With wonder drugs for weight loss making news at some time or the other, it is only natural to mull over such pills. However, a report from the Oregon State University has revealed that weight loss supplements are apparently not effective.
Nevertheless, green tea, low-fat dairy supplements and fiber may aid in shedding a few pounds, but only when combined with a low-calorie diet. The scientists urged that dietary alterations and exercise hold the key to weight loss and not simple weight loss pills.
“I don’t know how you eliminate exercise from the equation. The data is very strong that exercise is crucial to not only losing weight and preserving muscle mass, but keeping the weight off,†commented Melinda Manore, professor of nutrition and exercise sciences at OSU.
In this study, 4 classes of supplements such as chitosan, caffeine or ephedra, conjugated linoleic acid and appetite suppressants were trialed. While chitosan is cited to restrain fat or carbohydrate absorption, stimulants like ephedra or caffeine are known to boost metabolism. Constituents like conjugated linoleic acid claim to reduce fat deposits by altering the body composition. Soluble fibers are generally used to repress appetite.
As compared to placebos, the aforesaid products seemed to reduce just about 2 pounds more in the subjects. According to the investigators, most of the supplements were not backed up by evidences. In cases where studies had been conducted, they did not incorporate exercise as an influential factor.
The team underscored the importance of workout sessions and optimal diet for attaining as well as maintaining weight loss. This article is published online in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.