Weight Loss Pills

You would think there would be safe, effective, fat-reducing pill that you could buy at the pharmacy. Some would say it's already here in the form of supplements, and prescription drugs. So what's the truth?

Some years ago when I was editing a health and fitness magazine, we all got very excited about a new fat-busting product that built lean muscle mass. It was a powder that you mixed with water and drank daily - sadly it didn't seem to work.

Eight of us decided to give it go. After a week, seven had given up due to stomach cramps and diarrhoea. The eighth (it was me) carried on. My stomach was fine and I decided I must be quite tough, but at the end of the two month long course I didn't look, weigh or measure any different.

There are many supplements that promise appetite suppression, weight loss and increases in lean muscle mass. These products are widely available through pharmacies, health food stores and of course the good old internet. Often you might find a trainer at your local gym recommending them too. But do any of them actually work? Let's look at a few of the most popular:

Chromium picolinate

Chromium is needed to help insulin transfer glucose and nutrients from the bloodstream to the cells and plays a role in energy production. It's found in foods such as mushrooms and broccoli. The lure of supplements that combine chromium and picolinate is the potential of losing fat and gaining muscle tone - this is based on the results of a number of studies. However, further research hasn't been able to duplicate the original claims and indeed some research has subsequently made links between high levels of supplementation, DNA damage and a host of other nasties. In fact, at time of writing, this substance is facing a ban in the UK.

Chitosan

This is made from crushed crab and lobster shells! The theory is that the fibre from the shells binds with and absorbs the fat from your food before it is metabolised. Some studies have shown it can help weight loss, but there are no large scale convincing trials, so who really knows? The downside is that chitosan will also decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, plus you'll experience a laxative effect. It is not recommended - especially if you're allergic to shellfish!

Creatine

Creatine is used by athletes and perhaps a few chaps in your local gym to increase muscular performance. Most studies have been short term. It's not one for average dieters.

Amino acids

These are readily available as pills and powders, but despite the hype there's no proof that they will increase muscle mass or burn fat as a supplement. The only approved use of amino acids is for the intravenous feeding of people with specific health conditions such as kidney disease. You are better off with protein foods such as meat and eggs and plenty of exercise.

DOCTOR'S ORDERS

Producing a weight-control pill is truly one of the Holy Grails of pharmaceutical companies, because anything that even half works is a veritable goldmine. There are already products available. You may have heard of sibutramine, marketed as Reductil, and Orlistat (or Xenical) to name a couple. Trials of a drug called Rimonabant have also been successful in both weight loss and helping smokers to quit without piling on pounds. At the moment the drugs that are licensed can only be given to you on prescription from your doctor. So what would happen if you went along and asked for your doctor for one of them? As non-pharmacological means of losing weight are still the first line of treatment, you'd probably be sent away with a diet sheet, an appointment with a dietician and advice on getting more physically active. However, if you have a BMI of 30 or more or have been trying without success to lose weight through lifestyle changes, your doctor may well prescribe one of the drugs.

In conclusion, beware of supplements that promise weight loss and muscle tone with no effort. At best they just won't work and will be a waste of money. At worst, they could be dangerous, especially if randomly combined with other supplements and medicines. And if you're not obese, you probably won't be advised to pop a prescription pill. So, it's back to good old fashioned sensible eating and exercise, truly tried and tested and suitable for everyone.


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