The Skinny on Weight Loss Supplements
Don’t those ads for over-the-counter weight loss supplements sound so tempting?
...The list goes on and on.
I’d like to jump to the punch-line first: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That’s the topic of my Today Show segment that I know you’ll want to see (click here for the video) to get the facts on weight loss supplements.
When it comes to losing weight, if it were so easy, everyone would be thin! While there are many ways to make the lifestyle change easier (not easy!), this whole category of supplements for weight loss preys upon the consumer’s perfect world scenario: Effortless weight loss.
Back to real life, weight loss and maintenance are challenging, and we are all looking for help, but here’s why over the counter weight loss supplements should be avoided:
- There is no government regulation of the formulation of these compounds, meaning there is no guarantee of purity or dosage of a particular product.
Is that a problem? Yes, because many of the ingredients do have biological activity, but if you don’t know the amount, you can put your health at risk. It might be effective, but how much is the right amount?
- The lack of government regulation applies to product purity. In preparing these pills or capsules, there can be numerous contaminants in the product, that can be health damaging as well. This is a safety issue, not one of effectiveness.
- Side-effects of these compounds do not need to be reported to anyone. While the products all list that their statements do not have FDA approval, it also means that any negative side effects are not required to be reported anywhere (meaning there is no official documentation of any problems!)
I’d like to hear your thoughts and experiences with these products. Without regulation, let the consumer beware. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Losing weight is hard, and keeping it off even harder – but a commitment to lifestyle is the first step. There are others–including prescription medication and surgery–when needed.
Comments
Has anyone had any experience and/or results with either "Alli" or "Akavar"?
Thanks.
Yes, I thought I was passing gas while using Alli and had a terrible accident that ended up in my having to leave work to go home and change. The greasy discharge did not wash out somy clothing had to be tossed. I so no positive results so stopped taking it.
I've tried ALLI, and it works if your willing to work with it, the gerasy discharge is from consuming too much fat, but if you eat right that won't happen. I saw some good results, however its expensive and i haven't been able to buy anymore lately
I haven't tried those but I've had success with Herbalife.
I'm 25 years old, 5'7 and weight 130 lbs....I'm not fat at all however I tried the Alli pills because I want to be skinny. I ate will, so I didnt see any side effects (gas, oil discharge)...and I lost 5 lbs. However, after two months, 2 weeks I had a TIA (mini stroke) The doctors informed me that although these pills are approved by the FDA does not mean that they are not dangerous......I strongly believed that the stroke was due to the Alli pills...Also, everytime I took the pills I had a lot of cramps and was usually in a bad mood. I've stopped taking them now for 2 weeks...and I feel a lot better but I've already gained the 5 lbs...back :(
god, karen! what's 5 lbs compared to your health! 5lbs you can live with, but your health you can't live without!!if you want to lose 5 lbs, walk, run, try a dance class. taking these pills seems to result in the unappealing to the truly dangerous. thank you for your honesty. i will NOT be taking them.
I agree with KatiePie. I am 50, 5'6" and 140. I would love to be 130 again and realize if I watch what I eat just a little and exercise I could loose the 5 lbs. and be healthier than if I took something we don't know what will do to us. I also am starting to come to terms with the fact we are going to be a certain base weight once we get older & hit a plataeu and just try to be honest with yourself as to what you are eating and what yo would like to be in weight. Good luck everyone!!
OK, how to put this gently....Alli is for people who need to loss alot of weight, not just 5-10 lbs. This is where you need to learn to love your body and learn to be healthy and don't worry about the scale. If you are healthy, the scale will worry about itself. Don't try to be the "Hollywood" image, it isn't healthy either.
Haven't tried Alli as I'd heard too many horror stories about uncontrolled bowel movements. My mom had been pushing me to get them. She also pushed me to take phen-phen before it was taken off the market. Even though I know, I KNOW, there's no magic product, I did it again. I bought and drank "Super Dieter's Tea." I did lose about 3 lbs of water weight (it's now back and doubled), but I got terrible cramps and spent about two hours a night on the toilet. When will I learn?
