Homeopathic Weight Loss Products: An Evaluation of Effectiveness

Obesity affects 35 million people worldwide, and its correlation with mental disorders and stress is well-documented. Homeopathy, a system of medicine that uses natural remedies, is sometimes considered as a potential aid for weight loss. However, the effectiveness of homeopathic weight loss products remains a subject of debate.

Understanding Homeopathy

Homeopathy relies on natural remedies like plants, minerals, and animal products to treat different conditions. Some people swear by homeopathic remedies. But there often is little or no scientific evidence to support homeopathic medicine.

The Core Issue: Scientific Evidence and Regulation

Reports about the efficacy of homeopathic medicine may also be flawed, inaccurate, or biased. This is because the studies often don’t have enough participants, or they are poorly funded and designed. Homeopathic treatments aren’t usually regulated either. That makes it difficult to assess their quality and how effective they will be for each person.

Some remedies show promise, such as arnica for bruising. But there isn’t enough research yet on many of these remedies.

Evaluating a Study on Homeopathy and Weight Gain During Pregnancy

One randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of homeopathic treatment in preventing excessive weight gain during pregnancy in overweight or obese women who were suspected of having a common mental disorder. The study took place at the Center for the Social Support of Motherhood (São Paulo, Brazil).

Read also: Homeopathic Weight Loss: Does It Work?

Study Design and Participants

Pregnant women enrolled at the center participated in the study. The homeopathic group received one of nine preselected drugs:

1. Pulsatilla nigricans
2. Sepia succus
3. Lycopodium clavatum
4. Sulphur
5. Lachesis trigonocephalus
6. Nux vomica
7. Calcarea carbonica
8. Phosphorus
9. Conium maculatum

From those 9 drugs, 1 was prioritized for administration for each participant. After the first appointment, a reselection or selection of a new, more appropriate drug occurred, using the list of preselected drugs. The dosage was 6 drops orally 2 ×/d, in the morning and at night, on 4 consecutive days each wk, with an interval of 3 d between doses, up until the next appointment medical appointment. The control group received the equivalent placebo drug. Both groups also received a diet orientation.

Outcome Measures

The study evaluated pregnant women who were overweight or had class 1 or 2 obesity and were suspected of having a common mental disorder, with no concomitant diseases, in 2 groups: those receiving a placebo (control group, n = 72); and those receiving homeopathic treatment (homeopathy group, n = 62). Weight change during pregnancy was defined as the difference between the body mass index (BMI) at the initial evaluation and that recorded at the final evaluation, adjusted for 40 wk of gestation. In addition, the APGAR index in the newborn was evaluated as a possible complication.

Results

The mean variation between baseline BMI and BMI at week 40 of gestation was +4.95 kg/m2 in the control group and +5.05 kg/m2 in the homeopathy group. The difference between the 2 groups was not significant (P = .815; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.916 to 0.722). APGAR 10 at 5 min (59.6%in homeopathy group and 36.4% among control) was statistically significant (P = .016).

Conclusions of the Study

Homeopathy does not appear to prevent excessive body mass gain in pregnant women who are overweight or obese and suspected of having a common mental disorder. Homeopathy did not change the APGAR score to modified clinical attention at delivery room.

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Other Studies and Findings

Scientific and medical studies are very limited about the efficacy of homeopathic treatments for weight loss. A small 2014 study examined weight loss through nutritional interventional and homeopathic treatments for 30 overweight or obese individuals. Researchers found that homeopathic treatments along with nutritional intervention may be more effective than just nutritional intervention alone. But due to the small size of the study, more research is needed to confirm its results. The study also found using homeopathic treatments made no difference in the body mass index (BMI) of the participants. It’s also unclear if the study examined the “placebo effect” of adding in homeopathic remedies for participants.

Another small study, conducted in 2016, examined the effect of homeopathic medicines like calcarea carbonate and pulsatilla nigricans on overweight or obese pregnant women. Participants were trying to not gain an excessive amount of weight during pregnancy. Researchers found that weight gain was about the same for both women who tried the homeopathic treatments and those who were given a placebo. They also found that the homeopathic treatments had potentially negative side effects for a fetus during pregnancy.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Homeopathic treatments are unregulated. That means the side effects of any remedy may be unknown. Some potential side effects of homeopathic remedies may include:

• Interfering with current medications
• Allergic reactions, including rashes
• Nausea

Some homeopathic supplements may contain toxic ingredients like arsenic and aconite. If these are improperly diluted, they can even be fatal.

Homeopathic Remedies and the Placebo Effect

While there’s little evidence that homeopathic medicine is effective for weight loss, its placebo effect on certain medical conditions has been studied. For example, one medical trial compared homeopathic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a placebo. Researchers found participants reported lower pain scores after three months of placebo therapy compared to active homeopathic therapy. Studies that specifically compare homeopathic remedies with placebos for weight loss are limited.

Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?

The Importance of Consulting a Doctor

If you want to try homeopathic treatments, be sure to talk to your doctor first. They need to confirm that a treatment you want to try won’t affect any current medications you’re taking, as well as explain possible side effects.

Alternatives for Safe Weight Loss

The best and most effective way to lose weight is through a combination of exercise and a healthy diet. If you need help or aren’t sure how to lose weight, see a doctor. They can help you create a plan to reach your weight loss goals.

Weight Loss Supplements to Avoid

You may see ads for supplements that claim to help you lose weight. But many of these claims are not true. Some of these supplements can even have serious side effects.

Nearly all over-the-counter supplements with claims of weight-loss properties contain some combination of these ingredients:

• African mango (Irvingia gabonensis)
• Aloe vera
• Aspartate
• Carnitine
• Chromium
• Coenzyme Q10
• DHEA derivatives
• EPA-rich fish oil
• Green tea
• Hydroxycitrate
• L-carnitine
• Pantethine
• Pyruvate
• Sesamin
• White kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

There is no evidence, or only very weak evidence, that these ingredients help with weight loss.

In addition, some products contain ingredients that are found in prescription drugs, such as blood pressure medicines, seizure drugs, antidepressants, and diuretics (water pills).

Dangerous Ingredients to Watch Out For

Some ingredients in over-the-counter diet products may not be safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns people not to use some of them. Do not use products that contain these ingredients:

• Ephedrine is the main active ingredient of herbal ephedra, also known as ma huang. The FDA does not allow the sale of medicines that contain ephedrine or ephedra. Ephedra can cause serious side effects, including strokes and heart attacks.
• BMPEA is a stimulant related to amphetamines. This chemical can lead to health problems such as dangerous high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, memory loss, and mood problems. Supplements with the herb Acacia rigidula labeled on the packaging may contain BMPEA, even though this chemical has never been found in that herb.
• DMBA and DMMA are stimulants that are chemically very similar to one another. They have been found in fat-burning and workout supplements. DMBA is also known as AMP citrate. Both chemicals can cause nervous system and heart problems.
• Brazilian diet pills are also known as Emagrece Sim and Herbathin dietary supplements. The FDA has warned consumers not to buy these products. They contain stimulant drugs and drugs used to treat depression. These can cause severe mood swings.
• Tiratricol is also known as triiodothyroacetic acid or TRIAC. These products contain a thyroid hormone, and they may increase the risk for thyroid disorders, heart attacks, and strokes.

Additional Supplements: Claims and Concerns

When you want to drop some weight, it's tempting to look for help anywhere you can. If your thoughts turn to supplements or herbal remedies, keep in mind that research gives many of them mixed reviews. In some cases, there isn't a lot of science to back up the claims, and some have health risks. Talk with your doctor first before you try any. Also, you should know that the FDA has cracked down on some weight loss supplements that had prescription drugs in them that weren't noted on the label. You can't always tell what you're getting.

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. The FDA does not review these supplements for safety or efficacy before they hit the market.

Chitosan

This is a sugar that comes from the hard outer layers of lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. Enthusiasts say it can block fats and cholesterol from getting absorbed by your body. Natural Medicines, an independent group that analyzes research on supplements, says there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that chitosan has not been shown to be effective for weight loss. Chitosan usually causes no side effects, but some people get an upset stomach or constipation. If you are allergic to shellfish, you should not take chitosan, because it is made from shellfish.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that enhances insulin, a hormone that's important for turning food into energy. Your body also needs it to store carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. There are claims that chromium supplements can:

• Lower your appetite
• Help you burn more calories
• Cut your body fat
• Boost your muscle mass

But a review of 24 studies that checked the effects of 200 to 1,000 micrograms of chromium a day found that there aren't any significant benefits. Natural Medicines says that chromium is "possibly ineffective" for weight loss. At less than 35 micrograms a day, chromium supplements are typically safe for adults. Higher doses can cause:

• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Problems thinking
• Headache

Also, some people have developed kidney damage when taking chromium. You shouldn't use it if you have kidney problems.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

This is a popular supplement that contains chemicals found in a fatty acid called linoleic acid. There are claims that it may help curb body fat and help you stay full. The research on CLA for weight loss is mixed. Some suggests that for some people, 1.8 to 6.8 grams of CLA per day may:

• Curb body fat
• Boost muscle

But other research shows it doesn't help you shed pounds. Natural Medicines says that CLA is "possibly effective" for weight loss. Some researchers warn that long-term use, especially if you're obese, may raise insulin resistance, which makes it more likely you'll get type 2 diabetes. It might lower "good" cholesterol in your blood, as well, which raises the risk of heart problems. In some people, CLA may cause side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Loose stools
• Fatigue

