Ø The imbalance between caloric intake and expenditure might result in to Overweight or Obesity.
Ø Obesity can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Chronic kidney disease, Sleep apnea, Arthritis, Lung disease and several forms of Cancer.
Ø CAM used to treat Obesity may include Acupuncture or Acupressure, Yoga, Mindful meditation, Naturopathy and Dietary Supplements such as Ephedra (Ma Huang), Green Tea, Bitter Orange, Hoodia (Kalahari cactus), Acai (Amazonian palm berry), Chitosan, Chromium Picolinate, Garcinia cambogia, Glucomannan, Guar gum, Pyruvate, Yohimbe (Yohimbine), etc.
Ø Most of the dietary supplements marketed for weight loss or appetite suppression haven’t been proven safe or effective.
Ø There is no definitive scientific evidence to support the use of acai berry, bitter orange, and green tea supplements for weight loss.
Ø Ephedra can increase the risk of heart problems and stroke and in 2004 the FDA banned the U.S. sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra.
Ø Further research is needed to improve the understanding of the role of CAM in the treatment of obesity.
Ø Be cautious of the products marketed with exaggerated or unrealistic phrases like “Quick and Effective” or “Totally safe.”
Ø Be skeptical about information from personal “Testimonials” about the product’s benefits.
Ø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found weight loss products sold as dietary supplements that contain hidden ingredients which can cause serious harm to consumers.
Ø Consider a mind and body approach such as mindfulness meditation or yoga. There is some emerging evidence suggesting that some mind and body approaches are generally safe and may be useful as complements to other weight-loss interventions.
Ø Overweight and obese individuals should make lifestyle changes like healthy eating plan and regular physical activity for safe weight loss.
