Ephedrine is an alkaloid, or chemical compound, found in the plant ephedra and is traditionally used in Chinese medicine and some over-the-counter and prescription medications. More recently, it has been marketed as a diet pill.

Ephedra-containing products stimulate the central nervous system and often include additional stimulants, such as caffeine, to promote weight loss. According to the Food and Drug Administration, ephedra has been found in weight-loss supplements and products to increase energy levels and athletic performance. Some variations of ephedra have even been sold as alternatives to illegal drugs.

The use of ephedrine has been controversial because of side effects such as high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, nerve damage, muscle injury, psychosis and memory loss. More serious results have also been reported, including heart attack, stroke, seizure and death. Because ephedrine and supplements containing it have been linked to unreasonable risk of illness or injury, according to the Mayo Clinic, ephedrine is currently banned in the U.S.

To learn about other potentially dangerous weight-loss drugs, take a look at our list of dangerous diet pills.

When it comes to rising levels of obesity in the United States, there's finally a glimmer of good news. In addition to three drugs now commonly used to treat the overweight and obese, three more weight-loss prescription drugs are in the works. Many researchers say safe and effective weight-loss medications can save lives and a ton of money by curbing the incidence of weight-related diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

The three prescription drugs presently used to treat obesity include sibutramine (Meridia), which increases satiety; phentermine, which suppresses appetite; and orlistat (Xenical), which prevents some dietary fat from being absorbed by the intestine. Orlistat is sold in a lower dose over-the-counter, like Alli. The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing safety information regarding reports of liver-related adverse events in patients taking orlistat.

Like the three well-known drugs above, the new drugs are intended either for people who are obese, which is considered to be 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight, or for overweight patients who have risk factors like high blood pressure. A quick review of the three new drugs:

You've seen the infomercials and you've gotten the spam... miracle weight loss in a pill. When it comes to weight loss (actually, when it comes to almost anything in life) if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

FitSugar gives us the skinny on some of those weight loss supplements. Some of the components in the pills can actually be detrimental to your health. The list of red flag components includes ma huang, bitter orange, guarana, synephrine HCI, caffeine anhydrous, and more.

For long-lasting, healthy weight loss your best bet is eating well and working out. Check out AOL Body's America Takes It Off for tips. The proof is in the low-fat pudding, people. So far, ATIO participants have lost 155 pounds and counting.

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When it comes to weight loss, many people are looking for a magic pill solution -- that is, they want a quick fix that is easy and painless, and doesn't force them to modify their life at all. Many would love to keep on eating unhealthy foods while taking off the pounds, but it is possible?

WebMD has a thorough article on weight-loss drugs; I suggest you read it when you have a moment. Currently, there are only a handful of drugs that have been proven to be effective, and the rest are just a waste of money. And for those of us who are only looking to lose a few pounds? Forget it -- prescription medications are typically only prescribed to obese people as a last resort. Keep in mind that these drugs can have serious side effect.

Having gone from someone with an unhealthy diet to someone with a love of healthy living, I would have no desire to take weight-loss drugs if I became overweight. Why? Losing weight the old fashioned way is hard, but eating healthy and exercising is so rewarding, and your healthy habits should last a lifetime. Don't you think?

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Let me be very clear here -- I am no fan of any kind of pill that "helps" people lose weight. Yes, many of you are sure to agree with me here, but if losing weight does not involve effort at all (as in, physical effort), then in my view the human body was not designed for it. That hasn't stop marketers and drug companies, though, from capitalizing on the naive public who love to hear about quick fixes.

Now, with that in mind, losing weight the proper way can still be a bit distressing. It takes time (months and months) to lose just 10 pounds or so (safely), and that time period can just be too long for some. Something that can give dieters a "boost" would be good in this process, and from appearances, Alli -- the first weight-loss drug ever approved by the FDA -- sounds like a decent alternative. Is it?

This review over at The Diet Channel breaks down Alli into what the drug is and how it works and would be of keen interest if you're considering the drug to assist you with losing weight alongside that exercise and nutrition program.

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Every time I read about the "next best weight loss pill", I am quite the skeptic. I'm a firm believer in that the way to maintain optimum health is to eat and drink "right" and partake in regular exercise.

Well, here we go with yet another weight loss "pill" that may be able to claim the magical "melt the pounds away" marketing message that is usually so absurd that it somehow sells.

A new capsule called "alli" (or orlistat) was just approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter weight loss assistant for overweight adults. The significance here? Well, the magical "weight loss pill" is now an OTC drug -- the first ever. Never before have weight loss pills been classified as OTC drugs, but simply as nutritional supplements.

I'll believe this when I see it though -- regardless of scientific research. This pill, and the pill alone, can cause weight loss? Puh-leeeze.

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