Weight Loss Aids: Supplements
I have divided the section on weight loss aids into two sections:
Weight Loss Drugs and Weight Loss Supplements.
Weight loss drugs are medications that require a doctor's prescription, while weight loss supplements are nutritional aids that can be purchased "over-the-counter".
This section discusses the supplements that are frequently recommended for weight loss. For information on weight loss drugs
click here.
Are Weight Loss Supplements Safe?
Unlike drugs or medications, supplements are not regulated by the federal government. Unfortunately, because of this, it is a “buyer beware” market.
Many over the counter supplements do not contain the product the label claims they contain, do not contain the product in the dosage stated on the label, or contain other products that are potentially harmful.
If you decide to try a weight loss supplement be sure to purchase it from a reputable manufacturer or visit
http://www.ConsumerLab.com.
Consumer Lab is an organization that conducts independent testing of supplements and nutritionals to determine if the product lives up to the claims on its label and whether it contains harmful ingredients.
You will have to pay an annual fee to use this service.
Are Weight Loss Supplements Effective
Although there is fairly good evidence that some of the supplements sold as weight loss aids may be helpful,
because the supplement industry is not regulated, companies that make these products are not required to prove efficacy to the same degree as companies that manufacture prescription medications.
As a consequence, relatively few studies examining the efficacy of weight loss supplements have been done, particularly in humans.
In addition, in those studies that have been done, dosages and study design tend to vary widely. This makes it even more difficult to determine whether the supplement helps with weight loss or not.
How Do You Know Which Supplements To Try
In determining whether or not to try a weight loss supplement, I suggest you:
- Look at the known effects of the supplement. If those effects are ones that are likely to cause weight loss, then the supplement probably will help you lose weight.
- Look at the overall or known health benefits of the supplement. If the supplement has other health benefits that would be useful to you, then it is probably worth purchasing even if it proves to not be as effective in helping you lose weight as you would like.
No Magic Weight Loss Pills
While some of the supplements discussed in this section may help you lose weight, remember...
There is no magic weight loss pill!
No medication or supplement will substitute for proper diet and exercise program!
L-Carnitine and Weight Loss
Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Weight Loss
5-Hydroxytryptophan and Weight Loss
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