Weight loss is big business in this country. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that over two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, it's easy to see why. Many people try to lose weight each year, but it can be difficult to determine which method to use. Numerous weight-loss products and supplements crowd the shelves at nutrition stores and supermarkets, all promising amazing results. The truth is, many of those claims are advertising hype. However, some weight-loss supplements may be helpful for certain people, if utilized correctly.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor first. Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the way medications are; therefore, some might be dangerous for certain dieters or simply ineffective, despite what their labels say. It's imperative that you get your doctor's OK to try any weight-loss product, especially if you currently take any medications that may interact with a supplement in an adverse way.
Step 2
Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's database of supplement safety alerts; see the Resources section. According to MayoClinic.com, once weight-loss supplements are on the market, the FDA is able to monitor any reports of adverse reactions to these products. When considering a supplement, you can peruse the FDA database to eliminate any that have caused negative side effects.
Step 3
Drink green tea. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, green tea is one of the few supplements with possible evidence for successful weight-loss results. Green tea is also a natural substance used in healthy diets around the world. However, green tea does contain caffeine, so if you are caffeine-sensitive, you may wish to avoid it.
Step 4
Combine any supplement you choose with a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise. Healthy eating and regular physical activity is the only proven way to achieve lasting weight loss, states the Colorado State University Extension.
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