Update 1/20/20. Japanese Hokkaido Weight Loss Pills are another in a long line of weight loss supplements from Japan, China, Vietnam, etc. aimed predominately at Americans. I admit I'd never heard of these slimming pills until it was brought to my attention by one of the readers of my blog. At various websites, these pills are said to be “in high demand,” and when I checked eBay, I saw some people selling them for over $60! Do these slimming pills work? Let’s see what the research says. This review contains updated and new information, thanks to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who tested Hokkaido weight loss pills and discovered what I suspected from the start… Also, see the review of Slim Trim U for more info.
Hokkaido Pills Ingredients
Hokkaido weight loss pills contain these ingredients.
- Dill Extract
- Chinese rose extract
- Trumpet Creeper extract
- Evening primrose extract
- Lotus
Is there any evidence that these ingredients help people lose weight? Let’s look at the research and see:
Dill Extract
They don’t tell you what “extract” they are talking about, but when I searched for weight loss research on dill, I found nothing. Dill does seem to have a diuretic effect so it may act as a natural water pill. I'm guessing that is why it’s in the ingredients.
Women who may be pregnant should avoid Hokkaido Weight Loss Pills. There is some speculation that dill may cause menstrual bleeding. I cannot find any research or case studies to substantiate this, however, but it is something to consider.
Chinese Rose Extract
Again, they do not tell us what specific extract they are talking about. What is the scientific name of the Chinese rose they are using? If anyone knows, let me know, and I will update this review.
Trumpet Creeper Extract
If you search for research on Trumpet Creeper, online, it can be a little difficult to find because its scientific name is Campsis radicans. Another name –albeit less scientific – is cow itch, which is a reference to how farm animals sometimes get a rash when they rub against it. This makes sense since the name “radicans” is the same classification as poison ivy (Rhus radicans).
That said, I could not locate any weight loss proof that Trumpet Creeper helps weight loss. When I googled Trumpet Creeper and weight loss, many sites that came up had to do with sites that sell weight-loss pills and that was no help. I then checked the National Library of Medicine and also couldn’t find anything. One problem with my search is that we are not told what extract of Trumpet Creeper is in Hokkaido weight loss pills.
Evening Primrose Extract
This is also called GLA, which stands for gamma-linolenic acid. The lack of evening primrose weight loss research makes me very skeptical. One study from the 1980s found evening primrose oil did not help weight loss.
Because evening primrose oil effects blood clotting, people taking blood thinners should avoid this product. There is also some perplexing cancer research hints that evening primrose oil might either reduce breast cancer growth or speed up breast cancer growth, depending on how much is used. The bottom line, if you have a history of cancer, talk to your doctor first.
The product Abdominal Cuts also has evening primrose oil. See that review for more info.
Evening primrose oil is sometimes used for PMS symptoms –with mixed results. Like Dill, women who may be pregnant should not use evening primrose oil.
It may be very dangerous. If you have my book on supplements see the chapter on evening primrose oil for more on its other uses.
Hokkaido FDA Update
In November 2012, The FDA alerted the public that Japanise Hokkaido Slimming Pills contained the weight loss drug called sibutramine, a weight-loss drug that was removed from the US market in 2010 because it posed significant health risks. Here is what the FDA said in their warning about Hokkaido pills:
“Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. This product may also interact, in life-threatening ways, with other medications a consumer may be taking.”
This explains the very strange symptoms people have been reporting in the comments.
Lotus
Human weight loss research on lotus cannot be located. I did locate one test-tube study where lotus and L carnitine reduced fat buildup inside fat cells. This is interesting but it’s a study of fat cells in test tubes. You are MUCH more complex than a test tube.
You may recall that lotus is one of the ingredients in Zi Xiu Tang Bee Pollen weight loss supplements.
On one of the websites that sell Hokkaido Pills, they spelled “primrose” wrong and there is broken English. Nobody is perfect but ingredient typos – and broken English on websites make me wonder about who put this website together.
Do Hokkaido Weight Loss Pills work?
Based on the research I can find, I say no, this stuff cannot possibly work – if these are the only ingredients in the pills. If people are losing weight, I am interested in hearing about it. Since I wrote this review, the FDA has confirmed what I thought all along – that Hokkaido slimming pills contained something not listed in the ingredients, a drug called sibutramine. Because of this, Hokkaido weight loss pills cannot be recommended.
