It’s New Year’s resolution time, and with weight loss historically being one of the most popular goals, I thought it would be fitting to touch on the OTC dietary product we know as Hoodia.  Plus, one of my very close friends asked about it, so it’s a two-for-one situation going on here! 🙂

It’s a quick post, but I’m currently putting together a more compehensive article that compares a lot of the OTC weight loss medications available to you on drugstore shelves.  Just giving you a preview of what’s to come!

So, I’ll not delay any further.  Introducing, Hoodia!

Hoodia – a dietary supplement that is derived from a South African cactuslike plant.  It is thought to work as an appetite suppressant, and it’s been used for centuries in Africa to curb hunger during long hunting trips.  Researchers believe it staves off hunger by tricking your brain into thinking you’ve eaten when you actually haven’t done so!

There are conflicting reports in regards to it’s safety and efficacy. Depending on where you get your information, some resources say animal studies have shown its effectiveness, whereas others claim Hoodia has not been proven to be safe or effective at all.

Along with an apparent lack of evidence supporting its safe and effective use in people, it’s very difficult to find a supplement on the market that contains 100% hoodia gordonii, the variation of the plant that supposedly has the best effects.  The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements or vitamins so these products (including Hoodia) do not usually contain the amount of herb or ingredients that the labels claim they do.  Therefore, making them less effective right from the start!

In one quick sentence, Hoodia is not the magic pill for weight loss that everyone would like it to be.  I’ll give you more evidence of this once I finish up my comprehensive article on the OTC weight loss medications.

Have you tried Hoodia before?  Did you get the results you were looking for?  Any side effects? Let us know by commenting below or e-mailing me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com.

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Thanks for checking in!