Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 12/18/2003

Question
I hear ads for weight loss medication that block cortisol and would like to know how they work and are they safe.  What about other drug interaction.  I am on several medications.

Answer
Dear Nancy

I would advise you to ignore such ads as there is no scientific proof that the products advertised block the action of cortisol. If they did it could cause severe problems- we need cortisol and there is no real evidence that elevated cortisol levels are really associted with obesity, anyway.

The igredients of these products appear to be relatievely innocuous but as you probably are aware, herbal and natural remedies can interact badly with conventional drugs. If you could tell me what drugs you take and the names of products that you are considering I may be able to advise. However, my advice would be save your money.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

NB I am not against herbal/natural remedies and have included some of the well recognised ones in my textbook on conventional drugs.