I am 5-2 and jumped off the scale this morning when it looked like it was about to hit 210 (denial, anyone?), so it's about health as well as looks at this point. I guess it's back to weighing food and counting points for me.
I started taking the Alli pills about a week ago & I don't know about results yet, and I don't know about the girl who had the stroke, but I feel good so far. Knowing that the side effects would have me in the bathroom forces me to really be careful with what I eat. Just remember to watch your calorie intake as well! You can be consuming too many calories without realizing it!
My wife and I have lost a combined 53 pounds. We started drinking this fruit juice called Monavie. It is made up of 19 fruits including the acai berry. Its low glycemic index benefits for weight control because it helps control appetite and delay hunger. Low glycemic levels can also help individuals who are trying to lose weight, since it keeps you fuller longer, and can even prolong physical strength and endurance.
By drinking the fruit juice with the acai berry your body will be cleansed and able to run properly, and fatigue will be eliminated over time. High antioxidant levels boost the immune system, and people have reported having boundless energy and endurance as a result of drinking Monavie.
We now have more energy and our appetites have been curbed. We drink 2oz in the morning and 2 oz at night. We were so excited we now have our whole family drinking it and each one has found benefits in the juice! Learn more: http://www.mymonavie.com/richardfamily
I drank the Monavie also. I know it must be good for you but I didn't notice too much of a difference. I did it for a month. The bottle was around $40 or $45 for a bottle the size of a bottle of wine. I was told I needed to do it longer.
I have been taking Alli for 6 weeks. I lost 2 pounds a week for the first 4 weeks. The 5th week I did not follow the diet, and gained back one pound. Last week, I was on the "fence" and didn't lose or gain. This week, I haven't been on the scale. I wonder if my body has adjusted to the drug? I have been watching my fat and calarie intake, and been some what more active.
I am 5'5" and started at 174lbs. and currently at 168lbs. I am 46 years old.
According to the docs should weigh 148-150. I like the way I look now, but would be happier at probably 160. Not sure how long to take the Alli, but just bought another 120 day supply. The thing I don't like with the Alli is not being able to talk with someone, but they do have their own blog. Side effects are minimal.
We are all desperately seeking for the final secret to end our misery of being overweight. There is no pill that will teach us to love ourselves. It really is about self-acceptance, appreciation and self-respect for ourselves just as we are in this very moment. Take a good hard look in the mirror. That's where the true healing begins, within ourselves. I know. I know all too well. I am a gastric bypass patient. Though I have lost over 140 lbs. I am still morbidly obese. I have spent the last 39 yrs. being super morbidly obese, bulimic and anorexic. I have done EVERYTHING except 2 things: wire my mouth shut and inject myself with pregnant women's urine. We want our bodies to be like someone else. We want to normal and like others. It has to begin with YOUR perception of yourself. It has to be about what you choose to believe about you, your body and your life. I strongly encourage anyone to read You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay. I lost 73 lbs in 7 1/2 months by changing my thinking. Luv U.
thanks for these thoughts--was just thinking about trying alli but i will lay that thought aside and give the Hay book a try
thanks for these thoughts--was just thinking about trying alli but i will lay that thought aside and give the Hay book a try
I know it sounds sad, but I am 26 years old and 145 lbs. I'm not fat but I want to lose like 10 lbs so I was thinking of trying Alli. But like most people, I am afraid of the side effects of it. Now my cousin who is the same age as me and also just wants to lose around 10 lbs started taking Alli and she said that as long as you eat right, you will not have the oily discharge or whatever. I think she said she was losing weight with it but just very slowly. I know some might say that it's just vanity but I think we all fall victim to the pressures of society when it comes to weight. Espcially younger women like myself.
The Alli works just fine for me. I already ate a low fat diet and just had to cut down on the calories. I loose about a pound a day. I started out over 190. After I went over 190 I quit weighing myself. It was too depressing. I am already down to 175 and just finished the first bottle. Yes I had 'treatment effects' but after the first time I didn't make that mistake again. My office is having a biggest looser contest. As others are taking over the counter diet aids I got it OK'd to do the same. lol After I win the contest I intend to share my secret weapon!
