Probiotics and prebiotics are safe during and after pregnancy and lactation. Interactions : Antibiotics can decrease the effects of probiotics. As such, take probiotics at least two hours before or after antibiotics.

Green tea contains the catechin potent antioxidant epigallocatechingallate EGCG and caffeine. Uses : Green tea has been shown to have the following effects. The caffeine in green tea has been proposed to contribute to the following:.

Dosage : Green tea extract doses range from to mg per day by mouth. As green tea contains caffeine, it is advised that you limit your caffeine intake to no more than about mg if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Side effects : No side effects were reported in the studies.

Precautions : Green tea may increase the risk of congenital disabilities caused by folic acid deficiency. Tea can also decrease iron absorption. You may want to avoid drinking it with your meals. Liver problems have been reported with using green tea extract in pill form.

If you have liver disease, consult a healthcare provider before taking products with green tea extract. Interactions : Green tea and EGCG have decreased intestinal absorption—and thus, the therapeutic effects of—some of the following drugs. Animal studies indicate that green tea extract and EGCG increase the extent of absorption of the following drugs:.

However, human studies are needed to confirm these results. ALA is an antioxidant fatty acid that helps the body make energy from sugars.

Uses : Preliminary evidence suggests ALA had the following effects. Dosage : The dose of ALA ranges from to 2, mg per day by mouth.

Side effects : Some of the side effects of ALA are as follows. Precautions should be taken in the following instances. Interactions : ALA may interact with the following medications. Conjugated linoleic acid CLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid found in the following foods:. Uses : A review suggested CLA had the following effects.

While the effect of CLA on appetite is unclear, a review of a group of studies indicated that taking 3. Overall, early evidence suggests that CLA could be used for treating obesity in addition to dietary modification.

However, further research in humans is needed to confirm the results. Dosage : The dose used in clinical trials ranges from 1. Side effects : Most reported side effects were gastrointestinal side effects. Precautions : Caution should be taken in people with the following conditions or characteristics.

Interactions : Until more research is done on the drug interactions with CLA, it is unclear how CLA interacts with prescription and nonprescription medications. Uses : Besides other amino acids in whey protein, tyrosine has had the following effects.

However, outcomes from the study above are limited because it was conducted in only eight females with obesity.

Further studies with a larger sample size and a more diverse population are needed. Dosage : The specific amount of tyrosine was not explicitly stated in the study, but the dose of the whey protein powder was 45 g dissolved in milliliters mL of semi-skim milk.

More specifically, mL of the drink was given by mouth three times every five minutes. Interactions : Caution should be taken if you take the following medications. Uses : Bitter orange Citrus aurantium contains a chemical compound called p-synephrine, which is known to have the following effects.

Despite its popular use as an over-the-counter weight loss product, the quality of evidence is low to support the use of bitter orange for appetite control and weight loss in humans.

Dosage : The commonly used doses of p-synephrine range from 25 to mg per day by mouth. Precautions : Some studies have shown that bitter orange increased blood pressure and heart rate with long-term use i.

Caution should be taken if you have high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, or other cardiovascular diseases. The safety of bitter orange is unknown in the context of pregnancy or breastfeeding. Interactions : Bitter orange contains furanocoumarins, compounds that block the activity of the drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P CYP 3A4.

Some studies show that bitter orange juice increases blood levels of drugs, such as Neoral cyclosporine and Invirase saquinavir , broken down by the CYP3A4 liver enzyme. DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and the liver.

It serves as a precursor to sex hormones. DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-keto-DHEA are related but different. A limited number of studies suggests that 7-keto-DHEA , a form of DHEA, decreased body fat in people who are overweight or obese.

The mechanism behind the weight loss effect of 7-keto DHEA is due to its thermogenic effect, resulting in increased energy expenditure and increased metabolic rate.

The dose of 7-keto DHEA used in clinical trials is mg per day by mouth. Uses : One clinical study suggested DHEA favorably impacted body composition. Dosage : One study used mg per day of DHEA. Dosages may range between 25 mg and mg per day.

