Entering The Maze of Weight Loss Supplements

health

Entering The Maze of Weight Loss Supplements

By Alpro Pharmacy

April 25, 2024

Weight loss is a common dream for many, especially those who live a sedentary lifestyle. It is even more challenging to lose weight when there is flavourful and calorie-dense food around us.

The National Health Screening Initiative (NHSI) 2023 concluded that more than half of Malaysians screened are overweight or obese. Losing weight is not easy because it involves physical exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep. Thus, many people turn to supplements hoping it will help them to lose their ‘body kilograms’. From shelves displayed with “guaranteed” rapid fat loss to online platforms advertising promising transformations, these products can sound very convincing.

Surrounded by thousands of weight loss supplements, one must wonder: what ingredients lie behind these seemingly magical potions? Let’s dive in and learn more about these common weight-loss ingredients used in the market.

1.) Garcinia Cambogia

Also known as Malabar tamarind, it is a well-known weight loss supplement. As advertised, it blocks our body’s capability of producing fat and suppresses your appetite. The active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid, blocks the body’s enzyme, citrate lyase, which our body uses to make fat. Besides, it increases the brain’s serotonin hormone level, and serotonin is known to have an appetite-suppressing effect.

2.) Green Tea Extract

It contains the compound catechin and caffeine, and its high antioxidant activity is the secret combination in providing a modest weight loss property. Studies have shown that both catechin and caffeine regulate hormones that can intensify thermogenesis – a process where our body burns calories to digest the food consumed and to produce heat. Hence, taking green tea extract may make our body more effective at burning calories, leading to weight loss.

3.) L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally by our body and obtained through food such as red meat, fish, and dairy. It helps to produce energy for the body’s needs by transporting fatty acids into our cells. Because it aids in moving the fatty acids into cells’ mitochondria, it might be useful as a weight supplement.

4.) Lactobacillus Plantarum

It is a probiotic that can help in weight loss by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fat and increasing the amount of fat excreted with feces. Simply put, they make our body absorb fewer calories from our foods. Studies have shown that this probiotic can effectively reduce up to 15% body fat, including visceral fat, in just 6 weeks!

5.) Chromium Picolinate

It is a form of mineral that is commonly used in supplements. This mineral suppresses the appetite and stimulates the production of heat by the body, thus increasing energy expenditure. Besides, chromium can aid in lowering blood glucose in our body by increasing insulin activity. Thus, this may be extra beneficial for those who wish also to control their blood glucose level.

While these ingredients are commonly found in weight loss supplements, it’s important to note that one should not solely depend on weight loss supplements to lose weight. A balanced lifestyle and nutritious diet are keys to healthier living and better weight control. Regularly consult with your healthcare provider before starting any weight loss regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications that could interact with the supplements.

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.