A major global review of 121 randomised trials of herbal and dietary weight loss supplements suggests that their use cannot be justified based on current evidence.
Claiming to be the first such meta-review of complementary medicines in 16 years, the analysis finds that while supplements show statistically greater weight loss than placebo in some cases, it is not enough to benefit one's health.
The team raises alarm over the fact that, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, clinical evidence for the safety and effectiveness of these pills and powders is not required and more research should be done to assess their long-term safety.
The global industry for these products was estimated to be worth $41bn last year.
Herbal supplements included in the analysis were green tea, tropical fruits, white kidney bean, metabolism stimulants, and ingredients commonly used in Ayurveda like liquorice root and East Indian Globe Thistle.
Presenting at The European Congress on Obesity, the scientists said, ‘herbal and dietary supplements might seem like a quick-fix solution to weight problems, but people need to be aware of how little we actually know about them.’