10 ingredients in weight loss pills

Looking for help with losing weight? Help that goes beyond the usual lifestyle changes, portion control advice and exercise routines? Weight-loss supplements touting names like "fat burner" and "thermo max" can be enticing. But do they work? And even more important, in the wake of the Food and Drug Administration's recent ban on ephedra, are they safe?

In this article, Environmental Nutrition provides a snapshot of 10 of the most popular ingredients currently in supplements for weight loss.

Chitosan

Made from the shells of lobsters, shrimp and other shellfish, chitosan is an indigestible fiber. It is supposed to help weight loss by binding with the fat you eat, blocking its absorption. However, studies do not support this claim. Side effects include constipation and gas. People with shellfish allergies should beware.

Chromium

Most often present as chromium picolinate, it has been promoted to boost lean mass and decrease body fat. Though study findings have been inconclusive, an analysis of several studies recently concluded that supplementing with 200 to 400 micrograms of chromium picolinate could result in about a 2.5-pound weight loss per week in some people. Other studies have found a loss of body fat and an increase in muscle tissue, with no change in weight. Still others have found no effect at all. Though some laboratory studies have raised safety issues, a large number of human studies suggest it is safe.

Citrus Aurantium (Bitter Orange)

This herbal extract is a natural source of synephrine (a compound similar to ephedrine) and the supplement industry's current answer to the ephedra ban. But there are no published studies to show it is an effective supplement for weight loss. And like ephedra, its side effects include an increase in blood pressure; Environmental Nutrition recommends avoiding it.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Both animal and human research hints at a possible role for CLA in reducing body fat and increasing lean body mass, but it's not quite ready for prime time. None of the human studies have been long-term. CLA is currently being studied in combination with chromium picolinate. CLA is found naturally in dairy foods and beef and is generally considered safe.

Garcinia Cambogia

The extract from Garcinia cambogia fruit rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which supposedly curbs food intake, weight gain and storage of excess calories as fat. However, studies have failed to prove G. cambogia is an effective weight-loss aid. The most common side effects are upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Guarana

Caffeine is the effective ingredient in guarana plant seeds. Guarana may have a mild appetite suppressant effect over the short term. It was often used in combination with ephedra until ephedra was banned. The potential side effects are those of caffeine overdose—insomnia, restlessness, anxiety or panic.

Hydroxymethylbutyrate (HMB)

HMB is a natural byproduct of the breakdown of the amino acid leucine. HMB supplements are used by body builders in hopes of increasing muscle mass. A few small studies have suggested that HMB increases lean mass and decreases body fat when combined with weight training. However, studies with overweight and obese people are needed.

Plantago Psyllium

Psyllium is a water-soluble fiber from Plantago ovato seeds. Taken before a meal, it may make you feel full, causing you to eat less. While it is proved to aid constipation (that's how Metamucil works), it has not been proved as an effective weight-loss aid.

Pyruvate

Pyruvate formulas boast that they stimulate metabolism and reduce body fat. Pyruvate is found naturally in food and in the body as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrates and protein. Some studies have shown a weight-loss benefit with pyruvate supplements. But the people in the studies also exercised and cut back on calories. Moreover, the dosage used in the studies was high, requiring a handful of tablets each day. Experts say the case for pyruvate to aid weight loss is weak.

Yerba mate

Brewed into a tea, bitter Yerba mate is high in caffeine. Used in combination with other caffeine-containing herbs, like guarana and damiana, it was found in one study to delay stomach emptying time and aid weight loss. The study was short (45 days), so conclusions on keeping the weight off cannot be made.

The Bottom Line

Though all are relatively expensive and none are proved, of these top popular weight-loss contenders, chromium picolinate and CLA are probably the most studied. If you've already made up your mind to go the supplement route, you might want to give them a try. Just don't expect miracles and check with your doctor first.

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Cayenne pepper and water diet - fad or fiction

Have you heard of the cayenne pepper and water diet? Controversy has recently surrounded the so-called cayenne pepper and water diet, primarily due to it's association with Beyonce Knowles who apparently lost 20 pounds during filming for the movie "Dreamgirls" living only on cayenne pepper and water. The facts are not in dispute, the actress did apparently lose weight quickly over a short period and there is no reason to dispute how this was achieved.

However the question that must be asked is can this be called a "diet"? Some would say that what Beyonce Knowles did was simply starve herself of food, surviving solely on liquids. Surely the cayenne pepper had no noticeable effects other than perhaps adding a little taste to the water?

It should perhaps be noted that there are certainly recorded health benefits associated with cayenne pepper, including aiding digestion, strengthening of the heart, claims it contains mild pain relieving qualities, and there are even reports of using cayenne as a dressing for wounds.

Even taking these reported benefits into account, can this cayenne pepper and water diet really be called a diet? It should more properly be seen as a purely starvation exercise undertaken by a committed actor wishing to lose weight quickly in pursuit of her art and career, presumably with the safety net afforded to highly paid and closely monitored movie stars. Presumably she will have been surrounded by assistants and helpers who would have been immediately on hand had Beyonce suffered from any starvation effects or ill health.

