OraThin

HCG is a hormone produced by human embryos and placenta. It has been used in fertility treatment (due to its function in ovulation) and is being investigated for a potential usage in prohibiting HIV transmission. However, its notorious popularity the bodybuilding world is due to its ability to promote testosterone production when steroid use causes production to decline. While testosterone is linked to muscle increase, fat reduction, and libido it does not seem that people who simply want to lose weight would choose to go the route of hCG.

As stated above, OraThin claims to be an hCG alternative with less “hormonal spikes.” However, an investigation of the product (which is actually comprised of two separate formulas) indicates that it contains a host of rather common weight loss ingredients. Disguised under Latin species names and other misspelled monikers are substances like L-Carnitine, Rhodiola rosea, opuntia, chromium picolinate, green tea, yerba mate, garcinia cambogia, dandelion, Chinese rhubarb, licorice, and Chinese knotweed.

L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that is both made by the human liver and kidneys and found in red meat and other food products. While carnitine’s purpose in the human body is to help in the consumption and disposal of fat in the body, conclusive evidence for oral carnitine supplements’ ability to increase the metabolism is scarce.

Rhodiola rosea is commonly known as Golden Root or Roseroot. This plant has been studied in trials and preliminary results indicate possible benefits for treating fatigue, depression, and other conditions. While Rhodiola rosea may increase the production of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (which are tied to mood and appetite), there appears to be no conclusive link between this plant and weight loss.

Opuntia is a name for prickly pear fruit extract. This substance has shown promising results in test studies with regard to regulating cholesterol levels, treating certain precursors to diabetes, and so on but does not provide much help for the average dieter.

Chromium and its various compounds are generally used as aids to bodily development (often for athletes/bodybuilders) and weight loss. A number of studies have failed to demonstrate the effectiveness of chromium toward either muscle growth or fat loss. Some studies have shown the compound chromium picolinate to have a chromosome-damaging effect in hamster cells. Thus, the recommended daily dosage of chromium has been lowered to 35mcg and 25mcg for adult men and women, respectively. It is unclear how much chromium picolinate OraThin contains.

Green tea is a substance which is known to contain healthy antioxidants. While there is mixed research regarding green tea’s inherent effectiveness for weight loss and weight maintenance, green tea often contains caffeine which has been known to increase the metabolism. While caffeine may promote thermogenesis (fat burning) it may also cause jitteriness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Pregnant and lactating women as well as people with certain medical conditions should not take caffeine. Yerba mate is another source of caffeine and other similar stimulants.

Garcinia cambogia is a source of Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA has been shown to help metabolize lipids (fat cells) in rats and some claim it also has anorectic (appetite-suppressing) properties. Evidence could not be found to support such anorectic properties and there is some concern regarding HCA’s effects on reproductive organs in clinical animal studies.

Dandelion, Chinese rhubarb, licorice, and Chinese knotweed can all be lumped into the category of laxatives and diuretics. Thus, by promoting bowel movements and urine production, these ingredients will provide immediate yet temporary and superficial weight loss results.

Rexx Labs and its distributors claim that OraThin can help burn fat stores and suppress the appetite. There is little evidence for the latter claim and it tries very hard to mask its ingredients as an hCG “alternative.”

OraThin retails for $199.

RexxLabs.com is a rather confusing and poorly designed site. It does list ingredients although, as mentioned above, these are somewhat misleading. There are no user testimonials posted and no satisfaction guarantee is mentioned.

May increase fat burning potential

Some ingredients may promote certain aspects of health

Misleading ingredient/“alternative” purpose

Does not include an ingredient to suppress the appetite

Utilizes laxatives and diuretics to promote superficial weight loss

No testimonials posted

Satisfaction guarantee not mentioned

Extremely expensive

While Rexx Labs would like to make a connection between OraThin and the steroid companion hCG it seems that this product is simply an expensive fat burner/laxative and diuretic. Not only is the information from Rexx Labs misleading, the product itself is not a comprehensive supplement for weight loss.

A dietary supplement must address both fat burning and appetite suppression in order to be truly effective and must also be combined with dieters’ efforts to eat healthy and exercise regularly. A supplement alone will not produce results. Lastly, dieters must also be drinking lots of water to keep hydrated and free from toxins. Combining personal effort with a proven, safe product under the supervision of a physician is an approach that will help dieters overcome their frustration.