There are a lot of weight loss supplements that are being sold today. Most of the time they claim to aid in losing weight by various means. The weight loss effects from taking these supplements include burning fat, suppressing appetite, increasing one’s metabolism, increasing the feeling of satiety, blocking fat and carbohydrate absorption, or a combination of any or all of the above. With these claims and promises, it is no wonder that people are drawn to try them out, especially those who have seem to lose hope that they will ever get slimmer. Here are some specific weight loss products and what you need to know about them.
Mainly used as an appetite suppressant, the extract from Garcinia Cambogia is also used by bodybuilders because it can supposedly build muscle as well. Other effects attributed to the G. Cambogia extract are improvement in the digestive and excretory systems and in lowering lipid counts. However, no clinical studies were made to back up the claim once and for all that it can induce weight loss.
Extracts from the herb Germander, which also is known under the name kava, has been promoted to obese people for weight loss. However, studies have shown that far from being safe, it can cause a lot of life threatening side effects. For one, ingesting this extract in large doses or regularly over a period of time is toxic to the liver. In fact, supplements that contain this extract is banned in France after it was traced as a cause of hepatitis epidemic when it was used widely for weight loss.
Glucomannan is primarily a dietary fiber that is used more commonly in food products as an emulsifier or thickener. However, some manufacturers of weight loss supplements have included it in their products claiming that it can reduce cholesterol. While it has been effectively used to treat constipation when used in appropriate doses, its weight loss benefits are yet to be proven. Side effects from inappropriate use include abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, and vomiting. No evidence has been reported that it can treat obesity.
Other popular ingredients in weight loss supplements are chromium, bitter orange, hoodia, chitosan, green tea extract, ephedra, guar gum, and alli. All of these are widely available in health stores and through online retailers. Of these ingredients and supplements, only chromium and green tea extract have been proven by clinical studies to be safe for regular and long-term use. However, there is not enough evidence regarding their weight loss effects.