Over-the-counter dietary supplements to treat obesity appeal to many patients who desire a
“magic bullet” for weight loss. Asking overweight patients about their use of weight-loss
supplements and understanding the evidence for the efficacy, safety, and quality of these
supplements are critical when counseling patients regarding weight loss.

More than 50 individual dietary supplements and more than 125 commercial combination products are available for weight loss. Currently, no weight-loss supplements meet the criteria for recommended use. Although evidence of modest weight loss secondary to ephedra-caffeine ingestion exists, potentially serious adverse effects have
led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban the sale of these products. Chromium is
a popular weight-loss supplement, but its efficacy and long-term safety are uncertain.

Guar gum and chitosan appear to be ineffective; therefore, use of these products should be discouraged. Because of insufficient or conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid, ginseng, glucomannan, green tea, hydroxycitric acid, l-carnitine, psyllium, pyruvate, and St. John’s wort in weight loss, physicians should caution patients about the use of these supplements and closely monitor those who choose to use these products.

Why Overweight and Obese Patients Seek Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss

1.Social stigma of obesity

2.Health benefits of weight loss

3.Less demanding than accepted lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet

4.Frustration with previous attempts at dieting and/or exercise

5.Easily available without a prescription

6.More easily accessed than a professional consultation with a physician, nurse, or nutritionist

7.Inflated advertising claims

8.Appeal of a “natural” remedy

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on weight loss and its management Weight Loss Plan

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/weight-loss-supplements-872250.html

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