Weight loss and diet supplements can work in many ways—by enhancing fat burning, suppressing appetite, increasing metabolic function, and increasing digestive efficacy.
One critical supplement for weight loss is CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which is clinically proven to reduce body fat, particularly in the abdominal area, by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. The mineral chromium aids appetite control by combating sugar cravings. Digestive enzymes such as bromelain and papain can help the body digest foods fully, getting the optimum nutrition from food consumed.
Several herbs also show promise in weight management. Extracts of green tea contain epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine, which may speed up metabolism, while studies suggest cayenne reduces appetite and increases metabolism of dietary fats. Extracts of crape-myrtle, such as glucosol, work by blocking the sugar rise associated with eating high-GI foods, thus preventing body-fat storage.
Vitamins also have clinical efficacy in supporting weight loss. One recent study showed that increased supplementation of calcium and vitamin D had significant effects on weight loss.
