After ephedra was banned under a controversial decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004, manufacturers of weight-loss aids scrambled to find effective ephedra-free weight-control formulas. One of the more successful post-ephedra products is Lipo-6, offered by Nutrex Research.

What It Is

Lipo-6 is a thermogenic product that’s geared toward bodybuilders and others interested in maintaining peak fitness while also losing pounds. Nutrex says its product works in a unique way through a combination of fat-burning, health-promoting, energy-producing compounds.

Lipo-6 is also said to target specific trouble areas—abdominal, buttock, and thigh areas for women, and the lower back and love handles for men. Since many people—even those who are dedicated to their fitness routine—have problems losing weight in those regions of the body, this is an attractive feature.

How It Works

The “6” in Lipo-6 refers to six active ingredients that each contribute to the product’s effectiveness. Here’s a brief overview of how each works.

• Bioperine (5 milligrams). The main function of this ingredient appears to be to aid in nutrient absorption.


• Caffeine (200 milligrams). As anyone who’s ever stayed up late guzzling coffee while completing a term paper knows, caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost and make you feel more alert.


• Carnitrex (100 milligrams). Also called carnitine, this ingredient is said to help balance cholesterol levels and promote good cardiac health.


• Coleus forskohlii (100 milligrams). This ingredient is designed to help Lipo-6 users build muscle mass while burning fat.


• Synephrine (335 milligrams).Synephrine is an extract of the Citrus aurantium plant, also known as bitter orange. It is similar in structure to ephedrine and may have similar weight-loss-enhancing properties.


• Yohimbe HCL (5 milligrams). This ingredient is said to provide extra energy, suppress appetite, and help users build muscle.

Do a bit of Web research, and you’ll find that Lipo-6 has many fans in weight-loss and bodybuilding circles. But anytime you decide to add a new product to your weight-loss or bodybuilding regimen, it’s a good idea to do your homework and examine possible downsides or side effects, too.

Possible Side Effects

One of the key ingredients in Lipo-6, yohimbe, may be dangerous for certain people to take. According to the FDA, people who have diabetes, hypertension, or heart, liver, or kidney disease should not take yohimbe. Nutrex also says that those under 18 and women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Lipo-6.

Reported side effects of Lipo-6 include anxiety, nausea, sweating, dizziness, and insomnia. However, many users claim these side effects soon disappear and that they experience increased levels of energy and weight-loss success with Lipo-6.

Is It for You?

Every person is different, and it’s possible for reactions to a particular supplement to vary widely. As with all weight-loss aids, only you can decide what’s right for your weight-control routine. The best strategy is to find out all you can about a product before making your decision.

—Sherry Ciurczak