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DESCRIPTION
Obesity is a condition of excess body weight due to an excessively high proportion of body fat. Usually anyone who is 20 percent over the normal weight for his or her age, sex, build and height is considered obese. The person's weight is considered healthy if it falls within the acceptable range for his or her height and age; if the pattern of fat distribution does not place the person at increased risk for certain diseases; and if the person has no medical problem for which their health care provider recommends that he or she lose weight.
How much a person weighs is only part of the consideration. For healthy women, fat can account for as much as 25 percent of the body weight; 17 percent is a healthy percentage for men. Obesity may be defined as over 25 percent body fat in females and over 20 percent body fat in males. Women's bodies are designed to carry a higher proportion of fat tissue to ensure that there is plenty of fuel for pregnancy and nursing, even if food is scarce.
The average human body has 30 to 40 billion fat cells. Most of the extra calories we eat that we do not need for immediate energy are stored as fat. If we were still "hunter-gatherers" like our early ancestors, the fat would provide a needed food store for times when no food is readily available. Some researchers believe that our desire for high-calorie (especially fatty) foods may be a remnant of a survival tactic from ancient times, when we needed to store food for energy. Most Americans wait no more than four hours between meals and snacks. In our modern society, the need to store energy as fat is no longer necessary for most people. So instead of a valuable survival mechanism, the body's ability to store fat is now more likely to have a profoundly negative effect on health.
The concept that obesity is a will-power or self-discipline problem is outmoded. However, there is no clear understanding of the biochemical defects that cause it.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
As fat accumulates, excessive body fat composition crowds space around internal organs, putting undue stress on the back, legs, and internal organs.
Obesity increases the body's resistance to insulin and susceptibility to infection.
Complications of pregnancy and liver damage are more common.
Emotional problems. Obese persons suffer psychologically as well as physically. Poor self-image may develop because our society tends to equate beauty, intelligence, and success with thinness.
Poor exercise tolerance. Excess weight increases the heart's work.
Obesity can excerbate many physical problems and compromise health, putting one at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, diabetes, gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke, and other serious health problems that result in premature death.
CAUSES
Environmental factors. These include diet and eating habits, levels of activity, stress (emotional and physical), other emotional problems, drugs, cultural factors. The most common causes of obesity are poor diet and/or eating habits and a lack of exercise.
Genetic factors. It has always been folk wisdom that heredity is a causal factor for obesity. The discovery of the "obesity gene" in 2001 was a major breakthrough in the study of obesity. However, there are many more genes than just this one tied to obesity, and researchers are looking for these as well. What is certain is that carriers of the gene have a tendency toward obesity, assuming that other factors, not all now known, fall into place. Also known is that people of certain ethnic backgrounds are more likely to carry this gene than members of other groups (for the curious, North Africans and central Europeans more often have the gene.)
Metabolic and endocrine disorders which include glandular malfunctions, diabetes, hypoglycemia. Other factors include emotional tension, boredom, and a simple love of food. Poor nutrition may be an important factor in obesity. When there is inadequate intake of certain essential nutrients, fat is not easily or adequately burned and can accumulate in the body.
Obesity has also been linked to food sensitivities and/or allergies. Food your body cannot use or that is poison to your system is stored in the tissues and causes water retention.
Other factors not fully understood as yet include development factors, and physiologic regulation that involves the "set point" theory (it helps explain the difficulty obese people have in losing weight and maintaining weight loss).
Rarely, brain damage can lead to obesity.
OBESITY INCREASES HEALTH RISKS
Being overweight is a contributing cause of many preventable illnesses. Americans are eating less fat, but are getting fatter. More than 61 percent of adults in the United States are either overweight or obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Excess weight and inactivity account for more than 300,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. This is second only to deaths related to smoking, according the CDC.
People who are overweight or obese are more likely than those of normal weight to develop heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, gallbladder disease, joint pain (gout), sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. In addition, carrying excess weight means a higher risk for cancer. At the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), researchers have concluded that obesity is consistently linked to post-menopausal breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer, prostate cancer, and kidney cancer.
OBESITY-RELATED HEALTH RISKS
Obesity is a major health concern in great part because it can dramatically increase your risk of developing other serious disorders. The following table summarizes the effect of obesity on other conditions.
HEALTH RISK ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY MODERATE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY SLIGHTLY INCREASED RISK ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY Diabetes Mellitus Arthritis Accidents Insulin Resistance Fibromyalgia Breast Cancer High Blood Pressure
(Hypertension)Heart Disease Colon Cancer High Blood Fat Levels
(Including Cholesterol)Lower Back Pain Congenital Defects In Offspring Gallstones Medical Complications With Surgery Depression Sleep Apnea Peripheral Vascular Disease Hormone Disorders
(Especially Sex Hormone)Decreased Aerobic Fitness Potential Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Infertility Kidney Cancer Stroke Uterine Cancer Social Isolation
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Life-long adherence to a program consisting of proper diet and nutrition, exercising, and behavior and lifestyle modification as needed.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Obesity can be controlled if motivation stays high for life. Long-term management of weight loss is extremely difficult.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Obesity may contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, heart disease and gallbladder disease. It complicates treatment and decreases survival chances of patients with stroke, kidney disease and other disorders.
Complications of pregnancy and liver damage also are more common in overweight individuals.
