Increasing exercise frequency and adhering to a calorie-reduced diet is a proven strategy for boosting fat loss. However, the body's metabolism eventually adapts and fat loss slows down. Adding supplements at this time can be an effective way to boost metabolism and shed unwanted body fat. Before consuming any weight loss supplements, talk to your health care provider.
Forskolin
Forskolin is an herb derived from the roots of the Coleus forskohlii plant that might play a role in weight loss by increasing the production of hormone-sensitive lipase, an enzyme that enhances the use of fat as energy within the body. In fact, researchers from the University of Kansas observed that participants consuming 250 mg of forskolin twice a day for 12 weeks lost a significant amount of body fat compared to those ingesting a placebo, according to findings published in the May 2005 issue of "Obesity."
EGCG
Green tea contains a group of antioxidant compounds called catechins, which might increase the burning of fat. The main catechin responsible for fat loss is epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG. Researchers from DSM Nutritional Products in Switzerland found that overweight and obese males taking 300 mg of EGCG for three days experienced an increase in fat burning after a test meal compared to those with a placebo. Their research was published in the July 2010 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
Fenugreek
The plant fenugreek might possess fat-burning properties, according to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. They found that men performing a resistance training program for eight weeks while taking 500 mg of fenugreek per day lost a greater amount of body fat compared to those taking a placebo, according to research published in the October 2010 issue of the "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition."
CLA
Conjugated linoleic acid, also known as CLA, is a fatty acid found in grass-fed beef and full-fat dairy products. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health performed a review of 15 studies regarding the effects of CLA supplementation on fat loss. They concluded that 3.2 g of CLA per day was effective for reducing fat mass, according to a report in the May 2007 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."
References
- "Obesity"; Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated With Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men; M.P. Godard et al.; May 2005
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and Postprandial Fat Oxidation in Overweight/Obese Male Volunteers: a Pilot Study; F. Thielecke et al.; July 2010
- "Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition"; The Effects of a Commercially Available Botanical Supplement on Strength, Body Composition, Power Output, and Hormonal Profiles in Resistance-Trained Males; C. Poole et al.; October 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Efficacy of Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Reducing Fat Mass: a Meta-Analysis in Humans; L.D. Whigham et al.; May 2007
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