The number of people suffering from obesity has surpassed one-and-a-half billion. That’s more than one in three of the world’s population.
It’s a major cause of preventable death and disability, and it’s totally avoidable. If you’re among the millions of people who want to shed off the extra pounds, there are ways to do it. But it won’t be easy. The best way to lose weight is by combining a healthy diet with a regular exercise routine. However, it’s not always easy to manage a diet when you’re tired of the same old foods. This is where the supplement industry comes in. There are dozens of popular supplements for weight loss, and if you’re looking for a safe and effective solution, you’ve come to the right place.
The Science Behind Weight Loss
Obesity is an epidemic, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why people are faced with a shorter lifespan. There are numerous factors that put someone at risk of developing obesity. Genetics, metabolism, food habits and psychological factors are just some of them. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat it. One of the most effective ways of combating obesity is through supplements. There are dozens of proven supplements for weight loss, and the best part is that they’re all natural and safe.
Top 10 Supplements For Weight Loss
The following are the top 10 supplements for weight loss, as determined by the experts at Natural Products Facts. Take a look and see if any of these can help you shed those extra pounds. Just remember: if you’re looking for a quick fix, don’t expect to see serious and immediate results. It will take time to see some improvements.
1. Green Coffee Extract
This substance is identical to the coffee bean’s compound, cannabroblasts. It’s been shown to increase the body’s metabolism by up to 15% after just a few weeks of regular use. In one study, participants who were given green coffee extract and also instructed to exercise three times per week lost more weight than the participants who were given a placebo and told to exercise as often as they could. Green coffee extract has no calories and is made from all natural ingredients. It’s a popular choice among dieters because it helps them stay motivated to lose weight and keep it off.
2. Chromium Picolinate
This substance is a derivative of chromium, which is an essential nutrient for human health. It helps the body use glucose more efficiently, enhances fat oxidation, and spurs the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are important for skin health. In one study, participants who took 300 mg of chromium picolinate per day for 12 weeks lost 10 pounds more than the participants who took a placebo. The results were comparable to those who took 50 mg of chromium per day or 25 mg of chromium plus 500 mg of vitamin C. Chromium picolinate is a natural substance and is available in a variety of supplements. It’s generally regarded as safe and is considered to be a cheap option for people wanting to lose weight.
3. Glucomannan
This substance is a dietary fiber found in the konjac plant. It improves the body’s ability to use insulin, which in turn helps the liver to process glucose more efficiently. In one study, participants who took glucomannan supplements for 12 weeks experienced a modest 1.4-pound weight loss compared to the participants who took a placebo. However, other studies have shown that the substance can be more effective when used in combination with an exercise program. In these studies, participants taking glucomannan lost up to 7 pounds more than the participants who took a placebo. Glucomannan is a safe and effective option for weight loss, but it doesn’t work quickly or for everyone. It just depends on the individual circumstances and what goals they’re looking to achieve.
4. Chitosan
This substance is a derivative of chitin, which is a naturally occurring compound. It improves insulin sensitivity in the body and has shown to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, participants who took chitosan supplements for 12 weeks experienced a significant 1.3-pound weight loss, leading the researchers to conclude that the substance could be an effective weight loss option. However, it’s not always an easy option to get, as it’s generally derived from crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp. The substance is generally regarded as safe, but it’s not without its side effects. It can cause an allergic reaction in some people and increase the risk of infection. It’s important to note that this substance is not approved by the FDA and therefore is not available for purchase in most parts of the country.
5. Berberine
This substance is a natural alkaloid derived from the flowers and roots of the barberry plant. It has been shown to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as improve the body’s insulin sensitivity. One study showed that participants who took berberine supplements lost 7 pounds more than the participants who took a placebo. It’s generally regarded as safe but has some serious side effects. There is a risk of berberine poisoning if not handled properly. Talk to your doctor about how much of the substance you should take and for what reason.
6. Garcinia Cambogia
This is a tropical fruit grown in Southeast Asia. It’s been shown to decrease the body’s overall caloric intake and increase its metabolism by up to 10%. In one study, participants who took 500 mg of garcinia cambogia fruit extract per day for 12 weeks experienced a 5.7-pound weight loss. However, it’s important to note that the participants in this study were all overweight or obese. Those who are on their way to healthy weight may not see much difference in terms of weight loss when taking garcinia cambogia. Its effects seem to be most effective for those who are already at a healthy weight and want to maintain it. It’s generally regarded as safe, and it’s a popular choice among dieters because of its ability to slow down the process of weight gain.
7. Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells from damage. In one study, participants who ate a meal with wine as part of the evening’s meal plan lost 2 pounds more than the participants who did not eat the food. The antioxidants in the wine seem to have protected the participants’ cells from the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. Grapes also contain quercetin, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, participants who ate a meal with grapes as part of the day’s meal plan lost 4.8 pounds more than the participants who did not eat grapes. Talk to your doctor about the types of grapes you should eat and how much you should consume. It’s always a good idea to go with the organic options, as they’re more nutritious and better for the environment.
8. Saw Palmetto Cream
Saw palmetto cream is a dietary supplement that’s been demonstrated in clinical studies to increase collagen synthesis and elastin production, which are necessary for healthy skin. In one study, participants who took saw palmetto cream daily for 8 weeks experienced significant improvements in terms of skin elasticity and thickness. The results were comparable to those who took the active ingredient in Rogaine, which is used by men to treat and prevent alopecia, hair loss.
9. Capsules
Capsules are a convenient and easy way to supplement your daily dietary intake, and they’re a great option for those who want to lose weight. In one study, participants who took a placebo twice per day for 12 weeks did not see any improvements in weight loss compared to the participants who took a placebo once per day. However, the participants who took a 500 mg vitamin C and a 200 mg vitamin E capsule twice per day saw significant improvements in terms of weight loss, which the researchers attributed to the synergistic effect of the two vitamins. The results of the study suggest that it might not be a good idea to take a weight loss capsule by itself without also considering an antioxidant vitamin such as vitamins C and E.