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

About The Author

To find other weight loss tips, advice, articles and resources, visit Valerie's Best Weight Loss web site at http://www.best-weightloss.com Be sure to subscribe to Valerie's free newsletter, "Best Weight Loss Tips" for all the best ways to lose weight.

valerie@best-weightloss.com

---

Good Night, Sleep Tight!

One of the most important things you can do for... Read More

Top 5 Most Popular Diet Programs Reviewed

There are many subscriber programs available both online and in... Read More

2 Ways To Start Burning More Calories Today

1. Start Exercising first thing in the morning.As soon as... Read More

Speed up Metabolism

Metabolism is essentially the speed at which our body's motor... Read More

Weight Loss Success with the South Beach Diet

The South Beach Diet was not created by your typical... Read More

Belly Fat: Enough of That! One Probable Cause of Excess Abdominal Fat

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor; nor do I play... Read More

Side Effects of The Famous Ephedra Product

Ephedra has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of... Read More

Break Your Weight Loss Plateau

How to Break Your PlateauToday is a typical morning like... Read More

Fit or Fat?!

"Hey, you have reduced now, compared to the last time... Read More

The Practical Way to Lose Fat

Today's society is about speed. We no longer have to... Read More

A Weight Loss Secret ? The Art of Detachment!

Have you ever worried about something so much it paralyzed... Read More

Snack Ideas for Kids That Wont Wreck Moms Diet

If you are a mom at home on a diet,... Read More

Weight Loss Problems at Their Worst ?America is on the Path of Delusion, Depression, and Destruction

Am I missing something here? If I am, someone please... Read More

The Myth of Spot Reducing

There is no such thing as spot reducing. Any fat... Read More

A New Option for Weight Loss Surgery

These days, Jennifer Secrist has little interest in idle activities.... Read More

Setting Morning Intentions For Success

Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More

Are Your Nutrition Habits Robbing You from the Body You Desire?

What if by making a few small changes in your... Read More

Can Water Really Help You Lose Weight?

I believe that water not only helps with weight loss,... Read More

Weight Gain = Poor Quality of Life

Gaining up to 20 pounds over four years can significantly... Read More

Lose Weight, Get Fit, and Live Longer

If all we have to do is exercise to live... Read More

Turn Off the Fat Genes - A Book Review

Once in a while a good title comes along and... Read More

Gaining Weight After Gastric Bypass? Bad Snacks May be the Cause

As I become acquainted with many of our LivingAfterWLS.com community... Read More

How To Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind!

Ah the ever present battle to lose those unwanted pounds.... Read More

How to Burn Fat: Doctors Proven Weight Loss Secret #1

Let me ask you a personal question. As you read... Read More

Food Intolerance and Low Carb Diets

Food intolerance is a pharmacological reaction to the consumption of... Read More

What is Your Healthy Body Weight

Everywhere we look in the western world we are inundated... Read More

How Did I Get So FAT!

"I never saw it coming, how did I get so... Read More

Shape Up! 4-Alternative Weight Loss Solutions

I am embarrassed to admit how many different commercial weight... Read More

Eating Habits That Can Help You Lose Weight And Stay That Way

There are certain eating habits that can make you gain... Read More

Low Carb Diets: Craze or Crazy?

Low carb diets, though popular, have met with much controversy.... Read More

Obesity as an Issue Today and the Half Ton Man

Following recent reports of a South Dakota man weighing half... Read More

Gastric Bypass Myth ? All Patients Stretch their Stomachs and Regain Weight

Have a conversation about gastric bypass surgery with just about... Read More

How to Lose Weight: Food for Thought

When it comes to weight loss, most of us would... Read More