My brother has been on the HCG injection program for the last 4.5 weeks, He is giving himself injections daily of womens hormone. He says he has lost 45 lbs. He is also only eating 500 calories a day. When he feels that he plateaus, the program tells his to eat only apples all day, but he can only have 6. Now you tell me, is it the HCG, or the 500 calories per day that is making him lose the weight? And what is going to happen, when he eats normally again? He says the HCG resets the Thyroid. I did some research on it, and I just don't buy it...has anyone else out there tried this? I would appreciate some honest feedback.
I just started taking Alli and haven't had any problems. Like you, I have heard the horror stories about oily discharge and so I have been really careful to follow the 1200 a day calorie intake and 12 grams of fat per meal. I can say one good thing for sure, it's keeping me honest.
I stood in the weight loss aisle for about 30 mins reading the back of the alli box. I dont know about you but I really didnt feel comfortable even considering that stuff. Im gonna just
watch what I eat for now on
My sister has been taking Alli since father's day..She is was not overweight to begin with...she has lost about 20 pounds on Alli. BUT, Alli has become an addition for her. She looks terrible anorexic now at 5'9 and 125 pounds...yuck! I have tried to help her, but Alli is her addiction. I would not recommend ALLI for anyone that is only 10-20 pounds overweight. She looks terrible and has HUGH stomachs all the time...and her bed sheets looks like a splattered mess of peanut oil...all the time. USERS BEWARE!! And, by the way, her mood is verry aggressive, I believe its affecting her moods!....from a concerced family member that cannot reach her sister b/c ALLI has moved in
I have been taking phentermine from a weigh less clinic along with the B-12 injections and a diet plan, which has seem to work for me. I lost 12lbs in 1 month. The only side affects I've had is dry mouth, going to the bathroom from drinking so much water(dry mouth), and managing to have enough energy to clean my whole house at one time.(I guess thats good). But if you have one in your area they can monitor your blood pressure and weight loss so you won't loose weight drastically because that is unhealthy.
Ok you guys need a reality check. Being even just a little or really overweight is not ok! Diet pills are fine if taken in moderation and in conjuction with diet and excercise. I've tried many and uts just a matter of what works good for your own body. I'm 5'2 and 118 of pure muscle. I run 4 mile 5x a week and watch what I eat 85% of the time. I'm not naturally thin so it does take work. Just remember how much harder life is when you're fat and that should motivate you enough.
Re: HCG -- I've done the Simeon's Diet, and it worked for me. I lost 20 lbs in 26 days, was able to come off my blood pressure medicine, and feel GREAT! At the end of the 26 days, I ate steak, cheese, and low carb veggies for 3 weeks, then at the end of the 3 wks ate normally...meat, cheese, bread, dessert, etc. I weigh the same today as I did at the end of the 26 days...and that was 6 weeks ago. Done under dr supervision, no ill side effects. Best part is you can see the results immediately. Husband also did it, lost 50 lbs., has been able to greatly reduce the amount of insulin he takes. It's worth looking into. Good luck!
This product is great. I have been taking it for one month now. I sleep better, wake up on time and more refreshed and have more energy with no crash. My grandmother has cancer and she has also been taking it. They reduced her cancer medication as a result of the MonaVie. To learn more about the product visit:
http://www.thegreatproduct.com/yahoo
or
http//www.mymonavie.com/foryourhealth
first of all, it is obvious to me that the people who are posting links to monavie are scammers, so just ignore them.
getting on to reality, i have maybe a 25 lb loss to get me where i should be. alli scares me and after reading some of the posts here, i absolutely will not try it.
i am trying hypnosis now. i did well the 1st week and lost 6 lbs, probably water weight. the first session was regarding eating habits. i found myself not even being tempted by the chocolate, etc. that rules my life.
i had 1 more session a week later which was to get me back to the gym and i did not 'get' the message/did not get to the gym and although i stayed true to the healthy eating, i did not lose another ounce. after 4 weeks being very careful and not eating 'mindlessly', i just gave up. i should have contacted my hypnotherapist at that time.
i am still sedentary and 3 mos later i have gained the 6 lbs back and a couple more because i just started eating. i am now about 164# and 5'6" and he has agreed to 1 more session.
