infarction,
psychiatric disorders,
nervous system
disorders, and
sudden death)
Stimulant, often
illegally combined
with caffeine
Ephedra (ma huang) Adverse adrenergic
side effects (e.g.,
high blood pressure,
palpitations,
myocardial
infarction, stroke,
seizure, and sudden
death)
Ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine may
reduce hunger
Bitter orange (Citrus
aurantium)
a
Chest pain,
anxiety, headache,
musculoskeletal
complaints,
increased heart rate,
increased blood
pressure
Contains synephrine
that may reduce
hunger
2,4 Dinitrophenol
(2,4 DNP or DNP)
Hyperthermia,
tachycardia,
diaphoresis,
tachypnea, cardiac
arrest, and death
Uncoupling of
mitochondrial
oxidative
phosphorylation
and increased fat
metabolism
Phenylpropanolamine
(PPA)
Headache, tremor,
insomnia, agitation,
palpitations, high
blood pressure,
cerebral vasculitis,
myocardial
infarction, and
hemorrhagic strokes
Synthetic
sympathomimetic
amine, functionally
similar to
amphetamine and
ephedrine, with
hunger suppressant
effects
