Dietary diets for weight loss: myths and reality
Section 1: Introduction to the world of dietary supplements (biologically active additives)
Dietary supplements, or biologically active additives, filled the market, promising an easy and quick way to lose weight. However, a complex reality is often hidden behind loud advertising statements. Before considering specific additives, it is necessary to understand what dietary supplements are in principle, how they are regulated and what risks are associated with their use.
1.1 What is dietary supplements?
According to the definition, dietary supplements are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes, as well as to maintain normal and restoration of impaired health. It is important to note that dietary supplements are not medicines. They are classified as food products, which means that they are presented with less stringent safety and efficiency requirements than drugs.
1.2 Adjustment of dietary supplements:
The regulation of dietary supplements in different countries varies significantly. In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as food products in accordance with the Law on Food additives and education in the field of health (DSHEA) from 1994. This means that manufacturers are not required to receive the approval of FDA (control of the quality of food and drugs and drugs) before the sale of their products. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, but FDA does not preliminary assess their effectiveness. In Europe, the regulation of dietary supplements also differs in different EU member countries, although there are general rules governing the safety of food products. In Russia, dietary supplements are also regulated as food and must comply with the requirements of the technical regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 021/2011 “On the safety of food products”. Registration of dietary supplements in Russia includes an examination of documents and laboratory studies to confirm the safety of products.
1.3 risks associated with the use of dietary supplements:
Despite the fact that dietary supplements are positioned as “natural” and “safe”, they can represent serious health risks. The main risks include:
- Inaccurate information on the label: The content of the ingredients indicated on the label may not correspond to the actual composition of the product. This can lead to an overdose of individual components or to the use of substances that are not indicated in the composition and can be dangerous.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with medicines, enhancing or weakening their effect. This can lead to serious side effects, especially in people taking several drugs at the same time.
- Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements for weight loss do not have sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness. Advertising statements are often based on marketing tricks and are not confirmed by clinical research.
- Side effects: Even “natural” ingredients can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, headaches, allergic reactions and heart rhythm disturbances.
- Contamination: Bades can be polluted by heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria or other dangerous substances.
- Delay of seeking qualified medical care: Belief in the effectiveness of dietary supplements can lead to a delay in seeking qualified medical care for serious diseases.
Section 2: Popular ingredients of dietary supplements for weight loss: Myths and reality
The market for weight loss offers a huge variety of ingredients, each of which promises a miraculous effect. Consider the most popular of them, assessing their effectiveness and safety based on scientific data.
2.1 L-Carnitin:
L-carnitine is an amino acid that plays an important role in transporting fatty acids to mitochondria, where they are used to produce energy. Dad manufacturers say that L-carnitine helps to burn fat and increases endurance.
- Myth: L-carnitine effectively burns fat without physical exercises and diets.
- Reality: Scientific research does not confirm the effectiveness of L-carnitine for weight loss in people who are not involved in sports. Some studies show that L-carnitine can improve sports indicators and promote fat burning with intense physical exertion, but the effect is insignificant. In addition, to achieve a noticeable effect, high doses of L-carnitine are needed, which can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders.
2.2 Green tea (extract):
Green tea contains catechins, in particular epallocatechin Gallat (EGCG), which are powerful antioxidants. It is believed that EGCG promotes fat burning and accelerates metabolism.
- Myth: Green tea extract is guaranteed to burn fat and allows you to lose weight without effort.
- Reality: Some studies show that green tea extract can slightly accelerate metabolism and contribute to fat burning, but the effect is usually small and is observed only with regular use for a long time. Most studies were conducted on animals, and the results are not always applicable to people. In addition, high doses of green tea extract can cause side effects, such as insomnia, irritability and liver problems.
2.3 Caffeine:
Caffeine is a stimulator contained in coffee, tea, cocoa and many energy drinks. It stimulates the nervous system, increases energy and can temporarily accelerate metabolism.
- Myth: Caffeine is a powerful fat burner that allows you to quickly lose weight.
- Reality: Caffeine can really accelerate metabolism and contribute to burning fat, but the effect is usually small and short -term. Regular use of caffeine leads to the development of tolerance, and its effect weakens. In addition, caffeine can cause side effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and digestive disorders. People with cardiovascular diseases and other health problems should use caffeine with caution.
