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DEL.ICIO.USWeight Loss and Fitness Mythbust #3: Pills, Powders, and Shakes Will Make You Skinny
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fat burners, diet pills, nutritional supplements – you know who gets the most out of these products? The manufacturers and sellers. Some of this stuff is extracted from foods and has a role in nutrition, but it’s not a substitute for eating right. And much of the “miracle” drugs you see advertised are exceedingly dangerous to you. Don’t believe me? The next time you see an advertisement in a weight loss magazine for one of these “miracle” products – or if you see a commercial on TV for one – read or listen to the DISCLAIMERS AND WARNINGS that accompany these ads. A lot of this stuff is dangerous and it has no place in a healthy, permanent weight loss and fitness lifestyle.
Sure, if you’re willing to risk exposing your body to these drugs, you might be able to lose some weight – at first. But you will experience no long-term benefits – none! In fact, it’s really much worse than that. “Dieting” in any form that denies your body the essential nutrients and calories it needs to function efficiently can cause you to lose weight…until you stop the diet. And anyone who has “dieted” knows you cannot sustain the diet indefinitely. Your body screams out for nourishment and eventually you give in. That’s when the rebound effect begins. You will inevitably regain all the weight you lost – PLUS SOME. And the regained weight is predominantly fat. During your diet your body cannibalized some of your lean muscle to use as fuel. After the diet, your regained weight does not come back in the form of lean muscle plus some fat – it comes back almost exclusively as fat.
Tomorrow, I will be stepping in to do Tina Gee’s blog. I am going to explore a few of the more recent pills that you have seen on the market. In the meantime, take a moment to ask me about any product you would like any feedback on. Also, feel free to tell me some things that you have tried that you might have regretted (e.g. fen phen or ephedra).
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By Sandra E. Jackson
June 12, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
I like most are looking for the wonder drug that you take once a day like a vitamin and fat literally drops off of you. Well I know better but I can dream can’t I??….smile I would like for you to check out the weight loss tablets called “Accelis” which I found at Wal-Mart. They met my convenience rules by only taking one a day but I don’t know of any health problems associated with them….and no I have not lost any weight as of yet with taking them…
By Misty
June 12, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
Hello,
I would like for you to research the drug Adipex. I was given a prescription for this diet pill from my doctor (ex-doctor). Needless to say, I was only able to take the pill for three days before I started having side effects. That experience has deterred me from trying any supplements regardless if they are froma medical doctor or OTC. Currently I am trying to lose weight…I have joined a local gym and I am watching my calorie and carb intake. Also trying to drink more water. I have vowed to myself I would make a permanetly lifestyle change to achieve my weight loss goal. Any advice will be great..thanks!!
By gavi1126
June 12, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
The best way to loose weight is exercising, eathing healthy!! That’s all there is to it.. Protein shakes are good before working out, while or after a workout.. But not a meal replacement. So workout and eat right!!
By 6 years and counting
June 12, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
I beg to differ. Since the summer of 2000, I have been taking perscribed weight-loss pills on and off for the past six years. Sure I’ve had my ups and downs; however, I have been able to maintain my weight- a loss of OVER 70 pounds!
I belong to a gym and watch what I eat. However, taking these pills were great when I first started, since it was essentially a jump-start to my weight loss. And now, since I’ve plateaued, I’m starting them again to help reach my final weight-loss goal.
By MISTY
June 12, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Gavi1126,
What is considered “healthy eating”…..counting calories, carbs, eating more protein, low sodium, counting fat grams ? I am eat lots of fruits and vegetables, I have cut out fried food and red meat all together. I will only eat chicken and fish baked, brioled, or grilled. I drink lots of water and I workout 5-6 times a week. I do cardio everyday and I lift weights three times a week. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG….2 MONTHS HAVE NOT LOST ANY WEIGHT????
By Slimmer
June 12, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
Okay “6 years and counting” I have lost over 70 pounds in less than ONE year with no pills, diets, or counting calories. How? I cut out fast food, sodas (even diet ones), and trans fat COMPLETELY from my diet. I eat only fresh foods and eat meatless meals at least 12 times a week (breakfasts included). I prepare almost all of my meals from scratch (no Hamburger Helper, seasoning packets, etc. ie. nothing processed). When I am in a huge hurry or haven’t brought leftovers for lunch I will ocasionally have a Lean Cuisine or Health Choice meal, but those are very rare.