Psychosocial complications (poor self-image, difficulty in getting jobs, lack of social contacts with the opposite sex). Obese persons suffer psychologically as well as physically, because our society tends to equate beauty, intelligence, and even success with thinness.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Obesity is a serious health problem and, according to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, it is on the rise in the United States. Once thought to be a moral failing, it is now classified as a disease.
THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute calls obesity a complex chronic disease involving social, behavioral, cultural, physiological, metabolic, and genetic factors. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, Australia, and Europe, and in many developing countries in South America and Asia.
At least one-third of Americans are 20 percent or more overweight. For the statistics buffs, in the United States there are 58 million overweight people, 40 million obese people, and some 3 million with what is termed morbid obesity, defined as being 100 pounds or more over the ideal body weight or having a BMI of 40 or greater. Eight out of ten people over age 25 are considered overweight. Australia is rapidly catching up, and although they take no pride in it, they soon may surpass the United States as number one.
Meanwhile, dieters are spending billions of dollars to get slim. Even though his country has gone through several fitness crazes in recent years, Americans today are fatter, more stressed out, and no likelier to get regular exercise than we were ten years ago. And if we are getting fatter, it is not because we have stopped trying to lose weight. National surveys estimate that at any given time, 25 to 50 percent of adult Americans (some 25 percent of American men and 45 percent of American women) are on some sort of diet, and we spend more than $40 billion each year on dieting, diet aids and weight loss remedies.
Unfortunately, even those who lose weight often put it back on. It is estimated that two-thirds of those who lose weight regain the lost pounds within three to five years.
WEIGHT LOSS APPROACHES
Experts have different theories on how and why people become overweight, but they generally agree that the key to losing weight is simple: Eat less and move more. The body has to burn more calories than it takes
Traditionally, there are three basic approaches to weight management through nutritional supplementation. The first is the use of diuretic herbs and nutrients to reduce water retention. the second is the use of lipotropic vitamins, which have the ability to reduce cholesterol and fat. Third is the use of natural appetite suppressants. Permanent weight loss, however, requires major lifestyle changes, including diet and nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification and a lifetime commitment to a healthier lifestyle in general. It is always worth making the effort to improve your health.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT
Medical assessment to determine the degree of health risk. The most accurate method of determining body composition remains underwater weighing and the skin fold measurements of multiple sites. Also used are BMI (body mass index) and waist to hip ratio (WHR).
Many commercial and community programs are available that provide help in losing weight. Choose a program whose diet plans meet the RDA guidelines for nutrients, provides exercise and behavior counseling, and which includes long-term maintenance support.
Keep diaries for food intake, exercise activities and behavior changes. Review them with your weight loss advisor weekly.
Several techniques exist for behavior modification. Determine the type that fits your needs (e.g., assertiveness, rewards, cognitive, substitution, imagery, and others).
Surgical procedures to reduce weight, such as bypassing part of the intestine or stomach, cutting away fat, fat suctioning, or wiring the jaw shut, are desperate measures. They are used only in extreme circumstances.
THE BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
Health professionals commonly use a measurement called the Body Mass Index, or BMI, to classify and adult's weight as healthy, moderately overweight, or obese. You can calculate your BMI by multiplying your weight (in pounds) by 700, dividing the result by your height (in inches), then dividing that result by your height (in inches) a second time. According to the BMI Chart (see below), a BMI from 19 to 24.9 is considered health; from 25 to 29.9, overweight; and from 30 upward, obese. Generally the higher the BMI, the greater the risk of developing other obesity-related problems. However the BMI does not tell the entire story. In addition to the BMI number, excessive abdominal body fat can pose a health risk. Men with a waist size greater than 40 inches, or women with a waist size of 35 inches or more, are more at risk.
THE BMI CHART
The U.S. Surgeon General's published chart to check your Body Mass Index (BMI) is used to determine whether a person is at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. Obesity is determined by a person's Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by figuring weight and height. A BMI over 30 is considered obese, and according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of Americans fall into this category.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
WEIGHT IN POUNDS
Height 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 4' 6" 29 31 34 36 39 41 43 46 48 52 43 46 48 60 4' 8" 27 29 31 34 36 38 40 43 45 47 49 52 54 56 4' 10" 25 27 29 31 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 5' 0" 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 5' 2" 22 24 26 27 29 31 33 35 37 38 40 42 44 46 5' 4" 21 22 24 26 28 29 31 33 34 36 38 40 41 43 5' 6" 19 21 23 24 26 27 29 31 32 34 36 37 39 40 5' 8" 18 20 21 23 24 26 27 29 30 32 34 35 37 38 5' 10" 17 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 32 33 35 36 6' 0" 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 33 34 6' 2" 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31 32 6' 4" 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 6' 6" 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 6' 8" 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28
KEY
Obese (30+) Overweight (25-29) Healthy weight (Below 25)
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) - THE SIMPLE VERSION CHART
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a figure that represents the percentage of your body weight that is due to fat. It is determined by looking at your weight in combination with your height. The following table will give you a rough idea of your BMI.
