If you want to lose weight at a healthy rate, there are several factors to consider, from your diet to your activity level, and even to the amount of sleep you get each night. One additional step you can take to help you reach your weight loss goals is adding supplements to the mix. While it’s important to keep in mind that no supplement is going to be the magic key to zapping stomach fat, weight loss expert David J. Sautter, CPT and contributing writer for Living.Fit says that “some supplements may support weight loss efforts in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.”
We spoke to Sautter to discover some of the best supplements out there that can help reduce belly fat. He told us that green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, and probiotics are all good options. Learn more below!
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1. Green tea extract
Green tea is a great beverage to sip on to promote weight loss and digestion. As it turns out, consuming green tea extract as a supplement is another good idea to reap all of its benefits. "Rich in antioxidants called catechins, green tea extract can help increase metabolism and promote fat oxidation," Sauter tells us. And there's another added bonus, too: "It may also provide a slight energy boost due to its natural caffeine content," he notes. Nice!
2. Garcinia cambogia
Sautter says that you may also want to consider taking a Garcinia cambogia supplement if faster weight loss is your goal. "Derived from a tropical fruit, Garcinia cambogia is
believed to suppress appetite and inhibit fat production by blocking the enzyme called citrate lyase," he explains. That's the enzyme your body uses to make fat. This supplement may also work to suppress your appetite, which is another plus if you're looking to shed pounds. Sautter points out, however, that the effectiveness of Garcinia cambogia is "limited and inconsistent," so there's no guarantee it will help you reach your goal weight immediately.
3. Probiotics
There are so many benefits to taking a daily probiotic supplement—including faster weight loss. Probiotics work wonders on your gut health, which can also help you slim down in your belly. "These live bacteria and yeasts can support gut health and may help with weight loss by improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and modulating energy metabolism," Sautter says. As far as the best strains to use, he recommends Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
The bottom line
Unfortunately, there's no miracle pill out there to help you achieve a flat belly in no time. As Sautter notes, "it's important to remember that the effectiveness of these supplements varies from person to person, and results can be influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and individual metabolism. Supplements should be considered as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, rather than a magic solution for rapid weight loss." Additionally, your best option is always to speak to a healthcare professional to come up with the best plan of action to help you reach your weight loss goals. However, supplements like these can make a great addition to your efforts.
When it comes to the immediacy of results, Sautter says this "largely depends on the individual's commitment to a healthy diet and exercise routine." Ultimately, he concludes, "supplements may provide some support, but significant and sustainable weight loss requires consistent effort and lifestyle changes." But as far as the best supplement options go, these three are great places to start!
