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Weight Loss Supplements. Mindy Garrett Kaplan University HW499 – Bachelor’s Capstone in Health & Wellness . Are weight loss supplements an asset to your weight management program?. Fiction vs. Fact. Fiction . Fact.
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Weight Loss Supplements Mindy Garrett Kaplan University HW499 – Bachelor’s Capstone in Health & Wellness
Are weight loss supplements an asset to your weight management program?
Fiction vs. Fact Fiction Fact Weight loss supplements can interact with other dietary supplements, medications & foods, causing adverse health reactions Existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, can increase the risk of interactions , so speak with your doctor to ensure health safety Supplements are not a one size fits all approachto health; investigate possible risks & contraindications, realizing that every body is different Despite product claims, a balance of healthy eating & consistent physical activity have shown to be most effective tools in weight management • Because weight loss supplements are “natural” they are completely safe • Supplements are sold over the counter so they are safe to be taken by anyone & I don’t need to talk to my doctor • If the label says the product is safe & effective then I can trust it will be for me • Supplements can boost & enhance weight loss efforts by increasing metabolism & the ability to burn calories more efficiently
Supplement Regulation • The FDA oversees dietary supplement safety, manufacturing & product information, including product claims & labeling, while the Federal Trade Commission regulates product advertising (Stanfield, 2010) • Federal Law does not require FDA testing of dietary supplements in safety or effectiveness, or require review or approval of product ingredients prior to going to market (Stanfield, 2010) • Once a product has gone to market, the FDA must be able to show it is unsafe before restricting its use or pulling it from shelves (Stanfield, 2010) • Manufacturers are not able to claim a product is able to cure or treat a disease, however they are able to make statements such as “burns unwanted fat,” or “significantly improves weight loss” without proof of validity (WebMD, 2013)
Common Weight Loss Supplements Product Name Claims & Side Effects Claims to increase caloric burn; has been shown to raise blood pressure & heart rate (similar to ephedra) Claims to block fat absorption; may cause upset stomach, nausea, gas, increased stool or constipation Claims to reduce body fat; may cause upset stomach, nausea, & loose stool Claims to decrease appetite while increasing caloric burn & fat metabolism; may cause dizziness, agitation, nausea, sleeplessness, bloating, & diarrhea (Mayo Clinc, 2012). • Bitter Orange • Chitosan • Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) • Green Tea Extract
Consider This • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Long term weight loss is achieved & maintained through a combination of healthy eating habits & routine physical exercise in order to maintain healthy caloric balance (NCAAM, 2013). • Many weight loss supplements contain stimulants that can cause adverse side effects. Speaking with a health care professional to help reduce the risk of possible interactions and complications for those with chronic health conditions is important in ensuring health safety (Blanck, 2007). • What is safe and effective for one person, may not be for someone else. It is important to discuss weight loss goals with a health care professional who can assess your health status in order to determine the most safe & effective weight loss approach for you (Nazario, 2012). • Weight loss takes time. Utilizing tools & resources that offer support in your weight loss journey can help you to stay motivated & encouraged (CDC, 2013).
Resources & Tools Aim for a Healthy Weight This free program assess your health & weight risks by calculating your current BMI & waist circumference in conjunction with your eating & exercise behaviors. Healthy weight tools such as a menu planner, portion distortion quiz, daily food & activity diary, & key recommendations are all available (NIH, 2013). MyPlate & SuperTracker This free program determines your dietary & exercise needs taking into account your gender, current height, weight & activity level in order to establish your ideal daily caloric limit, food group targets & physical activity goals. Tools such as the food & activity trackers, menu planning, tips for eating healthy on a budget, nutrition education, & other health related programs are all available (USDA, 2013). My Fitness Pal This is free program includes resources such as a food diary, searchable & customizable food database, a personalized diet profile, & an exercise calculator, along with access to virtual blogs & communities are all available. Program features are available both through their online program and free software app designed to work with your smart phone.
References • Blanck, H. M., Serdula, M. K., Gillespie, C., Galuska, D. A., Sharpe, P. A., Conway, J. M., KettelKhan, L., & Ainsworth, B. E. (March 2007). Use of Nonprescription Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss Is Common among Americans. Journal of the American Dietetic Association,Vol. 107, Issue 3, Pages 441-447. DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2006.12.009. • CDC. (August 16, 2013). Overweight and Obesity. In Adult Obesity Facts. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html. • Mayo Clinic. (February 11, 2012). Weight Loss. In Over-the-counter weight-loss pills: do they work? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/weight-loss/HQ01160. • Nazario, B., M.D. (July 10, 2012). WebMD. In Supplements for Weight Loss. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/herbal-remedies?page=3. • Stanfield, P., & Hui, Y. (2010). Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Self Instructional Approaches, fifth edition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publisher.
References, Continued • NCAAM. (July 15, 2013). National Institutes of Health. In Weight Control. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/weightloss?nav=gsa. • NIH. (2013). National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute. In Aim for a Healthy Weight. Retreived from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/index.htm • WebMD. (2013). Protect Your Health. In FDA 101: Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/fda/fda-101-dietary-supplements. • USDA. (2013). Choose MyPlate.gov. In MyPlate. Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.