Non ephedra weight loss supplements?

[TigH]

Eeek!

A friend of my sister's is going to start taking a weight loss supplement (she says it doesn't contain ephedra). I have been sharing some WW info for her and she is interested in it, but wants to "jump start" her weight loss. She said she would never have considered using supplements before, but I guess she is at the end of her rope and wants to get some fast results.

I don't know her well enough to comfortably try to dissuade her from using these supplements. Has anyone here used a non-ephedra weight loss supplement with any success? Any side effects?

I am concerned about her health. I know there have been times when I have considered trying a supplement, but safety issues have kept me from trying them (did try them a few years ago for a week before I really knew any better and it was a horrible experience!)

Thanks for any information you can provide. I will try not to worry much, but she is such a sweet person. I don't want to see her damage herself, but she's also a grown up and quite capable of making her own informed decision.

 

[Rhonda]

Here's an idea:

People starting a low-carb diet plan (Zone, Atkins, etc.) usually experience quick weight loss in the first 2 weeks. Maybe she would be interested in trying that first, since she's looking for a fast start?

You could explain to her that she would still lose weight quickly, but it would much more healthy for her at the same time! She would be eating salads, meat, cheese, eggs, etc., and just staying away from the processed flours and sugars. She would feel better and have more real energy, instead of relying on drugs for the energy!

 

[nativetxn]

I don't know about those supplements.

I take L-Carnitine, an aminoacid. Dr. Atkins suggests using it to increase the amount of fat burned. I think it may help a little because I am in deeper ketosis when I take it than I am on the days I skip it. Sometimes I forget to take it

 

[TigH]

Thanks! I gently recommended Atkins to her and told her about the Atkins success I've read about on WISH. I also mentioned that I thought she was a very nice person and I was concerned that she may risk some damage to her health if she takes the supplements and that I was worried about that, but that I wouldn't bring it up again. So hopefully she will reconsider using them! I appreciate your responses!! Thanks!!!!!