If you are looking to lose weight, it can be tempting to turn to supplements or herbal remedies for assistance. However, it is crucial to tread with caution and gather information before consuming supplements. A few of these supplements have unclear reviews and possible health risks that could pose serious threats. It is advisable to consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement program.
One critical factor to consider when evaluating these supplements is that they are not regulated by the FDA in the same way that food and drugs are. Hence, the safety and effectiveness of supplements are not always reviewed before they are sold on the market. This article highlights five supplements and their pros and cons.
Green Tea Extract
derived from Camellia sinensis leaves, is rich in catechins that possess thermogenic and antioxidant properties. Some studies have proposed that green tea extract combined with a low-calorie diet and exercise plan could assist in modest weight loss.
However, taking high doses could result in side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, and stomach problems. Green tea extract may also interact with certain drugs such as blood thinners and stimulants. Hence it is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice before consumption.
Green Coffee Extract
Derived from unroasted coffee beans, contains chlorogenic acids that are believed to be beneficial for weight loss. However, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for weight loss. High doses of green coffee extract could cause side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, and stomach upset, among others.
This supplement may also interact with certain drugs. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking green coffee extract or any other weight loss supplement.
Chitosan
Chitosan is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a type of fiber that is derived from the shells of shellfish, such as shrimp and crab. Chitosan is believed to work by binding to dietary fat in the digestive system, preventing its absorption and promoting its excretion from the body.
While some studies have shown that chitosan may help with modest weight loss, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. One potential limitation of chitosan is that it may also bind to some essential vitamins and minerals, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies over time.
Additionally, chitosan may not be safe for everyone, particularly those with shellfish allergies. It may also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking chitosan or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if chitosan is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium picolinate is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a mineral that is involved in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and it is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce food cravings.
While some studies have shown that chromium picolinate may help with modest weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. In addition, taking high doses of chromium picolinate may cause some side effects, such as stomach discomfort, headaches, and skin irritation.
Moreover, it’s important to note that the FDA has issued warnings about the potential risks associated with chromium picolinate supplements, including liver and kidney damage.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking chromium picolinate or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if chromium picolinate is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)Â
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is found naturally in meat and dairy products.
While some studies have shown that CLA may help with modest weight loss, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. In addition, taking high doses of CLA may cause some side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and insulin resistance.
Moreover, it’s important to note that the FDA has issued warnings about the potential risks associated with CLA supplements, including liver damage and increased inflammation.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking CLA or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if CLA is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a type of soluble fiber that is derived from the root of the konjac plant. Glucomannan is believed to work by absorbing water in the digestive system, which helps to promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite.
Some studies have shown that glucomannan may help with modest weight loss, particularly when combined with a calorie-controlled diet. In addition, glucomannan has been shown to have some potential benefits for reducing blood sugar levels and improving cholesterol levels.
However, taking high doses of glucomannan may cause some side effects, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It may also interfere with the absorption of some medications, such as oral contraceptives.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking glucomannan or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if glucomannan is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a type of soluble fiber that is derived from the seeds of the guar plant, and is believed to work by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates in the digestive system, which helps to promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite.
Some studies have shown that guar gum may help with modest weight loss, particularly when combined with a calorie-controlled diet. In addition, guar gum has been shown to have some potential benefits for reducing blood sugar levels and improving cholesterol levels.
However, taking high doses of guar gum may cause some side effects, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It may also interfere with the absorption of some medications, such as oral contraceptives.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking guar gum or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if guar gum is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
Hoodia
Hoodia is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is derived from a cactus-like plant called Hoodia gordonii, which is native to Southern Africa and has been traditionally used by indigenous peoples as an appetite suppressant.
Hoodia is believed to work by increasing the levels of the hormone leptin in the body, which is responsible for regulating appetite and energy expenditure. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as a weight loss supplement.
In addition, taking hoodia may cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and elevated blood pressure. It may also interact with certain medications, such as drugs used to treat diabetes and psychiatric disorders.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking hoodia or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if hoodia is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
7-Keto-DHEA
7-Keto-DHEA is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It is a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and is believed to work by increasing metabolism and thermogenesis, which can lead to increased calorie burning and weight loss.
Some studies have suggested that 7-Keto-DHEA may help with modest weight loss, particularly in combination with diet and exercise. However, the evidence is mixed and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness for weight loss.
Taking high doses of 7-Keto-DHEA may cause some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes. It may also interact with certain medications, such as drugs used to treat diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Therefore, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking 7-Keto-DHEA or any other weight loss supplement. A doctor can help determine if 7-Keto-DHEA is appropriate for you and whether it may interact with any other medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
Ephedra
Ephedra is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It contains ephedrine alkaloids, which are stimulants that can increase metabolism and suppress appetite.
While ephedra has been shown to promote modest weight loss, it has also been linked to serious health risks. The use of ephedra has been associated with heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and even death. For this reason, the FDA has banned the sale of ephedra-containing supplements in the United States.
It’s important to avoid ephedra and other banned substances when looking for weight loss supplements. Instead, it’s best to focus on safe and effective supplements, such as those that have been discussed earlier like green tea extract, glucomannan, or conjugated linoleic acid. As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss supplement to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
Bitter Orange
Bitter orange is a dietary supplement that has been marketed as a weight loss aid. It contains synephrine, which is a stimulant that can increase metabolism and suppress appetite.
While some studies have suggested that bitter orange may promote modest weight loss, it has also been associated with serious health risks. Like ephedra, bitter orange can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. In addition, it can also interact with certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure and depression.
For these reasons, the FDA has issued warnings about the use of bitter orange as a weight loss supplement. It’s important to avoid bitter orange and other potentially harmful substances when looking for weight loss supplements. Instead, focus on safe and effective supplements, such as those discussed earlier like green tea extract, glucomannan, or conjugated linoleic acid. And always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any weight loss supplement to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you.
Conclusion
Weight loss supplements can be tempting, but it’s important to approach them with caution. While some supplements may promote modest weight loss, many have not been rigorously studied and may have serious health risks. It’s essential to talk to a healthcare provider before trying any weight loss supplement, as they can help determine if it is safe and appropriate for you, and whether it may interact with any medications or health conditions. It’s also important to use supplements as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine, rather than relying on them as the sole means of weight loss.
