Weight loss drug Belviq underwent intense research due to concerns over the drug’s effect on cardiovascular health. While the concerns were ultimately found to be a non-issue, research revealed a new problem with Belviq: it causes cancer. 

Research from the manufacturer of Belviq suggests that the company had knowledge of the drug’s potential to cause health issues, but sought approval from the Food and Drug Administration regardless. 

If you or a loved one have suffered from cancer after using Belviq, you’re not alone. Belviq lawsuits are being compiled into a mass tort case. This type of case is different from a class action lawsuit, and allows victims to fight for compensation commensurate with their level of injury. 

You don’t have to fight back against Belviq on your own. Reach out to us today to learn whether you have a case. We’re on your side, and we’re here to help. 

If you’ve thought about taking Belviq but have decided to look into other weight loss methods, you’re making a smart choice. There’s no magical solution for weight loss, and many methods that people use to lose weight cause health issues. No matter what method you’d like to use to support your weight loss, be sure to check in with your doctor or other medical professional before attempting to lose weight.

Here, we’ll take a look at five options that can help you lose weight without resorting to dangerous pharmaceuticals like Belviq. Some of these options can be eaten on their own or added to food, while others are more easily consumed in pill form.  

While we can’t guarantee 100% safety of herbs and supplements, these alternatives to Belviq have not been shown to cause health issues in healthy people who want to lose weight.

Cayenne Pepper

In addition to offering other health benefits, it’s possible that cayenne pepper can speed up weight loss. 

Research shows that people who consume cayenne pepper regularly report fewer food cravings and an increased metabolism for up to half an hour after consuming the spice. Some people also believe that ingesting cayenne pepper and other spicy seasonings and herbs may boost caloric burn, as people who enjoy cayenne pepper in their food tend to lose more weight than people who do not.

Fat-Free Sugar-Free Yogurt

Research shows that eating low- or no-sugar yogurt can help people lose weight (especially belly fat) while also maintaining muscle mass. Many people who are working to lose weight struggle to maintain muscle, and lose muscle mass while they use fat. Studies show a correlation between muscle mass maintenance and eating plain, fat-free yogurt. 

University of Tennessee nutrition researcher Michael Zemel, PhD, explained the power of yogurt in a press release. Zemel said, “"Not only did yogurt help the study participants lose more weight -- the average weight loss was 14 pounds -- they were about twice as effective at maintaining lean muscle mass. This is a critical issue when dieting -- you want to lose fat, not muscle. Muscle helps burn calories, but it is often compromised during weight loss."

If you decide to add yogurt to your diet to bolster your weight loss efforts, be sure to read labels carefully. Choose plain, fat-free yogurt. Many yogurts that seem plain (such as vanilla-flavored yogurt) actually contain more sugar than a candy bar. When enjoying your yogurt, try stirring in fruit or nuts to get a flavor boost without added sugars.

Fenugreek

Native to Central Asia, fenugreek is heralded for it’s weight loss properties by many people who have successfully included the herb in their efforts to slim down. It’s important to note that human studies on fenugreek and weight loss are limited, and more research needs to be done to fully understand the herb’s effect on weight loss.

Studies show that people who consume fenugreek tend to have a decreased appetite and eat less than people who do not consume the herb. Some people who take fenugreek for weight loss brew the herb into a tea, while others consume fenugreek supplements.

An important note: if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant, steer clear of fenugreek, as it can induce labor.

Ginger

Spicy, versatile ginger can be a smart addition to any diet, as the root has many health benefits. Current research shows that ginger may have properties that contribute to weight loss, as it may be able to support the body’s fat burning processes.

There are many ways to consume ginger. Some people enjoy pickled ginger alongside sushi, while others enjoy pressing fresh ginger into fruit and vegetable juice, or as an addition to a smoothie. A word of caution: if you’re interested in adding ginger to your diet, be wary of dried or candied ginger. Most varieties pack a high-sugar punch that can be detrimental to weight loss efforts.

Turmeric

The cool kid on the weight-loss-herb-block, turmeric has picked up press in recent years for it’s anti-inflammatory and weight loss support properties. Popular in Asian dishes, studies show that turmeric may suppress inflammatory markers for obesity. 

Other studies show that turmeric may be able to help eliminate the regain of weight after a period of weight loss. Turmeric may also aid in the reduction of fat tissue growth. 

If you’re thinking about adding turmeric to your diet, pair it with black pepper—research shows that the addition of black pepper to turmeric supplementation can increase the absorption of curcumin, one of the helpful compounds in turmeric, by up to 2,000%.

Going Natural? Smart Move.

If you want to lose weight to improve your health or boost your confidence, you’re doing the right thing by researching natural weight loss methods instead of turning to dangerous drugs that can cause lasting health issues. Be sure to chat with your doctor or other healthcare professional before beginning a weight loss program.