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?
My husband and I have been taking hokkaido for 4 days. Our friends recommended them. They have been taking them for several months and have both lost a significant amount of weight. Since taking them my husband and I are both experiencing insomnia and I am feeling nauseated all the time. I have lost 2 bls. Years ago, I took a weight loss pill called Natural Trim. I lost a lot of weight while taking it, but I also experienced insomnia. In fact, I slept very little while taking it. The reason being is that it contained effedra (not sure about that spelling) which has since been banned by the FDA. So basically I was taking speed so it’s no wonder I lost weight. I had no idea at the time because I had not done my research and I just wanted to be thin.
So my concern with the hokkaido is this. I am assuming that it is not tested by FDA since it comes from overseas. The ingredients only list herbs and natural ingredients, but it is highly possible and perhaps even probable that there are other ingredients not mentioned on the label. Other countries don’t have the same standards that we have in the US. Where is the evidence that it has been tested to be safe? We could very well be taking something highly dangerous to our health, but we all do it anyway because we want an easy fix to our obesity. I am including myself in this. Weight loss is very difficult. We are obsessed with being thin and are willing to sacrifice our health for it.
In reading these posts I see nowhere that anyone has found anyplace on the web that has done extensive research and can tell us exactly what we are ingesting into our bodies. We all talk about the short term side effects, but do we consider the long term ones… say 5 years from now? Truth is, we don’t consider that because we all just want to lose weight and be thin. AND WE WANT IT NOW!
Who decided which ones are fake and which ones are real? Who decided which distributor is legit and which one is not? My pills are pink and the powder inside is tan. The bottle, the box and the pamphlet inside are in both Japenese and English. The information is very vague. It does say that “The accuracy of its ingredients and their contents guarantee the perfect figure construction effects.” The bottle says they come from “Japan Hokkaido Cangye Pharmacy Co., Ltd. So are mine real or fake? Exactly what does “real” mean is this case? And if they are “real” does that mean I can trust that there is nothing in them other than what the label says? Who stands behind the product? Who do I contact if I have questions / concerns? Who will I sue (because that’s what we Americans do) when five years from now I get cancer or kidney failure and it’s linked back to the hokkaido?
In writing this post I have convinced myself that I wll not take another hokkaido pill. I guess I’ll just resort to the old fashioned diet and exercise regiment to lose weight. My health is more important than being a size 8.
I would encourage everyone to do your research before ingesting anything into your body. If there is no research available… chances are it’s not been proven to be safe. If you are severely overweight see a doctor to get help. Do what it takes to maintain a healthy weight. Just don’t become so consumed with how your body looks that you are willing to sacrifice your health. Beauty comes in all sizes and shapes! And now I am going to come down off my high horse!
Disclosure here: If I am mistaken and there is research results available and the “real” product has been proven safe, hey, sign me up for a year’s supply! And please, pass that research info along.
Muji & Kim,
I just wanted to add that I have been extensively trying to reach the Pharmacy itself to inform them that sooo many people are using this product, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to! I feel that they need to know just how many people are choosing their product over HUNDREDS of other weight loss products on the market today. Question: Would either of you know of any connection that may live in Philippines close to this site so that we can hear from them? Also: I would LOVE to know what is in the pill that causes dry mouth?
I’m doing fine on them: No sleepless nights, memory loss, or other side effects that have been posted here in the past. BUT, I am concerned about the dry mouth, tho. I know it encourages you to drink more water throughout the day which I do anyway,but would still like to be informed if possible!! I will look for either of you two responses… KIM- GOOD LUCK ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS.
I’m planning to buy a bottle of japan hokkaido pills, hope it would work for me. iv been trying to lose weight and its a real struggle… i used to be 100lbs, now im 142lbs and i only stand 5′ feet! im overweight 🙁 I’ll be posting my feedback on the pill after a month (or as soon as i see obvious results!) (^^) wish me luck!
Kim, much luck! Don’t beat yourself up too much about being overweight. Stuff happens in life. I understand. If you are going to take the pills, I suggest you start with only 1 pill for the first week, just to see how you feel. I know the desire to lose weight is strong. I just want you to do it as safely as possible.
Sorry, I forgot to mention your name Joe (why I said blog author in my previous post) – I didn’t see it at first.
I used to be a bit cynical with slimming pills because I was scared how it will affect my body in the long run. But I took the risk of using this product thinking that it will be the first and last supplement I’ll take – whether it works or not. I was happy that it did work for me! 😀
I personally tried this product and I can say it works. But I don’t always advise my friends to take it because it’s a case to case basis. What might be effective for me might be ineffective for them. I can provide a picture of a before and after pic via email since I don’t want to publicize that lol! But seriously, the blog author can email me since I can strongly say that it works. However, like I said, it’s a case to case basis 😉
Muji, thanks fine I trust you 🙂
Japanese label/product that doesn’t exist in japan.. Nice!!
This comment is for :Yen. You have to open up the pink pill. It should be light tan in color. If not, its the fake one! Also try the trusted website for the original Hokkaido Pills @www.angeltouchessentials.com. good luck on your weight loss. P.S. I’ve lost 12 pounds in 2 weeks!!. All fat, not water or muscle.
Crissandra, just my 2 cents but I do believe some of your 12 pounds is water (and carbohydrates called glycogen that we store in our body). Either way, the important thing is that I’m REALLY glad you have lost 12 pounds I do do hope things continue to go well!
