The pursuit of weight loss is often fraught with challenges, and the market is flooded with products promising quick and easy solutions. Before investing in any weight loss product, including those marketed under names like "Trimovo," it's crucial to approach claims with a healthy dose of skepticism and conduct thorough research.
The Allure and Peril of Weight Loss Supplements
The appeal of dietary supplements that promise to "melt away fat" or help you "lose weight naturally" is undeniable. However, it's essential to understand that these supplements are not medicines and are not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval processes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not need to approve dietary supplements before they are sold, and manufacturers rarely conduct clinical trials to prove their effectiveness or safety.
The "Shark Tank" Illusion
One common marketing tactic is to falsely associate a product with the television show "Shark Tank," using fake celebrity testimonials and endorsements to create buzz and drive sales. Scammers often employ doctored photos and videos to deceive consumers. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's crucial to:
- Approach celebrity testimonials with caution.
- Look for product reviews on your own.
- Go directly to the source. Check out a full list of all businesses that have been on the show at abc.com/SharkTank, instead of clicking on a link or ad.
The "Natural" Fallacy
Just because a product is labeled "natural" does not automatically make it safe. Supplements can have strong effects and may interact negatively with medications or underlying health conditions. Some weight-loss supplements have even been found to contain unlisted ingredients, including prescription medicines.
GLP-1 Supplements: A Closer Examination
With the rise in popularity of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), a new category of dietary supplements has emerged, claiming to "complement" or "supercharge" the body's levels of the gut hormone GLP-1. These so-called GLP-1 supplements often contain ingredients like ashwagandha, green tea extract, berberine, chromium, and saffron extract.
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However, experts warn that these supplements are unlikely to be effective for weight loss. As Jamie Alan, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, states, "If you can buy it without a prescription, it’s not an actual GLP-1 drug. It is something else that’s marketed to support your endogenous GLP-1 production. These things are just older weight loss [supplements] that are rebranded, and there’s really no scientific evidence for these."
The GLP-1 Drug Alternative and the Supplement Industry
The FDA's crackdown on compounded versions of popular weight loss drugs Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) may lead Americans who rely on these cheaper medications to a dicey sector of the dietary supplement market.
Jeff Ventura, the vice president of communications for the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group for the supplement industry, said in a statement that there are “no direct comparators” for GLP-1 drugs in the dietary supplement industry.
“[The wellness market] has continued to prey on the desperate, and these are people who have poor access,” Butsch said. “Patients with obesity have always had poor access to obesity medications.”
He added, “You have some optimism among people who think that they can save some money and still get the benefit. But it’s a bigger carrot that they’re carrying in front of the horse now.”
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The Importance of Label Reading
Alan emphasizes the importance of reading labels carefully, as supplement companies may use terms like "GLP-1" to mislead consumers into thinking they are getting a similar effect to prescription drugs. It is very tricky, because they’ll put that big ‘GLP-1’ on there and it makes you think, ‘Well, maybe this is the drug,’ if you’re not thinking about how to read these labels or if you don’t know how to read these labels.
The Natural Way of GLP-1
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and the director of Tufts University’s Food Is Medicine Institute, said, “There’s no simple dietary fix that’s going to do what these drugs do in a short amount of time.”
Still, the metabolic mechanism the supplements claim to achieve - boosting natural GLP-1 production - isn’t without merit. "The food I’m eating is biologic information that’s activating hormones in my body, including GLP-1,” Mozaffarian said, noting that healthy fats and high-fiber foods have been shown to trigger GLP-1 production.
Prescription Weight Loss Drugs: A More Promising Avenue?
For individuals who are overweight or have obesity and at least one related condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), prescription weight loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) may be an option. These injectables have been shown to be effective in clinical trials, with some studies showing an average weight loss of over 20% after nine months.
These drugs mimic hormones released when we eat that trigger insulin production and a feeling of fullness, says Louis Aronne, MD, director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Center at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. They have heart health benefits, too. A 2023 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide reduced the risk of death from heart disease and nonfatal heart attacks or strokes by about 20 percent for people who were obese or overweight.
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Considerations for Prescription Weight Loss Drugs
While prescription weight loss drugs can be effective, they also come with potential drawbacks:
- Muscle Loss: Weight loss, whether achieved through diet, exercise, or medication, can lead to muscle loss.
- Cost: These drugs can be expensive, and Medicare Part D typically does not cover them solely for weight loss.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea and upset stomach.
To mitigate muscle loss, it's important to be active and get enough protein. Aronne advises that his older patients aim for at least 1.2 grams of protein for each kilogram of body weight. Frequent small meals can also help minimize side effects.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
Ultimately, the key to successful and sustainable weight loss is a holistic approach that combines:
- A healthy diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Lifestyle changes: Address underlying behavioral and emotional factors that may be contributing to weight gain.
Before trying any weight-loss supplement, it is important to learn all you can about it. Keep in mind that the key to losing weight is a whole lifestyle approach that involves eating well and moving more.
FDA Public Notifications: A Cautionary List
The FDA maintains a list of public notifications regarding weight loss products found to contain hidden drug ingredients. This list serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unregulated supplements. The products listed are just a sample of the many potentially harmful weight loss products on the market. Consumers should exercise extreme caution when considering any weight loss supplement and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
A partial list of such notifications includes:
- FATZorb
- Toki Slimming Candy
- LipoFit Turbo
- THERMO SHOCK
- ITCHA XS
- Body Shape Weight Loss System
- Govvi WOW!
