hoodia

It's called NV (as in envy) and is proudly advertised as the "First Rapid Weight-Loss Beauty Pill". NV have signed up actress and model (and, erm.., singer) Carmen Electra as their new spokesperson.

What is all the fuss about appetite suppressants? Exactly what happens when you stop taking them?

When it was discovered that the African cactus Hoodia Gordonii had appetite suppressing qualities - an entire industry sprang up overnight. Spam and sales pitches are a dime a dozen - despite there being no assurances that any hoodia product actually does what it claims.Caralluma FimbriataGood choice for the rock garden

Now there is the Indian version - an edible succulent called Caralluma Fimbriata - marketed under the brand name Slimaluma.