5 Things to Consider Before Buying A Weight Loss Supplement

Obesity is becoming a growing concern in almost all countries. In the United States, it is already considered a chronic disease. In 2010 alone, about 60% of adults are either obese or overweight. It is associated with a higher incidence of different diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this is not just a mere weight issue, it can have a serious impact on the person’s physical, metabolic, and psychological health. Some people who are overweight have increased depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Over time people become obsessed with the idea of becoming fit and fat. The prevalence of fitness gyms, weight loss programs, and the influx of weight loss pills and supplements gave hope to individuals who want to cut unwanted fats. Among these methods, the easiest is taking supplements and most of which promise good results by burning fats and building muscles quickly. But how safe are these dietary pills? Are they effective? What are the basic things that you have to consider in buying them?

1.  Consult the Doctor for Approval

Some people ignore the importance of asking for the doctors’ recommendation and approval. This is one of the main concerns of physicians in the US, as most Americans undergo diet and take pills without proper consultation. Do not start with any weight loss program without consulting your doctor or any primary care provider. Be honest about your medical history and health challenges. The doctor will give information about the ingredients and dosage. If you have pre-existing medical conditions (especially those with diabetes and hypertension) and taking other medications, you will be advised on the possible reactions of taking the weight loss pills, including the impact on your health. It is a must consider before your sibutramine buy.

2.  Ingredients of the Weight Loss Pills

Make it a habit to read the label. It is critical to choose those that contain clinically proven ingredients approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ingredients like green tea, chromium, coffee bean extracts, and garcinia Cambogia went through extensive research and were considered FDA approved. On the other hand, be cautious of the ingredients that have been proven to cause adverse effects such as sibutramine, ephedra, and fenfluramine. Make your research as well to verify the safety of other ingredients.

3.  Mental Preparedness

As the saying goes, “no pain, no gain”. The journey to weight loss isn’t always smooth. It is a constant struggle with a long term commitment. There are times that you want to give up as you feel that the program does not work. You may sometimes feel more insecure, sad, or bored.  So, it is crucial to be mentally prepared. You need the willpower to resist food cravings and eliminate overindulgence. Instead, focus on long term healthy eating habits. One way of achieving this is by setting realistic goals. Establishing short-term milestones can help you stay motivated and help you achieve progress.

4.  Safety Concerns

Your health and well-being should be your top priority. Before buying any product, make a thorough research.  Check health forums and online reviews. Gather as much information as you can before deciding on buying the product. Most weight loss pills contain natural ingredients. However, some dietary supplements can have strong effects, such as Ephedra (ma-huang). This is an herb banned by the FDA. According to Mayo Clinic, it was linked to liver damage. Other adverse effects associated with Ephedra include seizures, mood changes, stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and heart attacks.

Also, when you read the label check “other ingredients” or “supplement facts”. If the product contains synthetic ingredients or does not disclose the full ingredient list then it’s a red flag.

5.  Check the Legitimacy of the Supplement Manufacturers

You’ll see a list of unending weight loss pills on the internet. All these brands come from a variety of manufacturers. Some of them may be relatively new in the industry but offer high-quality pills. While others are not reliable due to the poor quality of their products. Some manufacturers have been producing supplements for decades. Consequently, they have already proven their reputation through the excellent quality that they produced with amazing results.

Again, check the online reviews and recommendations. Some websites have been doing honest reviews on dietary pills and ranked the products on different categories like ingredients, dosage, side effects, and price.

Becoming fit is a challenging feat. Fortunately, several weight loss supplements can help individuals achieve their goals to get rid of those unhealthy fats. Make sure though that you check the tips and consider important factors in buying dietary pills.