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Evidence summaries

Ephedra and Ephedrine for Weight Loss

Ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine, or dietary supplements containing ephedra may be effective in producing a modest short-term weight loss as compared to placebo. Level of evidence: "C"

A technology assessment report 1 was abstracted in the Health Technology Assessment Database 2. Short-term use of ephedrine, ephedrine plus caffeine, or dietary supplements containing ephedra with or without herbs containing caffeine is associated with a statistically significant increase in short-term weight loss (compared to placebo). The addition of caffeine to ephedrine is associated with a statistically significant modest increase in short-term weight loss. The observed weight loss has been approximately two pounds or 0,9 kilograms per month greater than that with placebo, for up to four to six months. Studies on longer-term effects on weight loss have not been published.

Comment: There are better options than ephedrine for the treatment of obesity.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study quality and by inconsistency (heterogeneity in studied interventions and outcomes).

References

  • Shekelle P, Hardy ML, Morton SC, Maglione M, Suttorp M, Roth E, Jungvig L, Mojica WA, Gagné J, Rhodes S, McKinnon E. Ephedra and ephedrine for weight loss and athletic performance enhancement: clinical efficacy and side effects. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ) 2003 Mar;(76):1-4. [PubMed]
  • Health Technology Assessment Database: HTA-20030424. The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Primary/Secondary Keywords