It’s not difficult to lose weight and get healthy if you change your lifestyle and strive towards putting only what your body needs inside.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. I have chocolate fits at times and I still drink whenever I want, but again…no soda mixers and no high calorie mixers. Usually it’s just liquor and sparkling water with a twist. I am very happy with my new lifestyle and KNOW it’s what I’m SUPPOSED to do. It is pretty comical to me that I moaned and groaned for years about my weight when all along I knew what I was eating was wrong. Saving cash and pounds by passing up the drive-thrus. I call them “drive-on-by’s” now.
By Slimmer
June 12, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Misty - are you happy with your body as it is now? Sounds like you’ve got a great regimen going. Remember muscle weighs considerably more than fat. It could be that you’re body is still losing fat but replacing it with heavier muscle. Since you are building muscle and NOT gaining anymore pounds on the scale, I’d say you’re ahead of the game!
By 6 years and counting
June 12, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this
Slimmer: congrats for you.
However, to each his own. My point is that no one should arbitrarily exclude prescribed weight-loss pills if it works for some people. I honestly believe (especially since other members of my family have tried it) that if you don’t put forth the hard work and effort that’s needed to lose the weight AND keep it off, then the pills won’t work.
No where did I mention in my post that I continued to eat “crap foods” while still taking the pills. Where did you read that in my post, as your reply seems to imply it?
In fact, I mentioned that I currently belong to a gym (which I’m about to go to in the next few minutes), and I watch what I eat. Obviously in order to maintain healthy weight-loss, a lifestyle change is necessary. Don’t jump to conclusions and ASSUME that anyone who takes pills must not eat properly.
By fit over forty
June 12, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Misty,
Slimmer is right…the scale will only tell you your weight, not how much is fat, muscle, water etc. A good way to track your progress is to get a body-fat scale. This not only tells you your weight but what percentage is fat. The accuracy can vary based on how dehydrated or not you are, but you can establish a base line and monitor your progress. So if your weight goes up but your body fat percentage is going down, you know you are progressing with your goal. Just make sure you weigh at the same time of the day…remembering that your are more dehydrated in the morning after sleeping. Google Tanita…they are the leader in these types of scales. No..I don’t work for them but I own one and it is definitely worth the investment.
By fit over forty
June 12, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
Kelly,
What is the truth about CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)? I’ve read different studies saying it’s good for weight loss, bad for cholesterol, good for cholesterol, and has no effect at all.
Also, anything to the hype about targeting areas with topical substances…yohambine, etc.?
thanks..
By Teresa
June 12, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
What have you heard about Lipozene. Does it really work to remove belly fat? Has anyone else tried it?
By Slimmer
June 12, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
6 years…I was definitely NOT saying that you eat junk food and such and I apologize if you took it that way. I was only telling what I do and how I lost the weight. I am tickled pink for you! AND the slower you lose the weight, the more likely you are to keep it off…so statistically speaking YOU have a better chance of staying slim than I do! However, I’m probably a bit older than you and hopefully this is one set of “ways” that I will get stuck in for life! As for my crabby side…I guess I’m stuck with that too. ; )
By truthfully
June 12, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
6 years an counting I am with you 100% . To each his own. Some people do need a bosst in the begining to get on track. Obviously that worked for you an has helped maintain your weightloss. I did the same thing myself. I had a child lost 10 lbs an that was it. So finally I started walking 5 miles a day 5 days a week, and then used a meal replacement shake., an ate a heatlthy meal. I lost 30 lbs an kept it off. did I still walk 5k NO. I was able to get myself acclamatred to having better eating habits, & cut out the shake also. 5 years later I had a near death experience which left me bedridden & in theraphy, needless to say I gained weight & lost muscle. I then another 3 years later took a supplement & lost 20lbs. And have maintained it along with a pretty healthy eating habit. Whats’ good for one is not always going to work for the next. ..”slimmer”.. Some quit smoking without the patch, some quit with the help of a patch. Luckily smoking is not my issue. Now time for glass 33 of my water intake for the day befoe my 3k walk this eve.
By truthfully
June 12, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this
6 years an counting I am with you 100% . To each his own. Some people do need a boost in the begining to get on track. Obviously that worked for you an has helped maintain your weightloss. I did the same thing myself. I had a child lost 10 lbs an that was it. So finally I started walking 5 miles a day 5 days a week, and then used a meal replacement shake., an ate a heatlthy meal. I lost 30 lbs an kept it off. did I still walk 5k NO. I was able to get myself acclamatred to having better eating habits, & cut out the shake also. 5 years later I had a near death experience which left me bedridden & in theraphy, needless to say I gained weight & lost muscle. I then another 3 years later took a supplement & lost 20lbs. And have maintained it along with a pretty healthy eating habit. Whats’ good for one is not always going to work for the next. ..”slimmer”.. Some quit smoking without the patch, some quit with the help of a patch. Luckily smoking is not my issue. Now time for glass 33 of my water intake for the day befoe my 3k walk this eve.
