The Role of Nutritional Supplements in Weight Loss

According to recent studies approximately two-thirds of adults are willing to lose weight or prevent weight gain. The current protocol of weight loss has focused on use of supplements as a necessary approach in the case of related comorbidities or severe obesity.In addition to lifestyle changes, majority of patients are recommended to take supplements in their weight loss plan. Notably, the most commonly used ingredients for weight-loss supplements are as follows: Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine, Caffeine, Theophylline, or Theobromine, Chromium, Conjugated linoleic acid and Carnitine. Therefore, these supplements are considered as combination formulas. The suggested regulatory mechanisms of such supplements in relation to ease of weight loss may be associated with 1) energy-boosting or thermogenesis 2) Appetite suppression and early satiation 3) prevention or reduction of fuel absorption 4) fat burning induction 5) enhancement of muscle mass or power. However, the use of various weight loss supplements in children and adults may raise related concerns. Thus, the effect of these supplements are highly different and depends on related guidelines protocols and clinical judgments of dieticians and physicians.