2.4 Garcinia Cambodia:
Garcinia Cambodian is a tropical fruit containing hydroxilimic acid (HCA). It is believed that the HCA blocks the enzyme involved in the formation of fat and suppresses appetite.
- Myth: Garcinia Cambodia is a miraculous means for weight loss that blocks the formation of fat and suppresses appetite.
- Reality: Clinical studies do not confirm the effectiveness of Garcinia Cambodia for weight loss. Some studies show that HCA can slightly suppress appetite, but the effect is usually small and does not lead to significant weight loss. In addition, Garcinia Cambodia can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, headaches and liver problems.
2.5 Chitosan:
Chitosan is a polysaccharide obtained from crustacean shells. It is believed that chitosan binds fat in the digestive tract and prevents its absorption.
- Myth: Chitosan effectively blocks the absorption of fat and allows you to eat anything without gaining weight.
- Reality: Clinical studies show that chitosan can slightly reduce fat absorption, but the effect is usually small and does not lead to significant weight loss. In addition, chitosan can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, constipation and reducing the absorption of fat -soluble vitamins. People with allergies for seafood should avoid the use of chitosan.
2.6 Picolinate Chroma:
Chromium picolinate is a connection of chromium and picolinic acid. It is believed that chrome improves insulin sensitivity and reduces craving for sweets.
- Myth: Chromium picolinate effectively reduces craving for sweets and promotes weight loss.
- Reality: Clinical studies do not confirm the effectiveness of chromium picoline for weight loss. Some studies show that chrome can slightly improve insulin sensitivity, but the effect is usually small and does not lead to significant weight loss. In addition, chromium picolinate can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, headaches and skin reactions.
2.7 fiber (dietary fiber):
Fiber is undigested carbohydrates, which are found in vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes. Fiber creates a feeling of satiety, slows down sugar absorption and helps to normalize the intestines.
- Myth: Fiber is a magical remedy for weight loss, which allows you to eat a lot and not gain weight.
- Reality: Fiber is really good for health and can contribute to weight loss, but only in combination with healthy nutrition and physical exercises. Fiber creates a feeling of satiety, which helps to control the appetite and reduce the number of calories consumed. However, the use of a large amount of fiber without a sufficient amount of liquid can lead to digestive disorders, such as bloating and constipation.
2.8 Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA):
Cla is a group of fatty acids that are found in meat and dairy products. It is believed that CLA helps to burn fat and increase muscle mass.
- Myth: Cla effectively burns fat and increases muscle mass without physical exercises and diet.
- Reality: Some studies show that CLA can slightly reduce the fat mass and increase muscle mass, but the effect is usually small and is observed only with prolonged use in combination with physical exercises. In addition, Cla can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, nausea and fatigue.
2.9 Forkskolin:
Forscolin is a Coleus Forskohli plant extract. It is believed that Forscolin stimulates the production of TsAMF (cyclic adenosinomonophosphate), which is involved in the process of burning fat.
- Myth: Forcoline effectively burns fat and increases muscle mass without physical exercises and diet.
- Reality: Clinical studies of the effectiveness of Forscolin for weight loss are few and contradictory. Some studies show that Forcoline can slightly reduce the fat mass and increase muscle mass, but the effect is usually small and further study is required. In addition, Forcoline can cause side effects, such as a decrease in blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.
2.10 Plant extracts (for example, Gorky Orange extract):
Some dietary supplements for weight loss contain plant extracts, such as a bitter orange extract (Citrus aurantium), which contains synfrin – a stimulant similar to ephedrine.
- Myth: Plant extracts are a safe and effective alternative to drugs for weight loss.
- Reality: Plant extracts can represent serious health risks. Sinefrin, contained in an extract of a bitter orange, can cause side effects similar to the side effects of Ephedrine, such as an increase in blood pressure, rapid palpitations, anxiety and insomnia. The use of Gorky Orange extract in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine can enhance these side effects and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Ephedrine was prohibited in the USA and many other countries due to serious side effects, and Sinefrin can represent similar risks.
Section 3: Bades and Health: side effects and contraindications
When making a decision to take dietary supplements for weight loss, it is important to realize potential health risks. Many dietary supplements can cause side effects and have contraindications, especially for people with certain diseases or taking drugs.
3.1 General side effects of dietary supplements for weight loss:
- Digestive disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain.
- Nervous system: Insomnia, anxiety, irritability, headaches, dizziness.
