Use of Herbal Supplements in Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance

Inclusion Criteria: Between 18-60 years of age, overweight (Body Mass Index between 27-40) and desiring weight loss, normal EKG (electrocardiogram), not using or on a stable dosage of appetite- affecting medications (e.g., Prozac or other SSRIs, Synthroid, steroids), non-pregnant at screening by serum pregnancy test if female of childbearing capacity and using an acceptable method of birth control (tubal ligation, abstinence, properly used condom or diaphragm, oral or implanted contraceptives, or intrauterine device) To be considered not childbearing potential, participant must be at least one year post-menopausal or surgically sterile, willing and able to comply with the protocol requirements, willing and able to give informed consent, have a regular source of health care and permission of primary care provider. Exclusion Criteria: Chronic health problems (not including obesity, allergies, skin problems, or occasional GERD or IBS symptoms). Participant may not have bulimia or laxative abuse, substance abuse, or alcohol intake > 10 oz. per week, or be under treatment for a psychiatric disorder (including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety determined by self-report during phone screening and the Beck Inventory survey to be completed during screening visit), as determined at screening. Use of ephedrine-containing products in the past 3 months, unwillingness to limit use of caffeinated beverages to three cups per day during participation in the study, active cigarette smoking of > 1 cigarette per week, resting systolic blood pressure > 140 mmHg or diastolic > 90 mmHg or pulse < 55 or > 100, and if female pregnant or breast-feeding.