1. Most of Them Don't Work
Many diet products work only to enrich their sellers, marketers and distributors. The Hoodia craze is a good example. No peer-reviewed research exists on Hoodia's effectiveness, but that hasn't stopped the marketers from developing a multimillion-dollar market. Research your product choices carefully, using reputable data sources, before committing to a program. That brings up another point: Many people don't take the products long enough, or at high enough dosages, for them to be effective. Consult with a knowledgeable, experienced practitioner for guidance on a proper regimen.
2. Reading the Labels May Not Help
Several publications and consumer watchdog organizations have shown that what's in the capsule is often not what's on the label. So even if a diet pill has a good formula, it's important to choose products that undergo regular third party testing to ensure quality and efficacy. A little homework goes a long way. Ask a medical professional experienced in successful weight loss programs. Often they will have favorite products that have demonstrated safety and efficacy clinically and in research trials.
3. Some Products May Be Harmful
Ephedra, or ma huang, as it's known in Chinese medicine, is the most effective herb available to treat asthma, wheezing and other respiratory disorders. For this purpose, it's used in small doses, and is very safe and effective. However diet pills using ephedra, still available on the black market despite the FDA product ban, can harm you because of their high dosage of ephedra alkaloids. Products containing high doses of senna, an herbal laxative, also pose problems. Using senna short-term for constipation is safe and effective, but long-term use for weight loss can cause serious health issues.
4. One Size Doesn't Fit All
Few supplement companies recommend dosages specific to body size or sex. Men metabolize things more quickly compared to a woman of the same size, so the same dose might not work as well on a man as it does on a woman. Factor in differences in body weight, and you can see how the effective dose for you might be larger or smaller than the dosage recommended on the bottle. If the dose is too small for you isn't effective, a dosage too large might lead to jitters, heart palpitations, loose stool, or worse. An experienced practitioner may be a most valuable resource to assist you in finding a safe and effective dose.
5. The Best Weight Loss Products and Programs Address Multiple Areas
Look for a weight loss product that addresses metabolism, appetite, bowel regularity and liver health. When your appetite is suppressed, the metabolism often slows. When the metabolism slows and fewer meals are ingested, bowel frequency often will diminish. All of these issues need to be addressed, in addition to the underlying emotional and psychological issues, to successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
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