Using DHEA at high doses i. Precautions : Caution should be taken in the following situations. Interactions : DHEA may interact with some of the following medications.

Some supplements that interact with DHEA include, but aren't limited to, the following:. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement , look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist RD or RDN , or pharmacist. There are no miracle dietary supplements that help with weight loss.

Furthermore, weight loss supplements have been found to be contaminated with dangerous substances. Their use is generally not advised.

A sustainable approach to weight management best involves a balanced diet and getting regular exercise that you enjoy. Ephedra also known as má huáng is a stimulant that promotes weight loss by increasing thermogenesis and suppressing appetite.

However, the Food and Drug Administration FDA banned the use of ephedra in dietary supplements due to safety concerns. With the removal of ephedra from the market, bitter orange is commonly used as a substitute for ephedra due to the structural similarity between p-synephrine and ephedrine, the main component in the herb ephedra.

Despite the similarity in structure, p-synephrine acts differently from ephedra. Weight loss supplements can have side effects and interact with prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and other dietary supplements. Additionally, some products might be adulterated or tainted with prescription-drug ingredients.

The best way to manage weight is to incorporate a healthy eating plan and moderate physical activity. A healthy dietary pattern includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and proteins and limits foods and beverages high in added sugars, sodium, and trans fats.

Stress causes increased cortisol a stress hormone secretion which promotes increased food intake, especially intake of sweet and nutrient-poor foods. Therefore, increased stress may increase the risk of obesity and other health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Some ways to manage stress include getting regular exercise , engaging in relaxing activities e. Stuby J, Gravestock I, Wolfram E, et al. Appetite-suppressing and satiety-increasing bioactive phytochemicals: A systematic review. Mathews NM. Prohibited contaminants in dietary supplements.

Sports Health. Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR'S Interdisciplinary Obesity and Weight Management Certification. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Back to Basics for Healthy Weight Loss. Eat Right for Life. Food and Drug Administration. CFSAN Adverse event reporting system CAERS.

Or F, Kim Y, Simms J, et al. Taking stock of dietary supplements' harmful effects on children, adolescents, and young adults. J Adolesc Health. doi: Erdogan A, Rao SS, Thiruvaiyaru D, et al.

psyllium for chronic constipation. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. Watanabe M, Risi R, Masi D, et al. Current evidence to propose different food supplements for weight loss: A comprehensive review. Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, et al. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Protein and exercise.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. Michos ED, Cainzos-Achirica M, Heravi AS, Appel LJ. Vitamin D, calcium supplements, and implications for cardiovascular health: JACC focus seminar. Fiber, like glucomannan, is thought to expand in the stomach and increase the feeling of satiety, or fullness. Glucomannan has very few adverse events associated with its use, but data suggests that it may not cause a significant positive change to body weight or the feeling of fullness overall.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for additional information before taking a glucomannan supplement, as there may be more appropriate options for you. Psyllium husk is a dietary fiber most commonly known by the brand name Metamucil.

Like other fibers, it expands in the stomach and can increase the feeling of fullness while helping control blood sugar spikes. It is available commercially in many forms, including powder, capsules, and wafers. Studies have shown a decreased desire to eat and increased fullness upon consumption when psyllium products are taken prior to breakfast and lunch.

However, fiber products with adequate fluid intake can be healthy for the bowels and make bowel movements more regular.

Flaxseed is a plant-based food that is a good source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Its role in appetite suppression is thought to be derived mostly from its fiber content.

The results of studies evaluating the ability of flaxseed to help control appetite have been mixed, but data suggests that it can be helpful in controlling hunger. Adding flaxseed to your diet can cause an increase in bowel movements each day, but it can also cause stomach discomfort and symptoms, including bloating, gas, and nausea.

These side effects increase with increased consumption of flaxseed. Flaxseed is available in oral capsule form as well as a loose, ground form in the health foods section of most stores. Healthy water intake has long been recommended as a core part of any weight control plan.

Adequate hydration is important to any human body but may play an especially important role in weight loss and appetite suppression in someone who is overweight. One study shows that drinking an excess of 1.

