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4 Life-Changing Supplements Doctors Swear By To Shrink Your Waistline Over 40

November 20, 2020 by Hannah Kerns

 
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When it comes to losing weight, you should first evaluate your lifestyle–specifically your diet and exercise routines–to see if there’s room for improvement. Once you’ve done that, it’s smart to consider the ways you might be able to adjust your lifestyle to make weight loss a more reachable goal. For example, adding supplements to your daily routine could benefit your diet, providing you with necessary nutrients to make losing weight easier.

Chatting with your doctor or a dietitian to find out what supplements might benefit you individually is an excellent idea, and here are 4 popular weight loss supplements to help you prepare for that conversation.

Glucomannan

This weight loss supplement is one of Dr. Oz's favorites.

He tells Shape, "When consumed, glucomannan 'sponges' up water in the digestive tract, reducing the absorption of carbs and cholesterol and thus supporting weight loss. [...] This supplement also makes you feel full without leaving you gassy or bloated."

However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to taking this supplement. The article adds, Dr. Oz advises drinking 8 ounces of water with 1 gram of glucomannan before each meal. If you don't drink enough, the fiber can literally gum up your digestive system, causing intestinal blockages and, in rare cases, choking by blocking your throat."

Before taking this supplement, consult your doctor and ask if it could work for you.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is one popular supplement for people looking to shed a few pounds.

It contains caffeine and EGCG, which both can help your metabolic functioning. According to Healthline, "Compounds in green tea increase levels of hormones that tell fat cells to break down fat. This releases fat into the bloodstream and makes it available as energy."

If you do start adding this supplement to your routine, try taking it in the morning so it won't interfere with your sleep schedule.

B-Complex Vitamin

Vitamin B supplements can help improve your metabolism, promoting weight loss.

Healthline explains, "These vitamins are essential for a fully functioning metabolism. The main function of the B vitamins is to help your body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and to use the stored energy in food."

With that in mind, if you feel like your metabolism needs a little boost, this is a good supplement to look out for.

Iron

Iron supplements may also help speed up your weight loss.

According to Healthline, "Iron plays a role in helping your body create energy from nutrients. Iron helps carry oxygen to all of the cells in your body, including your muscles. This, in turn, helps them burn fat."

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