Glucomannan

This is made from the konjac plant. Like other dietary fibers, it's supposed to help you lose weight by blocking fat in your food from being absorbed into your body. Very early studies suggest it might be helpful, but other evidence shows it doesn't work. Natural Medicines says there is "insufficient evidence" to rate how well glucomannan works for weight loss. If you take glucomannan in the tablet form of the supplement, you could choke or get a blockage in your:

• Throat
• Esophagus (tube that connects the throat to the stomach)
• Intestine

It appears to be somewhat safer if you take this supplement as a powder or a capsule. Glucomannan also may make it harder for your body to absorb medications. So take your medicine either 1 hour before or 4 hours after you use glucomannan.

Green Tea Extract

It supposedly works by:

• Curbing your appetite
• Raising calorie and fat metabolism

Natural Medicines says there isn't enough evidence to rate how well it works. Side effects of green tea extract, especially in high amounts, include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Agitation

Green Coffee Extract

Early studies suggest it may lead to modest weight loss, but more research is needed. Natural Medicines states that there is not enough good research to decide if it is effective. Few people have side effects, but because of the caffeine in green coffee it may cause:

• Headaches
• Stomach upset
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Abnormal heart rhythms

Guar Gum

This comes from the seed of the guar plant. Like other dietary fibers, it may prevent fats from being absorbed into your body and helps you feel full. Guar gum has been studied much more than other fibers for weight loss, and most researchers say it's not effective. Natural Medicines agrees and rates guar gum as "possibly ineffective." Side effects may include:

• Gas
• Diarrhea

Hoodia

This is a plant that grows in the Kalahari Desert in Africa. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the stem of the root was traditionally used by Bushmen to cut their hunger and thirst during long hunts. It's now marketed as an appetite suppressant. Hoodia contains P57, an ingredient that's said to curb appetite by helping you feel full. But there's no credible evidence that it's safe or effective. Natural Medicines says it lacks evidence to rate whether hoodia works.

7-Keto-DHEA

This is found naturally in your body. It may help you lose pounds by boosting your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day. In a couple of small studies, people who took 7-keto-DHEA -- along with moderate exercise and a reduced-calorie diet -- lost significantly more weight than those who were given a placebo (a dummy pill). But Natural Medicines says there still isn't enough reliable evidence to rate how well it works.

Ephedra

This is an herb that's also known as ma huang. This is a different plant from a related species that grows in North America. Ephedra contains the stimulant ephedrine.

It is very closely related to these manmade compounds found in some drugs:

• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylpropanolamine

The FDA banned supplements with ephedra after the herb was linked to serious side effects, including:

• Heart attack
• Arrhythmia
• Stroke
• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Death

The FDA's ban doesn't apply to traditional Chinese herbal remedies or to products such as herbal teas. According to the FDA, there is little evidence that the herb helps except for short-term weight loss. The agency says the health risks outweigh any benefits. Natural Medicines says ephedra is "likely unsafe."

Bitter Orange

The bitter orange tree is native to Africa and tropical Asia. It's also grown in the Mediterranean, California, and Florida. Bitter orange fruit rind contains synephrine, a stimulant related to ephedrine. It supposedly works by raising the number of calories burned. After the FDA banned weight loss products containing ephedra, many makers switched to bitter orange, but it's not clear if it's safer. Natural Medicines says that bitter orange is "possibly unsafe" when taken by mouth as a supplement, and there's not enough evidence to know if it works for weight loss. Some studies show bitter orange supplements can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. There have been reports that they may have had dangerous side effects in people who took bitter orange alone or combined with other stimulants such as caffeine. The risks include:

• Stroke
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack
• Death

The FDA says bitter orange may not be safe to use as a dietary supplement. You should especially avoid it if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or other medical problem.

The Danger of HCG Diet Products

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin. It's a hormone made in the body during pregnancy. Lab-made HCG is added to some weight-loss products that are sold without a prescription. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using these products. There's no proof that HCG weight-loss products alone help you lose weight. Any weight loss likely comes from getting very few calories as part of the HCG diet. People who follow diets so low in calories are likely to lose weight in the short term. HCG weight-loss products are linked with making some cancers worse, including prostate cancer. The HCG in these products may prompt the body to make hormones called androgens. HCG weight-loss products are sold at some retail stores, weight-loss clinics and online. Some of these products are labeled "homeopathic" to suggest that they're healthy. But the FDA says that these products aren't safe and that the homeopathic claim is illegal. The FDA has approved HCG as a prescription medicine for some uses, such as to help people get pregnant. If weight loss is your goal, choose safer ways to lose weight.

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