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Drugs stores and health food shops have shelves that are
overflowing with weight loss supplements that claim to burn
body fat, block fat absorption, inhibit carbohydrate metabolism,
boost energy, suppress the appetite, flush out excess water
weight, and control dietary cravings. But do these products
really work as they promise? And is there any danger to giving
them a try? Read on to learn more about weight loss supplements.
Weight Loss Supplements
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, a clearinghouse
for information on natural brand-name products, lists more
than fifty weight loss supplements and 125 proprietary weight
loss products. According to a recent survey reported in the
Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately
seven percent of Americans use over the counter weight loss
supplements. And of those who do use these products, almost
thirty percent of them are young, overweight women.
Weight Loss Supplements--The Risks
Some weight loss supplements help to control the appetite,
but they may have serious side  effects.
Other can become habit forming, and still others do nothing
at all. Here's a look at the risks associated with common
weight loss supplements.
Stomach Fillers: Weight loss supplements that contain bulking
agents such as fiber-based products, are known as stomach
fillers. These products absorb liquid and swell in the stomach,
reducing the appetite. Guar gum is a common ingredient used
as a stomach filler, however this ingredient can cause obstructions
in the intestines, the stomach, or the esophagus. Avoid any
dietary supplement that contains guar gum.
Appetite Suppressants: Some weight loss supplements are appetite
suppressants, and they may contain amphetamine derivatives
that are highly addictive. They also lose efficacy when used
over long periods, so dieters are forced to take more and
more pills to achieve results. Appetite suppressants that
contain amphetmine derivatives are a high-risk method of weight
loss. Some products however contained researched clinically
studied mild suppressants and can be used safely such as Slimirex™.
Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is another popular appetite
suppressant ingredient found in many weight loss supplements.
However, in some cases ephedra can cause heart palpitations,
heart attacks, and stroke. The Food and drug Administration
urges caution for anyone who is considering a weight loss
supplement that contains ephedra. People who have heart disease,
high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart trouble, neurological
disorders, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism should not use ephedra.
And completely avoid any product that contains both ephedra
and caffeine. The Food and Drug Administration considers these
two ingredients to be a "deadly combination."
Weight Loss Supplements---Federal Regulations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has had some success in
suing the marketers of weight loss supplements that claim
to burn or absorb fat. Several state attorney generals have
also been involved in legal action against weight loss supplement
manufacturers. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has banned over one hundred ingredients that were once
commonly found in over the counter weight loss supplements.
These banned ingredients include alcohol, caffeine, dextrose,
and guar gum. But many federal and state regulations can do
little more than work to prevent the really dangerous weight
loss supplements off of the market. Unfortunately, under the
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, manufacturers
of dietary supplements are not required to provide evidence
that their products are safe or even effective. The burden
rests on the FDA to prove that a product is either unsafe
or ineffective.
Weight Loss Supplements--Should You Try Them?
If you decide incorporate a weight loss supplement into your
weight loss program, be sure to read all of the literature
associated with the product. Carefully assess the claims and
risks and understand the directions for use. And use common
sense; some weight loss supplements require that you follow
a very restricted low-calorie diet and exercise several times
a week for full effectiveness. But these steps are likely
to guarantee weight loss on their own, without the need of
a weight loss supplement.
Still, there are some medical professionals that do not see
harm in taking weight loss supplements that are made of safe,
all-natural ingredients like Slimirex. Natural fiber supplements
may be another good choice. These products may or may not
leave you feeling fuller longer. But they will be effective
at stimulating the digestive system, keeping waste and nutrients
moving through the system, and improving regularity.
Taking the product Slimirex™ can help you manage your weight.
For more information on weight loss go to http://www.weightlossobesity.com
or http://www.slimirex.com
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