Long-Term Side Effects Hoodia

Hoodia is a succulent native to Africa, and it is said that hunters consumed it to stave off hunger. This product is sold as a dietary supplement, touted for its appetite suppressant effects. Little is known about the effectiveness and safety of this product as long-term scientific research has yet to be conclusive.

Products

• Hoodia is sold in the form of pills, milk chews, "shots" and lip balm. They should be purchased from a trusted source, and only as a dietary supplement if used for weight loss.

Usage

• Only take hoodia in its prescribed dosage. Because it is a dietary supplement, it isn't subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Vendors claim an active chemical suppresses the appetite, and a British pharmaceutical company is currently trying to incorporate this chemical into an anti-obesity drug.

Warnings

• Because hoodia isn't a stimulant, it doesn't carry the same dangers as many other herbal remedies out on the market. However, because little is still known about this product, consumers should exercise caution. Pregnant and nursing women, diabetics and those with heart conditions, blood disease and eating disorders are encouraged not to use hoodia. Consult your doctor before consuming hoodia; notify your doctor and stop taking hoodia if you experience any ill side effects. This product should be stored at room temperature at all times.

Alternatives

• A high-fiber diet and proper hydration are effective and safe tools for appetite suppression. Fiber can be found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. You also should consume six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Weight Loss

• It can be easy to hinge your hopes on a weight loss pill, but common sense must be exercised when purchasing hoodia products. Doctors and hoodia vendors alike encourage a sound eating and exercise plan. Lasting weight loss will not occur without healthy lifestyle changes, and doctors warn that any weight lost by a pill alone will likely be regained--and then some--after the patient stops taking the pill.