Supplements for Losing Weight

Losing weight is hard; it takes determination, patience and hard work. Still there is no quick weight loss strategy that is effective in the long run. But however hard it may be, more and more people are struggling to lose weight because these people know that obesity or overweight is a risk factor for many diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other illnesses later in life. If you are one of these people, why don't you try some supplements that can make you lose weight? Losing weight need not be a herculean task with the help of these natural supplements.

Choosing Your Supplement

Before you embark on using these supplements, however, you should know your supplement very well. The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) provides references so that consumers can determine a supplement's product and ingredient identity, quality, strength, and purity. It is also wise to seek the opinion of your doctor first before using any of these supplements.

Chitosan

This supplement comes from the shells of shrimps, lobsters and crabs. Some studies claim that this substance has the ability to block the absorption of extra carbohydrates and fats in the diet.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral which is said to enhance the action of insulin on carbohydrate metabolism. This supplement may also decrease appetite, reduce fat, increase metabolism and build up muscle mass. However, some studies say that it may have some side effects such as headaches, irritability and insomnia.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

CLA contains the components of the fatty acid linoleic acid. Some studies claim that CLA can decrease appetite while helping burn fat. This supplement is said to decrease body fat while increasing muscle mass. However its side effects are nausea, gastric upset and diarrhea.

Glucomannan

This supplement comes from the konjac plant and is used to help prevent the absorption of fat from the diet. It is a dietary fibre and also helps curb appetite by increasing fullness. This supplement must be taken with water to prevent choking and blockage of the throat, oesophagus and intestines. Care must also be taken in using this product because it can hinder the absorption of other medications taken concomitantly with it.

Green Tea Extract

This supplement is said to work by decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism. However green tea extract may give rise to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, irritability, dizziness, and gastric upset.

Guar Gum

This supplement from the guar plant is a type of dietary fibre that increases abdominal fullness, decreases appetite and prevents the absorption of dietary fats. However, it can also give rise to side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Hoodia

This supplement comes from a plant in the Kalahari Desert in Africa. It has been used by ancient Africans to reduce hunger and thirst during long hunts. This plant increases fullness and decreases appetite. There are no published studies for this supplement and its effect on weight loss.

Senna

This is an herb which is approved as a laxative although some people claim it has weight loss effects. However caution must be taken in using this supplement because it can cause stomach upset and diarrhoea. This supplement should not be taken for more than two weeks because it can cause bowel dysfunction.

Ephedra

Also known as ma huang, it is a herb that contains ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. It has been used to boost athletic performance and to decrease appetite. However, the FDA bans this supplement because it has been linked to side effects such as heart attacks, stroke, psychosis, seizures and death.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is a supplement from a plant that grows in Native Africa and Asia. This plant can also be found in the US and in Mediterranean countries. This supplement contains synephrine, a substance similar to ephedrine that can increase metabolism and can suppress appetite. There are little studies as to its safety and efficacy.

Do you really need weight loss supplements? Why not try the safer, natural ways? To know more about natural weight loss methods, you can read our other articles on this site.