Water takes up space in the stomach, leading to increased satiety—especially before a meal. High water content in the body has the added benefit of increased internal energy expenditure, which can lead to weight loss as well.

However, drinking too much water can raise blood pressure or cause temporary belly distension. Typical intake recommendations range from 64 to 96 ounces daily. Check with your healthcare professional if you want to increase your intake beyond these recommendations.

High-protein meals have been linked to a decrease in after-meal hunger and an increased feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal. It is thought this effect is linked to an alteration in levels of hormones responsible for appetite regulation.

It is important to note that high protein diets, sometimes known as ketogenic diets, can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and constipation, especially without adequate hydration. People with a history of kidney disease should speak with their prescriber before beginning a high-protein diet, as there is a higher risk of adverse events.

Eating a diet of high-fiber foods can lead to weight loss and make you feel full after meals. High-fiber foods include fresh fruit, like apples, and fiber-rich foods, such as oatmeal.

One cup of oatmeal is a great source of fiber and contains about 4 grams of fiber. Some research from suggests that Gymnema sylvestre has properties that may help manage blood lipids and other factors that tend to be high in people with obesity. In the study, rats that consumed a high-fat diet followed by Gymnema sylvestre extract for 28 days experienced decreases in cholesterol levels and BMI.

However, more investigations are needed to establish whether Gymnema sylvestre is safe and effective in helping humans manage weight and appetite.

Griffonia simplicifolia is a plant that contains 5-hydroxytryptophan 5-HTP , a compound that is converted into serotonin in the brain. An increase in serotonin levels may help suppress appetite , according to some research.

Some older, limited research suggests that 5-HTP may help people overcome obesity by inducing feelings of fullness. However, taking 5-HTP supplements may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome , a potentially serious condition.

Always consult a doctor before using these or other supplements. Griffonia simplicifolia is a plant rich in 5-HTP. This compound is converted into serotonin in the brain, which has been shown to decrease appetite.

Caralluma fimbriata is an herb that may suppress appetite and manage obesity. In one study , 83 adults with overweight took supplements with either Caralluma fimbriata extract or a placebo for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, those taking Caralluma fimbriata extract had a reduction in calorie intake and waist circumference.

They also did not gain weight, while those in the placebo group did. A review noted that taking Caralluma fimbriata extract may reduce waist circumference but does not appear to affect body weight or BMI. Possible adverse effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and rashes.

Caralluma fimbriata is an herb that may help decrease appetite levels. Combined with exercise and a calorie-controlled diet, it may help promote weight loss. Green tea extract may be effective for weight loss , among other health benefits. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases fat burning and suppresses appetite, while green tea catechins — particularly epigallocatechin gallate EGCG — may boost metabolism and reduce fat.

Another study, from , found evidence that drinking beverages containing soluble fiber, ECGC, and caffeine can leave people less likely to eat so much at the next meal. Green tea extract contains caffeine and catechins, which can boost metabolism, burn fat, and aid weight loss.

Combining green tea extract with other ingredients may decrease appetite levels and reduce food intake. Conjugated linoleic acid CLA is a type of fat present in some animal fats and as supplements.

Some experiments have suggested CLA supplements might help improve body composition and reduce body fat and obesity, but more studies are needed. Conjugated linoleic acid is a a naturally-occurring trans fat that may help with weight loss. It may work by changing the way your body metabolizes fat.

Garcinia cambogia comes from a fruit of the same name, also known as Garcinia gummi-gutta. The peel of this fruit contains high concentrations of hydroxycitric acid HCA , which may have weight loss properties. A review of eight trials, with data for participants, suggested that Garcinia supplements could reduce:.

However, more studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of Garcinia HCA supplements for weight management. Garcinia cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid HCA.

HCA has been shown to help increase serotonin levels, which may improve fullness levels. However, some studies show no significant effects from this supplement.

Yerba mate is a plant native to South America. Some research has suggested that taking capsules containing a total of 3 g of yerba mate daily for 12 weeks may help reduce body fat and improve the waist-hip ratio of people with obesity.