Do Weight Loss Pills Really Work?
In the United States obesity is reaching epidemic levels. More and more people are turning to weight loss pills in hopes of shedding those unsightly pounds. With the New Year right around the corner, stores will have their shelves well stocked with weight loss pills in anticipation of the after holiday rush. But do weight loss pills really work?
Most reputable companies put out decent products that work to some degree, but not to the extent most people think they do. In the early 90’s ephedra hit the market with a lot of fanfare. It promised to burn fat like no other compound. And for the most part, it lived up to that promise.
Unfortunately along with its fat burning power, there was a long list of side effects as well. Many could not handle the powerful stimulant affects of this compound and it was blamed for many deaths. Whether or not this was true, the writing was on the wall and ephedra was banned in the United States and is no longer available.
Are there any other products that work?
Yes, but ephedra set the bar very high and there really isn’t anything new (save for possibly one) that matches its fat burning power.
Green tea and Hoodia are currently two of the most popular weight loss supplements in stores today. There have been mixed reviews on both, but Green tea has more scientific studies to back its claims. Never the less, they both fall far short of the fat burning power of ephedra.
There is however one promising compound that seems to block fructose from converting to adipose tissue.
What’s all the fuss about fructose?
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition believes that fructose may well be the cause of obesity in America today. Here’s what they had to say:
“evidence that a marked increase in the use of HFCS, and therefore in total fructose consumption, preceded the obesity epidemic and may be an important contributor to this epidemic in the United States.”
For the past thirty years fructose has virtually replaced cane sugar as the sweetener of choice for most manufacturers because of its low cost to produce. During this period there has been a 300% increase in the use of high fructose corn syrup and a 40% drop in the use of cane sugar.
What is this new compound?
This all natural compound is commonly referred to as Chinese skullcap and “Black catechu”, which are derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and Heartwood of Acacia.
What does this compound do?
This natural compound works by substantially decreasing two key obesity markers in the blood stream. These two obesity markers are expressed in high levels in the chronically obese. These compounds have been shown to significantly decrease both of these obesity markers by inhibiting fat conversion from fructose pathways and down-regulating fat accumulation and up-regulating fat breakdown.
An independent double blind clinical study was conducted by scientist at JSS Medical Research, Inc., in Montreal, Canada. Subjects ranged in age from 40-75, typically the age group that has the most difficult time losing weight. Participants were not given any advice on diet or physical activity.
The results of the study were eye opening. Those that were not given the compound averaged zero pounds of weight loss, while those given the natural compound lost on average 7% of their body weight.
One can only imagine their results if they combined a sensible diet plan with a regular exercise program.
Although these compounds show a lot of promise (especially if you are addicted to sweets) and may very well hold the key to the obesity epidemic, it should not replace a healthy diet and sensible exercise program.