HEIGHT HEALTHY WEIGHT (lbs)
BMI=19-25MODERATE OVERWEIGHT (lbs)
BMI=25-29SEVERE OVERWEIGHT (lbs)
BMI=25 or higher4' 10" 91 - 115 119 - 138 143 + 4' 11" 94 - 119 124 - 143 148 + 5' 0" 97 - 123 128 - 148 153 + 5' 1" 100 - 127 132 - 153 158 + 5' 2" 104 - 131 136 - 158 164 + 5' 3" 107 - 135 141 - 163 169 + 5' 4" 110 - 140 145 - 169 174 + 5' 5" 114 - 144 150 - 174 180 + 5' 6" 118 - 148 155 - 179 186 + 5' 7" 121 - 153 159 - 185 191 + 5' 8" 125 - 158 164 - 190 197 + 5' 9" 128 - 162 169 - 196 203 + 5' 10" 132 - 167 174 - 202 209 + 5' 11" 136 - 172 179 - 208 215 + 6' 0" 140 - 177 184 - 213 221 + 6' 1" 144 - 182 189 - 219 227 + 6' 2" 148 - 186 194 - 225 233 + 6' 3" 152 - 192 200 - 232 240 + 6' 4" 156 - 197 205 - 238 246 +
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
MEDICATION
Drug therapy as an aid to weight loss may or may not be helpful. Drugs for obesity may be recommended for you on a trial basis to see if they might be helpful. The effectiveness of many appetite suppressants diminishes after a few weeks and there are side effects to these drugs. Amphetamine compounds are not recommended for treating obesity.
Experimental therapy for weight loss with medications is ongoing and new regiments may become available that are effective and have fewer side effects.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Loosing stubborn pounds can be frustrating to say the least and many weight loss programs and diets can leave you fighting the bulge with up and down weight-loss and weight-gain. Basic weight loss success takes diet modifications and life-style changes along with your will-power. Successful weight loss involves four easy, but important steps:
- Reduce calories and fat intake.
- Exercise regularly.
- Use principal nutrients to reduce appetite, burn excess fat, and eliminate extra water.
- Follow directions for the Herbal Weight Loss program of your choice.
When your body consumes more calories than it takes in, it uses calories stored in the tissues. Losing weight means losing excess fat. A pound of fat equals about 3,500 calories. To lose 1 pound a week, you would need to cut 500 calories a day or increase fat-burning activity by 500 calories a day. Excess weight may also be due to severe water retention, which can be caused by a number of culprits, such as birth control pills, and consuming too much salt. The suggested weight loss program includes a diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat with adequate protein and other nutrients. On this type of program, your body breaks down fat instead of muscle. Carbohydrates also take up more space in the stomach than fats and proteins - which may make you feel fuller.
A diet of at least 1,200 calories for women and 1,400 calories for men is advised, since calorie intake that is any lower may eliminate essential nutrients and increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. "Crash" or "Yo-Yo" dieting is ineffective and harmful. Rapid weight loss on super low-calorie and low-carbohydrate diets is due largely to lean tissue loss. Not only do these diets encourage nutritional deficiencies, but they encourage only temporary weight loss - many times the dieters gain back all of the weight they lost and then some!
The following suggestions for weight loss are designed to promote gradual, healthy, permanent weight loss of 1-2 lbs. a week - the recommended weight loss. As with any weight loss program, please consult your health care provider before starting, especially if you suspect a medical condition. Do not diet if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You need the extra calories and nutrition to support you and your baby during this time. Consult with your health care provider or midwife if you have concerns about your weight, weight gain and pregnancy.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? - QUICK OVERVIEW
For optimal weight loss, no more than 30 percent of your calories should come from fat. Six small meals a day instead of the typical three will stabilize blood sugar and reduce the likelihood of "starving and binge eating," which could result in food cravings and consumption of too many calories. You should consume the majority of your calories during the day; your metabolism slows down in the early evening.
Eat a limited amount of broiled, baked, roasted, or broasted meat: poultry, seafood, and lean red meat.
Choose food which is labeled low-fat, low-calorie, or no-fat, such as low-fat yogurt and no-fat salad dressing. Use balsamic vinegar or lemon juice as a salad dressing substitute for high calorie/fat/sugar salad dressings.
Consume moderate amounts of fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereal, beans, whole-grain breads and whole-grain rice. These are also high in nutrients. Fiber fills the stomach and slows the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestines, thereby controlling appetite. Fiber is also very necessary when combined with fluids to keep your intestinal tract working properly.
Use salt-free seasonings. Learn to use culinary herbs for flavor and seasoning in place of salt and pepper.
Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to ensure the removal of toxins and to help with water retention.
Sweet Substitutions:Fruit juice concentrates (no sugar added)
Exercise Those Pounds Off! Aerobic, fat-burning exercises include brisk walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, dancing, and working out to aerobic tapes. Exercise 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes. Also, increase your overall activity, such as climbing stairs instead of using the elevator and parking your car at the opposite end of the parking lot.
Raw, unfiltered honey
Pure maple syrup
Unsulphured (unsulfured) molasses
Malted grain syrup
The Benefits of Exercise Include:
- Burning off fat and building muscle.
- Increasing metabolism.
- Controlling appetite by releasing chemicals into the blood that shut off hunger signals.
Sugar Cravings and Nutritional Deficiencies:
Uncontrollable sugar cravings could be due to nutritional deficiencies or other imbalances in your body. Many times when a problem is corrected, the cravings are minimal.
A deficient thyroid, which regulates our basic metabolism, might be due to a deficiency of nutrients needed for the thyroid, such as Vitamins A, C, B-2, E and the mineral iodine. Many hypoglycemics crave sugar. Some cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are due, in part, to a Vitamin B-Complex deficiency, especially B-1, B-2, and B-3. The B-Complex vitamins and high quality protein will help balance blood sugar and control hypoglycemia.