What do you think?
Joe —
As of this writing, I still feel the dryness of my throat and mouth that I’ve never experienced ever! Is this due to the diuretic effect of one of the ingredients of the pill?
Just like you, I can’t find any specific definition of the ingredients of this pill, whether it be chemical-based or purely natural. But as I take the pills, I’m looking forward to its good result, at least the acceptable results. And what was advised to me was, if I felt like the results are fairly acceptable for me, then I’ll stop taking the pill and continue the good eating habits that I have acquired during the time that I am taking the pill. 🙂
John, it may be due to the diuretic effect or some other reason. Until I know exactly whats in it, its hard to say.
Hi to all and to Joe —
I’ve been taking the pill for 2 days now, and what I just noticed as an effect is that I felt less hungry compared to before. I also felt more thirsty [or dry mouth as described on the previous posts] and instead of craving for food, I crave for water! And on the same day that I took the first 2 pills, I wasn’t able to sleep well on that evening, and on the following day, I felt like I lack sleep, as if I felt like I was awake for 24 effin’ hours! Even way before I took the pills, I already started to lose appetite and eat less as well. But my sleeping routine changed after taking the first 2 pills. This was suggested to me by a friend who sells various stuff online.
She tried it for herself and she testified that she also lost weight by taking the pills for a month or two I think. I was hesitant at first, but I just gave it a burl for a week to see the result for myself. I just got a bit concerned with the ‘cancer’ thing that you mentioned on the review, since even males can get breast cancer I believe. But we don’t have a history of cancer in the family I guess. And one more thing, you mentioned that most of the ingredients of the pill does not contribute to weight loss, but has harmful health risks, so does this mean we have to be aware of it? And are there any studies that substantiate the health risks of these ingredients?
But I was advised by my friend who suggested me this pill that once I noticed the weight loss, I should continue the way I eat now, even w/o the pills. Hope to hear from you soon, Joe. 🙂
Hi John, the possible side effects I listed for Hokkaido weight loss pills were for the most part based on what might happen, given what studies in lab animals and test tubes seem to show. Since Hokkaido pills themselves have never been tested for safety, the only way to know them is to look at the research on their ingredients. The side effects also would be based on how much of the ingredient they might have. When it comes to “real” side effects, I really don’t know what they might be unfortunately. I think the real value in my post are people like you have have commented so that others can learn from what you are experiencing. I’m learning a lot myself!
Hello all, Ive been taking these for about a week and a half. I haven’t really noticed and side effects except dry mouth, and not being as hungry, I get hungry tho, but I seem to get full alot faster. As for the weight loss part of it I feel like my clothes are fitting better. I dont know if I’ve really lost anything yet because I’ve decided not to get on a scale till the end of the bottle. I know around what I weighed before taking these.
They were highly suggested to me from a couple friends and they say that they worked and that they lost a considerable amount of weight on these. Soo we’ll see… Ill keep updating if anything tho
Wanted to pass this along. The FDA has recalled another weight loss supplement – Ja Dera – because it had sibutramine. Here’s the link.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm276048.htm
Joe,
I must say yes, these pills do slim you down. I’ve been taking them off and on for the last three years, and when I am not on them, I can feel the difference.
When taken regularly they act as a natural diuretic. After taking them for 5 days, I notice that my clothes definitely fit looser than the week before, and that’s without having to change my diet or exercise routine (which is mostly non-existent). I can only imagine how many more inches I would lose if I did change those routines in conjunction with the pills. During the time I am taking them, family members will ask if I’m losing weight, so the slimming is noticeable.
I have never experienced any negative side effects such as UTI’s as described by other posters here. The only thing is the LBM’s for me; Like it’s flushing all those toxins out of the body, but afterwards, I feel good. I’m sure it’s all a matter of preference for some people.
I’m almost running out of pills so will have to order another batch, which is why I said I take them off and on. They aren’t cheap, relatively speaking, and have to be shipped from outside the U.S. where I live. This is the only reason I say I take them off and on, but I would much rather be on all the time.
It doesn’t suppress your appetite, but I think it may jumpstart your metabolism since the effects are almost immediate.
Dime111, well Im glad you are experiencing no ill effects but I still contend that the ingredients in Hokkaido pills cannot possibly work. Its surprising that you do not feel any reduction in appetite.
