Hoodia Diet Pills

	; Flickr: graftedno1
Type of products	Weight loss supplements made from hoodia, a succulent plant that grows naturally in southern African regions
Manufacturer	Various
Uses	Appetite suppressant
Side effects	None reported
Prescription status	No prescription needed
Disclaimer	The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.

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Hoodia diet pills are available over-the-counter, and contain extract from the Hoodia gordonii plant, a succulent native to Southern Africa. Manufacturers claim that hoodia can decrease the appetite and cause people to eat less food, thereby resulting in weight loss. ^[1]

About Hoodia

Hoodia is a succulent plant that is found in the Kalahari Desert. The plant has been used by Bush peoples for years; they eat it to ward off hunger and thirst when out on extended hunting trips where little or no food is immediately available. Hoodia has garnered attention from celebrities and the media, and is hailed as an appetite suppressant that can help people shed pounds.

Although there is much anecdotal evidence that this plant can effectively fight hunger pangs and cause people to feel fuller after eating less food than usual, there have been no widespread studies conducted. Some limited trials or "efficacy studies" have noted some positive results, but the studies did not use scientific investigation methods. Many doctors remain skeptical as to the benefits of the diet pills.^[2] Nonetheless, there are dozens of companies that sell hoodia, and many are known for their email spam advertising tactics. The pills are labeled as dietary supplement.^[2]

Hoodia Side Effects

Hoodia is generally considered a safe product, but there have not been enough studies performed on the supplement to tell for certain. It is not a stimulant, and therefore does not have the same types of diet pill side effects associated with caffeine or amphetamine-based weight loss products like jitteriness, anxiety or increased heart rate and blood pressure.^[3] ^[4]

People with certain medical conditions are advised to confer with a physician before taking Hoodia. These conditions include low blood sugar, diabetes, heart problems or bleeding/clotting issues.^[3] In addition, some research has shown the possibility of a link between Hoodia and liver problems.^[5]

It may be difficult to monitor side effects of many hoodia products, as clinical studies have shown that many brands do not actually contain the promised amounts of hoodia.^[1]

Hoodia Effectiveness and Safety

Although manufacturers (and some users) have touted the appetite suppressing qualities of hoodia diet pills, there is no solid evidence to suggest that they work. Even if the hoodia plant itself can decrease hunger, it is unknown if the extract found in pill form works at all. In addition, the FDA has stepped in and forced some hoodia manufacturers to retract their claims. In addition, some products marketed as hoodia pills have been found to contain no hoodia.^[1]

Because the FDA considers over the counter diet pills to be supplements rather than drugs, the hoodia market is largely unregulated. Manufacturers are not required to provide proof that their products work before placing on the market.^[6]