Ephedrine for weight loss: why is it banned?

We spoke to Dr. Yael Cooperman, MD about ephedrine and its use as a weight management drug. 

Ephedrine, the active component derived from the plant known as ephedra (or ma huang in Traditional Chinese Medicine) was once a popular over-the-counter weight loss treatment, but the FDA banned the plant-derived compound in 2004. That’s because the active component of the medication is known to have stimulant effects on the central nervous system, including increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Ephedra has also been linked to more than 150 deaths in the US and was associated with tens of thousands of calls to poison control prior to the FDA’s ban. 

While the ready availability of certain supplements may make them seem harmless, the opposite is frequently true. These drugs and others can have devastating effects when used without regulation, especially by people with pre-existing conditions. For that reason, ephedrine is no longer permitted by the FDA as a component of OTC supplements for weight loss (though this potent medication is still used for other purposes in medicine, including the treatment of breathing issues and during surgery). 

If you’re looking to find help on your weight loss journey, there are many different FDA-approved options available. Your best bet is to speak with your healthcare provider about your personal medical history, what medications (if any) you are taking, and what you’ve tried in the past to help with your weight. They may consider prescribing medications like Wegovy or Saxenda, which in combination with diet and exercise are safe and effective for helping people manage their weight.

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Current version

August 28, 2023

Written by

Yael Cooperman, MD

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.