Are you
trying to lose a few pounds before that beach trip?
Many
doctors and dieters have found that taking certain supplements can help with
weight loss.
Allen
Fellheimer says that after struggling with his weight for as long as he can
remember, at 69 he's never felt better.
"I'm
living proof. You can exercise a lot and not lose any weight," he says.
With
his cholesterol and blood sugars creeping up, he knew it was time to try
something new.
Medical
weight loss specialist Dr. Charles Seltzer advocates using any method you can,
and he speaks from experience.
He was
overweight and out of shape in his 20s and now, ten years later, competes in
body building competitions.
Along
with proper diet and exercise, he says an essential tool in the weight loss
battle is nutritional supplements.
"I
tell them and show them the research that by drinking a little bit of protein
after your workout you can help with your fat loss and your body
transformation," he says.
Like
whey protein, creatine is the other supplement Dr. Seltzer introduces right
away.
He says
it helps build muscle.
"Anytime
your building muscle you're burning more fat at rest and you're being
healthier," he explains.
And
there are many other supplements the doctor gradually introduces.
"Fish
oil, for instance, in the absence of any diet or exercise changes can help a
person put on lean muscle tissue and burn body fat," he says.
When
you walk into a supplement store there are so many options out there.
How do
you know which ones to buy and are they all safe?"
"They
can be expensive and ineffective if they're not used right, and they can be
dangerous for certain people. Before
anybody starts a diet or exercise program they should be evaluated by a physician,"
Dr. Seltzer warns.
And
supplements are not federally regulated.
Still,
Allen is a believer.
He's 45
pounds lighter with a lot more muscle since starting with dr. Seltzer a year
ago.
Many
people also believe green tea can support weight loss efforts.
The
International Journal of Obesity found that green tea antioxidants known as
catechins may increase metabolism.
Trying
to avoid caffeine?
Fucoxanthin
is an antioxidant found in edible brown seaweed like the kind used in miso soup.
It's a
popular weight loss supplement and isn't a stimulant like caffeine or bitter
orange.
