Recent studies indicate that obesity in this country is now at epidemic proportions. The latest studies indicate that more than 71% of American adults are overweight—an all time record. This compares to 56% in 1984. The problem, however, is not just limited to adults since approximately 12 to 14% of children and adolescents are likewise above their ideal body weight. Obesity increases your risk of many diseases including hypertension, heart disease and even cancer. Obesity can increase your risk of Type II diabetes by as much as an amazing 5000%. Cancer of the colon, rectum and prostate are prevalent among overweight men with cancer of the breast, uterus, ovaries, gall bladder and bile duct found more commonly in overweight women. Approximately 300,000 Americans die each year from obesity. In the United States we are spending an excess of $33 billion every year on weight loss programs and yet we are still gaining more weight. There are certain minerals, vitamins and herbs that can actually cause the body to burn excess fat. Other nutrients can control sugar cravings and generally induce appetite. The following nutrients have been shown to have benefit in naturally promoting weight loss: Citrimax is an all-natural plant extract from the rind of the garcinia cambogia, a citrus plant found South Africa. Research shows Citrimax and Supercitrimax is effective in controlling appetite and actually helps to keep carbohydrates from turning into fat. The usually dose for Citrimax/Supercitrimax is 1500 to 3000 mg/day. Chromium, either in the form of chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate (tradename Chromate). Chromium is a trace mineral that cuts sugar cravings and reduces fat storage in the body. The usual dose is 200 to 600 mcg daily. It helps modulate blood sugar levels, and also may preserve lean muscle mass. It has also become very popular for weight reduction. Fiber - Think of fiber as a broom that sweeps out fat from the body. Start with 2 grams of fiber before meals and at bedtime. 5-hydroxytryptophan, a precursor of serotonin, has been found to be an effective nutrient to promote weight loss. It appears to work by giving the individual the feeling of satiation. The usual dose is 50 to 100 mg. 20 minutes before meals. It has been studied in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, and promotes a feeling of fullness and cuts down on sugar cravings. It reduced both total calorie and carbohydrate intake in obese patients. One note of caution - Ephedra, otherwise known as ma huang is used quite commonly in this country as a diet adjuvant. This nutrient, although considered "natural", can be extremely dangerous since it works as a stimulant. It can cause cardiac arrhythmias and a host of other problems including the potential for death. It is the recommendation of the vitacost.com Scientific Advisory Board that this nutrient should NOT be taken under any circumstance.	NutriSlim Research has revealed the secret to easy and permanent weight management.   Retail You Save Vitacost NutriSlim $59.95 $30.00 / 50% $29.95   NutriSlim Thermogenic NutriSlim Thermogenic contains special ingredients that provide safe thermogenic fat burning benefits.   Retail You Save Vitacost NutriSlim Thermogenic $59.95 $30.00 / 50% $29.95   Diet Fuel - Thermogenic Formula with CitriMax & Chromium Picolinate New MaHuang Free Formula Retail You Save Vitacost Diet Fuel - Thermogenic Formula $37.95 $15.18 / 40% $22.77   Fibersol Psyllium, Pectin And Guar Gum Soluble Dietary Fiber Retail You Save Vitacost Fibersol $17.95 $8.98 / 50% $8.98   5-HTP Hydroxytryptophan Promotes Balanced Serotonin Levels Retail You Save Vitacost 5-HTP Hydroxytryptophan $22.95 $11.47 / 50% $11.48   Standardized Green Tea Extract Powderful Antioxidant for the Cardiovascular System 90% Polyphenols Retail You Save Vitacost Standardized Green Tea Extract $19.95 $9.99 / 50% $10.00   TwinLab - Diet Fuel with MaHung Extract Thermogenic Formula Retail You Save Vitacost Diet Fuel with MaHung Extract $40.95 $16.38 / 40% $24.57