What are the Dangers of Lipo 6?

Lipo 6 is a popular weight-loss supplement, promoted as both a metabolism-booster and appetite suppressant. As a powerful thermogenic formula, Lipo 6 is a highly effective product; however, it is associated with many potentially serious risks. Despite the dangers associated with stimulant thermogenics like Lipo 6, the benefits outweigh the risks for some people. Anyone interested in taking Lipo 6 should consult a physician or certified dietitian before starting the program--they can effectively determine whether the product is appropriate to your specific situation.

Anxiety

• Anxiety is one of the most common side effects associated with Lipo 6. Lipo 6 contains several herbal stimulants, including caffeine, yohimbine, synephrine and black pepper extract. All stimulant thermogenics are associated with an increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, agitation and nervousness.
  Yohimbine, a popular herbal extract of the yohimbe plant, is particularly notorious for causing anxiety and related conditions. In very rare cases, yohimbe has even been known to cause psychotic episodes and hallucinations in people with pre-existing mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Lipo 6 and all other stimulants should be avoided by people who are sensitive to caffeine or prone to anxiety.

Cardiovascular Problems

• Lipo 6 should be avoided (except, possibly, under close medical supervision) by anyone with a pre-existing heart condition. Synephrine, an extract of bitter orange, is a potent stimulant and powerful fat burner found in Lipo 6. However, it is somewhat chemically similar to ephedrine, the herbal extract that was banned by the FDA due to its ability to cause cardiac arrhythmia, palpitations, hypertension, and even heart attack.
  Additionally, yohimbine has been known to cause palpitations and hypertension when taken in large doses, and it may contribute to cardiac arrhythmia. Anhydrous caffeine, while mild by comparison, can also cause cardiovascular damage due to its stimulant effects.

Insomnia

• Many people, especially those who are sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants, experience moderate to severe insomnia while taking Lipo-6. Yohimbine, synephrine, and anhydrous caffeine are all known to cause insomnia, especially when taken in large amounts or with other stimulants.
  Most Lipo-6 users can avoid this unpleasant side effect by taking Lipo-6 only in the mornings and early afternoons. However, some very sensitive individuals may need to avoid the product entirely. Prolonged insomnia is associated with numerous long-term health effects, so the use of Lipo 6 should be ended if insomnia becomes a severe or persistent problem.

Malabsorption

• Lipo-6 contains Bioprene, a patented form of the black pepper extract piperine. While Bioprene is generally regarded as safe, it has the potential side effect of blocking the absorption of some essential nutrients. It also may inhibit or drastically enhance the body's ability to absorb some medications. This may cause the body to absorb too much or too little of a medication.
  Additionally, the stimulants in Lipo 6--synephrine, yohimbe and caffeine--may stimulate activity of the bowels and urinary tract. People taking Lipo 6 may lose vitamins and minerals because they are urinating too often, or they may even be affected by diarrhea. It is best to drink extra water with Lipo 6 or any other stimulant.

Addiction

• Because Lipo 6 contains caffeine, it may become mildly addictive--much like coffee or soda. If Lipo 6 is used for a prolonged period of time and then abruptly discontinued, the person may experience side effects similar to a "coffee addict"--drowsiness, headache and possibly mild nausea. These usually abate within a few days.
  Withdrawal symptoms of Lipo 6 can be mitigated by slowly tapering off the supplement, rather than ending use abruptly. Since caffeine is the only significantly addictive compound in the product, most people are able to use caffeine containing products--such as coffee, green tea, black tea or yerba mate--to eliminate the grogginess associated with Lipo 6 withdrawal.