Updated June 23, 2013.

by Mary Shomon

If you haven't heard about the supplement hoodia gordonii, there's no doubt you will very soon. Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant, is earning attention as a potentially powerful weapon in the war against obesity and the American focus on losing weight. Hoodia supplements were just introduced to the U.S. market in early 2004.

Here are some key points about hoodia that you need to know:

• Hoodia gordonii looks like a cactus, but it's actually a succulent from the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Bushmen from the area have been using hoodia for centuries to help ward off hunger during long trips in the desert.
• Hoodia gordonii is entirely natural -- it is not a drug. Pharmaceutical companies find it so promising, however, that they are trying to isolate the appetite-suppressing molecule, P57, to create a patented diet drug in the future.
• Only the gordonii variation of hoodia has appetite suppressant abilities.
• Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you've eaten, and makes you feel full.
• Hoodia may work right away, or may take several weeks.
• Key results of hoodia reported include a reduced interest in food, delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, feeling full more quickly, and a general feeling of well-being
• Hoodia gordonii is not a stimulant, and has no known side effects.
• Hoodia appears to be safe for most people.
• I've been taking hoodia periodically since early 2004 and find it can be a help in an overall weight loss effort.

For a more in-depth details on hoodia, see my detailed report at Thyroid-info.com Desert Plant -- Hoodia Gordonii-- May Be an Effective Aid in Weight Loss.
Mary Shomon, About.com's Thyroid Guide since 1997, is a nationally-known patient advocate and best-selling author of 10 books on health, including "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," "Living Well With Hypothyroidism: What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You...That You Need to Know," "Living Well With Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism," "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," "Living Well With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia," and the "Thyroid Guide to Fertility, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Success." Click here for more information on Mary Shomon.