Weight Loss Supplements Presented by Kelsie Schuman What

Weight Loss Supplements Presented by Kelsie Schuman

What are weight loss supplements? O Non-prescription, over-the-counter weight loss supplements O Often contain herbs O Available at many stores, especially health -promoting stores (Whole Foods, GNC, etc. ) O Any supplement that claims to cause weight loss or reduce body fat O Usually makes claims like “Lose weight fast!” “All natural!” “Shred unwanted fat!”

A few popular examples: O Garcinia Cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) O Green Coffee Bean Extract O Raspberry Ketone

Who monitors weight loss supplements? O Because of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, dietary supplements don’t have to be FDAapproved O The FDA monitors for adverse affects and can pull drugs from circulation (FDA, 2014).

How effective is the FDA? O A study published in 2014 shows that just because the FDA bans a product from circulation, doesn’t mean it necessarily disappears: O Researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance got a list of 274 supplements recalled by the FDA between 2009 and 2012 O After analyzing 27 supplements, they found that two-thirds of them still contained banned ingredients even after the recall (Aubrey, 2014).

What are some positives of weight loss supplements? O Some people do see quick results using weight loss supplements, without any adverse effects O Many people view this as “healthier” than taking prescription drugs for weight loss, or undergoing surgery

How about negatives? O Potential side effects include headache, nausea, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, urinary tract infections, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, increased blood pressure, liver damage, and more (NIH, 2014).

What should I know before taking a supplement? O Since dietary supplements don’t have to be FDA- approved before hitting the market, it’s important to do your research (and talk to your doctor) before trying one. O People with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid these supplements unless approved by their doctor (NIH, 2014). O Women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding must also be very careful (Wong, 2014). O People taking other medications should consult their doctor first, because supplements can have negative interactions with other drugs (NIH, 2014).

Why might I want to avoid weight loss supplements? O Potential side effects O Lack of scientific research showing actual weight loss O Lack of scientific research proving safety O Interactions with medications O Lack of effectiveness – lifestyle changes are proven to be more effective than weight loss supplements

Are weight loss supplements safe? O Because of lack of scientific evidence, there’s no definitive answer O Plus, every human body reacts differently to supplements O The decision to try weight loss supplements should be made carefully and with the help of your doctor

Are weight loss supplements right for me? O If you are generally healthy and willing to take the risk, talk to your doctor to decide if weight loss supplements are a good choice for you. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and be on the lookout for adverse effects. O If you take medications, are pregnant, may become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or suffer from a chronic illness, weight loss supplements may not be right for you – talk to your doctor.

Let’s hear from some professionals: O “Health experts agree that making lifestyle changes—including following a healthy eating pattern, reducing caloric intake, and engaging in physical activity—is the basis for achieving longterm weight loss” (NIH, 2014). O “There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes. Eat a healthy low-calorie diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and be physically active” (Mayo Clinic, 2014). O “Many so-called ‘miracle’ weight loss supplements and foods (including teas and coffees) don’t live up to their claims. Worse, they can cause serious harm, say FDA regulators” (FDA, 2014).

Where can I find more information? O The Food and Drug Administration O FDA. gov O National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary Supplements O http: //ods. od. nih. gov O NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) O https: //nccih. nih. gov

Closing thoughts O In the end, it’s your decision what you choose to put into your body O Just be careful and cautious – talk to your doctor before making a change! O Consider other alternatives before using weight loss supplements – for example, small lifestyle changes that can make a big impact O Taking a 30 -minute walk daily O Incorporating vegetables into one meal per day O Drinking 60 -80 ounces of water daily

References O Aubrey, Allison (2014). Banned Drugs Still Turning Up in Weight-Loss Supplements. Shots: Health News from NPR. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http: //www. npr. org/blogs/health/2014/10/22/35 7831203/banned-drugs-still-turning-up-inweight-loss-supplements O FDA (2014). Beware of Products Promising Miracle Weight Loss. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http: //www. fda. gov/For. Consumers/Consumer Updates/ucm 246742. htm

References, cont. O Mayo Clinic (2014). Over-the-counter Weight- loss Pills. Mayo Foundations for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http: //www. mayoclinic. org/healthyliving/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art 20046409? pg=1 O NIH (2014). Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http: //ods. od. nih. gov/factsheets/Weight. Loss. Health. Professional/

References, cont. O Wong, Cathy ND (2014). Weight Loss Supplements. About Health: Alternative Medicine. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http: //altmedicine. about. com/od/dietpillssu pplements/a/dietpills. htm