In the United States, more than 2/3 of adults are either overweight or obese, according to the Weight-Control Information Network. Being overweight or obese may not only be aesthetically unappealing to some, but extra body fat increases your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high LDL cholesterol and some forms of cancer. Because of the dangers associated with excess fat accumulation, the weight loss industry is continually producing and marketing diet pills and other diet-related products. Carbohydrate and fat blockers are among the most popular forms of diet pills, and while these products may support mild weight loss their effectiveness and safety is continually under debate within the scientific community.
How Fat Blockers Work
Fat blockers, such as orlistat, chitosan and natural supplements such as guar gum work to by inhibiting lipases enzymes within the intestines. Lipases enzymes are responsible for breaking down fat consumed through dietary sources, yet lipases inhibitors bind to fats and prevent up to 1/3 of fats from being absorbed. Since the fats are unable to be utilized by your body, they are passed through the digestive system and evacuated in fecal matter. Side effects may include the inability to properly absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and if you consume more than 30 percent of your daily calories from fat sources you may experience gastrointestinal side effects, which include anal leakage and severe abdominal cramping.
How Carbohydrate Blockers Work
The notion of carbohydrate blockers is similar to fat blockers, as manufacturers claim the ingredients within these products block the absorption of carbohydrate, or starches. Carbohydrate blockers are typically made out of white kidney bean protein extract, and it is suggested these proteins inactivate pancreatic amylase, which supposedly hinders the digestion of carbohydrates. Undigested carbs are then evacuated through fecal matter.
Effectiveness
Orlistat is the most effective fat blocker on the market, and it is the only medication in its class approved by the FDA for weight loss. "Obesity Reviews" journal cites a study performed by the University of York Department of Health Sciences where researchers found orlistat was more effective at promoting weight loss and maintaining weight loss than the placebo group. While other fat blockers are available on the market, Harvard Medical School states orlistat is the only medication of its kind proven to be effective in humans. While manufacturers of carbohydrate blockers claim this product can promote weight loss, San Juan College states no peer reviewed human studies have been made public, and previous research found a zero percent increase in refined carbohydrates in fecal matter after taking carbohydrate blockers.
Conclusion
While fat blockers are proven to be effective, you must follow a specific fat intake diet to ensure its effectiveness. If you're consuming a low fat diet, this type of weight loss supplement will be ineffective. Due to the risk of side effects such as abdominal cramping, loose stools and potential liver damage, discuss the use of fat blockers with your physician.
Upon publication, the scientific community does not support weight loss claims of carbohydrate blockers. To promote weight loss while maintaining healthy glycogen stores, consume at least 130 g of carbohydrates per day. To prevent weight gain, consume the bulk of your carbs through whole-grain, vegetable and fruit sources. Avoid refined carbohydrates found in enriched flour, degerminated corn flour and processed foods.
References
- Weight-Control Information Network; Overweight and Obesity Statistics; February 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Over-the-Counter Weight-Loss Pills: Do They Work?; February 2010
- San Juan College HHPC: Are Weight-Loss Supplements Helpful?
- Harvard Medical School; Bulking Up and Slimming Down: The Science of Supplements; Oded Shaham
- "Obesity Reviews" Journal; A Systematic Review of the Clinical Effectiveness of Orlistat Used for the Management of Obesity; S. O'Meara, et al.; February 2004
- The Washington Post; Lean Plate Club: Black That Starch Blocker; Sally Squires; October 2003
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