There is still a lot of controversy surrounding ephedra, as it pertains to dieting and weight loss, and its use in dietary supplements. Ephedra, which has deep roots in Chinese medicine and has been used traditionally for centuries, has been linked to some adverse side-effects and other peculiarities, and so the United States and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) have ruled against the substance being used in diet pills as a "fat burner".

While many of the studies are inconclusive, and there are still questions as to whether the benefits outweigh the risks, many still believe that Ephedra is almost completely safe. They consider that like alcohol, caffeine, and other substances, when used properly Ephedra can and is an effective product that can be integrated into a proper weight loss program.

While it remains to be seen whether or not the use of Ephedra has any proven inherent risks, the question of whether or not the sale of Ephedra is legal is still the primary concern, and whether or not purchasing the supplements contravene the FDA's ruling and ban of the sale of Ephedra. While there are many other methods and programs that can used as part of a healthy weight loss plan, Ephedra may be one product that will be able to aid in that process, however, people should be aware of the politics and controversies surrounding Ephedra and educate themselves before deciding whether to use dietary supplements that contain it.