HOLISTIC, DIETARY, & HERBAL SUGGESTIONS
These links has dietary, aromatherapy, and other suggestions and considerations:
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information: Obesity - Herbal Supplemental Suggestions
NUTRITION & DIET SUGGESTIONS
ACTIVITY
Be active. Take a brisk walk every day before breakfast or dinner to burn off fat. Make a habit of using the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk or ride a bicycle instead of driving whenever possible. Exercise increases the metabolic rate as well as burning off calories.
Be sure to get regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, running, bicycling, or swimming, and do exercise for strength and flexibility, such as yoga or stretching exercises. Exercise is better than an overly strict diet for maintaining your health and controlling your weight. It is the best way to rid the body of fat and to maintain good muscle tone. Be sure to drink water during exercise to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. Caution: If you are over 35 and/or have been sedentary for some time, consult your health care provider before beginning an exercise program.
If you have been sedentary for some time, try exercising in water. Water aerobics are excellent for those who are overweight or who find running or walking difficult. They are also good for arthritis sufferers. Water aerobics tone the body and strengthen the heart without straining the joints. Start by taking a class at a local fitness center or YMCA. Sedentary individuals should consult their health care providers before starting any exercise program.
DIET
Many different diet plans are available to choose from. Diets that are not nutritionally balanced can cause more problems than the obesity. Crash diets and fad diets don't produce long-term results. Schemes which promise easy weight loss are usually unsuccessful.
During your diet and exercise program, there may be periods when you do not lose weight. This is called "reaching a plateau" and is normal. Do not stop the program. Weight loss will begin again in a week or two.
A realistic weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week. This may seem slow, but 1 pound of fat lost per week totals 52 pounds in 1 year! Keep a food diary to record everything you eat.
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, and adds bulk to the diet, which results in a feeling of "fullness" and reduces hunger pangs.
Chromium Picolinate reduces sugar cravings and stabilizes the metabolism of simple carbohydrates.
Essential Fatty Acids support proper nutrition and helps control appetite.
Kelp helps maintain iodine levels and aids weight loss.
Lecithin helps break down body fat so it can be removed from the body.
Spirulina is an excellent source of protein and contains the needed nutrients to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Vitamin C naturally increases the body's metabolism, prompting it to burn more calories.
Yerba Mate is a natural appetite suppressant and energy booster.
Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement supports a healthy metabolism and provides all needed nutrients.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For children between the ages of 12 and 17, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For children between 6 and 12, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for children under the age of 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
OBESITY (OVERWEIGHT) REDUCTION SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Weight Loss products and supplements to support your goals. Natural and herbal weight loss products and information that can help you curb your appetite or increase fat burning.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Powder, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 635 mg, 3 oz.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a stabilized form of the amino acid metabolite L-Carnitine and is utilized in the same manner in the body and it is the train that fats ride when it's time for them to go and be burned up for energy.Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin & Mineral with Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Nature's Way ALIVE! It is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.All Natural Travel Size Stevia Sweetener, SteviaClear Liquid, 6 ml, 60 Servings
Stevia Sweetener an all natural, no calories, no carbs, no bitter aftertaste, with endless uses sweetener.Aoqili Seaweed Soap (Defat), All Natural, 6 oz. bar
Aoqili Seaweed Soap the easy way to a more supple, healthier looking body. Simply use the all natural Aoqili Seaweed Soap when you shower or bathe on a daily basis and see an improved appearance in your body and skin.Appetite Suppressor RX, 60 Tabs
Nature's Rx Appetite Suppressor Rx is the comprehensive appetite suppressant diet supplement which is all natural, stimulant free containing no ephedra, caffeine or other dangerous stimulants.Apple Cider Vinegar, 285 mg, 90 Tabs
A Natural Way to Jump start Weight Loss. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps you feel good about your weight and Feel Good About Your Body Once Again! It naturally helps your body get rid of excess fluids, speed up metabolism and curb your appetite.Apple Cider Vinegar, 450 mg, 180 Caps
Apple Cider Vinegar is an all-natural substance derived from the acetous fermentation of sweet apple cider.Apple Cider Vinegar, Miracle Health System, By Paul Bragg
Classic work on therapeutic benefits of cider vinegar, including the benefits of cider vinegar for digestion, proper PH balance, and weight loss and control.Aromatherapy Scent Inhaler, Appetite Control with Pure Essential Oils
Each pocket-sized essential oil inhaler helps to address our unhealthy habits and daily concerns. They work by coordinating positive affirmations with a scientific blend of natural plant extracts. Scents: rosemary, basil, clove and black pepper.Bee Pollen Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Bee pollen is considered by some to be the most perfect food on earth in terms of its complete range of nutrients. It is used to build stamina and endurance, and as support during any weight loss program.Bitter Orange Extract (Citrus Aurantium), Standardized, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 60 Tabs
Nature's Way Standardized Bitter Orange Extract provides high levels, 6%, of the key compound, Synephrine, which has been the focus of study for its thermogenic properties.CarboLock Rx, 90 Tablets, Nature's Rx
Many popular diets today proclaim the benefits of a low carb diet, low carb food, or a specific low carb recipe. There is another alternative low carb diet method.Catuama Energy For Body & Mind, 30 Caps
Catuama Energy For Body and Mind. Catuama's invigorating formula combines standardized extracts of catuaba, muira puama, guarana and ginger. Taken in the morning Catuama has become an integral part in the daily practice for the promotion of wellness and healthy metabolism.Cellfood Natural Weight Loss Formula, 4 fl. oz.
