60 Minutes Lesley Stahl explores the Kalahari Desert of Africa for its unique Hoodia plant - a possible breakthrough against obesity. It's very different from diet stimulants like Ephedra and Phenfen that are now banned because of dangerous side effects. Hoodia doesn't stimulate at all. Scientists say it fools the brain by making you think you’re full, even if you've eaten just a morsel.   When we located the plant, Kruiper cut off a stalk that looked like a small spiky pickle, and removed the sharp spines. In the interest of science, Stahl ate it. She described the taste as "a little cucumbery in texture, but not bad."

So how did it work? Stahl says she had no after effects - no funny taste in her mouth, no queasy stomach, and no racing heart. She also wasn't hungry all day, even when she would normally have a pang around mealtime. And, she also had no desire to eat or drink the entire day. "I'd have to say it did work," says Stahl. - Correspondent Lesley Stahl (60 Minutes)

Energy drinks are always pushing the fact that they have Guarana extract.. What in the world is it and why is it in just about every energy drink?

Guarana is a shrub found in the Amazon Rain Forest. Guarana seeds are known to be one of the richest sources in caffeine and have almost 3 times more than coffee beans. It’s become more and more popular in America as it’s known to stimulate and increase mental alertness, fight fatigue and increase physical stamina. Some say that Guarana may supress appetite and increase the ability to burn fat. - Energy THIS

Imagine this: an organic pill that kills the appetite and attacks obesity. It has no known side-effects, and contains a molecule that fools your brain into believing you are full. Half were given Hoodia, half placebo. Fifteen days later, the Hoodia group had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 a day. It was a stunning success. - BBC News