Weight loss is challenging enough when we're young, but when the middle years arrive, dropping extra pounds seems much more impossible. It's no wonder that weight loss supplements have become such a huge industry, with pills promising you that supermodel body you've always craved.
Many of these supplements boast similar formulas, with a few key ingredients resurfacing in product after product. Learn about these common weight loss supplement ingredients to see if any of them actually live up to their claims, and whether they are safe for your health.
Fat Burning
The idea behind fat burners is that they rev up the metabolism so you can burn calories faster. They also claim to energize your body, which is supposed to make it easier for you to stick with a diet and exercise program. Common fat burners include caffeine, green tea extract, guarana, citrus aurantium and yerba mate.
Green tea extract may be one of the best offerings in the crowd because it provides additional health benefits beyond the basic metabolism boosting. The rest are considered "safe" stimulants, which may not be the best choice for people with cardiovascular disease, hypertension or other medical conditions. Talk to your doctor before taking a supplement containing any of these ingredients.
Appetite Suppression
Hoodia gordonii hails from the desert region of South Africa and has received plenty of attention since a major news program aired a story on its appetite suppression a few years ago. It may have some benefits for weight loss, although studies are inconclusive at this point.
Other appetite suppressants, such as phenylpropanolamine or PPA, may cause potentially serious side effects. Ephedrine, another effective suppressant, was removed from the market by the FDA because of the dangers associated with the ingredient.
Fat Reducers
One relative newcomer to the weight loss scene is conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA. This ingredient claims to reduce fat while building lean muscle mass. The jury is still out on whether the substance is actually effective. Other ingredients like chitosan and psyllium are considered fat blockers. While these ingredients do have an effect on the digestive system, they appear to be limited in their weight loss benefits.
With questionable results and potential side effects, it is no wonder that many doctors advise patients to forgo diet supplements in favor of good old fashioned diet and exercise. A healthy diet and exercise plan may not seem exotic or promise you overnight results, but it is still the best way to get fit – and stay fit.
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