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Diet Supplements Do's and Don'tsA Review of Over-the-Counter Weight Loss MedicationsResearchers from the USA have recently produced a report on popular dietary supplements. While some promote weight loss, they found, most are ineffective or dangerous.
With over 97 million Americans currently overweight or obese, the demand for weight-loss products has never been higher, with many consumers turning to over-the-counter medications to support their goal of fighting off the fat. In a recent issue of the online medical journal Medscape Today, researchers look at some of the more popular supplements, and provide advice on what works, what doesn’t, and what is just plain unhealthy. Promoting weight loss One of the most effective over-the-counter medications is Orlistat, which is also the only one the US Food and Drug Administration has approved for weight loss. The drug reduces the ability of the body to break apart and absorb dietary fat. Its consumption is recommended with a diet low in saturated fat – those on a high fat diet can experience gastrointestinal side effects if they are also taking the supplement. However, those on the drug cannot expect dramatic results – studies showed that those taking Orlistat for 16 weeks only lost around five per cent of their initial body weight. These may not be the longed-for results of those hoping to go from size 14 to 4 in time for the summer! Other weight-loss aids which showed moderate results included conjugated linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and fiber. Both were shown to increase feelings of fullness, helping to contribute to a decreased intake of calories. White kidney bean extract has also been found to delay the body’s absorption of starch and carbohydrates, contributing to a small decrease in the body mass index of users. No lossThose supplements falling into the not-very-useful camp include Chitosan, found in the shells of crabs and shrimp, Hoodia, a South African plant reported to suppress the appetite, green tea and Guar gum, a soluble dietary fiber that comes from the Indian cluster bean. The arguments in favour of the fat-fighting abilities of these pills often seem to come from thin air (rather than thin people), with studies showing next-to-no weight loss from their regular use. Not healthyIn its heyday, ephedrine, an alkaloid derived from the plant Ephedra, was used by millions as a stimulant and appetite suppressant. But following reports that the drug can cause cardiovascular problems and hypertension, its sale and use as a dietary supplement have been severely limited. That has not stopped the rising popularity of other supplements that perform a similar function to ephedrine – raising the heart rate to promote fat loss. Bitter orange, Guarana (a plant native to Brazil and Venezuela), Yohimbine (derived from evergreen trees in Central Africa), and natural black licorice have all become increasingly popular as weight loss aids. However, according to studies reviewed for the Medscape report, those regularly taking these pills have only shown minimal weight loss. And the risk of increasing one’s heart rate and blood pressure through overuse of these products far outweighs any of their slimming benefits. To sum up, the scientists note that the best route to weight loss is still through the tried and tested method of exercise and a low-calorie diet. Many of those who attempt to cut corners by taking an over-the-counter weight loss supplement may experience no thinning gains from their money spent, while others could suffer serious health problems. As always, people are advised to consult their doctor before trying out any new lifestyle or dietary practices.
The copyright of the article Diet Supplements Do's and Don'ts in Diet Trends is owned by Meagan Ellis. Permission to republish Diet Supplements Do's and Don'ts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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