A new weight loss supplement which is being marketed as an alternative to allegedly dangerous herbs such as ephedra and ma huang has been launched in the US state of Florida.
Jamieson Laboratories launched Ultra Slim Down in Florida for a number of reasons, according to Kevin Edwards, the company's vice president.
"Floridians tend to be more health and diet conscious as they wear swimsuits and lighter clothing throughout the year due to the warm weather," he said, adding that they also tend to struggle with weight issues - an estimated 38 per cent of adult Floridians are overweight and the obesity rate has increased 94 per cent since 1986, according to recent state statistics.
Ultra Slim Down contains a combination of all-natural herbal ingredients that are said to assist in weight loss. The product requires no dietary restrictions or an increase in exercise, the company claimed. The supplement is said to be particularly helpful for people wanting to break through the 'diet plateau' when weight loss temporarily stops.
Ultra Slim Down contains two products: a carbohydrate and fat burner and a calorie fat absorber. The ingredients in both the carbohydrate burner and the fat absorber have been clinically proven to reduce weight by burning fat more effectively and helping eliminate carbohydrates efficiently. It is the combination of ingredients and the way they are taken that provides an effective means for weight loss, the company claimed.
The carbohydrate and fat burner, taken before meals, targets carbohydrates and fats and assists in converting them into energy. It contains Citrimax, derived from the Garcinia Cambogia tree, which helps the body convert dietary carbohydrates into energy, and Advantra-Z, a thermogenic herb that increases metabolism. The calorie fat absorber, taken after meals, works with the body's metabolism to eliminate fats entirely. It contains Chitosan, a natural fibre extract from North Atlantic shellfish, which binds 10 to 20 times its weight in fat allowing it to pass naturally through the body unabsorbed.
The company cited a 10-week study by Dr Penny Kendall-Reed, a naturopathic medicine specialist, which showed an average weight loss of 10.2 pounds without following any diet or exercise programme. Individuals who took the product, but were also required to do moderate exercise and follow good eating habits, lost an average of 14.5 pounds, Jamieson claimed.