Cellfood Natural Weight Loss Formula, with amino acids, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, and minerals helps regulate metabolism and breakdown organic material, while increasing your fat burning potential... even while you sleep!Chitosan Fat Blocker, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 120 Caps
Chitosan binds to fats during digestion and reduces their absorption.Cholesterol Guard Capsule, (Blood Fat Cutter) TCM Formula , Shanze xiaozhi, 60 caps
Cholesterol Guard Capsule is made of extracts of medicinal rhubarb root, wolfberry, cistanche, Chinese hawthorn fruit, alisma, lotus leaf and cassia seed, cholesterol herbs.Choline and Inositol, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 250 mg / 250 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Choline Inositol is 100 percent natural crystalline inositol and choline bound to tartaric acid for superior absorption.Cider Vinegar Diet Formula With Konjac Fiber, Kelp, Lecithin & B-6, NOW Foods, 180 Caps
This combination of apple cider vinegar, kelp, lecithin and B-6 is a time-tested formula with added Glucomannan, grapefruit fiber, and chelated chromium to enhance rapid weight loss.CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), Fat Burner, NOW Foods, 800 mg of CLA Derived from 1000 mg of Safflower Oil, 180 Softgels
CLA, Conjugated Linoleic Acid, is free fatty acid derived from safflower oil. CLA has been shown to reduce body fat and increase muscle tone.CLA Extreme (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), NOW Foods, 90 Softgels
CLA Extreme combines the benefits that active people are seeking with the proven effectiveness of Conjugated Linoleic Acid, CLA.Colon & Liver Cleanser, Organic, 16 fl. oz.
CAC liquid is a colon and liver cleanser and detoxifier as well as a blood cleanser that serves to regulate the bowel movements so that the stool is so soft it breaks up into a cloud.CortiCept Rx, (Compares to Relacore and CortiSlim Stress Reducers / Mood Elevator / Weight Control), 60 Caps
Just like Relacore and CortiSlim, CortiCept Rx is an all natural dietary supplement that works in concert with your body's metabolism. It can help reduce belly fat in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, and it can also help balance hormone levels that cause stress-induced obesity and binge eating.Craveless, Weight Loss Supplement, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
CraveLess by Nature's Secret is an appetite control formula that also aids in digestion, absorption, and assimilation. It works with the body to reduce hunger and curb sugar and carbohydrate cravings.Diet Cure, By Julia Ross, M.A.
The fast, personalized body repair manual for weight loss, mood balance, and energy will leave you satisfied, not starving.Dieter's Secret, California Natural, 90 Tabs
Dieters' Secret is a great blend of different vitamins, herbs and minerals that work synergistically together to help anyone who is looking for that great new diet pill without the jittery side effects. Not only does it give great energy, but it also helps decrease appetite and control sugar cravings.Diet Master Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Naturally flavored, this Herbal Tea is designed to reduce obesity. To purge fat, ease bowel movements and clean the colon, with the added benefits of Astragalus for immunity and energy.Diet Support, Advanced Thermogenic Formula With ForsLean, NOW Foods, 120 Caps
Diet Support with ForsLean is an advanced thermogenic formula designed by Dr. James Balch who is a medical doctor and co-author of the popular book Prescription for Nutritional Healing.Diet Support Tea With Fennel & Dandelion, NOW Foods, Caffeine Free, 30 Tea Bags
A unique combination of herbs, Diet Tea will nicely supplement a healthy diet. Diet Tea has been formulated by NOW Foods certified nutritionists and is a helpful between or during meals.Digestive Enzymes, 750 mg, 100 Caps
Since cooking destroys many of the digestive enzymes in food, taking plant fiber-based digestive enzymes aids in digesting even the heaviest meal.DIM-Plus Estrogen Metabolism / Diindolylmethant Protectamins Cruciferous, Nature's Way, 120 Caps
DIM-Plus Estrogen Metabolism Formula promotes healthy estrogen metabolism, Relieves PMS symptoms, Promotes fat loss, supports breast, cervical, uterine and prostate health. Scientific research shows diindolylmethane increases the level of "good" estrogens (2-hydroxyestrogen) while reducing the level of "bad" estrogens (16-hydroxyestrogen).Dr. Atkin's Health Revolution
Powerful and forthright, Dr. Atkins' Health Revolution calls for dramatic changes in the way medicine is practiced in America.Dr. Atkin's New Diet Revolution
Dr. Atkins has fully revised and updated his Atkins low carbohydrate diet book to take into account new information gained over the years treating tens of thousands over weight patients; plus critical new research findings about cholesterol and obesity.Eat More, Weigh Less: Dr. Dean Ornish's Life Choice Program For Losing Weight Safely While Eating Abundantly, By Dean Ornish, M.D.
