There are several factors which may influence how well a hoodia diet pill or other weight loss supplement works. These include the active ingredient, diet and exercise, and the placebo effect. Each factor is explained briefly in the following text.

The first thing to consider is whether the active ingredient of the hoodia diet pill or similar weight loss supplements actually work. Current information on hoodia suggests that a properly-made hoodia diet pill might promote weight loss by curbing hunger. Some weight loss supplements contain ingredients such as caffeine or ephedra (now banned) that stimulate the metabolism. Others, including some that claim to be the authentic hoodia diet pill, contain no effective ingredients at all.