If you are considering or are actively trying to lose weight, odds are the idea of taking weight loss supplements has crossed your mind. Before you make any life-altering decisions regarding your weight and health, here are some pros and cons of supplements to consider.
Con 1: Side Effects
Many diet pills are known for having side effects, such as headache, rapid heartbeat, and excessive thirst. Sometimes, these side effects outweigh the benefits of the supplement that you have chosen. Even if you are losing weight, if you feel terrible throughout the process or you think that your overall health may be adversely affected, it may be time to look for another way to lose the weight (or at least to change supplements). Yet, there are some supplements that do, indeed, boost your energy and help you lose weight. Thrive side effects are generally positive, and low appetite and boosted metabolism are the most common.
Con 2: Not For Long-Term Use
Even if you are having great success on a weight loss supplement, they are not meant to be used forever. No matter what the bottle says, it is typically not a good idea to take any supplement for more than three months at a time. Of course, if you are working with a doctor or a weight loss specialist, they should be able to advise you on how often and when to take your pills to ensure that you are getting the most out of them. If you have found something that is working well for you and you wish to stick with it for longer than the recommended time period, be sure to consult with your doctor or a medical professional to ensure that your prolonged use will not have any adverse affects on your long-term health.
Con 3: Not All Supplements are Safe
The sad truth is that unless a specific diet or health claim is made about a supplement, the FDA generally does not get involved, which means that many of these products are unregulated and may be unsafe. One of the simplest ways to ensure that you are taking something that has been vetted for safety is to be sure that the packaging mentions that it is FDA approved. There are so many weight loss products on the market (and this grows daily) that until something dangerous happens that makes headlines, authorities tend not to meddle in the production of new supplements. Do your research before you get overly excited about any product so that you can ensure that the benefits of the drug outweigh any risks.
Pro 1: Some Supplements Really DO Work
After learning about some of the cons of weight loss supplements, it may seem like they are not worth the risk. However, there are many supplements that are safe as long as they are used correctly and not abused. In many cases, people use these pills to help kick-start a weight-loss program. For some, seeing the weight fall off is motivation to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and adopt healthy habits, such as eating well and working out. Once you get a routine down that works for you (and have reached a weight that you are happy with), you can attempt to cut the pills from your diet and instead focus on maintaining your new weight on your own.
Pro 2: They Really Can Give You Energy
Some of us can’t simply roll out of bed and get ourselves to the gym. For those who exercise in the evening after a long day at work, it can also be extremely challenging to find the motivation if you’ve had a particularly rough day. Thankfully, there are some supplements that provide the energy that you need to get through a solid workout no matter how exhausted you are. Those who feel good while exercising are most likely to make it a part of their regular routine, so look into some energy-boosting supplements if you find yourself dragging throughout the day.
Pro 3: Supplements Can Help Repair Torn Muscles
Whether you are someone who pumps iron in the gym or one who spends most of your time on the cardio machines, exercise can wreak havoc on your body. From tiny muscle tears from a good arm day to knee and joint damage from a treadmill run, working out can cause harm. However, supplements that contain things like protein can actually help rebuild muscles and repair any damage that has been done by a hard day at the gym.
When deciding on a weight-loss program, it can be easy to get lost in the seemingly hundreds of products available—many of which all do the same things but simply lure the customer with attractive packaging. If you are considering using supplements for weight loss, use these pros and cons to help you make your decision.