The danger in this story as with other fad diets is that impressionable people, young girls in particular, will have heard about this seemingly miraculous cayenne pepper and water diet and will wish to try it themselves, without any regard to the obvious and significant health dangers inherent in starving yourself in such a way. In particular this form of dieting could be very damaging if sustained for any length of time, any form of fasting should be carefully monitored for signs of deteriorating health.

It should also be said that this story and the controversy it has created are not the fault of Beyonce Knowles, rather it is created by media hype attempting to profit from the possibility others may try and follow her example. In recent times other actors have been required to lose weight quickly for their future roles, for example Christian Bale in the movie The Machinist. The actor dropped his weight to a dangerously low level by reportedly eating a single apple and a tin of tuna every day, but this did not become the "apple and tuna" fad diet, probably because Christian Bale does not have the same widespread fashionable image as Beyonce.

So in conclusion is this really a Diet? I would suggest not, with the hype surrounding it currently it could be categorized as a fad, and potentially a dangerous one. The only safe way to permanently lose weight is to eat healthy food, eat in moderation, and crucially undertake regular exercise. If you do this you will burn excess fat, your arteries will stay clear and healthy and you won't risk damaging your body by starving it of the food it needs to stay fit and healthy.

Facts to know before going for weight loss surgery

Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with weight loss surgery? This informative article can give you an insight into everything you've ever wanted to know about weight loss surgery.

For some people, it can be a difficult decision for choosing whether or not to undergo weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is life changing and requires a solid commitment from the patient to follow a diet and exercise plan. You should make sure you clearly understand the pros and cons connected with weight loss surgery procedure before making any decision.

What to Expect?

First and foremost, it is essential that you have a clear idea of what your expectations are from the weight loss surgery and whether the results of that actual surgical procedure will be able to meet those expectations.

Also, weight loss surgery patients are advised not to expect the weight loss surgery to be their answer to all their problems and that they will need to maintain their health and figures into the future by following proper healthy eating and exercise plans.

These weight loss surgery types are gaining more acceptances today as newer technology makes the weight loss surgeries more efficient and safer. There are probably many questions you have. Here are some common questions regarding weight loss surgery if you are considering weight loss surgery.

How Much Weight Can I Lose?

The amount of weight you will lose following weight loss surgery will depend on several factors. First, the weight loss surgery type you have can affect the outcome. The Lap-Band procedure, while safer, has slower weight loss than other forms.

Also, your exercise routine and the foods you eat will also affect your weight loss outcome. It is essential to follow the diet plan given to you and to exercise everyday for the maximum weight loss. Most patients can expect to lose about 36 percent of their excess body weight within the first year.

Are There any Qualifications For Having Weight Loss Surgery?

Even this depends on several factors. Usually, a candidate for weight loss surgery must weight 100 pounds or more over their ideal body weight. Another factor is the body mass index.

Women who are 80 pounds overweight or more and have a body mass index of 40+ and men who are overweight by 100 pounds or more and have a Body Mass Index of about 40+ are considered severely obese and may be candidates for weight loss surgery.

Those who have a BMI between 35 and 40 and suffer from obesity connected problems such as sleep apnea, obesity related heart disease, or diabetes may be considered for the weight loss surgery.

How Safe Is Weight Loss Surgery?

For the most part, weight loss surgery is safe. As with any surgical procedure there are risks involved and these should be carefully considered before having the procedure.

Also, there are some weight loss surgery types that are safer than others. Surgeries that are performed laparoscopically are generally safer and easier to recover from than open procedures.

Additionally, there may be some medical conditions that will prevent a good outcome for some patients. It is significant to discuss these issues with your health care provider before having surgery.

Can I Participate In Activities Following Surgery?

Yes, after you are completely healed, it generally takes four to six weeks. Healing time can depend on the type of surgery that is performed. You can resume your normal activities after that time. In reality, exercise is encouraged and will aid in more rapid weight loss.

What Can I Eat After Weight Loss Surgery?

You will be limited to liquids and pureed foods for the first five weeks after surgery. Gradually, you can begin to add in other foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and low fat dairy products.

Most patients will only be able to eat a very small portion so it is significant to stop eating when you feel full and to eat several small meals during the day. Also, you should avoid sweet foods and foods that are fibrous, greasy, doughy or sticky. This can lead to obstacle of the stomach and intestines.

Although Weight Loss Surgery can be a life saving procedure for some people, for others it is seen primarily as a cosmetic procedure. That said, however, it does have its advantages. Primarily, the main advantage of weight loss surgery is weight reduction with many of its patients being pleased with the amount of weight they have lost.

That said, whenever anyone is considering undertaking weight loss surgery it is significant that they discuss this fully with their doctor and seek out the best medical advice to date.

Take time to consider the points about weight loss surgery presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.