Losing weight is a tough job. Anyone with firsthand experience will admit to it. The natural ways to lose the extra pound are by far the best, but not the easiest. It may also fail to give the desired effect in the best possible ways and in the shortest period of time.
This is where the role of the supplement comes in. If you want to get back in shape and lose a significant number of pounds, along with a strict diet and exercise, these weight loss supplements may help you. The supplement helps you in eating fewer calories and burning more calories.
However, it is advisable to take expert advice before turning to any of these supplements. Refer a dietician and opt for supplements that best cater to your body’s needs.
These supplements reduce your hunger pangs by making your body seem full.
HOW DO THESE WORK?
These pills contain ingredients that:
+ Increases the metabolism of the body.
+ Decreases hunger.
+ Reduce the fat absorption in the body.
All these aids in losing weight if they are coupled with proper diet and exercise. However, only indulging in pills will not take you anywhere. In turn, it can lead to several other complications and ailments.
SAFETY OF THESE PILLS
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the federal agency that looks over the safety and efficiency of drugs for both humans and vets in the US. Though the manufacturers of the drugs are not obligated to get a mandate or approval from the agency, the FDA has the authority to pull over the drugs that are fatal or have serious side effects. If a supplement is unsafe for consumption, then FDA can stop its production and recall all its production.
Hence, you can trust the product if they are in the market for a long time.
However, it should be noted that each supplement may have specific side effects associated with it, which will be aggravated if you have any medical conditions. Since the drug composition is either chemicals or herbs, there is no guarantee to assure 100% safety. Each body reacts differently. Hence, it is best to get medical advice before signing up for any of the pills.
Let us look at some of the pills in the markets and their possible role in weight loss.
#1—Bitter Orange
Before the use of bitter orange, ephedra was a prominent content in weight loss supplements. However, since its ban usage by FDA since 2004, bitter orange has taken over the role. This is because bitter orange contains synephrine, which is chemically similar to ephedra.
Bitter orange is originally a medicinal plant. The various plant body parts are used in treating diseases from fungal disease to chronic fatigue syndromes. Because of its similarity to ephedra, it has replaced it as a chief ingredient in weight loss supplements.
Though clinically, it does not have any substantiated proof. Many drugs use bitter orange as one of the ingredients. Some researches indicate its use along with caffeine prompt weight loss in individuals following controlled diets. However, the studies are insufficient and vague.
Risks involved in prolonged usage include raised blood pressure and other related disorders like heart ailment and strokes. They may be a headache for some people. They are also notorious for interacting with other medications like antidepressants. They can cause serious side effects like a seizure, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
#2—Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLA)
These are a type of fats and are naturally obtained from meat and dairy products in our diets. Its property to reduce body fat deposition has made it viable to be used as an ingredient in diet supplements.
However, the supplements contain altered linoleic acids obtained from plant sources.
When taken in amounts as recommended by dieticians, it can also cause minor side effects. Effects like fatigue, nausea, and upset stomach are common.
Though scientific research does not directly indicate an effect on glucose metabolism, it does show an effect in reducing body and milk fat. Since the experiments are not well conducted, its exact percentage of effects is currently unknown. However, some studies indicate insulin sensitivity when the CLA is administered in overweight people. However, it has shown promising results in anti-obesity, reduced abdominal fats, and sugar uptake by the body. Apart from diet benefits, it has a positive influence on heart health and even bodybuilding.
#3—Green Tea Extract
Green tea is prepared without fermentation and is found to reduce fat levels in our body. Therefore it is a common site where people shift to green tea during the diet. A green tea extract is a saturated form of the same.
It is a rich source of antioxidants. It has many benefits ranging from diet supplements to anti-cancer property. It is also beneficial for heart, blood pressure, and even Parkinson’s disease. People consuming green tea extracts are found to have low levels of cholesterol, LDL, and blood fats. The overall effect may be a slight reduction in weight for overweight people. However, coupled with proper diet and exercise, it will bring a lot of difference and other health benefits too.
