Do weight loss supplements work? This is the question that many people ask as they contemplate including them as part of their healthy lifestyle goals for the new year.
In this blog, I will share with you my honest reviews on some weight loss supplements sold on Amazon.
Why The Weight Loss Supplement Industry?
The weight loss market is a forever growing $71 billion dollar industry, well at least according to Market Research.
In addition, PRNewswire 2020 article further highlights that the global market was estimated to reach $87.7 US billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD $128.36 billion by 2026.
This amount of revenue is a clear indication that there is a huge market for people who desire to lose weight, look great, and feel healthier.
In addition, companies have come up with innovative ways to appeal to their forever-changing market.
The industry is made up of different weight loss subdivisions (meal replacement, weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers, prescription drugs, and low-calorie food/drinks).
However, this blog will be focusing on over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss supplements.
Weight Loss Supplements vs. Healthy Lifestyle
I have studied Nutrition Sciences for years. My fascination for weight loss products was inspired by my “Recent Trend In Nutrition” class in college.
Every Nutritionist like myself and Dietitian will preach a healthy lifestyle through regular physical activity and sensible eating.
However, sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise with hopes for attaining quick results can become very challenging for many people.
The weight loss industry taps into this fact and makes huge profits from supplement sales. Many companies sell a quick weight loss scheme that most people become enticed.
Healthy Lifestyle The Way To Go
It is no secret that eating low-calorie and balanced meals that include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins coupled with regular physical activities, are the baseline for weight loss and maintaining a healthy level of fitness.
One of the problems that promote unhealthy eating is that families are bombarded with marketing visuals of foods that are cheap, highly processed, loaded with fats and sugars.
In addition, they are easily accessible, especially in low-income communities. 
According to the NIH, 2/3 of the US population is either overweight or obese.
In addition, the pandemic further added fuel to fire by promoting a sedentary lifestyle that contributed to most person’s “COVID weight gain” since the pandemic hit the world in March 2020.
Is Weight-loss Supplements a Quick Fix?
Over The Counter (OTC) weight loss supplements are not a quick fix or solution for people’s weight issues.
Furthermore, they can play a vital role in initiating some weight loss and consequently promote the motivating and inspiration for someone to continue on their weight loss journey.
Moreover, most companies who sell weight loss supplements encourages their customers to used their products in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet for optimum outcome.
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Here are my reviews of top 5 supplements sold on Amazon that you may find helpful for your weight loss journey.
1. Appetite Suppressant for Weight Loss.
The first time I heard about Hoodia Gordonii was in my “Recent Trends In Nutrition” class. One of the assignments was to try a supplement and write a review.
I chose the Hoodia supplement and I must say it actually worked at suppressing my appetite for hours.
Hoodia is helpful for those who want to take the edge off the cravings one may experience in the late evenings.
I would recommend Hoodia for those who want to curb their appetite and late-night indulgent after 6 pm.
Hoodia: Kalahari Cactus Plant
Hoodia is a succulent cactus plant that is grown in Kalahari dessert.
In addition, It is said that hunters would eat pieces of this cactus to suppress their appetite through their long hunting journey.
Commercialization of Hoodia Gordonii Supplements
Companies have now packaged and marketed this natural plant extract as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.
Furthermore, there are a number of different brand that are sold on Amazon. They come in both liquid and capsule forms.
Healthline provides you with more detailed information on Hoodia.
Moreover, said article cautions that Hoodia can affect one’s blood pressure and interfere with some medications.
Consult HCP
Therefore, before taking this or any other weight loss supplements, you should consult with your Health Care Provider (HCP) especially if you have medical health condition and take medication.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Supplement.
Apple Cider Vinegar has become very popular for its weight-loss craze and many other health benefits over the last 2-3 years.
If you have any at home, you know that the smell and taste of apple cider vinegar are not pleasing.
Therefore, companies have jumped on the bandwagon and created apple cider vinegar tablets, capsules, and gummies for more pleasurable ingestion.
Most apple cider supplements are sometimes paired with ingredients such as green coffee or caffeine for more weight loss power.
Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Supplements
According to Healthline, both animal and human studies showcased a number of health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may lead to fat burning and weight loss.
Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to decrease blood sugar values, improve insulin sensitivity, and even help to lower cholesterol.
There are thousands of testimonies and reviews from customers on Amazon who have had success with weight loss taking this supplement; check them out.
3. Carbohydrate Blockers.
I was introduced to this carb blocker supplement years ago by someone who swore that the product helped maintained their weight.
As someone who loves starchy foods, I decided to give them a try.
Most people after eating a very high carbohydrate meal, get on a high and then a few minutes later crash from sluggishness and sleepiness.
How Do Carb. Blockers Work?
Taking these supplements before a high-carb meal is said to block the digestion of starch to glucose and consequent absorption.
In addition, Carb. blockers prevent a spike in blood sugar and the crash one feels after eating high carbohydrate meal.
Of course, one of the ways to test if this product truly works is to sample your blood sugar before and after a starchy meal.
This will allow for you to see how much your blood sugar spiked with or without taking the carb. blocker.
But from my experience with decreased or no sluggishness after eating. Therefore, I believe carb. blocker works.
