Weight Loss

By: John Connory


10 Ingredients in Weight Loss Pills



Looking for help with losing weight? Help that goes beyond the
usual lifestyle changes, portion control advice and exercise
routines? Weight-loss supplements touting names like "fat
burner" and "thermo max" can be enticing. But do they work? And
even more important, in the wake of the Food and Drug
Administration's recent ban on ephedra, are they safe?

In this article, Environmental Nutrition provides a snapshot of
10 of the most popular ingredients currently in supplements for
weight loss.

Chitosan Made from the shells of lobsters, shrimp and other
shellfish, chitosan is an indigestible fiber. It is supposed to
help weight loss by binding with the fat you eat, blocking its
absorption. However, studies do not support this claim. Side
effects include constipation and gas. People with shellfish
allergies should beware.

Chromium Most often present as chromium picolinate, it has been
promoted to boost lean mass and decrease body fat. Though study
findings have been inconclusive, an analysis of several studies
recently concluded that supplementing with 200 to 400 micrograms
of chromium picolinate could result in about a 2.5-pound weight
loss per week in some people. Other studies have found a loss of
body fat and an increase in muscle tissue, with no change in
weight. Still others have found no effect at all. Though some
laboratory studies have raised safety issues, a large number of
human studies suggest it is safe.

Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange) This herbal extract is a
natural source of synephrine (a compound similar to ephedrine)
and the supplement industry's current answer to the ephedra ban.
But there are no published studies to show it is an effective
supplement for weight loss. And like ephedra, its side effects
include an increase in blood pressure; Environmental Nutrition
recommends avoiding it.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Both animal and human research
hints at a possible role for CLA in reducing body fat and
increasing lean body mass, but it's not quite ready for prime
time. None of the human studies have been long-term. CLA is
currently being studied in combination with chromium picolinate.
CLA is found naturally in dairy foods and beef and is generally
considered safe.

Garcinia Cambogia The extract from Garcinia cambogia fruit rind
contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which supposedly curbs food
intake, weight gain and storage of excess calories as fat.
However, studies have failed to prove G. cambogia is an
effective weight-loss aid. The most common side effects are
upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Guarana Caffeine is the effective ingredient in guarana plant
seeds. Guarana may have a mild appetite suppressant effect over
the short term. It was often used in combination with ephedra
until ephedra was banned. The potential side effects are those
of caffeine overdose--insomnia, restlessness, anxiety or panic.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB) HMB is a natural byproduct of the
breakdown of the amino acid leucine. HMB supplements are used by
body builders in hopes of increasing muscle mass. A few small
studies have suggested that HMB increases lean mass and
decreases body fat when combined with weight training. However,
studies with overweight and obese people are needed.

Plantago Psyllium Psyllium is a water-soluble fiber from
Plantago ovato seeds. Taken before a meal, it may make you feel
full, causing you to eat less. While it is proved to aid
constipation (that's how Metamucil works), it has not been
proved as an effective weight-loss aid.

Pyruvate Pyruvate formulas boast that they stimulate metabolism
and reduce body fat. Pyruvate is found naturally in food and in
the body as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates and
protein. Some studies have shown a weight-loss benefit with
pyruvate supplements. But the people in the studies also
exercised and cut back on calories. Moreover, the dosage used in
the studies was high, requiring a handful of tablets each day.
Experts say the case for pyruvate to aid weight loss is weak.

Yerba mate Brewed into a tea, bitter Yerba mate is high in
caffeine. Used in combination with other caffeine-containing
herbs, like guarana and damiana, it was found in one study to
delay stomach emptying time and aid weight loss. The study was
short (45 days), so conclusions on keeping the weight off cannot
be made.

The Bottom Line

Though all are relatively expensive and none are proved, of
these top popular weight-loss contenders, chromium picolinate
and CLA are probably the most studied. If you've already made up
your mind to go the supplement route, you might want to give
them a try. Just don't expect miracles and check with your
doctor first. More at http://www.phentermine-xenical-4you.com

http://www.phentermine-xenical-4you.com

Best Weight Loss Pills