WEIGHT LOSS Can a supplement help?

INTRODUCTION With so many supplements available that claim to aid in weight loss a person can get lost in the details. Are they safe? Do they work as claimed or at all? Do they have to live up to any standards or regulations? These are all the questions people often have when they embark on a weight loss program. Let’s get started!!

FYI 2/3 of adults and 1/3 of children/adolescents in the U.S. are obese/overweight (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Of these people up to 67% are actively trying to lose weight (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Weight loss is not easy! Weight loss supplements are used by somewhere around 15% of adults in the U.S. (National Institutes of Health, 2014).

SOME COMMON INGREDIENTS Caffeine-the use of stimulants can cause a myriad of side effects such as jitteriness and tachycardia, especially at high doses (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Bitter Orange or synephrine-increases energy expenditure but can cause often dangerous side effects such has chest pain, anxiety and an increase in blood pressure (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Ephedra-this stimulant can reduce appetite but only affects a short term weight loss and does come with major safety concerns. Ephedra has been banned for use in supplements by the FDA (National Institutes of Health, 2014).. Hoodia-appetite suppressant that comes with some concern for safety such as increased heart rate and blood pressure (National Institutes of Health, 2014).

SOME COMMON INGREDIENTS (CONT.) Calcium-no adverse effects as long as it’s at the recommended intakes but also does not effect weight loss (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Chitosan-a fat binder with little or no safety concerns though allergic reaction is possible and again there is little to no effect on weight (National Institutes of Health, 2014). Green Tea-increased energy and reduced fat absorption and no safety concerns as a beverage and few as an extract. Research has found modest effects on body weight. It may be noteworthy that green tea does contain caffeine so the same type of side effects can apply as for straight caffeine (National Institutes of Health, 2014).

REGULATION OF SUPPLEMENTS Dietary supplements are not regulated as drugs but rather as food products so the regulation standards are much less strict, almost non-existent in fact. Safety and effectiveness do not have to be proven to be allowed on the market but once available to the public the Food and Drug Administration does monitor products and can recall or ban anything that is dangerous (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014).

YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY Diet and exercise are always your best bet for a weight loss program. Play it safe and always involve your physician in your weight loss journey. If you find yourself needing motivation there are fitness trainers and wellness coaches that are trained to do just that. Seek one out. Remember: Eat right, stay active and exercise for long term results!

RECAP Overweight and obesity are at epidemic proportions in the United States. Weight loss supplement companies target individuals wanting to lose weight by offering fast weight loss with minimal effort. Weight loss supplements are often made up of multiple ingredients that all create side effects which can create a dangerous situation. Supplements can also interact with prescription medications so keeping your physician apprised of your journey is integral to a healthy weight loss program. Take care and understand what is out there. Some supplements are safe to use but no pill, powder or bar is going to make you lose weight alone; diet and exercise are important.

REFERENCES Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, December 9). Healthy Lifestyle: Weight Loss. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: living/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art ?pg=2http:// National Institutes of Health. (2014, December 6). Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. Retrieved from NIH National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: