Weight loss supplements: Do they even work?

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Weight loss supplements: Do they even work?

There are many types of weight loss supplements found in markets. 

Some over the counter drugs are also using for weight loss. Weight loss supplements still have some myths. Some people think they can eat anything if they are taking weight loss supplements. Some think these supplements don’t even work.

Weight loss supplements are usually ingested to reduce weight. All products contain some chemical food compounds, either singly or in combination.

Today's topic of Dr. Hasan's Blog - www.dr-hasan.info is Weight loss supplements: Do they even work?

A weight loss supplement helps to reduce weight by the main three mechanisms-

  1. By decreasing appetite
  2. By decreasing digestion and absorption of fat and food in the gastrointestinal tract
  3. By increasing calorie expenditure by increasing the metabolic activity of the body

 

Weight loss supplements found in markets contain the following compounds-

 

  1. Dietary fibres:

Dietary fibres, such as bran or psyllium, help you by

  • Feeling of satiety by slowing the stomach emptying.
  • Reducing your total food or calorie intake
  • It has other medical importance, such as reduce blotting, abdominal disturbance, etc.

Take dietary fibre with plenty of water to prevent constipation. It has minimum side effects like gastrointestinal upset.

It founds in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, etc. and now in a container as a weight loss supplement.

  1. Green tea extracts:

Green tea is a commonly used weight reduction supplement. But the truth is there is no recognized study on it. Some experts say that some components of green tea like Catechins, Caffeine and Theanine causes weight loss by-

  • Exciting all the cells of the body
  • Increasing molecular activity and calorie consumption
  • But caffeine extracted green tea, found in the market, is less effective.

It has minimum side effects. But taking in a high amount may cause liver injury. 

It is manufactured by different companies worldwide.

 Today Dr. Hasan's Blog - www.dr-hasan.info is  discussing about Weight loss supplements: Do they even work?

  1. Meal replacements:

Many meal replacements are found as a bar or snacks. It is one of the best ways to reduce weight. You can measure your calorie requirement and calorie intake. Most of the meal replacement supplements contain all types of food ingredients you need.

 

  1. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA):

Conjugated linoleic acid, a fatty acid, which is found in small amounts in dairy products and red meat, reduces weight by-

  • Decreasing food intake by reducing appetite
  • Increasing energy expenditure
  • Decreasing pre-fat cell development, blocking of fat cell proliferation, and increased fat burning.

But it increases cholesterol levels and may cause cardiac problems. It is also found as individuals or with combined preparation.

 

  1. Bitter orange ingredient containing supplements:

Bitter orange contains synephrine, which is similar to ephedrine (the primary active ingredient in ephedra, which was banned by the FDA). But synephrine also causes arrhythmia and raises blood pressure. So, synephrine containing supplements should be avoided.

 

  1. African herb Hoodia:

Some companies branding African herb hoodia as a weight loss supplement but has no human study. Researchers found that its chemical compound P57 may inhibit the hunger centre. So can give a try but should not be used by a pregnant or lactating mother.

 

  1. Over the counter drugs-

“Orlistat”

Orlistat is a very effective drug for weight loss. It helps you to boost your efforts, like exercise or weight-reducing diet plans, for weight loss. It acts by-

-reducing intestinal fat absorption by inhibiting pancreatic lipase.

It has few side effects as- Loose stools, oily spotting, frequent or hard-to-control bowel movements, rare risk of liver injury, etc.

But the FDA approved it as a safe wet loss over the counter drug.

 

  1. Some other drugs such as Metformin, Lorcaserin, Sibutramine, Rimonabant, Exenatide are used to reduce weight. But it has some side effects, and you should not use them without a prescription from your doctor.

 

  1. Some other supplements, such as Chitosan, Chromium, Guar gum, etc., are also found in the market in different branding and compositions. But they are probably ineffective. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20046409 )
You are reading about Weight loss supplements: Do they even work? by- Dr. Hasan's Blog - www.dr-hasan.info

So, what should you do?

You can use a weight loss supplement. Because some of them are beneficiaries. But use them by-

- Choosing the right one. If you are confused, please consult with a doctor or nutrition specialist

- Taking it in the proper amount

- Never discontinue your exercise and balanced diet habit. Without this, supplements have a very minimum value to reduce your weight.

At last, choose quality products because the majority of weight loss supplements are sold as dietary supplements that are not regulated by the FDA.

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Dr. Hasan Ebna Amin

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