Currently, approximately 60% of America is overweight or obese. Furthermore, at any one time, one out of three people are dieting. However, dieting isn't working. Our populations is getting heavier not lighter. Since dieting and losing weight is difficult to say the least, everyone is looking for a magic bullet. Consequently, weight loss products are a popular money-maker. Over 40 billion dollars is spent on weight loss products a year. Marketed in early 2004, the Hoodia appetite suppressant is one of the latest weight loss supplements.

By now, almost everybody has heard of the Hoodia appetite suppressant. Hoodia Gordoni is a cactus-like succulent found in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. Used for centuries by San bushmen to control hunger on hunting expeditions, it eventually found it's way into the jhands of the weight loss supplement industry.

In 1963, the South African Statuatory Council (CSIR) did a study on bush foods. When they tested Hoodia for toxic effects, they discovered the aerial stem decreased appetite and body weight in animals.

Following this project, another study was done at Phytofarm in Leicester, England. A group of morbidly obese men and women were only allowed to eat, read, and watch television under strict supervision. Half of the participants were given a placebo while the other half were given Hoodia. At the end of 15 days, the group recieving Hoodia reduced their caloric intake by a 1,000 calories per day when the average diet was around 2,200

After years of testing, in 1995, CSIR applied for a patent on the molecule P57. This is the active molecule that was isolated from the aerial stem of the Hoodia Gordoni plant and is responsible for tricking the brain into thinking it full and decreasing appetite. In 1998, CSIR and Phytopharm signed a licensure agreement to further develop and commercialize P57. Eventually, after many twists and turns, in 2004, Phytopharm announced it's intention to develop P57 as a food supplement.

Unfortunately, even though research has discovered Hoodia's amazing appetite-suppressing qualities, unscrupulous businesses have taken advantage of consumers. To compound matters, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates weight loss supplements differently than prescriptions. Unlike prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, weight loss supplements are considered a food and can be marketed without FDA approval or any scientific evidence to substantiate efficacy and safety. Unfortunately, only after a product has been found unsafe does the FDA remove the product from the shelves. Consequently, it's estimated that up to 80% of Hoodia appetite suppressant products  marketed contain little if any Hoodia.

Considering this information, a consumer needs to be informed and cautious before purchasing any Hoodia appetite suppressant products. Hopefully, by following the reccommendations below, you can avoid being swindled with fake products.

• Avoid any other varieity of Hoodia except for Gordoni. There are 13 different varieties of Hoodia. However, only the Gordoni variety has been found to effective in suppressing the appetite. Therefore, make sure the label states it contains Hoodia Gordoni.
• The only part of the plant effective in suppressing the appetite is the aerial stem. Therefore, make sure the label states it contains the aerial stem.
• Avoid buying Hoodia products manufactured in Mexico, India, China, or Texas. The only place in the world Hoodia is known to grow naturally is in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa.
• Avoid websites that don't appear reputable. Websites should provide contact information, a toll-free telephone number, a physical address of the company, and a stated guarantee.
• Avoid cheap prices and trial offers. The Hoodia Gardoni plant takes five years to mature fully. Until 2004, the supplies were of Hoodia were limited since it wasn't being commercially farmed. Most of these farms are licensed by the Western Cape Natural Conservation. Hence, the supply of Hoodia was limited and expensive.
• Avoid Hoodia products that have fillers. Since Hoodia is expensive, many manufacturers have ? to using little or no Hoodia in the products and using fillers like Oppuntia, sawdust, starch, silica leaves, and other non-toxic ingredients. Therefore, make sure the label states 100% pure Hoodia Gordoni.
• Avoid Hoodia products without a CITES certification. The exportation of Hoodia is stictly regulated by the South African government. All exported Hoodia products are required to have CITES certification. CITES is an international agreement between countries designed to protect and regulate the international trade of wild animals and plants.
• Avoid Hoodia products without independent lab testing certificates. Genuine Hoodia products are usually independently tested randomy to verify the product is pure.

Hoodia Gordoni is an effective weight loss supplement with no known side-effects. However, because of inferior Hoodia appetite suppressant products, many customers assume Hoodia Gordoni supplements do not work. Unfortunately, this isn't true, but consumers need to be informed and cautious when purchasing the product. When it comes to Hoodia, the old cliche rings true. Appearances can be decieving, and you get what you pay for.