Chitosan’s purported mechanism of action offers the dream of weight loss without dietary restrictions or lifestyle modifications (such as exercise). It also offers an alternative to ephedra- or other stimulant-based products, which are in- creasingly recognized as dangerous. Chitosan may be safer and have less potential for abuse than some pharmaceutical agents, especially those with central-nervous-system effects, such as phentermine and sibutramine. Chitosan also appears safer than fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, which have been re- moved from the market because of as- sociation with cardiac valve abnormali- ties. It is not associated with the same gastrointestinal complaints (oily stools, cramping, nausea) as the prescription lipase inhibitor orlistat.