Weight loss is a complex journey, and many individuals seek additional support through supplements. Among these, weight loss pills and gummies have gained popularity, promising to burn fat, suppress appetite, and boost metabolism. However, it's crucial to approach these products with caution, understanding their ingredients, effectiveness, and potential risks.
Understanding Weight Loss Supplements
Weight loss gummies are among the numerous weight loss supplements readily available. The core idea is that these gummies can complement other weight loss strategies, such as diet and exercise. It's essential to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements, so consulting a doctor before taking them is crucial.
Common Ingredients in Weight Loss Gummies
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a prevalent ingredient in weight loss gummies. While its precise mechanism for weight loss remains unclear, some evidence suggests that ACV may enhance fat metabolism and promote feelings of fullness.
A research review indicated that individuals with obesity who consumed ACV daily for 12 weeks experienced an average weight reduction of 1.6 kilograms. However, their weight and waist circumference returned to pre-research levels within four weeks of discontinuing ACV. Researchers emphasize the need for more extensive human trials to validate these findings.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is another common ingredient, often included for its purported ability to burn calories and fat, support metabolism, and suppress appetite.
Read also: The Role of Enzymes in Digestion
Other Active Ingredients
Other ingredients found in weight loss gummies include:
- Garcinia Extract: Marketed for its potential to suppress appetite and block fat production.
- Raspberry Ketones: Touted for their fat-burning properties.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract: Believed to aid in weight loss by reducing fat absorption.
- Caffeine: A stimulant that may increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
Popular Weight Loss Gummies on the Market
Several weight loss gummies are available on the market, each with its own blend of ingredients and claims. Here's a look at some bestsellers on Amazon:
Goli Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy Vitamins
These gummies contain ACV and vitamin B12, claiming to support metabolism, digestion, and appetite suppression. Reviewers praise their taste and quality, making them a more palatable alternative to drinking straight ACV. Some users report increased energy levels, but not necessarily weight loss.
Nobi Green Tea Fat Burner Gummies
These gummies combine green tea extract, garcinia extract, raspberry ketones, green coffee bean extract, and caffeine. They claim to burn calories and fat, support metabolism, and suppress appetite. Some reviewers report increased energy and modest weight loss, while others experience no change in weight.
Hydroxycut Gummy Vitamin
These gummies contain vitamins, minerals, and Coffea robusta extract. The manufacturer cites a study suggesting that participants taking this extract lost approximately 5 pounds more than the control group over 60 days. Reviewers mention appetite suppression, but some report side effects like headaches or jitteriness. Negative reviews often focus on the gummies' texture.
Read also: Health Benefits of Artichoke Extract
Redotex: A Dangerous Example
Redotex is a weight-loss product that exemplifies the dangers of unregulated supplements. The FDA has deemed it a misbranded drug, illegal to sell as either a drug or a dietary supplement. It contains a dangerous combination of thyroid, laxative, stimulant, and tranquilizer drugs, including triiodothyronine, atropine, diazepam, aloin, and d-norpseudoephedrine. Redotex has been linked to serious and potentially fatal adverse reactions. It also contains controlled substances that can lead to a positive drug test.
The Importance of Consulting a Doctor
It is crucial to speak with a doctor before trying weight loss gummies or any weight loss supplement. Some supplements may not cause adverse effects, while others can interact with medications or cause side effects.
FDA Regulation and Consumer Protection
The FDA does not approve weight loss supplements before they are sold. The agency has identified numerous supplements containing potentially harmful ingredients. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) actively warns consumers about deceptive marketing practices in the weight loss supplement industry.
Red Flags and False Promises
Consumers should be wary of weight loss supplements that make unrealistic claims. Promises of losing substantial weight in a short period without diet or exercise, guarantees of universal effectiveness, or permanent weight loss should be viewed with skepticism. It's also essential to be cautious of fake "success" stories, altered images, and stolen logos used to promote these products.
Keto Weight Loss Gummies
Keto weight loss gummies, such as Vitalena Nature’s Keto Burn Gummies, typically contain exogenous ketones. While these ketones can induce a metabolic state similar to natural ketosis, more research is needed to fully understand their effects on ketosis and weight loss.
Read also: Ingredients in Olly Weight Loss Pills
Scientific Evidence and Expert Opinions
Whether or not weight loss gummies work remains a subject of debate. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that weight loss supplements may provide a minimal or modest boost to weight loss efforts at best and offer no benefit at worst.
FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications
The only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss supplement is alli, containing orlistat. Orlistat functions by blocking approximately 25% of the fat consumed. For every 5 pounds of weight you lose through diet and exercise, alli may help you lose an additional 2-3 pounds.
Several FDA-approved prescription weight-loss medications are available, including:
- Orlistat (Xenical): A higher-strength version of alli.
- Naltrexone and Bupropion (Contrave): A combination medication that affects areas of the brain involved in appetite and reward.
- Phentermine (Adipex-P): An appetite suppressant.
- Phentermine and Topiramate (Qsymia): A combination medication that suppresses appetite and increases feelings of fullness.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): A GLP-1 receptor agonist that slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to liraglutide but with a longer duration of action.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus): Also a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for diabetes, but with weight loss benefits.
Orlistat: A Closer Look
Orlistat is a medication used to promote weight loss by decreasing the amount of fat absorbed from food. It is available both over-the-counter (Alli) and by prescription (Xenical).
How Orlistat Works
Orlistat works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fats in the digestive system. By blocking this enzyme, orlistat reduces the amount of fat that the body absorbs.
Dosage and Storage
Orlistat is available in 60 mg (Alli) and 120 mg (Xenical) oral capsules. It should be stored tightly closed at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of orlistat include:
- Gas
- Oily leakage from the anus
- Oily stool
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Decreased ability to control bowel movements
Eating a meal high in fat can increase the risk of these side effects.
Serious Side Effects
While less common, orlistat can cause serious side effects, including:
- Liver Damage: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, weakness, itching, loss of appetite, light-colored stool, dark urine, and jaundice.
- Kidney Problems: Orlistat may cause kidney stones and kidney damage. Symptoms include decreased urine output, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain when urinating, increased need to urinate, blood in the urine, and back, belly, or groin pain.
- Gallbladder Problems: Orlistat may cause gallstones. Symptoms include pain in the upper stomach area, nausea, and vomiting.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, itching, skin rash, hives, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach cramps.
Warnings and Precautions
Orlistat should not be used by individuals with:
- Allergies to orlistat or any of the ingredients in the product
- Pregnancy
- Problems absorbing food (malabsorption syndrome)
- Gallbladder problems (cholestasis)
Interactions
Orlistat can interact with other medications and supplements, including:
- Cyclosporine
- Levothyroxine
- Warfarin
- Amiodarone
- Anti-seizure medications
- HIV/AIDS medications
- Vitamins and supplements
Important Considerations
- Take orlistat with a fat-containing meal or up to one hour after a fat-containing meal.
- If you skip a meal or if a meal does not contain fat, you can skip that dose of orlistat.
- Orlistat can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients, so a multivitamin should be taken two hours before or after a dose of orlistat.
Celebrities and Weight Loss Gummies
It's important to be skeptical of celebrity endorsements of weight loss products. Oprah Winfrey, for example, has stated that her name was used without her permission to promote Great Results Keto AVC Gummies.
Alternative Approaches to Weight Loss
Sustainable weight loss typically involves a combination of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medical intervention. Adele, for instance, attributed her 100-pound weight loss to regular exercise, including weights, hiking, boxing, and cardio.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a gradual weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week through diet and exercise.
Dexatrim: A Historical Perspective
Dexatrim is an over-the-counter dietary supplement that has been marketed for weight loss for over 45 years. However, its formula has changed significantly over time due to safety concerns. In the past, Dexatrim contained ingredients like phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and ephedra, which were later banned by the FDA due to their association with serious side effects.
Currently, Dexatrim contains ingredients like Asian ginseng and DHEA. However, scientific data does not strongly support the health claims associated with these ingredients. Dexatrim itself carries a warning about potential side effects and recommends consulting a physician before use.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Newer Approach
A newer class of medications, known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, has gained attention for their impressive weight loss results. These medications, initially used to treat type 2 diabetes, can lead to a 10% to 20% reduction in body weight.
Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
These drugs work by prompting the body to produce more insulin after eating, limiting the elevation of blood sugar levels. They also slow gastric emptying and reduce appetite.
It's important to note that GLP-1 receptor agonists are typically prescribed for individuals with obesity or those with a BMI of 27 or higher plus at least one weight-related condition. They are also expensive and may not be covered by insurance for weight loss.