You really can eat more and weigh less if you know what to eat with Eat More, Weigh Less by Dr. Dean Ornish. As this groundbreaking book, a New York Times Best Seller, clearly shows it's not just how much you eat it's primarily what you eat.Eight Minutes In The Morning: A Simple Way To Shed Up To 2 Pounds A Week Guaranteed, By Jorge Cruise
Featured on Oprah - in just eight minutes a day you can drop two pounds of fat per week, change your shape, and gain muscle and energy.Energy Ephedra Free, NOW Foods, 90 Caps
NOW Energy, Ephedra Free, combines a comprehensive array of nutrients and dietary ingredients that provide your body with a natural source of energy. This formula does not contain Ephedra (Ma Huang).Energy Up, Weight Down Weight Loss Supplement, 90 Caps
Energy Up - Weight Down, is a simple to use weight loss supplement that does just what it says. It gives the body super-nourishing energy while you burn fat. This is an ephedra free diet pill that will give you so much energy that you may not want to take it just before you want to sleep.Fasting Tea, Certified Organic, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Fasting tea is made with Organic Red Clover (Trifilium pratense) and Garcinia Fruit (Garcinia cambogia) and is designed to help support a healthy weight loss program, as it aids digestive functions, supports the metabolism and encourages internal cleansing.Fat Flush Cookbook, By Ann Loise Gittleman, M.S.
This indispensible Fat Flush Cookbook, companion to bestselling Fat Flush Plan, contains more than 200 recipes using fat-flushing foods.Fat Flush Fitness Plan, By Ann Loise Gittleman & Joanie Greggains
The Fat Flush Fitness Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman and Joanie Greggains is compatible with low-carb diets.Fat Flush Plan, By Ann Loise Gittleman, M.S.
The Fat Flush Plan by Ann Louise Gittleman, M.S. is a revolutionary diet program based on a satisfying, healthful and cleansing combination of essential fats, balanced proteins and quality carbohydrates.Get Off Your Ass! by Marty Tuley Weight Loss Book
Tuley has issued a challenge to all the Everyday Joes and Janes out there: quit complaining, change your lifestyle, and get off your ass!Glucomannan (Konjac Fiber), Nature's Way, 665 mg, 180 Caps
Nature's Way Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac fiber) is a 100% dietary fiber source obtained from the root of the konjac plant.Green Tea Extract Diet Support With Panax Ginseng, 10.2 fl. oz. (30 Vials)
Many diet formulas contain diuretic or laxative substances which can be harmful but Green Tea Extract from Prince of Peace diet support formula does not contain any of these.Green Tea Slim Life, Yogi Tea, Healthy Weight Loss Support, 16 Tea Bags, Box of 6
Yogi Tea Green Tea Slim Life is designed to support a healthy weight loss program and give you the energy you need to maintain an active lifestyle.Herbal Slim, Nature's Way, 470 mg, 100 Caps
This is a time tested herbal weight loss formula with important nutrients for a sensible weight loss program. Herbal Slim is an appropriate supplement when watching calories lowering fat intake.Hoodia Extract, Alcohol Free, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz
Hoodia gordonii extract is a cactus-like succulent plant, native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. It is an appetite suppressant and thirst quencher.Hoodia Patch Dermaloss, 30 Count
DermaLoss is an easy to use, effective, all natural weight loss hoodia patch designed to help you lose weight. Control your appetite with hoodia weight loss patch.Hoodia Pure, Hoodia Diet Pill, Hi-Tech, 60 Tabs
Hoodia Pure, Hoodia Diet Pill, is the only HPLC standardized Hoodia Gordonii product on the market!Hoodia, Standardized 20:1 Concentrate, Nature's Way, Vegetarian, 60 VCaps
Nature's Way Hoodia gordonii a 20:1 concentrate from South Africa, is synergistically mixed with Glucomannan.Instant Energy B-12 (2,000 mcg of B-12 per packet), NOW Foods, 75 Packets
NOW Vitamin B-12 Instant Energy is the perfect way to keep alert and energized, regardless of the situation. These convenient, fast-acting packets are perfect when traveling or for convenience.Irwin Naturals, Fast-Action Hoodia Diet Supplement, With Green Tea, 60 Softgels
Fast-Action Hoodia Diet Supplement by Irwin Naturals, contains Hoodia Extract that is supercharged with Green Tea Extract.Irwin Naturals, Green Tea Fat Metabolizer, 75 GelCaps
Irwin Naturals Green Tea Fat Metabolizer can help curb appetite and speed fat burning.Irwin Naturals, Less Stress Weight Control With Green Tea Extract, 75 Gel Caps
Bioperine Enhanced Less Stress Weight Control is not just a diet pill, it is a complete lifestyle program with an easy-to-follow diet and exercise program enclosed right inside this bottle.Irwin Naturals, Maximum Strength, Phase 2 Carb Blocker with Magnolia and Chromium, 75 Gelcaps
Irwin Naturals Bioperine Enhanced Maximum Strength 2 Carb Blocker presents Phase 2, an extract derived from white Kidney Beans that was shown in laboratory settings to impact the metabolism of complex carbohydrates.Irwin Naturals, Stress Less Weight Control with Green Tea Extract, 75 Gelcaps
Bioperine Enhanced Irwin Naturals Stress-Less Weight Control is not just a diet pill. It is a complete lifestyle program with an easy-to-follow diet and exercise program enclosed right inside this bottle.Irwin Naturals, System Six Ripped Man with Xenedrol, Fat Burner, 130 Gelcaps
Medically developed Irwin Naturals System-Six Ripped Man has safely helped millions of people lose weight. With its combination of six powerful ingredient groups (systems), it produces a remarkable fat-burning effect.Irwin Naturals, System Six with Xenedrol, Fat Burner, 130 Gelcaps
Medical doctor developed Irwin Naturals System-Six has safely helped millions of people lose weight. With its combination of six powerful ingredient groups (systems), it produces a remarkable fat-burning effect.L-Carnitine Plus Pantothenic Acid, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Laboratories unique blend of L-Carnitine and Pantothenic Acid is cell food for both body and mind!Lipodrene SR, 100% Natural, Weight Loss Supplement, Pharmaceutical Grade, 90 Tabs
