Although diet pills occasionally come under fire due to potential side effects, these weight loss supplements can have many benefits. Weight loss supplements may contain a variety of ingredients, including stimulants such as caffeine, and herbal ingredients such as green tea extract. In addition to the obvious weight loss benefits, the ingredients in diet pills may improve overall health. However, not all diet pills are the same, so review the ingredients before purchasing. In addition, due to potential side effects, you should consult a doctor before using any supplements.
Increased Fat Oxidation
Although you don't need a diet pill to lose weight, you may find one improves fat oxidation. Fat oxidation is the process by which your body burns fat to produce energy. Without a diet pill, you may lose lean mass, rather than fat mass. Research published in the December 2008 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition" found that a commercially available diet supplement containing stimulants, such as caffeine and yohimbine produced a significant increase in fat oxidation.
Increased Abdominal Fat Loss
Although spot fat reduction is not possible through exercise, it appears that some supplements may be able to encourage fat loss in certain areas, such as the abdomen. Not all diet pills have this effect, but research suggests that those containing green tea extract, may do so. A study published in the February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" found that the use of green tea extract supplementation in conjunction with an exercise plan induced an increase in abdominal fat loss. The researchers suggest that it is the catechins, a type of antioxidant, in green tea that produce the fat loss.
Reduction of Blood Glucose Levels
Having high blood glucose levels produces a number of disadvantages--it can encourage fat storage and is also a symptom of diabetes. Therefore, reducing blood glucose levels can help manage diabetes and may reduce your likelihood of fat gain. According to a study published in the June 2004 issue of the "Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal," some dietary supplements with vitamins and herbal ingredients may encourage significant reductions in blood glucose levels.
Reduction of Blood Triglycerides
In addition to encouraging reductions in weight and fat mass, diet pills may also promote reductions in blood triglyceride levels. As the American Heart Association explains, triglycerides are the form in which fat is stored in your blood. High levels of blood triglycerides may promote an increased risk of coronary artery disease, explains the American Heart Association. According to the June 2004 issue of the "Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal," diet pills may promote significant reductions in blood triglyceride levels.
References
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition"; The acute effects of the thermogenic supplement Meltdown on energy expenditure, fat oxidation, and hemodynamic responses in young, healthy males; J Jitomir et al; December 2008
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults; KC Maki et al; February 2009
- "Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal"; A vitamin, mineral, herb dietary supplement effect on blood glucose in uncontrolled type II diabetic subjects; MJ Gonzalez, CM Ricart, J Miranda-Massari; June 2004
- American Heart Association: Triglycerides
- "Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal"; Effect of a dietary supplement combination on weight management, adipose tissue, cholesterol and triglycerides in obese subjects; MJ Gonzalez, JR Miranda-Massari; CM Ricart; June 2004
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