If you enter a health food store or simply surf online, you’ll find myriads of weight loss supplements, many of them claiming to have remarkable benefits. Although it’s tempting to constantly try new supplements, the possible side effects and safety concerns are not always listed. And while some of them may be promising, others can be detrimental to your well-being.

To be honest, I have not heard of "lipo 6". However, I have heard of the acai berry myth. Despite the fact that the acai berry is abundant in antioxidants, it would be a lie to state that it has any weight-loss properties.

If you want to try a supplement, it’s wise to select a herbal supplement rather than anything else on the market. Fucoxanthin is an antioxidant found naturally in edible brown seaweed. Preliminary studies in animals suggest it may target abdominal fat. Fat in the abdomen is linked to heart disease and diabetes, and happens to be the problem area for many people. Fucoxanthin doesn’t appear to be a stimulant like ephedra, bitter orange or caffeine.

Ephedra was banned by the FDA in 2004, because of serious safety concerns. Ephedra has been linked to a number of adverse events including high blood pressure, irregularities in heart rate, stroke, heart attacks, seizures and death. Although ephedra can still be found online, it should be avoided.

Bitter orange is similar to ephedra and may raise blood pressure, increase heart rate or cause abnormal heart rhythms.

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. It has black seeds that are rich in caffeine, with approximately double the caffeine of coffee beans. However, guarana could stimulate the central nervous system and heart, and may result in anxiety and rapid heart rate in larger amounts.

You may have heard of hoodia, one of the better-known herbal supplements used as a natural appetite suppressant. Counterfeit or fake hoodia is a real problem – it’s been estimated that more than half of all hoodia products aren’t actually the real thing.

Chitosan is a supplement derived from crustacean shells and is known to cause constipation, bloating and other digestive complaints.

On the whole, the safest dietary slimming supplements are fucoxanthin, apple cider vinegar and caffeine.

The best weight-loss measures do not encompass slimming supplements, but exercise and a balanced diet. It’s the safest, most natural and most long-term method.