Ever read any of these statements below?
“This supplement will melt your fat!”
“Lose up to seven pounds in seven days!”
“Lose weight while eating all the same foods you thought you could not eat!”
These one liner advertisements are becoming more and more prevalent. And the number of times we are bombarded with these ad’s have nothing to do with whether or not we believe that the supplements actually work.
Recently, Garcinia Cambogia has been getting a lot of media attention. With reports that Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez have all lost weight with the pill, it’s easy to see where the buzz is coming from.
“I am a firm believer that there is no magic pill or diet,” says Signe Linville, swim coach and sports sciences expert at Colby-Sawyer College. “[Successful weight loss] is extremely simple and mathematical—correct calories in, calories out. This means controlling what you put into your mouth and a regimented exercise plan is the best possible way to lose weight.”
Today, there are countless supplements that advertise that they help with weight loss. Most of these supplements, such as Garcinia Cambogia, are not regulated by the FDA. “When something is not regulated by the FDA, you just cannot be sure what they are putting in the pill is not actually toxic to your body,” says Linville.
Even still, a lot of people find a healthy diet and exercise too cumbersome and they want a quick fix. Diet pills are a common go-to to solve weight loss problems. The problem is that pills that are not approved by the FDA can be dangerous and completely ineffective.
Garcinia Cambogia is from a citrus fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. It’s supporters say that one of the fruits extracts; hydroxycitric acid makes you feel full, which reduces your appetite, and positively affects your metabolism. The hydroxycitric acid has also been said to enhance athletic performance and decrease cholesterol.
One of the biggest appeals, is that it comes from a fruit, which makes the consumer feel like the product is completely natural and therefore safe for them to use.
But just because something is natural, doesn’t make it safe or effective. Some reviews of Garcinia Cambogia have determined that there is not enough conclusive evidence to show that the supplement has any effect on appetite. There is also no evidence to suggest that the supplement is safe to use long term, as studies have never been conducted for longer than 12 weeks.
The side effects of Garcinia Cambogia are minor but can include upset stomach, diarrhea, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Like anything else, a new supplement can have a major impact on your body. Before turning to Garcinia Cambogia to solve your weight loss struggles, consult with your doctor to make sure it is a healthy and safe option for you.
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