Weight Loss Products

The growing number of overweight individuals has given rise to several weight loss products on the market. You find advertisements everywhere - radio, television, print, and more. But do these products actually work and help us in our weight loss efforts? Or do these products cause more harm than good?

Warning on Weight Loss Products

One should take caution before trying some diet products. Don't let the media hype and advertising brainwash you into shelling out money on useless products. Some manufacturers claim safety and effectiveness for their products without the support of clinical studies. As a result, the FDA closes down such operations frequently. Make sure that the product you intend to use pass standards set by government drug and health agencies. Make sure that the benefit is actually proven.

This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of products to avoid, but merely an illustration of how the truth can be manipulated to line the pockets of manufacturers of these health products. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Alkaline and Ionized Water

It's true that a highly acidic body is more prone to disease and obesity than a non-acidic body. One of the first things that is measured when admitted to an operating theatre is one's pH level.

One's pH level is important in maintaining a healthy body. Typically, junk food is highly acidic whereas fruit and vegies are high alkaline foods.

As a result, many alkaline water ionizers have hit the market ranging in price from $1000 to $3000. These manufacturers claim that drinking their water will raise your pH level, allows your body to more easily absorb vitamins and minerals, fight off disease and improve your overall health. However, is this just marketing hype?

Here's what Dr Andrew Weil has to say about them.

"Home water ionizers, which I've seen offered for sale on the Internet, are just the latest twist in the ongoing effort to promote the notion that alkaline water is somehow protective of your health. The underlying idea is that you can prevent disease by balancing your body's pH. ...None of these claims are true. Furthermore, your body needs absolutely no help in adjusting its pH. Normally, the pH of blood and most body fluids is near 7, which is close to neutral. This is under very tight biological control because all of the chemical reactions that maintain life depend on it. ... The health claims for water ionizers and for alkaline water are bogus. Save your money."

Colon Cleanse Programs

I've mentioned it in my other hub at Natural Diet to Weight Loss, but beware of paying inflated prices for natural herbs. An example is Metamucil's colon cleanse which has the active ingredient psyllium husks, for which can be purchased for a fraction of the cost.

Hoodia Gordonii

Many take hoodia gordonii as an appetite suppresant. However, how would you feel if you are paying for sawdust filler instead? Whilst it may not be sawdust, though it is close enough. South African suppliers of hoodia gordonii have been responding to increased demand by:

• Filling the capsules with the powered root which has no effect on suppressing appetite.

Natural Weight Loss

Previously, natural weight loss meant proper diet and exercise. This term has taken on an added meaning which now covers herbal products that help stimulate metabolism or suppress appetite, so you can lose weight easier and faster. Manufacturers claim that these products can be effective especially when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise.

Aside from suppressing one’s appetite, some herbal products claim to reduces sugar cravings and burn fat faster. Being natural does not mean that there are no side effects.

Whether you decide to go for artificially or naturally manufactured weight loss products, it's important to know that gradual weight loss is recommended rather than going for fast results. Ideally, one should lose 2 pounds every week to avoid health problems associated with a sudden weight drop.

Like what they always say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

There have been hundreds of exercise gadgets in the past twenty years, yet no-one really wonders why these miracle machines don't live up to their promises.

Why do consumers continue flock to these fancy shaped gadgets that promise a beautiful physique, yet ultimately, only end up in the basement, garage or spare bedroom?

WHY THEY FAIL?

1. Lazy humans. We all have good intentions, but after a few weeks or even a few days using these exercise gadgets, we become lazy. Consumers seem to forget that they NEED to actually do the situps in order for their abs to look great.
2. Brilliant advertising. Those fancy TV infomercials at 2am in the morning make the exercise look simple. The beautiful models used to demonstrate the gadgets don't groan, strain or complain of aches. Consumers are tricked into thinking that it's all very simple with their machine.
3. One machine cannot make us into a hot, healthy body. One machine cannot solve all our fitness woes. A combination of cardiovascular and strength training along with a healthy diet is needed to maintain optimal health and physique.