It is potentially safe and has fewer side effects than other supplements, but over intake may trigger side effects due to caffeine in it. Sleep disorders, irregular heartbeat, and tremors are a few of its possible side effects.
It is also found to interact with other medications and hence can elevate the side effects.
#4—Garcinia Cambogia
It is a tropical fruit that can relieve your appetite. Apart from it, it also hinders the body’s ability to make fats by the activity of a chemical called hydroxycitric acid. It also affects the brain, making you feel less hungry.
These effects directly help the body in controlling cholesterol levels and increasing the good cholesterol in the body. Also, less intake of food may regulate your sugar levels.
It shows several little side effects like dizziness, headache, and gastric troubles. Some people even developed severe liver problems due to its use leading to the FDA warning people of its use.
#5—Caffeine
Naturally found in coffee and chocolates, caffeine is a popular metabolism booster, hence acts as a weight loss supplement.
When you boost metabolism, the body burns more fat. Coffee stimulates brown fats or adipose tissues, which burns more calories and generates body heat. This also improves the sugar and lipid levels in our bodies.
Besides the dietary benefits, caffeine intake is proven to be useful in preventing type 2 diabetes. Rich in antioxidants, the caffeine keeps our body from damage by radicals and also keeps us energetic.
However, intake in high amounts can lead to side effects like insomnia, irregular blood pressure, anxiety, and nausea.
#6—Raspberry Ketones
These are naturally found in raspberries and other berries and fruits.
These are proven to burn body fat faster and increase metabolism. Hence, it acts as a chief constituent in today’s diet pills. The boost in metabolism is due to the release of a hormone called adiponectin. Other benefits are lesser chances of obesity, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes,…etc.
Researchers have not yet proved satisfactory weight loss due to the ketones, but studies prove that the intake of these leads to less weight gain.
However, the pills made are not naturally derived from actual raspberries, but synthetically made. The possible side effects are not universally known, but it may include irregular blood pressure,…etc.
#7—Glucomannan
It is a dietary fiber that is obtained from the konjac plant. It helps in weight loss by reducing the appetite by making you feel full.
It absorbs water in the gut. This results in you feeling full and avoiding overeating.
It has a direct impact on the reduction of LDL, i.e., bad cholesterols and cholesterol in the body, and the maintenance of the average sugar level. This may be because it refrains us from consuming too much by making us feel full.
It is safe to consume and shows minor side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and discomfort.
#8—Beta-Glucan
These are also soluble fibers. These are found in bacteria and fungi and some whole grains like oats.
It improves the good cholesterol level in our body. It stimulates the immune system, hence helps in building a healthy body.
Beta-glucan slows down the movement of the food in the food pipe. This increases the time for the digestion in the gut. With slow-paced digestion, it is unlikely to increase blood sugar levels as the sugar will be absorbed slowly and in a lesser amount.
It has little side effects. However, people taking additional medications need to vary on any secondary side effects.
#9—Carnitine
Carnitine is found in meat and dairy products.
It helps in weight loss by digesting the fats faster, thus helping you lose a small amount of weight. It is also scientifically proven beneficial for kidney ailments, heart diseases, thyroid problems, and many others.
Apart from minor discomfort of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, the consumption of carnitine is relatively safer. It is safe for all except those under the medication and pregnant.
#10—Pyruvate
Pyruvate is naturally present in our body as a result of sugar breakdown.
The supplements with pyruvate claim to help in weight loss by increasing the fat breakdown on the body. Other than these, it also aids in anti-aging, anti-cancer, and against high cholesterol.
Minor side effects like stomach troubles are noted.
These are 10 supplements that prove to have little effects regarding weight loss. However, to remain clear of adverse side effects, it is advisable to consult a dietician before using any of the pills. If you are under any medications or are pregnant, then refrain from using this unless advised by doctors.
