An Introduction to Weight-Loss Supplements

With all of the different diet pills out there these days it is hard to know what you should use and what you should stay away from. It is all about ingredients. What is actually in the diet pills you are taking is what needs to be looked at. The following five items are different ingredients you can find in diet pills. They include a description of what they are, what they do and possible side effects they may have. It is always best to be informed before taking any supplements, and be sure to check with your doctor first too.

Flucoxanthin

This is a carotenoid, antioxidant, that is found in brown seaweeds and is popular in Asian cuisine. Studies that are being done on lab animals show that this helps the body lose abdominal fat, but there is just not enough research on it to show if it indeed helps humans in their quest for flat stomachs. Side effects are still unknown with flucoxanthin because of the lack of studies, but it is high in iodine.

Hoodia

Hoodia is a plant that resembles a cactus and grows mainly in South Africa. It is a natural appetite suppressant, which is why it is so popular in weight-loss supplements. Unfortunately, many diet pills that claim they have Hoodia in them do not actually contain the real thing, so they may not work to stave off hunger. This is where the FDA would come in handy if they regulated it.

Guarana

Like caffeine, but don't feel it's strong enough for you? Try this plant from the Amazon rain forest, it has twice the amount of caffeine found in coffee beans! But, even though it gives you more energy it can also raise your heart rate and cause anxiety. Definitely not recommended for anyone with heart problems.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral that aides in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Because it helps insulin move glucose into the blood where it can be used it is recommended for people with diabetes, as a weight-loss supplement. Though, it needs to be mentioned that it should be done only under a physicians care. It can have a negative effect on neurotransmitter levels.

Ephedra

This was a popular weight-loss substance for years until it started to cause it's users to have heart attacks, strokes and seizures, sometimes leading to death. After it was taken off the market in 2004 it was somewhat replaced with a similar herb called Bitter Orange. This may also raise blood pressure though, among other side effects.

With the limited research on most of these diet supplements it seems more wise to just watch what you eat and get plenty of exercise. If you feel you definitely need to aide of a pill then Hoodia seems to be the safest form, but without proper testing there is no guarantee that it too won't suddenly cause some negative side effects in the people that take it.

References

Murray, M. (1996). Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Three Rivers Press. New York.

Wong, C. (2008). Weight Loss Supplements. [Retrieved on-line at

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/dietpillssupplements/a/dietpills.htm on February 25, 2010]