The information provided here is for consumer information only and does not represent or substitute medical advice or imply any endorsements of the products listed.

Fat binders are also known as fat magnets. They claim to be able to lower cholesterol and contribute to weight loss. These products usually contain chitosan, which comes from chitin. You are, in really, swallowing ground up shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs. Chitosan is supposed to cause weight loss by binding fats in the stomach and preventing them from being digested and absorbed. Although chitosan can decrease fat absorption, the amount in fat binders is too small to have much effect on cholesterol levels. Your doctor can prescribe a number of drugs which can actually lower cholesterol. Both the British Advertising Standards Authority and the FDA have won suits against advertisers of chitosan. As a result, advertisers must make clear in future that the product had not been proven to aid slimming or prevent weight gain. Most fat binders carry the following warning. Let the buyer beware.