There are a number of different ways weight loss supplements can help people achieve their goals. Taking a combination of them could really boost results, although it’s likely most people won’t need all the different types of weight loss supplements.
One of the more well known methods by which one group of supplements work is by thermogenesis. This basically means boosting your metabolism. Basically, you burn more calories going about your daily activities. Examples of this include green tea, though it’s benefits extend beyond weight loss. Green tea is an antioxidant supplement that has a protective effect on many parts of the body.
Fat burning supplements became very popular for a while, although you can burn more fat without taking any supplements! Simple things like eating breakfast, getting more calcium and fiber in your diet, drinking more water, and eating smaller, more frequent meals can have a very positive impact on weight loss.
Appetite suppressants are common in both medical and herbal fields, although they have often had unpleasant side effects similar to certain amphetamine based drugs. These side effects can be particularly dangerous to some people. The hoodia cactus is very different in this regard. It is a powerful appetite suppressant, it makes people feel good, and has no known side effects. A group of overweight people given hoodia in a study who had nothing to do all day but eat, or watch television or read, ended up reducing their calorie intake by 1000 a day. In that situation, most would have increased their calorie intake, not decreased it.
So-called hoodia is sold all over the internet, but a BBC reporter had one of the leading brands tested, and it had no trace of hoodia in it. Genuine hoodia is expected to be released in a few years once clinical tests have been completed.
Appetite suppressants work by increasing the feeling of fullness, and thereby reducing the desire to eat. Interestingly, omega 3 fatty acids have also been found to have this effect. Whilst not as powerful as hoodia, eating foods containing omega 3 fats, or taking a supplement with a meal, makes people feel more full after a meal, and even two hours later. This was reported in a study conducted by researchers from the University of Navarra, University of Iceland and University College Cork (Omega-3 boosts satiety during weight loss: study 25/6/08 Nutraingredients.com).
The amount of omega 3’s taken was important here. A low dose (260 mg/day) was not effective, although the higher dose (1300 mg/day) was. People who took the high dose of omega 3’s also had a better ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids. This is important in the way the body utilizes these important fats.
