If you’re trying to lose weight, you may have considered taking (or may already be taking) a supplement to help you slim down and reach your goals faster. As it turns out, there are a lot of options on the market—and not all of them are the safest or even the most effective way to go. In fact, there’s one type of weight loss supplement in particular that experts say you should be wary of due to its possible side effects and ineffectiveness: stimulants.
To learn more about the downsides of weight loss supplements that contain stimulants, we spoke to nutritionist and personal trainer Vivian Yu. She told us that in addition to the fact that they may not actually help you lose weight, these supplements may lead to harmful effects like rapid heart rate, anxiety, and more. Read on for more insight.
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Weight loss supplements containing stimulants
Stimulants, such as caffeine, are commonly used in many supplements marketed for weight loss. This is because they may be able to suppress appetite in order to prevent overeating. However, Yu warns that they could take a toll on your health—and may not even be effective, after all.
"Some of the worst weight loss supplements out there are those that contain stimulants like caffeine or ephedra," she warns.
Yu cites the following risks as potential side effects of weight loss supplements that contain stimulants:
- Rapid heart rate
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Heart palpitations
If you want to avoid these risks, it's best to stay away from these supplements—especially when you consider the fact that they may not even be effective when it comes to weight loss.
As Yu notes, "many weight loss supplements contain ingredients that have not been proven to be effective for weight loss or are simply not safe for human consumption." Yikes!
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What to take instead
Luckily, if you want to lose weight without experiencing these harmful side effects, there are plenty of other stimulant-free options to choose from. "There are several natural supplements that may help with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program," Yu tells us.
She recommends the following:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
- Probiotics, which can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Protein powders such as whey or pea protein powder to aid in muscle growth and repair after workouts.
- Vitamins such as B12, which can help increase energy levels to support an active lifestyle.
While these supplements may not specifically be marketed as "weight loss supplements," the health benefits they offer can certainly take you one step closer to your goal weight.
The bottom line
Ultimately, losing weight at a health rate will require you to make healthy decisions every day. That includes getting exercise regularly, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet made up of whole foods, and even ensuring you're getting enough sleep each night. (You can find some of the best weight loss tips from experts here.) There's no miracle pill that will help you make an easy shortcut. In fact, many weight loss supplements on the market, such as those containing caffeine and other supplements, may be unsafe and ineffective. But choosing natural supplements that can help provide your body with valuable supplements is one great way to work towards your weight loss goals.
