Best weight loss supplements

The industry of weight loss supplements and diet pills is booming with a demand so great for promising products, with people ready to pay any price on supplements that will increase their metabolism and result in weight loss. People want to improve their appearance, but this is becoming increasingly difficult. The fitness industry is expanding, yet many are unable to shed their excess pounds no matter what exercise or diet plan they follow. The statistics are alarming. For instance, in the United States, more that 60 percent of adults are overweight, while 30 percent of adults are obese. Weight loss supplements can offer great promise of a new body, and really, a new life. But as with any drug, there are things that you should know about how supplements work and which supplements have side effects that may impact your day-to-day life. We will explore all the popular possibilities in this series, as well as highlight the ten most popular supplements.

As you are researching supplements, you will also find a lot of information written primarily for sales purposes. Despite the fact that the FDA has banned some illegal manufacturers, there are still unscrupulous vendors that sell banned products. For example, consumers continue to be deceived by products that claim that they are caffeine and ephedra free, when this may not be the case. In fact, these two ingredients can cause some serious health problems when used in supplements. Heart disease, insomnia and headaches are just a few of the problems that are associated with the use of such supplements.

There are some manufacturers that claim that their products contain EGCG - an ingredient found in green tea. The ingredient is promoted as being able to increase metabolism; and in fact, it reduces the risk of cancer. There are some studies that have shown that it can indeed improve the burning of calories, albeit slightly. The main benefit lies in the fact that the body may become accustomed to EGCG in the long run. In fact, the weight loss potential of this supplement is believed to be around 60-70 calories a day, which could be effective to prevent weight gain.

Weight loss supplements can also contain ingredients that are thought to prevent absorption of carbohydrates. Among the most common products is Chitosan, although actually this does not seem to have a great impact on fat absorption. It is thought that it may take seven month for a man to lose a pound of fat, while it may be totally ineffective in women. There are also thyroid supplements that help to increase thyroid activity, which in turn can modify the way the body works.

If you are looking for more help in shedding weight and are sick and tired of the same tips such as dramatic lifestyle changes, diets and exercise, you should pay more attention to such things as “fat burner” and “thermo max.” However, you may still wonder it these things are effective and safe, especially in the wake of the fact that recently the FDA has banned ephedra.

Here is a list of 10 most widely used ingredients in weight loss formulas:

Chitosan. Chitosan is a substance made from the shells of different mollusks, shrimp and lobsters. This ingredient is an indigestible fiber. It is said to affect the absorption of fat by reducing it. However, studies have not proven that claim. Some side effects of chitosan include constipation and gas. In addition, it may be dangerous to people suffering from shellfish allergies.

Chromium. At present, chromium is more often called chromium picolinate. It has been marketed to boost lean mass and to burn body fat. Different studies show different results; one result claims that an intake of 200 to 400 micrograms of chromium picolinate per week can help one to lose 2-2.5 pounds. Other studies have shown that chromium picolinate does not have any impact on body weight, but that it burns fat and increases muscle tissue. Still others state that there is no effect from using this supplement. Therefore, there is no unanimous decision on whether chromium picolinate is safe and effective.

Citrus Aurantium (also known as Bitter Orange). This herbal extract contains synephrine, and it is the answer of the supplement industry to the ban of ephedra. However, there have been no studies undertaken to prove the effectiveness of Bitter Orange. In addition, it shares the same side effects with ephedra such as potentially increasing blood pressure. It is recommended to avoid Citrus Aurantium.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). There have been many studies performed that claim that CLA affects body weight and helps to decrease it. However, this supplement is not yet ready for sale, because no long-term studies have been completed. They are now trying to study the effect of CLA in combination with chromium picolinate. CLA is found naturally in dairy products and generally is recognized as safe.

Garcinia Cambogia. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the extract of the Garcinia Cambogia fruit. It is promoted as having an appetite suppressing effect, curbing weight gain and storage of fat. Numerous studies have not proven that Garcinia Cambogia has a weight loss effect. Besides, it has such side effects as upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Guarana. The most important ingredient in Guarana seeds is caffeine. Guarana is said to curb appetite over the short term. It has been very often used in combination with ephedra. However, ephedra has been banned and pure guarana has the following side affects: insomnia, restlessness, anxiety and panic.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB). This ingredient is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of the amino acid leucine. Supplements that contain HMB are said to have the effect of increasing muscle tissue, which is why they are so popular with body builders. In addition, some studies have proved that HMB boosts lean mass and burns fat when combined with weight training. No studies with overweight people have been conducted, however.

Plantago Psyllium. Psyllium is a water-soluble fiber that is contained in Plantago ovato seeds. Some small studies have shown that this supplement suppresses appetite and aids constipation. However, its weight loss effect has not been proven.

Pyruvate. Pyruvate supplements are advertised to help to speed up metabolism. This ingredient is found naturally in food and in the body as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein. It is said that Pyruvate has a weight loss effect. However, people who took part in the Pyruvate studies also exercised and were on low-calorie diets, as well as taking a number of Pyruvate pills every day. That is why some dietitians say that this supplement has not been proven to have a strong weight loss effect.

Yerba Mate. This supplement is brewed into a tea, and is high in caffeine. Combined with guarana and damiana, Yerba Mate helps to delay stomach emptying, and thus helps to lose weight. However, the study on this supplement was limited and does not fully prove these claims.

To sum it up, most of these supplements are not well researched and cost a great deal. However, chromium picolinate and CLA are the most studied. If you are sure that you want to start taking a weight loss supplement, you may want to try one of those. However, you should first consult your doctor, and keep your expectations within reason.

Manufacturers claim that diet pills contain only natural ingredients, and have the ability to increase life expectancy, and contain only the amount of alcohol used in standard medications. However, it is still recommended not to use these pills to lose weight without supervision by a doctor.