Weight loss industry is a multi-million dollar business that keeps on growing. Parallel to the rise of overweight and obesity we also witness the increasing number of diets and weight loss products.
Fad diets show up out of the blue and take the internet by storm inspiring millions of people to follow them. At the same time, brands release their weight loss supplements promising miraculous solutions.
The question is: how effective are these diets and products? I have the answer!
Fad diets: Do they work?
I will start with fad diets first. What are they anyway? A fad diet is a term used to describe any diet that promises quick or miraculous weight loss in a short timeframe through unhealthy and unbalanced eating patterns.
These diets are usually too restrictive and require users to avoid eating various food groups to focus on one particular type of food.
Fad diets often gain popularity fast primarily through social media. Healthcare providers express concern over these nutrition plans because they prevent individuals from getting various nutrients their body needs to function properly and lose weight.
In fact, strict adherence to fad diets can jeopardize one’s health significantly.
According to researchers at the McGill University of Canada, fad diets are no more effective than living healthily, and they are unlikely to provide long-term health benefits.
Although people do lose weight with fad diets, the effect is only short-term, and they usually regain lost pounds within two years.
The same researchers also discovered that being more active and eating a well-balanced diet yields far better results and the effects are long-term.
Moreover, a separate research discovered that some fad diets increase cholesterol levels, which are associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Although fad diets promise miraculous results, the truth is they can be quite unhealthy and harmful for your health. Why? Here are some reasons:
- Dehydration – the majority of the weight you lose during this process is water weight, which can lead to fast dehydration.
- You will get tired quickly.
- Various digestive problems can occur.
- Nutrient deficiencies due to restrictive diets that prevent you from obtaining vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from different food groups.
Dietary supplements: Are they effective?
Dietary supplements are products that promise users a fast and efficient weight loss. Although they contain natural ingredients, these supplements don’t always deliver what they promised.
A study carried out by Oregon State University scientists discovered that a vast majority of weight loss supplements aren’t worth the money you spend on them, and some of them can be harmful.
The same research also showed that the primary problem here is consumer education and expectation.
For example, most users don’t realize that many weight loss supplements are tested in the context of hypocaloric diet, meaning that you need to reduce the number of calories you consume for a product to work.
Unsurprisingly, it is not uncommon for people to buy supplements and expect them to do all the work without making modifications to diet and physical activity.
Another reason that could explain why dietary supplements prove to be ineffective for most consumers is that they buy the wrong products.
With a vast selection of products and tempting claims on the labels, it can be difficult to choose the right supplement.
What we tend to underestimate is the fact that these products aren’t equal, some do work, but others don’t.
Is it possible to find an effective supplement?
As mentioned above, while some of these products do work, others aren’t quite active. It is entirely possible to search for and buy a truly effective dietary supplement.
To end up with a quality product, you should always go for items that other users found compelling. The ideal product is also the one with ingredients whose benefits are well-documented through scientific trials.
A great example is Phenocal, the #1 rated weight loss product on the market. This supplement features all-natural ingredients including vitamins, green tea, cocoa, Glucomannan, just to name a few.
Customers love this product and the energy boost it provides, and health and wellness websites regularly include it on the list of best weight loss supplements to try.
What makes it ideal? That’s because it is not a miracle pill and doesn’t promise miraculous solutions. Instead, it supports a healthy lifestyle and enhances the results of a healthy diet and physical activity.
Other supplements, such as BCAAs help with muscle recovery, which is important if you\’re incorporating muscle building into your weight loss routine.
To sum up, when searching for the dietary supplement, you should make sure it meets the following criteria:
- Reliable manufacturer
- Money back guarantee
- Effective ingredients
- Special offers to help you save money
- Realistic claims
Conclusion
The growing body of evidence confirms that fad diets and dietary supplements aren’t quite adequate. The best thing you can do for successful weight loss is to eat a well-balanced diet, avoid the wrong foods, and exercise regularly.
To maximize your results, you should go for reliable supplements that both users and critics love and that are formulated specifically to support a healthy lifestyle.