Lipodrene-SR, Natural Weight Loss Supplement, is an ephedra free, sustained release appetite control supplement that works by increasing your metabolism and suppressing your appetite to help you with your weight loss goals safely and effectively.LipoTrim High Potency, NOW Foods, 120 Tabs
Our LipoTrim contains a synergistic blend of vitamins, chromium and amino acids to aid in normal fat metabolism, thereby promoting higher energy levels.Low Carb Diet Defender w/ Phase 2 & Supporting Enzymes, NOW Foods, 60 VCaps
The secret of successful low-carb dieting is not simply how many carbs you avoid, but how effectively your body uses the macronutrients you take in.Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix Chocolate, Nature's Way, 1.4 lbs
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Reprograms appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix Chocolate, Nature's Way, 1.6 oz serving packets, 10 per box
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Reprograms appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix Strawberry, Nature's Way, 1.4 lbs
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Reprograms appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix Strawberry, Nature's Way, 1.6 oz, serving packets, 10 per box
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Reprograms appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix, Vanilla, Nature's Way, 1.4 lbs
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Reprograms appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabolic ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mix Vanilla, Nature's Way, 1.6 oz serving packets, 10 per box
Nature's Way ReSet Weight Loss Shake Mixes Re-programs appetite to reduce hunger and cravings and has a delicious taste!Metabozest EF, Ephedra Free, Weight Loss and Energy Formula, 90 Tabs
Discover the Metabozest EF Ephedra Free Weight Loss difference developed by leading experts in the health & nutrition field. Metabozest EF Ephedra Free Weight Loss combines some of the most powerful and effective natural ingredients for weight loss plus a unique mixture of nutrients and herbs selected for their ability to help the body increase metabolic rate, improve solubility, manage appetite and sugar cravings, and facilitate carbohydrate metabolism.Molybdenum Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 10 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Molybdenum is a pure liquid Molybdenum supplement. Molybdenum is instrumental in regulating pH balance in the body. For each pH point increase (e.g., 6.1-6.2), the oxygen level is increased ten times, thus increasing the metabolism and enhancing the body's ability to burn fat. Also promotes general well being, aids in carbohydrate metabolism, has proven itself useful in MSG (or other chemical) sensitivity, increases libido, and may enhance the effect of fluorine in tooth decay prevention (dental enamel is rich in molybdenum). It also induces sleep.Natural Extracts Diet, Herbal Diet Supplement, Irwin Naturals, 75 Softgels
Natural Extracts Diet, Herbal Diet Supplement, contains a powerful combination of natural concentrated fruit and tea extracts to provide a targeted, holistic approach to your weight loss efforts.Natural Fiber Supplement (Trumans), 12 oz.
Truman's Natural Fiber Supplement formula helps to give bulk to the stool and to check diarrhea; thus, creating balance in the bowel movements.Natural Mood Stabilizer, 5 HTP Optimum Mood Support, 50 mg Each Capsule, 60 Caps
5 HTP Optimum Mood Support Natural Mood Stabilizer is used to increase serotonin that in turn reduces symptoms such as mood disorders, depression, weight problems and migraine headaches.Natural Weight Loss Support w/ Hoodia Gordonii, Hoodia Weight Loss Product, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
This Natural Weight Loss Support with Hoodia gordinii is the strongest, safest, binge busting, natural appetite suppressant ever found.Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother), Organic, Dynamic Health, 16 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is made from the juices of Organic certified grown apples.Pounds Away Liquid Detox Weight Loss Formula, with Hoodia, Dynamic Health, 32 fl. oz.
Dynamic Health's Pounds Away Liquid Detox Weight Loss Formula combines the delicious taste of Mangosteen Juice with Hoodia. You can enjoy sipping it pure or mixed with your favorite beverage.Prozone Chocolate Fat Reducing Energy Drink, 22.5 oz., 30-30-40
This Energy Drink is formulated to contain the performance enhancing and healthy living balance of essential macronutrients.Prozone Vanilla Fat Reducing Energy Drink, 22.5 oz., 30-30-40
This Energy Drink is formulated to contain the performance enhancing and healthy living balance of essential macronutrients.Pyruvate, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs
Regardless of what your fitness goals may be, incorporating NOW Foods 1000 mg Pyruvate is perfect for anyone wanting to expedite the potential of their training.Relora, NOW Foods, 300 mg, 60 Caps
Relora is used to normalizes hormone levels associated with stress-induced obesity and poor eating and drinking behaviors. Preliminary findings suggest that Relora can decrease the cravings for high fat and high sugar foods in stressed individuals.Ripped Fuel Extreme, Ephedra Free, 60 Caps
Twinlab's Ripped Fuel Extreme Ephedra Free is for people who are looking for an extreme way to fight fat and enhance lean muscle mass.7-Keto-DHEA, Metabolite of DHEA, NOW Foods, 25 mg, 90 Caps
7 Keto DHEA capsules Support the immune System and aid weight loss. A powerful antioxidant, 7 KETO DHEA aids fat metabolism and supports the production of lean muscle tissue.Skinny Wellness Oil, Nature's Inventory, 2 fl. oz.
