Obesity is a growing epidemic that can be prevented by choosing a healthy diet and supplements to promote weight loss. At any given time, an estimated 33.8 percent of the United States is obese and 5.7 percent is morbidly obese, according to the Weight-control Information Center. Guggul is a supplement that may increase your weight loss.
Obesity
Obesity is defined as having a body mass index greater than 30 and morbid obesity is defined as a BMI higher than 40. Carrying extra weight can lead to many health risks. Coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea and respiratory problems can all be the result of obesity. A lower quality of life can also result from being obese because daily life can become difficult and strenuous on the body.
Guggul
Guggul is an herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries in the treatment of obesity. Guggul can help stimulate thyroid activity, which can increase metabolism causing weight gain. It is recommended to take 25 mg of guggul, three times a day, to promote weight loss.
Weight Loss
Guggul promotes weight loss, according to a study produced by the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy of the University of Rhode Island, published in a 2007 edition of "Cardiovascular Drug Reviews." This study found that guggul increases the reactions between bile acids and lipids, which are the dietary fats found in the foods you consume. These reactions speed up the elimination of lipids before they can be absorbed during digestion, which promotes weight loss.
Considerations
Before you start any kind of diet program or supplements, be sure to contact your doctor. Guggul should not be taken if you are pregnant, nursing or people taking blood thinners. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that guggul may be harmful to the fetus. The herb may also interact with blood thinners. In order to increase your weight loss success, choose to eat a balanced diet filled with nutrient dense foods like whole grains, lean meats, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Obesity
- Weight-control Information Network: Body Mass Index
- Drug Information Online: Guggul
- "Cardiovascular Drug Reviews"; Therapeutic Effects of Guggul and its Constituent Guggulsterone: Cardiovascular Benefits; R. Deng; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
Member Comments