Question: I want to lose weight (about 100 lbs), and I have heard that acai will help cut the fat. Is it safe? And are colon cleanses safe? I take lisinipril and Vytorin, and I also take juice plus and Omega-3 capsules each day.

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

I recommend you be supervised if you plan a weight loss of 100 lbs or more. Try to lose two pounds a week. 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!

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. Good luck!