See what the other customers have to say on these Amazon product reviews.
If you live a very stressful life, then cortisol management supplements may be your savior. Cortisol is a naturally produced stress hormone.
Furthermore, the adrenal glands are responsible for releasing stress hormones to help you normalize your body’s response to stressors.
However, when you are constantly under stress your body will produce high levels of cortisol.
Effects Of High Cortisol.
If your cortisol levels are abnormally high for a long time, it will wreak havoc on your adrenal glands and other body processes.
In addition, Cortisol interferes with insulin function.
Your blood glucose level can become elevated and over time may increase your risk of weight gain, sleeping problems, and anxiety.
Ashwagandha Supplements
Most companies include Ashwagandha and phosphatidylserine as 2 ingredients in their cortisol management supplements.
Ashwagandha is a plant that is grown in Asia and Africa.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is commonly used as a stress buster because it contains substances that may help calm the brain, and lower blood pressure.
Phosphatidylserine Supplements.
Phosphatidylserine in comparison is a chemical found in cell membranes of your cells.
Small amounts are found in food such as cow brains, mackerel, and organ meats.
However, they are sold as supplements and are said to help improve brain function such as memory, cognitive abilities.
Other noted benefits include improvement in exercise performance and mood.
In addition, cortisol management supplements can help you control your cortisol levels.
Lowered cortisol levels can help reduce weight gain especially around the waist and abdominal regions of your body.
Testosterone Boosters.
Testosterone booster for men has become increasingly popular, but do they work?
Prime Lab Testosterone Booster has over 80,000 reviews (4.5/5) and testimonies on Amazon.
Seems like said supplements are helping thousands of men globally take control of their declining testosterone levels.
Why is Testosterone Important?
Testosterone is a male hormone produced mainly in the testes.
Furthermore, It plays a very vital role in bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength, and mass.
As most males reach age 30 through 40, Testosterone levels for a lot of men decrease by about 1% every year.
Low Testosterone can lead to changes in sexual function, less energy/motivation, and physical changes in body.
My Conclusion:
Weight loss supplements are not a quick fix or a miracle pill that will magically snap you into shape.
However, I believe supplements can be used as a motivational tool in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle to help you reach your desired health goals.
Just remember that everyone who takes a weight loss supplement will have different results. Moreover, purchasing a weight loss supplement, in my opinion, is like gambling; either it will work for you or not.
In addition, do your research on companies, read the product reviews.
Most of all, always have a discussion with your Health Care Providers before taking any dietary/weight loss supplements or engaging in any exercise regime.
Here is an interesting article from the National Institute Of Health (NIH) that shares a lot more on what consumers need to know about Dietary Supplements.
AMAZON FINDS
These are my top Amazon picks that may help you on your weight loss fitness journey.
HEALTHY RECIPES
Here are 3 of some of my favorite healthy recipes that I think you will love and enjoy.
https://www.food-explora.com/steamed-curried-tilapia-and-vegetables-in-herb-infused-pouch/
Thanks for sharing, supplements are vital to health
I think tablets should only ever be taken as a last resort. Meddling with the body’s chemistry is not good. Fresh food and exercise is the way forward.
These are good summaries on what these supplements actually are and are supposed to do. It’s important, as you mentioned, that you consult with a healthcare provider before taking anything and that you are pursuing a healthy diet in addition to any supplements consumed.
I take apple cider vinegar gummies everyday too and I love them!
I wouldn’t trust any supplement type of products from Amazon simply because it’s Amazon. You have no idea if the products have been properly regulated or contains what they claim they contain, due to fact anyone can set up a shop on Amazon make claims, sell stuff, and disappear and so the process again if they’re sketchy.
Furthermore, lifestyle changes are the only way you’ll be able to make any changes stick long term, so talk to your doctor’s about getting appropriate support with weight management
I always look forward to your comments. I respect your logic and reasoning abilities. I agree with your point that customers do not know if weight loss supplements or products in general are properly regulated and anyone can set up shop on amazon and disappear. This is why I suggested taht readers to research the company before they make any purchase.
I have taken a few different weight loss supplements in my lifetime. And I agree with you that it could help but only in conjunction with exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Also, I’ve heard about the Apple Cider Vinegar tablets too and was curious about how they work, so thanks for the synopsis on that.
Very helpful information- especially at the start of a new year. It’s always great for a reset and these supplement suggestions are great.
Thank you, Debbie.
I’ve always bee with a healthy lifestyle but my friend did this way as well. Which I agree that is not quick fix.
Thank you Fransic.
This is great info! I enjoy some supplements but definitely need to do your research first! Thanks for sharing :)
You are right Deanna.
Thanks Kevin. This information on supplements is very valuable and I completely agree on also focusing on healthy eating habits for which you share your healthy recipes.
Thank you Vaishali
My friend does stress a lot and I think will like to read about this. Very helpful and help people to improve their health and weight loss. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the reviews. There are so many products out there, it is hard to know which are legit and which are just a scam. I appreciate you sharing this.
Hahaha… I used to take Herbal Life. And it doesn’t do me any good. In fact, taking all these diet supplements make me stress. I rather exercise and eat healthy.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Fadima. I am with you on eating healthy and exercising regularly.