Are Weight Loss Supplements Worth It?

What do you think of the hundreds of weight loss
supplements out there on the shelves today? Are
they worth the money? Will they actually help you
lose weight? How do you know which ones are going
to work for you? Is there any proof that these
products work?

I've taken some time and researched some of the
most popular product to try to find the answers
for you. The truth is, most products won't help
you lose anything but money. There are a few,
however, with some research behind them that
prove that they actually work.

What are these supplements that work? It seems
that only four products hold the best promise for
those of us who want to slim down. They are
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Hydroxycitic Acid
(HCA), phaseolomine, and possibly 5-HTP.

1. Conjugated Linoleic Acid, CLA, has a number
of research studies behind it. It is a fatty
acid that has been found to reduce cancer risks,
body fat and to increase lean muscle tissue.
The Journal of Nutrition reported a
Scandanavian Research team found CLA to increase
the lean body mass of humans and also to decrease
the fat mass. Subjects also had lower blodd fat
and cholestrol after taking CLA. CLA does
occur naturally in meat and dairy products,
but the levels are pretty low. Also, if you're
following a healthy low-fat diet, you tend to
not get as much meat and dairy, so
supplementation may be the answer for getting
a healthy dose of CLA.

2. Hydroxycitic Acid, HCA, is derived from a
fruit, Garcinia cambogia or Malabar tamarind. It
seems to work by inhibiting an enzyme that
converts carbohydrates to fat. It also seems to
suppress the appetite. Studies on humans have
had mixed results with one study showing
significant weight loss in participants. Another
study using a high fiber diet, showed HCA had
no effect on weight loss. Critics think the high
fiber diet prevented absorbtion of the HCA. So,
if you're on a high fiber diet, HCA may
not be for you.

3.Phaseolomine is derived from the white kidney
bean. It works by reducing your body's absorbtion
of starchy carbohydrates. Since you absorb fewer
calories, you lose weight. Seems like this
supplement would be great to take if you knew you
were going to indulge. Research has also shown
that you burn more fat while taking phaseolomine.
Subjects in one study lost 10% of their body fat
in 30 days. Phaseolomine is typically found in
carb blocker products.

4.5HTP works by increasing the level of Serotonin
in the brain resulting in more stable emotions,
better sleep and weight loss. I take 5HTP myself
and have found it to be an excellent appetite
suppresant as well as a mild mood booster. In one
study where women were given either a placebo or
5HTP and a 1200 calorie diet, those who took the
placebo lost 2.28 pounds and those who took 5HTP
lost 10.34 pounds. This was accomplished in 6
weeks. Are there other supplements that work?
There may be others that will stand the test of
time and research, but for now these are
the best non-prescription supplements I've
found to enhance your weight loss efforts.
Good luck losing the weight you want to lose!

Valerie de Armas ©2003
All Rights Reserved
valerie@best-weightloss.com