- Phentamene XT
- NORF 20
- Alfia Weight Loss Capsules
- Lipopastilla + Gold Max
- Dr. Reade Slim Sense
- Hydro Pinapple [sic] Burn
- Cholestene
- Genesis Ultra Slim Gold
- 365 SKINNY High Intensity
- Miss Slim
- Tummy Tuck Max
- Vy & Tea
- Super Slim
- Lishou Slimming Coffee
- Li Da Daidaihua Plus
- Imperla Elita Vitaccino
- Fruta Planta
- Fruta Bio
- Burn 7
- Livtone
- Detox Plus
- CholesLo
- Skinny Pill
- Lanugar
- JaDera PLUS
- Sheaya Lender
- Love in S
- Reduktis Max
- Lipro Dietary Capsule
- Adelgasin Plus
- Super Slimming Herb
- Lishou Fuling Jiaonang
- Detoxi Slim
- Absolute Nine Slim
- GoLean Detox
- Ultra Fit
- Slimmer Extreme Thermogenic Formula
- Slim Bio Capsules
- Slimina
- Pink Granada
- Green Lean Body Capsule
- Shengan Natural Model
- Like Slim Coffee
- In Shape
- Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule
- BodySlim Herbal
- Easy 2 Slim
- Slimming Capsule
- Nuvitra
- Asunsa
- Lyn DTOX FS3
- Adipotrim XT
- Body Shape Weight Loss System
- Row of Antibody Pil
- Adriana Balance S
- AB Slim
- PAYA Dietary Supplement Product
- Asia Slim Capsules
- Adipessum Miracle Slimming Capsules
- Fruta Planta Life (Garcinia Cambogia Premium)
- A1 Slim
- Physic Candy - Define
- Physic Candy - Curve
- Slimming Plus Advanced
- Platinum Weight Loss Solution - Fat Loss Metabolizer
- Platinum Max Strength Blue Pill Version
- Lean Extreme Max
- X-treme Beauty Slim
- Queen Slimming Soft Gel
- ABX Weight Loss
- Supreme Slim 5.7
- Ultimate Body Tox
- Zi Su Body Fat Health II (Zi Su Shou Shen Ying Yang Su II)
- Skinny Bee Diet
- Results
- Accelerator Boost
- Natural Eruption
- Citrus' Fit
- Adelganzantes R-II
- Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face and Figure Capsule
- Ultimate Lean
- Slim Fit X
- Maxx Easy
- Mang Luk Power Slim
- Mang Luk Power Slim Detox
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Ultra Max
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Turbo Charge
- Xcelerated Weight Loss Charged Up
- Dream Body Advanced Acai Weight Loss
- Dream Body Extreme Gold
- Dream Body Original Formula
- Extra Slim Plus Acai Berry Weight Loss Formula
- Exhilarate
- Step 2
- Black Label X
- Black Gold X Advanced
- 3rd Degree
- Propell Platinum
- ENVY BP
- ZlimXter Capsules
- Xerophagy Capsules
- Eradicate Capsules
- Dynamizm Capsules
- La'Trim Plus
- Evolve Bee Pollen
- Jenesis
- Oasis Bee Pollen
- Prime Bee Pollen
- Thirty Plus
- Lipo Escultura
- Zero Fat
- SPCARET Princess Diet
- Slyn Both
- Perfect Slim Fast Track Slim
- Super Herbs
- Xtreme Fat Burner Capsules
- Tip-Top Shape
- Lishou Slimming Coffee
- Basha Nut 100% Fruit Soft Gel Capsules
- Ultimate Herbal Slimcap
- NATUREAL
- Meizi Super Power Fruits Herbal Slimming Formula
- Achieving Zero
- Zero Xtreme Capsules
- Akttive Capsules
- Slim Forte Slimming Capsule
- Li Da Dai Dai Hua Slimming Capsule
- Fatloss Slimming Beauty
- Superior
- Green Algae Combination by Crane Beauty
- Xcel Advanced
- Xcel
- Ultimate Boost
- L-Carnitine Sob Strengthening Version Slimming Miracle Capsule
- Black Mamba Hyperrush
- Natural Max Slimming
- Diablos Eca Fire Caps
- Eliminating Weight
- Oxy ELITE Pro Super Thermogenic
- Nine Slim
- Seven Slim
- Botanical Slimming (Red)
- Lean Body Extreme
- Yanhee Slim
- Slim-K
- Slim-Vie
- Super Extreme Accelerator
- Japan Hokkaido Slimming Weight Loss Pills
- Mix Fruit Slimming
- Lingzhi Cleansed Slim Tea
- 24 Ince
- Lipo 8 Burn Slim Capsules
- Sliming (sic) Diet By Pretty White
- Trim-Fast Slimming Softgel
- Sport Burner
- Toxin Discharged Tea
- Sliming Diet
- La Jiao Shou Shen
- B-Perfect
- Asset Bold
- Asset Bee Pollen
- Natural Body Solution
- Slim Trim U
- Lite Fit USA
- Infinity
- New You
- Vitaccino Coffee
- Citrus Fit Gold
- Tonic Life BP
- Thinogenics
- Dream Body Slimming Capsule
- Meizitang Citrus
- Asset Extreme Plus
- 7 Days Herbal Slim
- Dr. Ming's Chinese Capsule
- SlimEasy Herbs Capsule
- Sliming (sic) Diet Berry Plus
- Asset Extreme
- "SlimExtra Herbal Capsules"