Looking To Trim The Fat?

Shedding extra pounds is one of the biggest pain points of millions of Americans. More than 40% are considered overweight or obese. Some want to lose weight for aesthetics. Others need to shed fat for better health. Whatever the reason, losing weight, and staying that way, is hard. In response, the weight loss space continues to produce pills and other fat-burning supplements, becoming a billion-dollar behemoth in the process. But do these weight loss pills actually work?

Understanding weight loss supplements

Weight loss pills do not magically destroy fat cells in the body. These pills affect the body in 2 ways. Some weight loss pills are appetite suppressants. Appetite suppressants block the neurotransmitters responsible for hunger. The result should be fewer meals and, by extension, weight loss. The second type of pill acts as fat blockers. Fat blockers reduce the production of the enzyme lipase, responsible for storing fat. The blockers bond with lipase instead of fat. Fat then has no choice but to pass out of the body. Fat-burning supplements, on the other hand, use ingredients to increase metabolism and use fat for energy.

All weight loss pills aren’t created the same.

Even with hundreds of options available, there are only 4 FDA-approved weight-loss drugs in existence. Doctors will prescribe these under certain circumstances, like if the patient’s weight poses an imminent health risk. Other over-the-counter weight loss pills and supplements have ingredients that could be potentially dangerous. Unfortunately, the demand for slimmer waists and Instagram-worthy shots has led to unethical products. These pills can lead to unpredictable side effects, including death. Speak with a doctor before trying any non-FDA approved weight loss supplement.

Do they work?

The FDA-approved weight loss pills have shown promise in reducing overall body weight. For instance, bupropion-naltrexone has proven to help with up to 9.3% total fat loss compared to placebo. Other fat-burning supplements on the market have positive results. However, these pills both have adverse side effects and interact poorly with other medications. For persons looking for an over-the-counter option, try the following options.

Try conjugated linoleic acid

Conjugated linoleic acid or CLA is a fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. CLA reduces fat in animals. Researchers have tested the acid for many years for fat-burning in supplement form. The results are modest and must be combined with proper exercise and diet for maximum results.

L-carnitine, anyone?

The body produces l-carnitine, an amino acid, to process fat and aid with energy production. However, most l-carnitine comes from meat and dairy products. Low production can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and irritability. Some scientists believe this amino acid can help with burning fat.

Look for green tea extract

Green tea is one of the more widely recognized fat-burning supplements available. Green tea contains antioxidants and caffeine, which have some fat-burning properties inside. Researchers also found properties that can help with appetite suppression. There may also be some benefits in consuming similar caffeine supplements. However, these should not be consumed excessively due to possible adverse effects on blood pressure and liver function.

Diet pills alone won’t cut it

Anyone looking to cut weight won’t find success with supplements only. Losing weight needs a consistent application of a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. These activities are necessary to get the maximum fat-burning benefits of FDA-approved weight loss pills. Moreso, persons using weight loss pills must be aware of the health risks and side effects involved. If weight continues to be a struggle, speak with a doctor about the possibility of incorporating weight loss pills today.