Weight Loss Supplements

Presented by Kelsie Schuman

What are weight loss supplements?

O Non-prescription, over-the-counter weight loss supplements

O Often contain herbsO 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:

OGarcinia Cambogia (hydroxycitric acid)

OGreen Coffee Bean Extract

ORaspberry Ketone

Who monitors weight loss supplements?

O Because of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, dietary supplements don’t have to be FDA-approved

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 effectsO Lack of scientific research showing

actual weight lossO Lack of scientific research proving

safetyO Interactions with medicationsO 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 long-term 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 AdministrationO FDA.gov

O National Institutes of Health – Office of Dietary SupplementsO http://ods.od.nih.gov

O NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)O https://nccih.nih.gov

Closing thoughtsO In the end, it’s your decision what you

choose to put into your bodyO 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 impactO Taking a 30-minute walk dailyO Incorporating vegetables into one meal per

dayO Drinking 60-80 ounces of water daily

ReferencesO 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/2014/10/22/357831203/banned-drugs-still-turning-up-in-weight-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/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm246742.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/healthy-living/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/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/

References, cont.O Wong, Cathy ND (2014). Weight Loss

Supplements. About Health: Alternative Medicine. Retrieved 3 February 2015 at http://altmedicine.about.com/od/dietpillssupplements/a/dietpills.htm