Appetite Suppressants

1. What Are Appetite Suppressants?

Anorectics, anorexigenics or appetite suppressants are substances (dietary supplements or drugs) that reduce the appetite and cause a person to eat less.

The category of products that are considered ‘appetite suppressants’ include some cross-over in the diet/energy category as well as non-thermogenic products

2. Who Needs Appetite Suppressants?

This category of product is typically used only by those who need quite a bit of assistance in losing body weight. It is NOT recommended for the performance athlete.

However, anyone looking for that extra boost of energy during the day or in the gym could also benefit from an appetite suppressant because of it's energy enhancing effects.

3. What Does The Science Show?

Hoodia: Studies conducted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR, South Africa) identified extracts from Hoodia species, in particular Hoodia pilifera and Hoodia gordonii, as possessing appetite suppressing properties. Hoodia supplementation has been shown to result in a decrease of food consumption and body weight over an eight day period when compared to the control; the most commonly consumed dosage of Hoodia is 3,000 mg daily.1-9

Citrimax: Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) is a calcium/potassium salt of (-)-hydroxycitric acid extracted from the dried fruit rind of the plant Garcinia cambogia. Garcinia, as it is most commonly referred to, has been studied to see its effect on inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance; the data clearly show that HCA-SX supplementation in reduces food-intake, body weight gain, and also lessens the increases in inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance observed. Therefore, according to one study “HCA-SX may be used as an intervention to overcome obesity-related complications, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance.”10, 11 A commonly consumed dose of Garcinia cambogia (Standardized 50% [500 Mg] [-] Hydroxycitrate Extract) 1000-3000 mg daily.

Yohimbine: The natural alpha-2 antagonist yohimbine can, when taken before exercise, boost lipolysis (i.e. fat breakdown) and serum free fatty acid levels both during and following exercise.12 Also, yohimbine can reduce food intake as well.13 Note that yohimbine is derived from the yohimbe tree. Yohimbine is often taken at a dose roughly equal to 0.2mg/kg. One study showed that supplementation resulted in decreased body fat in the yohimbine group after the supplementation protocol. Also, fat mass was significantly lower in the yohimbine versus placebo trial at post-supplementation.14

Magnolia: A recent study measured the effects of a proprietary blend of extracts of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora) on anxiety, stress and sleep in healthy premenopausal women. The intervention was Relora (250 mg capsules) or identical placebo 3 times daily for 6 weeks. Relora was effective, in comparison to placebo, in reducing temporary, transitory anxiety.15 Though appetite suppression wasn’t demonstrated in this study, it would stand to reason that by modulating anxiety, it might therefore help one cope with stress by perhaps not using food as a stress relief.

Bitter Orange & Caffeine: Usually thought of as a thermogenic, this combination does in fact act as a appetitie suppressant. Bitter Orange, aka citrus aurantium, contains m-synephrine (phenylephrine) and octopamine and has been added to various weight loss supplements because of its appetite suppressing effect as well as its thermogenic properties. When you combine bitter orange, green tea and guarana, you can increase calorie burning tremendously. 16 Bitter orange plus caffeine is a potent combination that has been to even enhance exercise endurance by 29%.17 Thus, this combination is one of the most prevalent in the category.

Phenylethylamine: Beta-phenylethylamine (PEA) is an endogenous amine that resembles amphetamine in chemical structure.18 A review of the literature shows that brain phenylethylamine (PEA) may be a neuromodulator of aminergic synapses and that it promotes energy, elevates mood, and favors aggression. Perhaps by elevating mood PEA, may act as a modulator of appetite as well.

4. Is It Safe?

Many of these products are indeed safe when used as directed.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.