What's Wrong with Ephedra Based Weight Loss Products?

In one sense, ephedra shares the same problems as the Atkins plan. They are both contradict accepted medical practices. They both work for a while. Its up to you to augment them with some serious lifestyle changes. But ephedra has its own set of serious issues. It is a potent stimulant. It raises your metabolism.

As such, it is not for everyone. The FDA has issued warnings about ephedra. Its manufacture has been banned so when its gone it will be gone. Many are stocking up on Metabadrine while supplies last.

Ephedra, the Chinese herb, was not originally used for weight loss. In order to work for weight loss at all, you must take large doses, combined with caffeine over long periods of time. It was originally, and still is, utilized mostly for lung/asthma-related problems—as treatment for a specific health problem, using moderate doses over relatively short periods of time.

When you take ephedra, and do lose weight with it as millions have, then what? Are you going to stay on it forever? Of course not. As soon as you stop taking it, or build up a tolerance, the effect it had on you will be gone, and you will be back to where you started. That's because ephedra used in this way works merely as a temporary stimulant. That's why competent marketers of the product always stress the need to include a permanent lifestyle change: A new way of eating combined with regular exercise.

UPDATE: In April 2004, the FDA banned ephedra as an ingredient in commercial products sold in the United States. While it's use in Chinese medicine is still considered valid (e.g., for asthma and other lung conditions), the abuse of this herb for weight loss led the FDA to ban it altogether.

In April 2005, a Federal court reversed the FDA ban, and the issue will bounce around for some time to come. (The ban on high-dose ephedra supplements may remain in effect.) Look for 10 mg ephedra products like Metabadrine. The important thing to remember is this: while it may be be possible to purchase ephedra products for weight loss either in the U.S. or elsewhere in the world, we strongly advise all persons to consult your health practitioner the use of this herb for this purpose, or beginning any diet and exercise regimen.