As of 2010, approximately 60 percent of adults in America are overweight, according to MedlinePlus. With over half of the adult population being overweight or obese, many are turning to diet supplements to deal with excess weight. While you may have thought about turning to a diet supplement for help, exercise can prove more beneficial in terms to weight loss and your overall health.
History
Most diet supplements or weight loss products are not FDA approved, according to MayoClinic.com. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate these supplements; instead, they only monitor the safety of diet supplements. As of 2010, only one diet supplement has been FDA approved; Alli is the only weight loss aid approved so far. Although the FDA has approved Alli, they continue to investigate reports of liver injury, according to MayoClinic.com.
Function
Diet supplements function differently. Some claim to help your body block fat from foods, while others claim to help your body burn fat absorbed from foods. Certain diet supplements increase energy levels, boosting metabolism but it's usually for a short period. Other diet supplements may help decrease your appetite to keep you from overeating.
Significance
While diet supplements may promote certain weight loss benefits, these claims are unproven, according to MayoClinic.com. Most manufacturers fail to prove sufficient weight loss evidence but as long as all the ingredients used are safe for consumers to take, the FDA cannot pull the products from store shelves. There is major controversy as to how the marketing of diet supplements should be regulated, as many advertise slim, sexy figures to market their products. Next time you watch a commercial or read the packaging, you may notice in small print that it states the results are not typical. Even certain prescription diet supplements, such as phentermine, are to be taken along with exercise, according to Drugs.com.
Benefits
Exercising may not block your body from absorbing fat, but it helps burn fat, boost metabolism, increase energy and may help you snack less. As your metabolism increases, your body will burn more fat naturally. Exercising helps build muscle and muscle burns fat. You may notice that you're eating less as you become more active, as many people will eat out of boredom.
Considerations
If your weight is a concern for you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any diet supplements. If you have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor may not approve of you taking diet supplements or may allow you to take them under close supervision. Keep in mind that exercise can do all of what diet supplements promise, but may not deliver. Exercise can also help control your blood sugar levels, improve circulation and increase heart health.
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