Finding the right pills or supplements to assist in weight loss is a big decision. Weight loss medication can be expensive, and finding one that’s safe, affordable, and (most importantly) works is critical.
There are an overwhelming number of options out there to help you lose weight. There are three basic categories of weight loss pills. They include:
- Appetite Suppressants —Â These are supplements that reduce your appetite, making you feel full so eat less.
- Absorption Reducers — These pills or supplements limit the amount of nutrients you absorb from your food, which means you’ll take in fewer calories.
- Fat Burners — These supplements and/or pills help speed up your body’s fat burning mechanisms.
Below, you’ll find some basic information about some of the most popular weight loss supplements. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it should give you an understanding of how they work and what to expect should you decide to use them. It should help you narrow down your choices.
Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is one of the most popular weight loss supplements on the market. With a blend of caffeine and plant extracts, it’s a fat burner. Caffeine boosts metabolism, because it works as a blocker to adenosine receptors. This is the scientific way of saying caffeine keeps you awake–the result of a spike in adrenaline which increases metabolic rate. Supplements that use caffeine aren’t for everyone, because it can reduce sleep quality and cause insomnia. Hydroxycut users swear by its effectiveness to help them lose weight, but some have complained it makes them feel jittery.
Yohimbe
Yohimbe improves the release of adrenaline, which helps burn fat. And there’s plenty of science to back up its effectiveness. However, there are some strong warnings attached to the supplement because it can induce panic. As such, it is not recommended for those who suffer from PTSD or other trauma disorders.
It’s a stimulant, so people with cardiovascular problems should also think carefully before taking it. Because it is a stimulant, it works best as pre-workout fuel as part of an exercise program. The supplement will maximize the fat burning that occurs during a workout while minimizing muscle loss.
Glucomannan
Glocomannan is an appetite suppressant, and it works by making you feel full. Found in the roots of elephant yam, it’s a fiber that fills up in your stomach, making you feel stuffed. It’s one of the safest weight loss medications, because its side effects are mainly discomfort. It can cause bloating and gas. It can interact with other medications, however.
Finding good weight loss pills doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require a bit of research, and for some, it requires a bit of trial and error. If you take other medications, it’s important to check with your doctor before starting to use weight loss supplements.
