Will Weight Loss Supplements Help You Lose Weight?

With 2/3 of the American population either overweight or obese, it is not a surprise that companies are making big money by selling pills that supposedly help with weight loss to unsuspecting consumers. However, many of the pills you will find on the market are a scam. They do not work and are possibly dangerous.

On December 22, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert nationwide that warned consumers not to consume the more than 25 products that are being sold as weight loss supplements over the Internet and in some stores. The supplements, which can be found listed here on the FDA website, pose serious health risks to consumers. The products contain the following undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients:

Sibutramine: a weight loss drug that is a controlled substance; it may cause high blood pressure, seizures, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, heart attack, or stroke

Rimonabant: a weight loss drug that is not approved in the U.S; it may increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts

Phenytoin: an anti-seizure medication

Phenolphtalein: an agent suspected of causing cancer

Healthy eating is not about starving yourself; it is about taking in as many calories as your body uses, and not any more. It is about eating moderate portions and eating a wide variety of foods. This means eating your fruits and vegetables, watching your simple carbohydrate intake, and cutting out the unhealthy sugars.

You can cut calories and still eat healthy. First, you need to determine how many calories you are currently consuming; then you need to use that information to determine how many calories you should be consuming. Next, determine which foods to keep in your diet and which are unfulfilling sources of calories. Finally, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and to help your body feel full longer.

Find ways to exercise throughout the day. You probably don't have time to take an hour out of your day to go to the gym, so this means taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It means stopping your work at the desk for 5 minutes to stand up and stretch.

Although there are a few drugs that have been approved for weight loss, the best way to lose weight is to eat healthier and take in fewer calories, as well as to exercise more. It just takes a lot of motivation and hard work. And no excuses!

References:

Simeon Margolis, "FDA Warning for Weight Loss Supplements." Yahoo! Health.

FDA News, "FDA Expands Warning to Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills."U.S. Food and Drug Administration.