Obesity is a growing concern in the United States. It poses many health risks as well as undermines a person's self esteem and even subjects the person to certain types of discrimination. All told, more than half of American adults are overweight or obese and more than $30 billion a year is spent on weight loss products and services. This means that weight loss supplements are big business and the market is flooded with herbs, supplements and other weight loss products.

While some of these weight loss remedies work, many do not. When seeking an effective weight loss plan, you will likely have better luck with the natural remedies than you will with other products on the market. Many natural health products are viewed as "new" but, in fact, these weight loss aids have been around and in use for centuries. It is just that now these trends are being adopted by the western world.

HoodiaProducts such as SlimCiti Hoodia and Phentermine as well as HoodiElite are all popping up and skyrocketing Hoodia into a top position for one of the most popular weight loss supplements. These products receive great ratings for effectiveness and have very little side effects.

EphedraEphedra got a bad rap a few years ago due to people who abused the product and had some health problems as a result. Ephedra was banned for some time, but the ban has been lifted and it is making a comeback. When used correctly, ephedrine can be an effective weight loss aid.

Apple Cider VinegarApple cider vinegar is a natural diuretic and it helps to speed up a metabolism that is slow. It also naturally curbs the appetite. This supplement has been used for centuries, but is being "rediscovered" in the United States and being touted as a very effective weight loss supplement. With its nutrient rich composition, the benefits of this supplement extend far beyond weight loss.

Green TeaGreen tea is a powerful antioxidant and is often used along with black tea and white tea as a very strong combination of ingredients that metabolize fat. These ingredients are said to increase the body's ability to burn fat while increasing energy and strengthening the immune system.

Caralluma FimbriataThis member of the cactus family acts as a natural appetite suppressant. It has been used in India for centuries. It also helps to lower blood sugar but as a weight loss aid, it receives high marks from users.

Yerba MateThis is another natural weight loss aid that has a thermogenic effect. Excess calories are burned more efficiently with yerba mate. It is often combined with other supplements such as caralluma fimbriata for optimum weight loss effects.

VermellaThis herbal extract comes from the leaves of the Gentianella alborosea plant. It has several properties that make it a great weight loss supplement. It is a natural appetite suppressant and it enhances the body's metabolism. Studies have shown vermella to have the same weight loss effect as hoodia gordonii.