Weight Loss Supplements – Do They Really Work?

by E-NewsCast Team
December 5th, 2009

Although most people understand that the only effective way tolose weight is though a combination of diet and exercise, thelure of the “quick fix” or that little pill that can magicallymelt the pounds away, is hard to resist. According to a surveypublished in the Journal of the American Medial Association, 7percent of American adults use non-prescription weight-losssupplements, with the highest percentage being young women whoare considered to be obese. It seems that no matterwhere you turn, advertisements for weight loss products abound.Grocery stores, health food stores, drugstores – even Wal-Mart –offer shelves full of various herbal and other so-called naturalproducts that are touted as a sure way to loss those extrapounds. Sadly, the only thing that most people lose when theybuy these products is their money. Most doctors agreethat these supplements do little if anything to help people loseweight. Some warn that certain supplements may be outrightdangerous, while others believe that there may be some benefitto taking supplements when combined with diet and exercise. Sowhat’s the scoop? Are any of these products beneficial? Here’s alook at several of the most popular weight loss supplementscurrently on the market. Chromium PicolinateChromium works in combination with insulin, helping cells toabsorb glucose and ultimately release energy. Pundits claim thatthis factor actually assists in metabolizing fat, and turningthe body’s sugar into energy. In reality, there is no evidencethat chromium has any affect at all on weight loss. Chromium is found naturally in meat, whole grains, fruits,vegetables and certain oils. GarciniaCambogia Garcinia Cambogia is derived from a fruit mostcommonly found in India and Asia. The rind containshydroxycitric acid, which is similar to citric acid in orangesand grapefruits. The hydroxycitric acid, of HCA for short, isbelieved to block the conversion of starches and sugar intofats. It is also thought to elevate seratonin levels in thebrain, thus suppressing the appetite. Although therehave been some studies that would indicate the effectiveness ofthis supplement, more research is needed before a definitiveconclusion can be made. Chitosan Chitosan isactually derived from chitin, a substance that is found in theshells of crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp, and lobsters.Supporters claim that chitosan binds fats in the stomachpreventing their digestion and absorption. While chitosan hasbeen shown to decrease the absorption of fat, a person wouldhave to take massive amounts of it for it to be effective inweight loss. Researcher do believe that chitosan mayreduce cholesterol levels, however, and are concentrating onthis area of study rather than on the effect of the supplementon weight loss. Glucomannan Glucomannancomes from the root of the Konnayku plant and contains a greatdeal of natural fiber. It is thought to absorb toxins, bindingthem before they are actually absorbed into the bloodstream. Assuch, it is thought to suppress the appetite, actually expandingin the stomach. Researchers have found that thissupplement may in fact aid in weight reduction, especially amongobese patients. This substance is also effective in reducingconstipation due to its high fiber content. GreenTea Green tea seems to be the most popular of allnatural supplements and is being touted as effective in treatingeverything from obesity to PMS! All-natural green tea containsepigallocatechin gallate, a substance that may indeed helpsuppress the appetite. But as in with other supplements, aperson would have to consume gallons of tea in order to realizeany significant weight loss. Green tea is availableboth as a drink and in capsule form, and while researchers arestill studying its effectiveness in weight control, some doctorswill recommend that patients substitute green tea for coffee andsoda. Conclusion Before embarking on anyweight loss program or taking any supplement, it is essential tocheck with your doctor. These supplements can have side effects,which could be harmful especially when combined with othermedications or supplements. Again, there is no substitute for a healthy diet andexercise program, and relying too much on any supplement canlead to disappointment and frustration.

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