Hi Hokkaido Pill Users,
I bought one bottle and i was shock that the color of the pill is not Tan BUT it was pink. at first we didn’t know it’s brand name and we found out the name when we search on the internet. I’m totally depressed about my weight and i guess this is my last option. I tried to exercise and watch out my diet but it doesn’t help me to loose weight. my question is, did i bought the fake one?
Yen, have you had a doctor check your thyroid level? If you are low in thyroid hormone that can make it hard to lose weight. Just a thought in case you have not considered it.
a I have a question so when you took these pills did you take them both in the morning or throughout the day? I have been on them for almost 2 weeks and have lost about 12 pounds so far but I was just wondering if I should be taking them both in the morning?
I am taking them now and have lost 30lbs…We did it as a group and i can say we all have lost 20 to 50lbs on them you just have to make sure your buying the correct ones
I took these pills back in 2006 and lost 50lbs went from size 12 to size 4 in about 2to 21/2 months.. like any thing else after you stop you gain it back unless you exersersize and eat right and then back in 2009 I took them again and same thing went from size 10 back down to a size 5. But this time I kept most of the weight back by just simply staying active now for the past 3 years I will fluctuate from a size 5 to a 7 but never again back to a size 12
Hello Hokkaido Pill Users,
I recently ordered a box of these pills from EBAY. The Seller was: angelessentials,llc. His pills are the REAL ONES!! If you want to order from him they will cost you: $18.98. The reason I’m posting this is because the reason there are so many negative comments here is because you were using the fake ones!! The ones from him will have a GOLD ROSE on the front of the box. You can tell the difference right away that they are working! I took my first pill on Friday night, and did not feel hungry @ all. I took the second pill before dinner and could not finish my salad, or turkey burger! I drank my bottle of water, and was actually FULL!!
I got up Saturday morning, went to the bathroom, and: WOW is all I can say. It was not unpleasant to say the least:). I’m letting everyone know that I’ve tried other pills from EBAY from another seller, and his pills were: Dark Brown. The Real Pills: Tan in color. If you purchase from this seller: Open a pill and you will see that they are TAN. You will NOT experience the following symptoms: Excessive dry mouth, heart palpitations, or any other weird symptoms. I’m NOT a distributor or promoting these pills to gain popularity, just wanting to let anyone who wants to give them another chance to lose weight, Please contact them on EBAY!!! I will comment again as I lose the unwanted pounds I still need to lose!! Good luck to anyone else out there who orders as well. P.S. They are local sellers and you will receive your purchase in 3 business days.
Hi
Be careful of any product coming from China. What they state on their packaging is not what is really inside. A slimming product sold in South Africa 2 years ago was very effective and people lost weight like never before. Some people also ended up in hospital. After investigation it was discovered that they put Subutramine in their products anywhere from 12mg to 24mg. This can only be administered under doctor’s supervision in severe obese cases. The side effects is not good and it is extremely dangerous for people with heart related problems.
China – What you see is not what you get!!
I started using Hokkaido when my co-nurse endorsed this pills to me. I was scared at first to try this but since i saw alot of improvement with her weight, and so i tried it. At first, i had experienced a lot of side effects. Moderate headaches, insomnia, increase thirst and all. But in the long run it went smooth.
My weight was 204.6 pounds and only after 2 months i lost 44 pounds(20kgs). Now i weigh 160.6 pounds. But my weight loss is not all because of the pills. While taking this, i exercise and eat fruits(oranges) and vegetables(green leafy). Because i have observed that my immune system went down, I stopped taking Hokkaido now because i really don’t want to be dependent on it. And i am still continuing my exercise, diet and other activities.
I used those pills last year and i lost almost 20 pounds in 1 month. I stopped using it since one of its serious side effects is I cant eat anymore, my mouth and throat dries up which makes me hard to swallow food. But I started using it 2 days ago and shed off around 4 pounds. weird I dont really know what’s in these pills. That makes me concerned after reading this.
I ran into your blog and you make sense. Is there a supplement that you recommend that does work based on the ingrediants? I miss mau haung aka effedra, that worked for me in the past…
Mark, in terms of weight loss, the research was strongest for ephedra. the problem was poor quality control and people taking too much of it and people taking it who never should have taken it. Most products I see are just stimulants, laxatives, fiber or diuretics. I dont see anything yet Id feel comfortable telling people to go run out and take.
Joe,
Okay, I see. Kind of scary if you don’t know those medical ingredients and everything else.
Thanks. Will be updating posts here. But I won’t take the pills for now. Since I am scared of the consequences.
Hi Joe,
I was wondering, my friend advised me to take Hokkaido since she said it was effective but I decided to search first before I buy a bottle. Since I am also concern with my health. I have heard a lot of positive and negative things. I guess it will just depend on a person if what side effects will give them. Or I guess some just bought fake ones which gives negative results.
Anyways, I’m just wondering if you can do a research for me with the “Pearl White Slimming Capsule”. Thanks!!!
Bhabez, I think part of the reason for the various side effects people has, is more about the quality control -or lack of – of these pills. If the ingredients in one bottle dont match what are in other bottles, then that would cause some people to have different symptoms.
I have not hears of Perl white slimming capsules but Ill try to take a look at them in the near future.
Thanks Janina,
I am going to try it out and see if the taste isn’t too bitter for my liking(:
o yes I’m very sure these pills have those strong, banned drugs (in the US) in them. They do work tho.. but very dangerous