Last Updated on 5 years by Sophie

Weight loss supplement

There is so much misinformation being published as fact online, if you are trying to lose weight you need know the supplement you are taking and what result you are getting.

There are many supplements for weight loss and most contain some of the mineral and herbs listed here

Chromium

Is marketed as it helps with weight loss and it’s an ingredient in many weight loss product. Herbalife Total Control which marketed as fat burner contains chromium and is very popular. It has been said that taking chromium in small dosages for 1-2 months may bring your body weight down by 1.1 kg.

We have around 9 grams of chromium in or body and it’s in the kidney, hair, testes and spleen, it’s primary rule is to convert food to energy a process known as metabolism that is why it’s used in many weight loss products and supplemen. Mostly diabetes benefit from chromium supplement as studies show.

Chromium does not suppress appetite however it reduces body fat in male athletes and this finding need further research.

Chromium is used in managing diabetes, it lower glucose level in some patient and enhances the the effectiveness of insulin. Overdosing on chromium will give you headache, cognitive dysfunction, insomnia and mood change.

L-carnitine

Is a molecule and some say it’s amino acid, it helps transporting fatty acids into muscles therefore producing energy and energy production needs burning fat.
L-carnitine works on stored fat in the body and not the fat that is provided during meals and this is the main reason it has been accepted as helping with weight loss.

It’s helps with building stamina and those with muscle fatigue condition benefit from L-carnitine.

L-carnitine is different than acetyl-L-carnitine which is used in testosterone therapy for men it also helps with reducing depression.

Fiber

Fiber does not help you lose weight what it does is keeping you full, thus you will not feel hungry.

With food rich in fiber it’s easier to control hunger, it stays in the stomach longer by delaying gastric emptying. Too much fiber is not good, it cause constipation and even gastrointestinal constipation.

It’s recommended taking fiber with plenty of water, chia seed is rich in fiber and can be added to salad or drinks.

Fiber is marketed as weight loss supplement and it comes from different sources with different health benefits.

Chitosan fiber is marketed as weight loss product that may help with reducing fat absorption and can deliver great results, chitosan main ingredient comes from chitin which is found in shells of insects and crustaceans.

According to reports available it’s not recommended taking Chitosan for more than six months.

Beta glucan is another type of fiber promoted as weight loss supplement, its soluble fiber derived from mushroom, algae and yeast. It has been said that beta glucan helps or body not to absorb too much fat.

Glucomannan is a fiber derived from an asian plant called konjac and it’s said Konjac can help controlling sugar level help with losing weight. Konjac also helps with lowering cholesterol and carbohydrate absorption by absorbing the water in digestive tract.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by or body and it’s used in female infertility and hormone treatment its available in injection for and approved by FDA to be used with prescription.

HCG is not approved for weight loss however it has been marand promoted for weight loss to be used with very low calories meal replacement (VLCD) which will increase the health risk according to doctors, another important point is that VLCD meal is enough to help you lose weight.

Green Tea

Green tea extract is widely used in many weight loss products, it decrease appetite and increases metabolism because of polyphenol. Basically green tea increase the use of energy and this leads to weight loss because to get energy or body need to burn fat.

The Japanese are known to take green tea daily and it’s used in food, pastries and ice cream and it is associated with good health and longevity.

Meal replacement

Meal replacement is the most popular slimming product for people serious about losing weight, it’s safe and effective however it takes time 3-4 weeks to get result and this is not what most people with with obesity issues have no patient for. Meal replacements are easy to use and it’s not difficult to find one that appeal to your taste because most brands provide it in more than four flavors.

Some meal replacement are very low in calories VLCD, Optifast from Nestle is good brand, Herbalife Formula1 Nutritional Shake is another good product. Garden Of Life and Vega One are organic and effective however more expensive.

References:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/bitterorange.
The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book, fourth edition by Shari Lieberman and Nancy Bruning.