Increase your metabolism and help break down the fatty tissues of the body with this simple and completely natural oil.Slimaluma Plus, NOW Foods, 60 VCaps
NOW Slimaluma Plus contains a patent-pending extract of Caralluma fimbriata, an edible succulent native to India. Slimaluma has been clinically tested and shown to be a safe and effective dietary supplement for use in appetite control and weight management. NOW Slimaluma Plus also features the synergistic ingredients Green Tea Extract and Yerba Mate for their antioxidant and energizing effects.Slimdun, 90 Pills
Supplement for maintaining healthy cholesterol level and reducing weight.Slim Sweet Natural Sweetener, 2.8 oz.
A tiny bit of SlimSweet goes a long way! SlimSweet tastes just like sugar but is 15 times sweeter than table sugar!Slim Trimmer, Balanceuticals, TCM Formula For weight Loss, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
Chinese medicine uses this well-known formula to help reject unnecessary fat absorption from food through bowel movements, and facilitate burning of fat in the body, maintaining healthy blood fat level while keep the person energetic and strong.Spectrum Shake (Amino Acids), Original (Unsweetened Vanilla), 1 lb. 4 oz.
Spectrum Shake provides a full and balanced array of amino acids, slow-burning complex carbohydrates, "non-fattening" medium chain triglycerides (MCT) and digestion enhancing enzymes.Spirulina, 380 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Spirulina is specifically useful for those on a weight control program and as a mild appetite suppressant that helps control dietary cravings.Spirulina (Blue Green Algae) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Spirulina is rich in chlorophyll, beta carotene, vitamins (including Vitamin B-12), minerals, amino acids, DNA, RNA, and enzymes.Stevia Liquid Extract, NOW Foods, 2 fl. oz.
A small amount of this Stevia liquid extract goes a long way. Stevia is a sugar-free and calorie-free sweetener.Stimerex Fat Burner, Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals, 100 Capsules
Stimerex Diet & Weight Loss Pill was developed by a Bariatric / Weight Loss physician with extensive experience in the research and development of effective and safe stimulants.Stop Cravings Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
This formula helps people stop cravings and move through the withdrawal symptoms from addictions such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, and foods.Super Cortisol Support with Relora, Vegetarian Adrenal Support Formula, 90 VCaps
Super Cortisol Support is an herbal and nutritional formula designed to support healthy adrenal function and maintain healthy cortisol levels.Super Fisol 70% EPA / DHA Fish Oil Supplement, 90 Enteric Coated Softgels, Nature's Way
Fisol, enteric coated, fish oil supplement delivers 40% EPA and 30% DHA with a unique coating that withstands stomach acid so Fisol dissolves in the small intestine and maximizes the body's absorption of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.The Metabolic Syndrome Program: How To Lose Weight, Beat Heart Disease, Stop Insulin Resistance & More, By Karlene RD Karst
Big Belly? High Body Mass Index? High Blood Pressure? If this sounds like you, you may be one of the millions of North Americans with Metabolic Syndrome.The Rite-Type Diet Plan For Type A, Placemat
Take the stress off your digestive system by using this guide while shopping, for blood type A.The Weight Loss Cure They Don't Want You To Know About, By Kevin Trudeau
Tens of thousands of people used this simple, inexpensive, safe medical treatment and achieved miraculous, fast, and permanent weight loss.ThyroZene, Hi-Tech, 90 Tabs
The Ultimate "Non-Stimulant" Metabolic Activator for Rapid Fat Loss! ThyroZene improves the conversion of Thyroid hormones which increases natural thyroid function.Tonalin XS CLA, (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), 1000 mg, 90 Softgels
TONALIN contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a patented, dietary supplement derived from safflower oil. Nature's Way TONALIN XS-CLA. offers the highest potency of CLA available.Triple-Tea Fat Burner, Irwin Naturals, 75 Softgels
Triple-Tea Fat burner is infused with a powerful mix of White, Green and Black Tea extracts providing a potent combination of fat metabolizing ingredients with super antioxidant protection.Tru Hoodia Diet, NOW Foods, 60 VCaps
Tru Hoodia Diet is a potent combination of herbs that help to support healthy body weight.Vermella Slim, Liquid Extract, 30 ml
Vermella is an herbal extract made from the leaves of the Gentianella alborosea plant. It grows wild in Peru at an altitude of between 3,500 and 4,300 meters and has been used by indigenous groups in that region for hundreds of years.Weight Loss Cleanse & Flush, 15 Day, Nature's Secret, 60 Tabs
The Weight Loss Cleanse and Flush is an important step in any weight management program because it helps jump-start the metabolism and prime the digestive tract for better digestion and absorption.Yerba Mate Royal Tea, Instant With Stevia, 2.82 oz (180 Servings)
Yerba Mate Tea has a stimulating effect on metabolism, without the jitters. A faster metabolism not only means you burn more calories, it means you turn more calories into energy.Yerba Mate Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Yerba Mate tea has a stimulating effect on metabolism, without the jitters like caffeine. A faster metabolism not only means you burn more calories, it means you turn more calories into energy.
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Herbal Remedies: Weight Loss Supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or your family member wants help with weight loss. Be sure to have a physical exam before starting any weight loss and exercise program.
Weight increases, despite measures taken to lose weight.
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