Despite the FDA ban on ephedra, ads for ephedra diet pills still proliferate on the internet. The ads for ephedra promise fast weight loss, but fail to mention a big drawback of the popular diet pill—ephedra can be deadly.

Ephedra was blamed for approximately 80 deaths, prompting the FDA to ban the diet drug in 2004. When taken in combination with caffeine, ephedra can raise blood pressure and alter heart rhythms, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and even death.

Given the potential for deadly side effects, why do so many people still want to take ephedra diet pills?

Unlike most diet pills on the market, there is some scientific evidence supporting claims ephedra boosts metabolism and decreases appetite. A few small weight loss studies have shown that ephedra, when taken with caffeine, can lead to a small amount of weight loss.

Although these results are promising, the ephedra weight loss studies were conducted on small groups of people and dropout rates were high due to unacceptable side effects. Also, other ephedra weight loss studies have shown that ephedra has no effect on weight loss.

While scientific evidence that ephedra will help you lose weight is disputable, there is no dispute that ephedra can be deadly. Bottom line: the safety risks far outweigh the possible benefits. Better fat, than dead.