Alternative treatments for weight loss: A critical review

"Nontraditional" or "alternative" treatments are extremely popular, especia lly with respect to obesity and body composition. Although such treatments are widely used, it is not clear that these are supported by the existing d ata in the peer-reviewed literature. Herein, we review the data on 18 metho ds/products advocated as potential anti-obesity/fat-reducing agents. We hav e found that none have been convincingly demonstrated to be safe and effect ive in two or more peer-reviewed publications of randomized double-blind pl acebo-controlled trials conducted by at least two independent laboratories. Nevertheless, some have plausible mechanisms of action and encouraging pre liminary data that are sufficiently provocative to merit further research.