I took hokkaido pill last 2009 and I was able to lose weight about 10-15 kilos I think. I then stopped since I already reached the weight I wanted. After reading your article, I then remembered that I kept on going back to my doctor with the same problem which is my UTI getting higher and some kidney problems. Maybe that’s the side effect. Thanks for the review. As of now, I’m taking slimina pills (I just started this week) and I would really like to see your review about this pill. (After a year of not taking hokkaido pills, I never felt any pain but I gained weight almost 2x).
Kaih, get with me in a few weeks and Ill see what I can about the Slimina pills. Im working on a Plexus Slim review now and after that an energy drink called FRS. Keep me posted 🙂
Joe, I couldn’t find the official site for Pretty Model Slimming Pills which is pretty fishy. It seems to be rampant here in the Philippines as most of the sites I’ve searched are Filipino sellers’ ads of the pills.
I probably won’t give those a try anymore and after a few days of reflection with the Hokkaido Pills and reading some of the comments here, I realized that I also have another side effect that I’ve overlooked. I didn’t really notice it since I’ve always had it since I was in high school, but now that I think about it, it’s pretty weird that I still have UTI when I no longer eat junk foods and other stuff that generally cause UTI.
It should have already gotten at least slightly better what with me drinking almost 3 liters of water everyday. In fact, probably the reason why my UTI didn’t get worst to the point of feeling pain is because of the amount of water I drink every day. But I’m not gonna push my luck. I’m gonna stop using Hokkaido pills or any slimming pills for that matter.
I’ve already started skipping my remaining pills to every other day to get my body used to the absence of the pill. In any case, I’ve already lost weight and conditioned myself to eat healthier foods anyway so I think I should be fine.
Thank you for posting this fine review that opened my (and several others) eyes to the dangers of these kind of pills. Keep up the good work =)
RJ, I am very pleased to help. If you ever do find a website for Pretty Model Slimming Pills do let me know and Ill be glad to take a closer look at them.
Joe, I also started taking these pills even though I said I wouldn’t. After the bottle was used and I didn’t see any weight loss, I did discover I was having pain in my right groin area. I went to the doctor on September 29th & was given a urine test to see if I had a UTI. I did not. I also had a CAT Scan which showed a small mass. It turned out to be a kidney stone. I am wondering if these pills have anything to do with this because I wasn’t using anything else, and I have never had one before. I’ve been given medicine to dissolve it,but in the future I will use common sense and never use them again!
Crissandra, sorry to hear about the kidney stone but glad you did get checked out by your doctor. Its hard to say what caused the kidney stone. It may have been coincidence or not. Hokkaido pills have never been tested in humans in clinical trials so Im at a loss for what what it does when it gets into our body. At least the meds will take care of the kidney stone and for that I’m a happy camper 🙂
i use that before i lost 6kg in 1 bottle , after 1 bottle i felt pain in my right waist then i go to the doctor test my urine and i have UTI then I tell the doctor about the pain I felt before then I had an Ultrasound test I have mild Problem of my kidney because of dehydration even though i drink lots of water I stopped taking that pills Im afraid to have a cancer of the kidney.
I’ve been taking this pill since last June and I’ve lost around 20 pounds since then, I’m not sure since I didn’t know what my weight was back then..I just recently bought a bathroom scale so that I can keep track of my weight. All i know is that I couldn’t fit my size 36 jeans, even tight squeeze. But I’m guessing that I was around 85kg more or less back then and now I’m around 72.5 kg in the morning and 74 or 75 kg at midday to evening when I’ve already eaten lol. I haven’t really noticed any major side effect except LBM which I experienced for the first couple of weeks or so when I started taking them. I guess that’s my body trying to get used to the stuff. Apart from that, there’s nothing else i could think of.
I couldn’t say that I don’t feel hungry when I take the pills, I do get hungry. Like the seller described, whenever I feel hungry, I won’t feel it in my stomach, instead I get lightheaded at first till my head starts hurting more. When I still ignore that, that’s when I start to feel the hunger in my stomach. When I do eat, I only need a small portion of food before I start feeling full. I guess it regulated my appetite? It was my problem back then, I have a big appetite and I don’t exercise because I’m either too busy when the urge hits me or too lazy when I got the time.
