According to experts at the University of California Los Angeles, 40 to 50 percent of U.S. households buy supplements spending around $13.9 billion in 1998. People use dietary supplements daily for many reasons, including weight loss. Obesity rates have increased by 60 percent over the past 20 years according to Blake, MPH, RD. Exercise caution while using dietary supplements, because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them.
Appetite Suppressants
Tolerance builds up over time while using the following supplements, which decreases effectiveness. Minimal weight loss may result from using these products.
Hoodia staves off hunger by tricking the brain. You feel full even without eating. This supplement also reduces interest in food and decreases hunger. Hoodia does not contain stimulants and scientists consider Hoodia safe.
Phentermine decreases hunger by affecting the central nervous system. This stimulant used with diet and exercise helps people lose weight. It aslo reduces risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Exercise caution while using this product, because the user may become dependent on it.
Fat Burners
Green tea extract may increase calorie expenditure by stimulating thermogenesis. Thermogenesis burns fat for energy. Green tea contains a high amount of caffeine, and this may cause increased caloric expenditure. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant used for increased energy and fat loss. Exercise caution while using green tea, because it can cause heart palpitations and insomnia.
Citrus aurantium or bitter orange is extracted from mandarin orange peels, orange juice and types of potatoes. Synephrine comprises the primary ingredient, which compares to ephedrine. The heartleaf and ephedra plant contain this compound. Ephedrine suppresses appetite by stimulating neurotransmitters in the brain. Ephedrine mimics the drug speed. Use synephrine with caution because it can increase risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
Xenical works within the gastrointestinal tract by blocking 30 percent of lipids from being absorbed. This diet supplement prevents lipase from working, which prevents breakdown of lipids. Thus, it does not absorb well and is eliminated in the stool. This drug may help people avoid fatty foods as well. Side effects include gas and frequent bowel movements with high fat ingestion. It can also block fat soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E and K.
Liquid Supplements
Slimfast shakes are commonly used for meal replacements. The shakes help restrict calories consumed during the day. Participants using Slimfast replace two meals with shakes daily, and consume a dinner meal. These shakes come in vanilla and chocolate.
Ensure comes in an 8 oz. can with a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and butter pecan. This drink contains protein to help stave off hunger. Carbohydrates included provide energy. The product also contains 24 vitamins and minerals such as calcium, zinc and Vitamin D. Ensure can be used as a meal replacement or as a snack.
Glucerna diet products help diabetics control blood sugar levels. This product compares contains 27 vitamins and minerals. These shakes come in chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and butter pecan.
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