[6] Potential side effects of caffeine may include insomnia, anxiety, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, headaches and abnormal heart beat.
[7][8] Green tea extract is currently used for a variety of conditions including improving mental alertness and aiding in weight loss.
[9] There is currently insufficient data to determine the efficacy of green tea extract in aiding weight loss.
[9] Asian (panax) ginseng is used for a wide variety of conditions—without US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval—including aiding in thinking and memory, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and weight loss.
[11] DHEA is used to treat a variety of conditions (without FDA approval) including aging, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, erectile dysfunction, systemic lupus erythematosus, and for aiding in weight loss.
[13] A 2000 study by Yale University School of Medicine showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with taking PPA.
Although ephedra showed some effectiveness for short-term weight loss,[17] it was linked to raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart problems and stroke.
In addition, the use of Dexatrim or other OTC weight-loss supplements presents a possible factor in establishing disruptive eating patterns,[21] increases the risk that individuals will use these OTC supplements in lieu of seeking proper medical and nutritional consultation,[20] and presents increased psychological risks associated with unsuccessful weight-loss attempts.