- Cardiovascular system: Far heartbeat, increased blood pressure, arrhythmia.
- Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock (in rare cases).
- Other: Fatigue, weakness, dry mouth, increased sweating.
3.2 dietary supplements and drugs: Interaction:
Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effectiveness or enhancing their side effects. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept in order to avoid unwanted interactions. Some examples of the interaction of dietary supplements with drugs:
- Warfarin (anticoagulant): Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin K and fish oil, can affect blood coagulation and change the effectiveness of warfarin.
- Antidepressants: Some dietary supplements, such as St. John’s wort, can interact with antidepressants and cause unwanted side effects.
- Diabetes Medicines: Some dietary supplements, such as chromium picoline, can affect blood sugar and change the effectiveness of drugs for diabetes.
- Belongation medicines: Some dietary supplements, such as Gorky Orange extract, can increase blood pressure and reduce the effectiveness of drug pressure drugs.
3.3 Contraindications for receiving dietary supplements for weight loss:
Reception of dietary supplements for weight loss is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Many dietary supplements were not investigated for safety for pregnant women and nursing women, and their reception may be a risk to the health of the mother and child.
- Children and adolescence: Literation dietary supplements are not intended for children and adolescents, and their intake can disrupt the normal development of the body.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Bades containing stimulants, such as caffeine and synephrine, can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular diseases.
- Liver and kidney diseases: Some dietary supplements can have a toxic effect on the liver and kidneys, and their intake is contraindicated in diseases of these organs.
- Mental disorders: Bades containing stimulants can aggravate the symptoms of mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
- Allergies: People with allergies to certain dietary supplements should avoid taking them.
3.4 how to choose a safe dietary supplement:
If you still decide to take a dietary supplement for weight loss, follow the following recommendations to minimize health risks:
- Consult a doctor: Discuss with the doctor the need for dietary supplements, possible risks and contraindications.
- Choose a dietary supplement from famous manufacturers: Give preference for dietary supplements from companies with a good reputation that conduct quality control of their products.
- Read the label carefully: Pay attention to the composition of the product, dosage and warning.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose: Exceeding the recommended dose can increase the risk of side effects.
- Follow your well -being: If you notice any side effects, stop taking dietary supplements and consult a doctor.
- Do not take a few dietary supplements at the same time: Reception of several dietary supplements can simultaneously increase the risk of interaction between them.
- Check the availability of quality certificates: Make sure that dietary supplement has the necessary quality certificates and meets safety requirements.
Section 4: Alternatives Bad: Healthy Losing weight
Instead of relying on dubious dietary supplements, it is much more efficient and safer to use proven methods to achieve healthy weight.
4.1 Healthy nutrition:
Healthy diet is the basis of healthy weight loss. It includes balanced consumption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The basic principles of healthy diet:
- Calorie consumption restriction: For weight loss, it is necessary to consume less calories than it is spent.
- Increased protein consumption: Protein helps to maintain muscle mass and creates a feeling of satiety.
- Reducing the consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar: Simple carbohydrates and sugar are quickly absorbed and can lead to jumps in blood sugar and weight gain.
- Increase in fiber consumption: Fiber creates a feeling of satiety and contributes to the normalization of the intestines.
- Eating healthy fats: Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are good for health and can contribute to fat burning.
- Restriction of consumption of processed products and fast food: Processed products and fast food usually contain many calories, sugar and harmful fats.
- Regular nutrition: Regular nutrition helps to maintain a stable blood sugar and control appetite.
- Sufficient water consumption: Water helps to accelerate metabolism and creates a feeling of satiety.
4.2 Physical activity:
Physical activity plays an important role in healthy weight loss. It helps to burn calories, increase muscle mass and improve the overall state of health. It is recommended to engage in physical activity at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity or 75 minutes per week of high intensity. Types of physical activity:
- Aerobic exercises: Walking, running, swimming, cycling, dancing.
- Power training: Lift weights, exercises with your own weight.
- High intensity interval training (HIIT): Alternation of short periods of intensive load with periods of rest.
- Yoga and Pilates: Improve flexibility, strength and coordination.
4.3 Healthy sleep:
Healthy sleep plays an important role in weight control. The lack of sleep can lead to an increase in appetite, a decrease in metabolism and an increase in the risk of obesity. It is recommended to sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
4.4 Stress management:
Stress can lead to an increase in appetite and weight gain. Stress management can help control appetite and maintain healthy weight. Stress management methods:
- Meditation: Meditation helps to calm the mind and reduce the level of stress.
