Healthy Weight Loss Supplement

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A weight loss supplement is usually touted as being healthy, but is it really?  What does a weight loss supplement offer besides the potential for additional weight loss?  Obviously, obesity is a huge health concern for many, so if a product is able to help a person lose weight, one might deem it healthy.  However, there are other considerations. 

First of all, is the weight loss supplement effective?  Secondly, if it can aide in weight loss, can it do so in a healthy manner without dangerous side effects?  Thirdly, how does the weight loss supplement affect the person’s overall health?

Chromium, specifically chromium picolinate, has been sold for awhile now as a weight loss supplement that increases lean body mass and decreases body fat.  There are conflicting studies on this product.  There might be a slight benefit to this product in an increase of weight loss.  As far as health is concerned, human studies show little to no side effects.  Overall health is unaffected provided the user doesn’t use the supplement in place of good health practices.

Garcinia cambogia is used in extract form in some weight loss supplements.  It is supposed to control the appetite and aid in lessening the storage of fat.  To date, studies have not proven this, so it may be a waste of money.  Side effects seem to affect the respiratory system and gastrointestinal system the most.

Chitosan is a fat blocker.  Its benefit is minimal and it produces constipation and gas.  Also, because it is derived from shellfish shells, people with shellfish allergies should never consume chitosan.  Overall health is affected in that important fat soluble vitamins and phytochemcials are not absorbed thus robbing the body of necessary nutrients to aid in healthy tissue.

Some of the more dangerous weight loss supplements include ephedra and guarana.  Guarana is an appetite suppressant that was used with ephedra.  Its efficacy in suppressing the appetite is mild in comparison to ephedra as are the side effects; however, caution should still be taken.  Irritability, insomnia and panic are all side effects.

Still other types of a weight loss supplement are relatively healthy in terms of not affecting the body adversely; however, they really have not been proven as effective weight loss supplements.  Some, such as pyruvate is found naturally in food and taking higher doses in supplement form to aid in weight loss has not been proven.  Yerba mate is used in tea and contains a lot of caffeine.  Only one short study showed any efficacy at all in weight loss.

Overall, when determining whether or not a weight loss supplement is healthy, all the above factors need to be taken into consideration.  Not a single one of the above mentioned products can produce weight loss without a healthy diet and exercise.  Where a few might aid in weight loss, none can do it all on its own.  Adopting a healthy lifestyle is still the best way to lose weight.