Advantages and Disadvantages of Dietary Weight Loss Supplements

ARE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS GOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

It’s no secret that millions of citizens throughout the United States struggle with their weight. This struggle typically transcends gender, social status, finances, and various other categories. The good news is that now, more than ever before, people are looking for ways to reduce their weight so that they can feel better and live longer – which means there are more solutions! Just recently, we tackled one such solution by creating a brief nutrition guide for weight loss.

Today, we’re going to turn our attention to weight loss supplements, which contain a variety of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, herbs, caffeine, etc. Some of these are used to boost energy, improve nutrition, and build muscle, but many of the most popular ones are those that help people burn fat. If you don’t know a lot about them, that’s okay. We’re going to be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of using dietary supplements for weight loss so that you can decide if they’re right for you.

ADVANTAGES OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Dietary supplements for weight loss have been proven to be quite effective over the years, allowing people to reach their fitness and nutrition goals more quickly and effectively.

Here are some of the advantages of using these types of supplements:

JUMP START YOUR DIET

One of the hardest parts of any diet is biting the bullet and getting started. The use of dietary supplements for weight loss will often help you jump start your diet. This is especially true for people who have difficulty losing weight despite exercising and dieting. Keep in mind, however, that it’s best to take them under the supervision of a doctor and that they’re only recommended if you have a body mass index above 30.

APPETITE SUPPRESSION

One of the most effective ways to curtail overeating and help you lose weight is to use methods that suppress your hunger so that you end up eating less. Drinking plenty of water is a popular way to achieve this, but dietary supplements can also be effective. That’s because they contain stimulants such as caffeine and other appetite-suppressing ingredients.

EFFECTIVE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Speaking in general terms, one of the biggest advantages of dietary supplements for weight loss is that they work. There are many different popular types on the market that people absolutely swear by whenever they’re trying to burn calories and shave off some inches. Although there’s no magic pill, per se, many people have made supplements a regular part of their weight loss plans.

WORKS WHILE RESTING

Weight loss supplements don’t care what you’re doing. Whether you’re pumping iron, doing cardio, or sitting at your computer, they’re always hard at work burning fat and helping you slim down. This is different from diet pills, which typically work by increasing your energy level to burn calories during a workout. Even when you’re sleeping at night, weight loss supplements are doing their job.

HELPS IMPROVE HEALTH

The positive effects of dietary supplements for weight loss go far beyond simply burning fat. As the supplements help you lose weight, you’ll also see a decrease in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol, while experiencing an increase in your sensitivity to insulin. This means that your health will improve, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll be at a much lower risk of serious ailments.

DISADVANTAGES OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

While dietary supplements for weight loss have been used by millions of people safely and effectively, nothing is without its drawbacks.

Here are some of the disadvantages of using these types of supplements:

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Although weight loss supplements are all-natural, meaning they don’t contain any chemicals with crazy names that no one can pronounce, side effects are still a possibility. You may experience painful stomach aches, diarrhea, or excessive weight gain when you stop using the supplement. This is one reason why you should always consult your physician before taking them. He or she will help you determine which supplements are the safest for you.

MAY DISRUPT METABOLISM

Maintaining a healthy metabolism will allow you to more easily lose weight. As we said above, dietary supplements for weight loss will suppress your appetite so that you’ll eat less food and, therefore, fewer calories. This is excellent when it comes to losing weight right away, but a big reduction of caloric intake will slow down your metabolism. This means that you may later find it more difficult to continue losing weight even with the supplement because of your slower metabolism.

NO SAFETY REGULATION

Unlike prescription medication, which is heavily regulated by the FDA, over-the-counter dietary supplements for weight loss don’t have any standards that they must meet and don’t require their approval. However, the FDA does monitor the safety and efficiency of each supplement after it’s been released. If one is found to be unsafe, they will issue warnings or ask that it be taken off the market.

USUALLY HIGH-PRICED

The truth is that many dietary supplements for weight loss are a bit pricey, but their effectiveness makes them worth the cost for many people looking for ways to burn fat and shed pounds. To save money, keep your eye out on two-for-one deals and stock up, if possible. Also, avoid cheap supplements because, as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.

FRAUD CAN HAPPEN

Since the FDA doesn’t regulate weight loss supplements, some companies will try to defraud consumers. Some of these incidents have proven to be unhealthy or even quite dangerous. If the FDA discovers that false or unsupported claims have been provided, they’ll take action, but you’re the first line of your own defense. Before you take any supplements, check them out thoroughly and ask your doctor.

CONTACT FITNESS 360 TO JOIN A FANTASTIC WORKOUT COMMUNITY

It’s always important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of dietary supplements for weight loss before you begin taking them.

With or without supplements, Fitness 360 can help you reach your health goals. As the leading Palm Harbor fitness center, we offer an amazing gym, personal training options, Les Mills classes such as Body Pump, state-of-the-art equipment, and much more. To sign up, give us a call at (727) 797-5100 today to receive 3 months at our fitness center free!

*Remember, always consult with your doctor before trying ANY dietary or weight loss supplements.