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Lipovarin: An effective weight-loss supplement?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lipovarin/AN01489
- With Mayo Clinic nutritionist
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
As a specialty editor for the nutrition and healthy eating guide, Katherine Zeratsky helps you sort through the facts and figures, the fads and the hype to learn more about nutrition and diet.
A Marinette, Wis., native, Katherine is certified in dietetics by the state of Minnesota and the American Dietetic Association. She has been with Mayo Clinic since 1999.
She is active in nutrition-related curriculum and course development in wellness nutrition at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and nutrition education related to weight management and practical applications of nutrition-related lifestyle changes.
Other areas of interest include food and nutrition for all life stages, active lifestyles and the culinary arts.
She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, served a dietetic internship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and worked as a registered dietitian and health risk counselor at ThedaCare of Appleton, Wis., before joining the Mayo Clinic staff.
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Question
Lipovarin: An effective weight-loss supplement?
I'm thinking about trying a diet pill called Lipovarin. Can you tell me if it really works?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.
There's no evidence that Lipovarin — a popular, nonprescription diet pill — promotes weight loss. In fact, this product may actually pose serious health risks.
Lipovarin contains the ingredient synephrine, a constituent of bitter orange. Synephrine is a stimulant similar to ephedrine, which is found in the herb ephedra. Safety concerns led to the removal of ephedra products from the U.S. market.
However, many manufacturers simply substituted synephrine in products that used to contain ephedra. These products, including Lipovarin, likely have the same serious health risks as ephedra products — including increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
Remember, there are no shortcuts to permanent weight loss. The foundation of every successful weight-loss program is a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Next questionVitamin B-12 injections for weight loss: Do they work?
- Lipovarin. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
- Bitter orange. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
- FDA issues regulation prohibiting sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids and reiterates its advice that consumers stop using these products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2004/ucm108242.htm. Accessed Aug. 23, 2012.
- Hansen DK, et al. Physiological effects following administration of Citrus aurantium for 28 days in rats. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2012; 261:236.
- Zeratsky KA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 18, 2012.
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