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Notice: This information is presented for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor or other health professional for proper medical care.
Do any studies demonstrate that ephedrine is effective for weight loss?
Yes. There have been numerous studies which investigated the effects of ephedrine on weight loss and athletic performance. One of the most comprehensive analyses undertaken to evaluate the results of several studies was conducted by RAND.
RAND identified 44 controlled trials assessing ephedra and ephedrine alkaloids used in combination with other compounds for weight loss; 20 of these trials met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Meta-regressions were used to assess the effect of ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine, and ephedra plus herbs containing caffeine. The summarized results appear below:
- Ephedrine vs. placebo: 5 studies. Ephedrine was associated with a statistically significant weight loss of 1.3 pounds/month more than was associated with placebo for up to 4 months of use.
- Ephedrine plus caffeine vs. placebo: 12 studies. Ephedrine plus caffeine was associated with a statistically significant weight loss of 2.2 pounds/month more than was associated with placebo for up to 4 months of use.
- Ephedrine plus caffeine vs. ephedrine: 3 studies. Ephedrine plus caffeine was associated with a statistically significant weight loss of 0.8 pounds/month more than was associated with ephedrine alone.
The analyses concluded that the use of ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine, or dietary supplements containing ephedra and herbs with caffeine was associated with a statistically significant increase in weight loss over a relatively short time; both ephedrine plus caffeine and ephedra plus herbs containing caffeine were somewhat more effective than ephedrine alone in promoting weight loss.
Overall, the effects on weight loss of synthetic ephedrine plus caffeine and ephedra plus herbs containing caffeine were equivalent: weight loss of approximately 2 pounds/month more than was associated with placebo for up to 4 or 6 months of use. No studies assessed the long-term effects on weight loss; the longest published follow-up was 6 months. (1)
Case Study: Herbal Ephedra/Caffeine for Weight Loss: a 6 month Randomized Safety and Efficacy Trial
The above referenced study, published in the International Journal of Obesity (2002) provides a comprehensive look at the effects of herbal ephedra (naturally occurring ephedrine group alkaloids) and caffeine on weight loss.
In short, the study (conducted by researchers from Harvard, Columbia and Vanderbilt Universities , among others) found that the caffeine/ephedrine combination is not only very effective as a fat burner, but also exhibits only minor side effects (per the dosage protocol followed in the study). In fact, researchers concluded that for healthy individuals, increases in heart rate and blood pressure were so marginal as to be insignificant (2).
Interestingly, as this study considered not just “weight” but body composition (distinguishing fat mass from fat-free mass) it appears that ephedrine not only promotes fat loss, but also does so while preserving fat-free mass (e.g. muscle).
Notice: This information is presented for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor or other health professional for proper medical care.
(1) “Ephedra and Ephedrine Alkaloids for Weight Loss and Athletic Performance” National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
(2) “Herbal ephedra/caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trial”, International Journal of Obesity (2002). Available, http://www.toxinfo.com/IJO_Ephedrine_Article.pdf |
