Weight loss is hard. That’s why it can be so tempting to turn to weight loss products to speed up the process. Certain products promise to let you eat what you want and work out less—and still wake up skinnier the next day. However, some products are actually useless for weight loss. Not all weight loss products are effective or backed by scientific evidence. To learn more, we spoke with Sophia Turner, a dietitian, fitness coach, and co-founder of slimetc. She says that waist trainers, weight loss supplements, and slimming creams are the worst weight loss products and are not as advertised. Some actually do more harm than good. Find out more below!
1. Waist Trainers
Waist trainers have become incredibly popular over the years. It's a shaping garment very similar to a girdle or corset. This weight loss product is intended to give a person a sleeker, smaller-looking waist. "Waist trainers compress the midsection, aiming to create a slimmer waistline. However, they do not contribute significantly to weight loss. The weight loss seen when wearing waist trainers is primarily due to temporary water loss through increased perspiration," Turner explains. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian have admitted to using waist trainers before big red carpet events.
Even though they're reported by many to be good for slimming, waist trainers do not contribute to long-term weight loss. "They primarily create a temporary illusion of a slimmer waist through water loss, but they do not burn fat or lead to sustainable weight reduction," she continues. So, it's best to avoid using this weight loss product.
2. Weight Loss Supplements
Although there are natural supplements you can take to improve your gut health for weight loss, there are certain weight loss supplements that claim to be the magic pill for shedding pounds. Turner advises, "Weight loss supplements include pills, powders, or herbal remedies that claim to aid in weight loss. While some supplements may have ingredients with minor weight loss properties, their effects are often modest and not sufficient for significant weight reduction." The supplements' quality and safety can also be a major concern.
"Weight loss supplements often have limited effects on weight reduction. Their potential benefits are usually minimal, and their quality and safety can vary significantly," she notes. If you rely solely on weight loss supplements for results, you won't see any long-term weight loss results. And, you could actually end up damaging your overall health with these supplements.
3. Slimming Creams
Slimming creams, or topical creams that are applied to specific areas of the body, claim to reduce body fat. Turner explains, "Despite containing ingredients that may have some potential, scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of slimming creams for significant weight loss is limited." Even though slimming creams may temporarily improve and tighten skin, they won't actually reduce your weight.
"While slimming creams may temporarily improve the appearance of the skin by reducing water retention or tightening the surface, they do not directly target or eliminate fat cells beneath the skin. Scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for significant weight loss is lacking," she adds. That's why you shouldn't waste your money on this weight loss product.
The Bottom Line
While the weight loss industry offers a number of products that claim fast results, it's essential to be skeptical and do your research. Experts consider waist trainers, slimming creams, and many weight loss supplements to be practically useless they lack the evidence to back up their claims. And, even though no weight loss product can magically result in weight loss, there are some products that can actually support a healthy weight loss journey (in connection with a balanced diet and regular exercise!). Turner recommends portion control tools, fitness trackers, or meal replacement shakes.
"Measuring cups, food scales, or portion control plates help individuals manage their food intake and maintain a calorie deficit," Turner says. "Wearable devices that track physical activity and provide insights into calorie expenditure can help individuals stay motivated and monitor their progress."
And, when it comes to meal replacement shakes, "When used as part of a balanced diet, meal replacement shakes can provide a convenient and controlled calorie option for individuals seeking to reduce their overall caloric intake," she notes. Of course, you should also be adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, regularly exercising, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of sleep to really see substantial weight loss results.
