Aspirin & Weight Loss

Weight loss occurs when you use more calories than you consume according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The AAFP recommends creating the necessary calorie deficiency by cutting 250 calories from your daily diet and burning 250 calories each day through moderate exercise like walking. There are some everyday items that may help you in your weight loss quest and aspirin is one such item.

Definition

Aspirin is a salicylate which, according to the National Institutes of Health, is a type of medication that works by inhibiting natural substances that cause:

• fever
  
• pain
  
• swelling
  
• blood clots

Aspirin can be used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is available in tablets, delayed-release tablets and in combination medications including antacids or cold medicine.

Effects

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The group taking the placebo lost less than 3 lbs. After 5 months on the supplement, five of the participants lost nearly 12 lbs. Those taking the placebo lost less than 0.5 lb. Another participant, who coupled the supplement with a low-calorie diet, lost 145 lbs in just over one year. The supplement did not change blood pressure, blood sugar, insulin or cholesterol and no side effects were reported.

Considerations

Inflammation is associated with obesity according to a 2009 study published in “Diabetic Medicine.” The study authors, Boaz et al. found that the anti-inflammatory effect of aspirin “more than doubled the odds of weight loss” in people with type 2 Diabetes 2. Boaz and team have recommended further clinical studies to research why anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin have this effect 2.

Other Benefits

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A study published by Rothwell et al. in “Lancet” in 2010 has found that it may protect against colon cancer. The researchers discovered that taking 75 mg of aspirin daily for several years reduced the occurrence of and dealth from colorectal cancers, specifically in the proximal colon. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, especially in men, according to a 2007 meta-analysis published by Larsson and Wolk in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Not only has aspirin been linked to positive effects on weight loss, but it also seems to protect against a cancer linked to obesity 5.

Additional Usage

Aspirin has been prescribed to prevent heart attacks, ischemic strokes caused by blood clots and mini strokes. Typically it is taken once a day, often in small doses. It should not be given to children and teenagers without medical supervision as it has been associated with Reye’s syndrome which can cause fat to build up in the brain and other organs. As with all medications, speak with your doctor before you start anything new.