I decided to try this pill because I saw a local seller pitching it and saying how effective it is with few other testimonies of her customers. They also had before and after pics so I got convinced…
Anyway, I couldn’t say for sure that the pills are the only things responsible for my weight loss. After I started taking this, I also stopped drinking soft-drinks and other artificial drinks in general. I went strictly-water-only (except some occasions) and I’ve increased my water consumption than what I take before I started taking this pill. I stopped eating fast-food take outs (again except for rare occasions). I also started weight lifting (first 3 pounds then 5 pounds when the 3 pounds got too light for me). I also started taking the stairs whenever I can instead of using the elevators and walking to school. Apart from those is the considerable loss of appetite I mentioned earlier.
So that’s it for my experience with this pill. I was planning to keep on using this till next year March (by then I might hopefully gotten my optimal healthy weight which is 62-63kg since I’m 5’5.5″ large-structured gal..still another 20 pounds or so to go) but after reading your review, I got scared. I mean…cancer. That’s not the kind of stuff you immediately feel until it’s too late and my family and I don’t have the habit to go and have regular check ups. But I’m also scared that if I abruptly stop using this after months, I might get withdrawal symptom. Is that possible? What should I do? Right now, I have a week’s worth of pills left.
By the way, have you heard of Pretty Model slimming pills? I’ve been thinking of switching to that but I’m not sure since the Hokkaido pills are already fine for me, but Pretty Slim Model is said to be more effective so again I’m becoming tempted.
Hoping for your response, thanks! =)
RJ, does Pretty Model slimming pills have an actual website? if yes what is it? I did a quick search but didn’t see anything but the pictures I saw for it look like its made in China. if thats the case, I dont trust them. If you find a website let me know.
what effective weight loss supplement can you recommend? thanks!
HI Tes, I keep looking but I have not found one that I think is especially good. Ive been asked this question by several others and I have written something about it on my personal website here is the ink http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Hi Joe, I took these pills last year for 40 days and lost so much weight. without any problem whatsoever.
After about 6 months, I took 2 boxes again from the same supplier. although i shed off some pounds, by the end of my 1st box it seemed like my body was actually rejecting them from the minute i would take the pills, i would gag! And unlike the first time, I was always hungry!
I had great trouble sleeping, but i was so tired. My eyes would just shut, but i couldn’t sleep! then I had somewhat a stiff neck feeling.. like something was constantly pushing against the spot between behind my ears and the end of my jaw bone. I needed to go to the toilet after every meal and had terrible (hollow like) tummy pains at night. I was moody and always angry. then the worst of all, I started having a extremely itchy head, possibly a bad allergic reaction.
Its been 6 months since then and my allergic reaction is only just disappearing… funny thing is i am only allergic to sulfur powder and nothing else. Also, I have a strong feeling that whatever was in this pill, was shedding my stomach lining, or at least doing damage to it.
please do let me know if you have found out more information about this because I am actually quite worried about long term damages to my organs. Thanks
Mitch, thanks for the feedback and I will let you know if I turn up anything new on these pills. sorry you went through all of that but am very glad things are starting to get better.
Joe,
After I asked you if you have reviewed the supplement: Apidexin, I did go back to look @ your reviews. You have reviewed something called: Avalowerin, not this pill! With this in mind could you please find out about them? I have read terrible reviews on the side effects that they cause but wanted to know also what you can dig up. I will be waiting for your response :0).
Hi Crissandra, the Apidexin review was listed under the weight loss category. here is the link to the review. I hope it helps http://supplementclarity.com/apidexin-review-weight-loss/
Joe,
Could you please find out anything you can on the Pills: Apidexin along with the DeTox supplement that you can purchase with it? I have been reading about them both by googling them. They are supposed to be the BEST weight loss pills since 2010. Also you can find them being sold together on Amazon.com. Let us all know since we have really been talking so much about the Hokkaido Pills on here lately, and with all the side effects, symptoms of those pills, it almost comes to the conclusion that whatever is being said, it is up to each individual if they are going to take them or not…. I await your response.
Crissandra, yes Ive already reviewed Apidexin. check the weight loss category. I think its the 5th supplement down on the list 🙂
@pinkypop: My guess is that if you take these drugs for a short amount of time–taking them as indicated on the bottle, your supply will last for only 20 days–there will be a low risk of long-term side effects. The fact that even some distributors say to take them for two months, skip a month, and then start again, however, leads me to believe that long term use could be very bad. (Stopping a drug for a for a decent amount of time–long enough to get it out of your system–and then starting it again can also spike the levels in your body, so to speak, and make them work better after your body has created tolerance to it. Something leads me to believe that the providers actually recommend this two months on, one month off strategy for the former reason rather than the latter, however.)
