Everyone Wants To Slim Down?

1 min

While exercise, quality sleep and a healthy diet are the tried and true ways to lose weight and keep it off, some people will still be tempted to take shortcuts and try weight-loss pills. If this is true for you or someone you care for, be sure to avoid products with these ingredients:

1. Chitosan: A derivative of chitin, a substance found in the shells of insects, crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans. Claimed to bind fat, chitosan may inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients essential for good health in humans.
2. Pyruvate: A naturally occurring enzyme that allegedly forces every cell in the body to work harder. Although it sounds promising, there is little evidence that it works making the risks far more concerning than any benefit.
3. Ephedra (ma huang): The active chemical in ma huang is ephedrine, a stimulant that has been banned by the FDA, and can be dangerous when combined with other stimulants or included in weight loss products.

I recommend walking as a must-do exercise that is effective for overall health (it strengthens almost every major organ in the body, promotes bone density, and boosts the immune system) and for weight loss. Aim for 45 minutes most days of the week. If tolerated, newer research is showing that high intensity interval training (HIIT), or bursts of higher output alternating with periods of rest as well as strength training, may be more effective for revving up metabolism. If possible, find a healthy balance of both during your week.

Obviously, a lot of attention is being given to semaglutide as a treatment for weight loss. So far, the evidence shows clear benefits, but there are also a number of side effects. If you feel you are a candidate for semaglutide, have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits. If you begin treatment, be sure to also incorporate the recommendations above in order to increase the chances of success with the lowest dose and most success for eventually weaning off of the medication.

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Does Drinking Soda Weaken Bones?

Health Focus

• Adding Adaptogens?

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• Marshmallow Root Benefits?