Weight Loss Supplements – Pro’s and Con’s of a Few of the Most Popular

Obesity seems to be an epidemic in America and last year alone over a billion dollars was made selling weight loss products!  And if you are one of the millions of American’s purchasing these products you probably find yourself overwhelmed figuring out which one is the best choice.  Let’s take a look at some of the most popular weight loss supplements you will find on the market today. 

Hoodia

If you are looking for something that is going to help suppress your appetite then Hoodia gordonii (also known as the cactus diet) might be right for you.  It’s available in pill, liquid or tea forms and comes from a cactus found in South Africa.  Native Bushmen have been using this for generations.  One important thing you need to know about Hoodia is that not only is it a powerful appetite suppressant, it’s also a thirst suppressant as well.  It’s important to make sure that you drink lots of liquids while taking this supplement. 

Green Tea

It’s been around for awhile and the Chinese have used it to treat everything from headaches to depression.  Not only is it known for its antioxidants, it has also recently become popular for losing weight.  It works by speeding up your metabolism so you burn calories and fat faster.  Be aware that green tea does contain caffeine so if you are going to drink it make sure to cut back on your other caffeine sources. 

Chitosan

Most diet pills you find on the market are appetite suppressants or metabolism boosters.  Chitosan is a fat blocker which simply means it’s used to prevent your body from absorbing fats.  So instead of the fat ending up at your waistline like it normally would, if you weren’t taking Chitosan, it simply passes throughout your system.  While this may sound like a great pill to run out and buy you need to know that it can cause digestive tract problems.

Keep in mind that just because there is a supplement on the market that works, it doesn’t by any means mean it is safe!  It’s a myth to think that just because something is natural it’s not dangerous.  Many diet supplements have serious side effects (remember phentermine and ephedra?) but aside from that, they aren’t usually rigorously tested so their negative side effects usually aren’t well documented.  As with any diet or exercise plan it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor. 

Don’t think that just because you are taking a diet pill it gives you the right to not exercise or eat whatever you want.  While the diet pill can be effective, they are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.  They are not intended to be used as a replacement.  If you are looking for that ‘jump start’ then a diet pill might be just what you need to get started.  Just remember to be cautious!