I get asked this question all the time and the answer unfortunately in no. Just recently an Oregon State University researcher reviewed the body of evidence around weight loss supplements and the conclusion was there is no magic pill to lose weight and keep it off — it doesn’t exist.
The university research reviewed the evidence surrounding hundreds of weight loss supplements, a $2.4 billion industry in the United States, and said no research evidence exists that any single product results in significant weight loss — and many have detrimental health benefits.
The research did show a few products, including green tea, fiber and low-fat dairy supplements can have a modest weight loss benefit of 3-4 pounds (2 kilos), but it is important to know that most of these supplements were tested as part of a reduced calorie diet.
In most cases, unless you alter your diet and get daily exercise, no supplement is going to have a big impact.
Exercise cannot be eliminated from the equation when you are trying to trim down. The research also stated that exercise is crucial to not only losing weight and preserving muscle mass, but keeping the weight off long term.
My advice to people trying to lose weight and get leaner is to eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats while drastically reducing high-fat foods such as fries and ice cream. Exercise will always speed weight loss and it is instrumental in obtaining a lean body along with a clean diet.
Paul can be contacted by email at [email protected].
