The truth about weight loss supplements

CONSUMER REPORTS - Store shelves are packed with weight-loss supplements promising to help you drop pounds, lose inches and burn fat fast. There are tablets and gummies and chewies and capsules containing ingredients like green coffee beans, green tea, raspberry ketones, and garcinia cambogia.

A new Consumer Reports survey of about 3,000 Americans shows one in four has used weight-loss supplements. But that same survey found more than 90 percent couldnt lose the weight they wanted and keep it off. And about half reported at least one side effect like a faster heart rate, jitters and digestive problems. And dont equate natural with safe. For example Yohimbe, an African-tree bark extract marketed as a weight-loss supplement, may cause elevated blood pressure or panic attacks.

Consumer Reports says that theres no supplement out there with enough evidence to show that its going to help you lose weight. And some unethical manufacturers even add banned prescription drugs to supplements.

In fact, hundreds of weight-loss supplements have been recalled by the Food & Drug Administration contain drugs rarely listed on labels that are linked to things like heart risks, severe hepatitis, liver failure and even death. The short answer is: Dont take weight-loss supplements. Theyre mostly unregulated, they dont really work and they could very well hurt you.

Instead, stick to the tried and true. Your biggest allies in the battle of the bulge are still diet and exercise. Consumer Reports says to lose weight successfully, practice portion control, eat more fruit, vegetables and whole grains, reduce your sugar intake. Another tip: Eat more meals at home. That gives you more control over the calories you take in.

Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.

Source: http://www.9news.com/story/news/health/2015/01/02/the-truth-about-weight-loss-supplements/21208557/