Hoodia: An effective appetite suppressant?

Is hoodia an effective appetite suppressant?

- Shirley / Florida

Answer

There is no conclusive evidence that hoodia is an effective appetite suppressant or that it contributes to significant, long-term weight loss. Hoodia is a cactus that is native to the Kalahari Desert in Africa. Natives supposedly eat it to reduce hunger during long hunts, which led to interest in hoodia as a possible weight-loss aid.

One small study — sponsored by a supplement manufacturer — found that hoodia may affect the part of the brain that controls hunger. But much more research is needed to establish the potential effectiveness and long-term safety of hoodia.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Herbal supplements: What to know before you buy

RELATED

• Bitter orange weight-loss supplements: Do they work?
• Protein shakes: Do they increase weight loss?
• Vitamin B-12 injections for weight loss: Do they work?
• Phentermine: Can it help me lose weight?
• FucoThin: Can it help burn fat?
• Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work?
• Alli weight-loss pill: Does it work?

MayoClinic.com Bookstore

• 'Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight for EveryBody' (Softcover)