Fat blocker supplements are marketed to individuals looking to lose weight with a pill. Although some fat blockers can help prevent a portion of fat from being absorbed, you'll need to monitor your diet as well if you want to lose weight. Ask your doctor about any diet and exercise suggestions before using a fat blocker for weight loss.
Alli
The Food and Drug Administration has only approved of Alli to be sold over the counter for weight loss. Alli contains a smaller dose of the prescription version of orlistat and is intended to be taken with meals that contain small amounts of fat. Alli blocks about 25 percent of the fat from being absorbed into the body and instead passes through the stools. You must follow a low-fat diet while taking the supplement to avoid unwanted side effects such as gas, oily rectal discharge and loose stools.
Chitosan
Chitosan is a supplement that manufacturers claim can help block the absorption of dietary fat. In a review of studies on chitosan printed in the February 2005 edition of the "Obesity Reviews" journal, it was found that subjects lost only an average of 1 pound over the course of a month while using the supplement. Based on these findings, it was determined that chitosan did not produce significant weight loss results in users.
Cortisol Blockers
Cortisol blockers are a line of weight loss products that are meant to help you block fat accumulation by controlling the level of cortisol in the blood. The hormone cortisol is found in the body in times of high stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, these products are not proven to be effective and you should instead rely on a regimen of diet and exercise to lose weight.
Warning
Keep in mind that most over-the-counter fat blocker supplements will not produce major weight loss results. The Food and Drug Administration has frequently sent warning letters to manufacturers that claim you can lose weight and block fat absorption by taking their product. For instance, Metabo Fat Blocker and Extreme Carb Blocker from New You Labs was instructed by the FDA in March of 2004 to stop making false claims about the abilities of their products without the scientific evidence to support it.
References
- "Obesity Reviews;" Effect of chitosan on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials; CN Mhurchu et al; February 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: Do they work?
- FDA: Warning Letter for Weight Loss Products "Metabo Fat Blocker" and "EXtreme Carb Blocker"
- MayoClinic: CortiSlim
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