- Yoga: Yoga combines physical exercises, breathing practices and meditation.
- Respiratory exercises: Deep breathing exercises help reduce stress and improve well -being.
- Walks in the fresh air: Walks in the fresh air help to relax and relieve stress.
- Hobbies: Classes of your favorite business help to distract from problems and reduce the level of stress.
4.5 Consultation with a specialist:
If it is difficult for you to lose weight yourself, consult a doctor or a nutritionist. They will help you develop an individual nutrition and physical activity plan, taking into account your features and health status.
Section 5: Marketing tricks and false promises:
The dietary supplement industry for weight loss often uses marketing tricks and makes false promises to attract customers. It is important to be able to recognize these tricks so as not to spend money on ineffective and potentially dangerous products.
5.1 common marketing tricks:
- Guarantees of quick weight loss: Promises of quick weight loss without effort are a clear sign of fraud. Healthy weight loss is a gradual process that takes time and effort.
- “Scientifically proved”: Applications on “scientifically proven” effectiveness are often not backed up by real clinical research or based on research with a small number of participants and a dubious methodology.
- “Natural” ingredients: “Natural” does not always mean “safe”. Some natural ingredients can be toxic or cause side effects.
- Celebrity reviews: Celebrity reviews are often paid and do not reflect the real experience of using the product.
- Photos “before and after”: Photos “before and after” can be edited or not reflect the real results of using the product.
- Deficiency: Creating an artificial product deficit to stimulate purchases.
- Promotions and discounts: Aggressive promotions and discounts can be a way of selling a poor -quality or ineffective product.
- Using pseudo -scientific terminology: The use of complex and incomprehensible terms to create the impression of the scientific validity of the product.
5.2 How to recognize false promises:
- Be skeptical: Do not believe everything that you see in advertising.
- Look for scientific evidence: Check if there are scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of the product.
- Pay attention to the composition: Make sure that the product does not have dangerous or prohibited ingredients.
- Consult a doctor: Discuss with the doctor the need to receive dietary supplements and possible risks.
- Do not buy dietary supplements in doubtful places: Buy dietary supplements only in pharmacies or trusted online stores.
Section 6: Legislation and liability of dietary supplement manufacturers:
In different countries, the legislation regulating the production and sale of dietary supplements is significantly different. It is important to understand what requirements are for dietary supplements and what responsibility they bear for the quality and safety of their products.
6.1 Responsibility of manufacturers:
Dad manufacturers are responsible for:
- Safety of your products: They must guarantee that their products do not contain hazardous substances and do not pose a threat to consumer health.
- Compliance with the composition of the declared on the label: They must indicate the full and exact composition of the product on the label.
- Reliability of information: They should not give false or misleading promises about the effectiveness of their products.
- Compliance with legislation requirements: They must comply with all the requirements of the legislation governing the production and sale of dietary supplements.
6.2 Consumer rights:
Consumers have the right to:
- Product Security: The right to purchase safe and quality products.
- Reliable information: The right to receive complete and reliable information about the product.
- Compensation for damage: The right to compensation for damage caused by a poor -quality or dangerous product.
- Protection of their rights: The right to protect their rights in case of violation of the law.
6.3 Where to go when problems arise:
If you are faced with poor -quality or dangerous dietary supplement, you can contact the following organizations:
- Rospotrebnadzor (in Russia): Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare.
- FDA (in the USA): Management for the quality of food and drugs.
- Consumer protection organizations: Independent organizations providing assistance to consumers in protecting their rights.
- Court: In case of damage to health, you can go to court to protect your rights and receive compensation.
Section 7: Final recommendations:
Dietary dietary supplements are a complex and contradictory topic. Remember the following key points:
- Bades are not medicines and should not be considered as a replacement for healthy nutrition and physical activity.
- Many dietary supplements do not have sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
- Bades can cause side effects and interact with drugs.
- It is important to consult a doctor before starting dietary supplements.
- Be critical to advertising statements and do not believe false promises.
- Give preference to a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, healthy sleep and stress management.
Remember that healthy weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Do not look for easy ways and do not risk your health for the sake of a quick result. Make a choice in favor of a healthy lifestyle, and you will definitely achieve your goal!