Question: I want to lose a lot of weight (about 100 pounds), and I have heard that acai will help cut the fat. Is it safe? I take lisinipril for high blood pressure and Vytorin for high cholesterol. I also take omega-3 fish oil capsules each day.


Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Unfortunately, acai has been heavily promoted with no reliable data that shows any effectiveness for weight management. It does not cut the fat! You will convert fat into muscle with gradual exercise. No pills will do this for you!
I recommend you be supervised if you plan a weight loss of 100 pounds or more. Try to lose weight gradually, about two pounds a week. You will be more likely to sustain the weight loss this way.
Save your money and invest in some diet counseling and supervised weight management. You must take in fewer calories than your body needs, and physical exercise will be mandatory for you. Beef up on dietary fiber and drink lots of water, since thirst is easily confused with hunger.
I sincerely hope you have seen your personal physician for evaluation of any underlying disorder beyond your treated hypertension and lipid disorder that may account for your obesity, as well as for medical clearance for an aggressive weight loss program.