What are proven weight loss supplements?

From the Guidelines

There is no single "proven" weight loss supplement that works effectively for everyone, and the most recent evidence suggests that nutrition supplements have little to no weight loss benefits. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024, found that despite widespread marketing and exorbitant claims, there is no clear evidence that nutrition supplements are effective for obesity management or weight loss 1.

Weight Loss Strategies

Instead of relying on supplements, focus on a calorie-controlled diet of whole foods, regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly of moderate exercise), adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly), and stress management. Some key points to consider:

• Comprehensive weight loss maintenance programs that provide at least monthly contact with trained individuals and focus on ongoing monitoring of body weight and/or other self-monitoring strategies may be effective in achieving weight loss 1.
• Structured, very-low-calorie meals, typically 800–1,000 kcal/day, utilizing high-protein foods and meal replacement products, may increase the pace and/or magnitude of initial weight loss and glycemic improvements compared with standard behavioral interventions, but should be provided only by trained practitioners in medical settings with close ongoing monitoring and integration with behavioral support and counseling 1.
• Vitamin/mineral supplementation may be indicated in cases of documented deficiency, and protein supplements may be indicated as adjuncts to medically supervised weight loss therapies 1.

Safety Considerations

It's essential to note that many supplements make exaggerated claims without scientific backing, and some may contain harmful ingredients or interact with medications. Before trying any supplement, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. The potential risks associated with intensive nutritional interventions, such as electrolyte abnormalities, severe fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias, should also be carefully considered 1.

Prioritizing Lifestyle Changes

In summary, while some supplements may have modest benefits, they should be viewed as minor additions to fundamental lifestyle changes, not replacements. Prioritizing a healthy diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management is crucial for achieving and maintaining weight loss, and reducing the risk of morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.

From the FDA Drug Label

Phentermine Hydrochloride, USP 15 mg and 30 mg is indicated as a short-term (a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on exercise, behavioral modification and caloric restriction in the management of exogenous obesity for patients with an initial body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m 2, or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m 2 in the presence of other risk factors Use for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet

Proven weight loss supplements include:

• Phentermine: indicated for short-term weight reduction in patients with exogenous obesity 2
• Orlistat: used for weight loss in overweight adults, 18 years and older, when used along with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet 3

From the Research

Proven Weight Loss Supplements

There are several weight loss supplements that have been proven to be effective in clinical trials, including:

• Orlistat, which reduces weight by around 3 kg on average and decreases progression to diabetes in high-risk patients 4
• Phentermine/topiramate, which has been shown to result in a placebo-subtracted weight reduction of 6.8% 5
• Liraglutide, which has been shown to result in a placebo-subtracted weight reduction of 5.4% 5
• Naltrexone/bupropion, which has been shown to result in a placebo-subtracted weight reduction of 4.0% 5

Limitations and Risks

However, it's also important to note that these supplements may have limitations and risks, such as:

• Adverse gastrointestinal effects with orlistat 4
• Increases in blood pressure and pulse rate with sibutramine 4
• Increased incidence of mood-related disorders with rimonabant 4
• High costs and potential adverse effects with FDA-approved anti-obesity medications 5

Dietary Supplements and Alternative Therapies

Dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight loss have a limited high-quality evidence base of efficacy, and practitioners and patients should be aware of the scientific evidence of claims before recommending use 6, 7

• Few studies have been classified as low risk and sufficient to support efficacy, and only 16 studies noted significant pre/post intergroup differences in weight 6
• Regulatory authorities should protect consumers by ensuring accurate and safe marketing claims and preventing promotion of unproven and potentially unsafe products and claims 7

Clinician Recommendations

Clinicians should not recommend over-the-counter dietary supplements for weight loss due to unknown safety and efficacy, incomplete ingredient lists, and potentially misleading advertising 8

• Instead, clinicians can support, educate, and promote culturally and individually sensitive weight-management strategies 8