8
Medication and Supplement History
Currently Available OTC Medications, Supplements,
and Vitamins Marketed for Weight Reduction
OTC Medications
• Orlistat (Alli 60 mg): lower-dose version of prescription Orlistat
Dietary Supplements
Multiple compounds are available with limited FDA review or
regulation. These products may have various formulations and often
lack standardization. These products may be labeled as "fat burners,"
"metabolism boosters," or "appetite suppressants," with limited
data. Some common examples and the proposed mechanisms of
action include:
• Herbal products (multiple proposed mechanisms): Green tea
extract, Garcinia cambogia, white kidney bean extract.
• Fiber supplements (promote satiety and may reduce intake):
Glucomannan, psyllium, cellulose.
• Stimulants (reduce appetite via sympathetic activation): Caffeine,
bitter orange.
• Other compounds: Conjugated linoleic acid, L-carnitine, raspberry
ketones, capsaicin, chitosan, B vitamins (individual and complexes).
• Elemental compounds: Chromium, calcium, magnesium.
Previously Available Supplements and OTC Compounds
That Have Been Removed from the Market
• Thyroid hormone: Used in the 1890s; risk of cardiac arrhythmias
and sudden death.
• Ephedra: Banned in 2004 due to cardiovascular adverse effects.
• Phenylpropanolamine: Banned in 2000 due to increased risk of
hemorrhagic stroke.
• 2,4-Dinitrophenol: Previously used in some weight loss
supplements, now illegal for human consumption due to severe
adverse effects, including hyperthermia and death.
