Is ephedra effective for weight loss?
Most scientists agree that EADS have not been proven effective for long-term weight loss. The summary report for information presented at the August 8-9, 2000 FDA Public Meeting: “Safety of Dietary Supplements containing Ephedrine Alkaloids,” indicates that the “efficacy of ephedra or EADS for weight loss or body building specifically is not supported by a large number of high quality, randomized controlled clinical trials. The few trials and studies reported at the meeting consisted primarily of small groups (fewer han 150) and short durations of use (6-8 weeks); data on long-term weight loss and maintenance are scarce and may be confounded by calorie-restricted diets.” Metabolife has pointed to several animal studies and two human studies to support its claims of safety and effectiveness: one at Vanderbilt University and the other at Columbia University. When contacted by Newsweek in August of 1999, “researchers from both studies said that neither was comprehensive enough to support
