Title: 
Natural Weapons to Win the Battle of the Bulge

Word Count:
568

Summary:
The article is about the advent of weight loss pills in the market and other aids in weight management. People turn to herbal medicines believing that all weight loss medications do not produce harmful side effects. The writer emphasizes that a healthy lifestyle is still the best weight loss pill.


Keywords:
weight loss pills, prescription weight loss pill, best weight loss pill


Article Body:
Weight loss is one of the common issues faced by thousands if not millions of people today. It is now such a serious health concern that pharmaceutical companies race against each other to churn out the “most effective, fastest weight loss pill” in the world.  As the “Battle of the Bulge” rages on, hundreds of brands of weight loss pills have been deployed in the market to meet the demand from an ever growing market.  These pills come in different shapes, sizes, and prices. A quick visit to the local pharmacy will get you confused over the sheer array of pound-beating concoctions such the cheap over-the counter slimming pills, herbal pills, and, of course, the prescription weight loss pills that can only be bought with prior approval from a doctor. Regardless of brand or classification, all these weight loss pills promise to make the consumer lose those unwanted pounds in only a short matter of time. Some of the more safety-conscious consumers trying to lose weight have turned to herbal remedies believing that these products have absolutely no side effects. But many forget that the term “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.”  Some of weight loss products out in the market have yet to receive the FDA's seal of approval. 

Ephedra 

	Green Tea Extract and Ephedra are two of the most common ingredients found among so-called natural herbal weight loss pills.  According to experts, ephedra is effective and efficient as a short-term weight loss preparation.  The said ingredient helps decrease one's appetite, and thus, reduce the amount of calorie intake that must be controlled by any weight watcher.  This substance however, can be hazardous because of its side effects. Studies show that  moderate adverse effects of ephedra may include irritability, diarrhea, nervousness, insomnia, vomiting , and headache. High doses of ephedra may increase blood pressure that could possibly cause cardiac rhythm disorders. Seizures and even death are also probable yet rare outcomes of unregulated use of ephedra. 


Green Tea Extract 

	Research shows that green tea extract is rich in polyphenols, from which are derived substances called catechins. Catechins are antioxidants that are found in coffee and have been proven to increase calorie and fat metabolism while decreasing appetite.  Additional studies claim that consumption of tea containing green tea extract may help fight heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.  Still, overconsumption of this tea have also been associated with several side effects. Mild side effects that may occur while taking green tea or green tea extract are vomiting, ingestion, and diarrhea. Caffeine in this type of tea may also cause irritability, restlessness, and sleeping problems. While moderate consumption of green tea may produce beneficial outcomes, it is, however, not advised for consumption by pregnant women. 


Healthy lifestyle

	Perhaps the best and safest way to trim down is by having a balanced diet, staying physically active, and by making sure you have adequate amount of rest. A healthy lifestyle is still the best weight loss pill, a way of living that should never be taken for granted. Although there are herbal medicines and a host of other so-called “wonder drugs” out in the market, not all of them are actually side-effect free. As a rule, one should always know everything there is to know about a slimming product or a prescribed weight loss pill.  Before you try to lose weight, always make sure that you have the right and complete information.


