Editor's Note: Supplements should not replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. Before starting any weight loss program, users should consult a physician, especially if using other medication.
This is Part I, an Introduction to Fat Loss Supplements. For
Part II: Fat Loss Supplements Guide, click here.
Decide to Lose Weight
The first step to success in anything is deciding to do it. Weight loss can be a frustrating issue for many people. With almost two-thirds of the population (U.S.) overweight (a Body Mass Index of 25-29.9) and nearly half of those falling into the obese (a BMI of 30 or greater) category, I think it's safe to say, "Houston, we've got a problem!" It's time for a change!
Some of the health problems generally associated with an excess in body fat are:
- diabetes
- heart disease
- stroke
- hypertension
- gallbladder disease
- osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage and bone of joints)
- sleep apnea and other breathing problems
- some forms of cancer (uterine, breast, colorectal, kidney, and gallbladder)
If you're one of the millions who struggles to maintain a healthy weight, don't fret, help is here! This article deals with the role different supplements play in weight loss. However, before we get to that, there is something very important I need you to do. I need you to tell yourself with 100% conviction, "I'm losing this fat and there's no stopping me!" Don't just say it, mean it, I'm serious! It may sound silly, but overcoming any obstacle begins first in your heart, then migrates to your mind. If you really want something, you must be passionate about it. I know you've heard it before, but it's true, your positive attitude is the key to your fat loss success!
Four Step Process
- Decide to lose weight.
- Set SMART (Specific, Meaningful, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-sensitive) goals.
- Develop a plan of action.
- Stay motivated and do it!
The hardest part of any weight loss program is the very beginning. It's as much a mental game as it is physical. It's easier to stay motivated when good results are seen early on, which makes it easier to stay on track. So where do supplements come in? Supplements assist you in reaching your goals by fueling your body to make positive changes. They play a signifigant role in your plan of action and your motivation. Your motivation will bring on desired results, which in turn will continue to movitate you even more!
No Magic Pill
It's important to point out that despite all the hype you've heard on infomercials, there is no "magic pill" that will instantly make you look like a hot supermodel or ripped dude. What!? I know, it's shocking. While supplements can definitely help, to realistically achieve desired results, you will also need to follow a good diet and exercise plan.
Supplements Help!
The problem with fad diets and workouts is that too often they fizzle, causing us to "bounce back" to our previous weight after some initial success. People are turning to supplements to help them increase their fat burning potential to see results quicker and stay motivated. Taking the correct fat loss supplements can provide the extra edge one needs to fill the gaps that diet and exercise alone cannot completely fill. While supplements alone cannot do the work of diet and exercise, a combination of the three has been shown the most effective.
The basic idea behind weight reduction is this: burn more calories than you consume on a regular basis and you'll lose pounds. Supplements can help you in many ways:
- Reducing calorie consumption (appetite suppressants, etc.)
- Increasing calories burned (fat burners)
- Preventing certain calories from turning into fat (carb and fat blockers)
- Smaller portions of higher quality nutrition (bars, meal replacement protein powders)
Which Weight Loss Supplements Are Best For Me?
Since supplementing, dieting and exercising are all very individual-specific, the best thing we can do is give you the information so that you can make the best decisions for your situation. What works well for you may not work as well for others and vis versa because everyone is different. The info below is meant to point you in the right direction on the road to fat loss.
With so many supplements on the market, where do you start? Should you take none, one or a combination of supplements to achieve the results you want safely and effectively? First off, everyone on a reduced calorie diet should include a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. Also, most people supplement their diets with a good protein powder or protein bars, as adequate protein consumption is important in muscle maintenance and consequently, fat burning. To see what your target protein consumption should be to reach your fitness goals, check out this protein needs calculator. Since those are a given, the focus of the Fat Loss Supplements Guide is not on multivitamins and protein shakes, but on products designed specifically for fat loss.
