Comparing Weight Loss Products
One of the best ways to compare weight loss products is to weigh the pros and cons of each one, taking into account the promised benefits against potential side effects. However, when you compare weight loss products, it’s important to do your research and not just believe everything you see on the label. Here are some tips to help you out.
Types of weight loss products
To effectively compare weight loss products you need to know the three main types: fat burners, fat blockers, and appetite suppressants. Each one has different ways of making you lose weight, and all three can be combined with other ingredients to enhance their effectiveness.
Fat burners
These products vary in effectiveness and response time. Fat burners usually target extra fat and break them down so they can go to muscle, where they are turned into energy. This energy is what keeps you going throughout the day. Fat burners also contain caffeine, which may produce side effects such as increased heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety. That’s why it is also important to compare weight loss products of this type according to their caffeine content.
When you compare weight loss product, make sure they do not contain ephedra. Ephedra is known to effectively burn fat, but may carry serious side effects such as seizures, vomiting, and even death. This has prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to bad it from commercial sales. Examples of products with ephedra are Xenodrine and Hydroxycut. Other fat burning products are herbal, and thus much safer. Examples are Stacker Metabolizing Fat Burners, Nutrex Lipo 6, and S.A.N. Tight.
Fat blockers
You can also compare weight loss products that block fat instead of burning them, such as Xenical, Chitosan, Alli, and Proactol. Fat blockers prevent fats from affecting the lipase enzymes, which are responsible for absorbing the fat from food. However, the kind of food you eat can cause side effects while taking fat blockers. For example, eating greasy and fatty foods can cause you to have oily stools. Other side effects include abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
Appetite suppressants
If you have problems controlling your food intake, try to compare weight loss products that suppress your appetite. Popular names include Meridia, Phentermine (also known as “Phen-Phen”), and Acomplia. Some appetite suppressants have herbal ingredients, which may make them safer. Hoodia gordonii is an example of a natural appetite suppressant. It works by retaining glucose levels in your body to make you feel full, as your body typically feels hungry when you have low glucose levels.
Also try to compare weight loss product usage between different appetite suppressants. Products containing Hoodia may have different recommended dosages, usually ranging from 400mg up to 1200mg in a day. This is because it varies according to the person’s metabolism. Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any such supplements.
Prescription and over-the-counter weight loss products
Weight loss products may be bought over the counter or available only on prescription. Prescription weight loss products can only be sold if your doctor issues a prescription. Their use is so restricted because they are very potent and may be harmful if misused. They are also approved by medical organizations to ensure that they really work according to their claims. Experts also study their side effects and determine whether there are conditions that make them unsafe. Prescription weight loss products are commonly given to patients who are obese or are nearing obesity.
Over-the-counter products, on the other hand, can be bought directly from pharmacies or drugstores. Some of them are generic and thus a lot cheaper, although not all of them are effective. One must take caution when buying OTC weight loss products. To stay safe, buy only those with known success rates.
Natural ingredients
Many buyers are easily fooled by the words “natural” and “herbal.” These words do not necessarily mean that the product is safe. Ephedra, for example, is considered a natural ingredient, but its side effects have turned out to be serious and sometimes even fatal. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned products containing Ephedra because of these effects. Always consult your doctor to see whether a product is safe, and remember to supplement your weight loss product with proper diet and exercise.
fast weight loss diets and fat loss diet