By 6 years and counting
June 12, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Slimmer: I’m probably younger than you (I graduated high school in 2000 and was unhappy with myself, which is when I decided to make the change)….but the fact that you’ve gone this far, and you did it even though you’re older and you knew it would be harder to lose the weight is amazing.
I know my metabolism won’t be as high when I’m older, so I want to reach my goal weight soon, and figure out how to constantly maintain it!
By Slimmer
June 12, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this
6 Years - YAY!!! I hate hearing this but will say it myself…I wish I had done it when…. If I’d maintained healthy eating habits..ahem…20 years ago, I wouldn’t be in this pickle today. I still have about 40 pounds to go but am very happy with where I am so far. And you are RIGHT on this money with the metabolism thingy. If you’re a woman, when menapause starts…WATCH OUT! You’re metabolism tanks! Thank goodness I caught it soon enough to actually raise my metabolism as I went through this very strange part of my life.
By Misty
June 12, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Slimmer,
No I am not happy with my body right now…that is why I am trying to lose weight, not just for a certain look, but to be overall healthy. I look at health of some of my family members, and I would like to take control of certain health problems now.
Go fit over forty… Thanks for the advice, I am going to look for a scale.
I think I just need to be patient..after all I did not gain it over night!!!
6 years and counting…. I commend you on your weight loss success…HOWEVER, you stated “to each his own”…and I chose to EXCLUDE prescription pills because they made me sick.(can you think of a better reason?) Don’t get me wrong, I was going to use them to jump start my weight loss, but I can’t. So I had to go to a different plan.
By JustMe
June 12, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
What about hoodia? I bought a bottle of Desert Burn and I’m on my second day.
By Mentallyslimmer
June 12, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
6 years, slimmer and truthfully…I just wanted to add to you alls comment on pills/powder and eating healthy w/excercise. First of all the indiviual person has to start visioning themselves slimmer. Intentions and saying I need to lose weight, I need to lose weight will not make it happen. Start by small scale goals to reach (ex. no more sodas & coffee, then no fattening desserts) then start building on each small goal and next thing you know your a health/fit fanatic. Replacing those things you thought you needed that are totally bad for you (basically a “food want” AKA f-addiction) & replace with eating healthier food. It works like no quick plan or long term plan. You plan your on own personal diet, isnt’ that the best?!?!And then excercise does not seem as much as a chore when your body feels good inside. I started with the healthy eating habits then later in the “journey to lose fat” it became natural to me to or may i say I felt more like excercising (walking, running, skating, dancing ect.). If you’re anything like me with a busy/hectic schedlue and can’t make it to the local gyms, the treadmills at home or just plain walking outside and more of what we call the youthlike activities will work just as good. Have fun losing the weight!!! It shouldn’t be a chore….
By Donna
June 12, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
Hello all…Take it from me…I owned a women’s health club for 10 years…There is no Magic pill!!! Eat right and healthy and add exercise to your daily routine…even short 10 minute walks 3xs a day will add up to the 30 minutes daily you’ll need to start! So grab a friend and start walking….Good luck!!!
By Jeff
June 12, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
CLA will not help you lose weight, it will help you MAINTAIN weight.
The only sure method of losing weight is eating a balanced diet and REGULAR exercise. By regular exercise I mean you do something with frequency. I’ve lost 100 lbs since last August using the macrobolic diet (45% low GI carbs/35% mixed proteins/20% fats) and doing an hour of weight lifting and one hour of cardio EVERYDAY. I’ve taken 10 years off my body and my looks. There are no pills, hard work is the only way.
By Amanda
June 12, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Recently seen ad’s for a new diet drug Hoodia. I wanted to know how harmful that diet drug maybe. Thanks!
By tracy
June 12, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
One topic that I haven’t seen come up for Health and Fitness is Endocrine Disruptors. A common place these are found are in the hormones used to grow our meats in the US which is why Europe won’t import them from us. Could you please provide coverage on this. It’s a main reason most people in the US find themselves overweight and can’t lose the weight in spite of dieting.