Does Hoodia Really Help with Weight Loss?

If you’re looking to lose weight, and have been searching for ways to supplement your diet and exercise efforts, you’ve probably heard of Hoodia. But what exactly is Hoodia? And can it really help you lose weight? Let's take a look at this newly popular herb . . .


What is Hoodia?
Hoodia can actually be made from several types of cactus-like plants and it is a natural herb usually grown in Africa, native to the Kalahari and other deserts in South Africa. It is believed by some experts to suppress the appetite.  Hoodia is also believed to aid in the fat burning process and reduce your calorie intake without leaving you feeling hungry.  Hoodia works to trick the brain into thinking you are full even if you only ate a very small amount.  Some people believe it works best if you wait about 20 minutes before eating after taking Hoodia to give the pill time to work.  

How does it work?
There are studies out there that suggest there is an appetite suppressing ingredient in some of the natural chemicals found in Hoodia.  These natural appetite suppressants cause you to want to eat less.  Another theory is that Hoodia contains a molecule called P57 which helps the middle part of the brain regulate your appetite.

It is also believed that Hoodia works in the brain by releasing a chemical like glucose, and sending a message that enough food has been consumed (which also causes a person to eat less).  

One small study was conducted where a group of seven people were given a Hoodia pill in the morning and one in the afternoon. They were instructed to eat a well balanced breakfast, a light lunch and a normal dinner and continue regular daily activities. The average weight loss was about 10 pounds with no extra exercise.  This was a one month study.

Are there any negative side-effects?
Hoodia is sold as a dietary supplement which means it is not under the same scrutiny as prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications so there is less research on its effectiveness and possible side effects.  Some people who have taken Hoodia complain of nausea or headache.  If you decide to try to take Hoodia and experience any of these symptoms stop taking if immediately.

Does it really work?
Since there has not been a lot published medical research on Hoodia it is very difficult to determine if it will really help with weight loss.  If you’re interested in purchasing a weight-loss product with Hoodia as an ingredient, be wary of the product you choose. There are a lot of fake products being sold on the internet today which claim to have Hoodia in them but really do not.

For some people it does not matter if a drug or supplement actually works or not, it can simply be an issue of mind over matter. If they think it will work, they can convince their brain that it does work and that alone will cause them to eat less and lose weight. The only real way to determine if Hoodia works or not is to try it for yourself!