Researchers discover no link between herbal medicine and weight loss

There is no significant difference made by taking herbal supplements to shed those pounds,

according to a new study

A global review conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney revealed that there was

‘insufficient evidence’ related to taking herbal medicines for weight loss.

The Australian team looked at the effect of taking herbal medicines to slim down and compared it with a placebo in a trial that consisted of 4,000 participants.

They discovered that while some supplements resulted in a greater weight loss than those that had the placebo, the results were not of ‘clinical significance’ since the official numbers were no higher than 2.5 kilograms.

Catherine Collins, an Intensive Care Unit Registered Dietitian, said marketing plays a factor in these medicines and it would be highly unlikely for supplements to seriously affect weight loss.

“The only nutrients that would be associated with weight loss would be iodine and selenium for their effect on the thyroid,” she said.

“The thyroid produces thyroxine, which controls the metabolic functions in the body, including your metabolic rate.”

Herbal medicines can vary in the industry but come in various forms from pills to liquids and have at least one plant as an active ingredient.

Meanwhile, Anne Anyia, a London-based weight loss coach, said people should “listen to their

bodies” when they are dieting.

“You need to be aware of how you are managing everything - one size does not fit all,” she said.