Latest research from the US has found that so called “Diet Supplements” simply don’t work.

Incredibly, these pills make up a $2.4 billion industry in the United States.

Even more incredible is that Researchers from the Oregon State University (OSU) looked at hundreds of weight loss supplements on the market in the US and found no evidence in any of them that they help to shift unwanted lbs!  In fact many of them were found to have nasty side effects.

“For most people, unless you alter your diet and get daily exercise, no supplement is going to have a big impact,” said Melinda Manore, lead researcher and professor of nutrition and exercise sciences at OSU.

Generally speaking, these pills fall into 4 categories:  pills such as chitosan that block the fat  or carbs being absorbed into the body, stimulants that increase metabolism such as caffeine or ephedra, conjugated linoleic acid which are said to change the body’s fat composition and soluble fibres which act as appetite suppressants.  These were the categories that the OSU team looked at. 

Compared to the placebo group, the people taking the weight loss pills only showed a 2lb weight loss in only a few of the products tested.

“What people want is to lose weight, and maintain or increase lean tissue mass,” said Manore.

“There is no evidence that any one supplement does this. And some have side effects ranging from the unpleasant, such a bloating and gas, to very serious issues such as strokes and heart problems.”

It’s such a shame that people are not only wasting their money, but also putting their hope on false claims by this multi billion dollar industry.  We would all like a quick fix but it really doesn’t exist.  However, if you exercise and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and put some hard work into it, the weight will come off and you will have done it yourself which will be far more satisfying than taking a pill.  The only side effects of doing it this way will be an increase in your health and well being!

James.