Despite the fact that you can probably avoid long term effects, however, it is still probably in your best interest not to take them. If you decide to go through with it, anyway, keep very close watch on any symptoms and changes you experience, and if you at any time think that it’s going to be too much or that you’re in danger, stop taking them immediately. It only seems to take a few days for people to notice these side effects, so it shouldn’t take long for you to see whether or not you can handle it. No matter what, be careful.
If this is sibutramine we’re talking about here, think about it: It was once a legal drug. It passed initial testing and managed to stay on the market for quite some time. People obviously did not regularly drop dead due to side effects. Potential RISKS got it taken off the market. In normal doses, this drug shouldn’t hurt you. My guess is that some of the Hokkaido pills–or maybe all–have over the recommended amount of sibutramine in them, and that’s why the side effects are so extreme–and the weight loss, as well. Factor in body mass–most of the people prescribed this drug were truly obese, while others taking it now are likely just somewhat overweight or even at a healthy weight, clinically speaking–and you’ll find that the effects are even more extreme.
If you’re getting really extreme side effects, and they don’t seem to be going away, cut down on the dose. No matter what’s in these things, if they’re giving you problems, you’re taking way too much.
Sir, Since Last last week i stopped drinking this pills. :(( So sad. I’m experiencing a pain in my right side of the tummy. :(( And also to my back.. i did not tell this to my mom. Cause i’m scared. After i stopped drinking it my digestion already becomes normal again. And the pain on my rayt back side is alreay gone a little. And now its already gone. I don’t want to take the pills again. Its bad, theres an effect. So u guys drinking this stop it. Yeah i lost 5 pounds drinking this for 2 weeks. but look at the side effects :(( Sir What will i do?
Marius, the good news is that the pain is getting better. did you drink the pills or take them in pill form? you said “drink” but Im under the impression this is a pill. you lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks which is only aobut 2/12 pounds per week which is about the average of what most wt loss diets cause. I say dont use them again. throw them away. the pain is not worth it.
I looked again at your website. Marius, you do not look over weight to me.
i was planning to take this kind of pills but im wondering what will be the effect to my body after stopping this… i have one bottle here but im so confused… pls help me… thnx
i have just received word from customs that all boxes of hokkaido are being inspected for sibitrumine, and all boxes labeled supplements are being checked as well, i recently ordered 100 boxes from china and they took my product sent me a threatening letter and gave me two options – have them destroyed or contest the withholding, my letter said that the ingredient is just that – sibitrumine.
Now my address is on the watch list and no matter whose name is on the box. i am out 2,500 dollars because we made a group order for the whole family and i just received the first box empty with the letters from customs & border protection inside.
if anyone wants to order in northern California forget it, you will lose you money and be on the watch list. i am still waiting on the results of the second order and i have been waiting since august 14th.
If i was anyone who is taking hokkaido i would go see my doctor and get something legal from the United states. I have some unusual lasting effect from these pills i am tired and cannot concentrate very long since i stopped taking them, i still feel like i am taking them 35 days later. I am 50 years old in great health and trying to understand the full effect of this drug, i have not had any problems with my prostate for about three weeks now but when i was on them my urine flow would not completely stop when i finished urinating, now i am normal and my arms and hand are not going to sleep like before……..time will tell.
these pills are very addicting and i was getting many calls for them before i decided to quit selling them, since customs confiscated my pills i am getting anonymous calls asking if i still have them and people are saying they are referred from a friend and the caller ID is blocked?.
If you live in kern county i guarantee you will not get your pills if you order them, they are really checking all boxes going to that area of California, everyone i know is saying they are getting empty boxes with letters.
I have been told you have to be careful where you order them from because when some people ship them they do not label them correctly and customs gets them.
The fact that some bottles may not be labeled correctly makes me wonder what else the Hokkaido company is skimping on…
Carol C – would you (or ‘K’ for that matter) mind sharing where you bought your supply?
There’s a sea of variances out there, difficult to muddle through. Would appreciate it … thanks.