Weight loss is a common aim for people with increasingly sedentary lifestyles and a compunction for calorie-dense processed foods. Often these people take supplements in an attempt to stimulate weight loss. In addition to adopting a healthier diet and increased exercise, there are a number of vitamins and nutrients that, when taken as supplements, may support healthy weight loss.
What exactly are weight loss supplements?
Weight loss supplements are products found in pill, powder, capsule or liquid form, that are intended to be included in your diet to stimulate weight loss. They may work by improving carbohydrate metabolism, increasing fat-burning capacity, or energy expenditure, or reducing your feelings of hunger. Other weight loss supplements may help indirectly by bolstering your general health and energy levels and counteracting the effects of dieting, for example, fatigue, food cravings and nutrient deficiencies.
Which vitamins and supplements can stimulate weight loss?
Many vitamins and minerals can help to maintain a healthy weight. By eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet, you are likely to absorb all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need. However, if you have a busy life, it is not unusual to eat similar kinds repetitively and not maintain a well-balanced diet. So, here are some recommended supplements to consider acquiring from your local supplement store:
Multivitamins.
Multivitamins typically contain B-vitamins, which play a key role in energy metabolism. Ideally, take one containing iron which is crucial for carrying oxygen to your body cells. Many of these cells are involved in supporting metabolic processes, such as building lean muscle mass.
Magnesium.
Magnesium plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight as it stimulates your body’s ability to utilize glucose for energy. Magnesium supplementation can result in a reduction in body mass index, as well as a reduction in body weight and waist circumference for those with insulin resistance-related disorders, hypertension, and obesity. Magnesium is also critical for protein synthesis and energy production, and low magnesium levels may also inhibit vitamin D’s ability to function properly.
B vitamins.
B vitamins can help maintain a healthy weight balance because of their role in energy production. Vitamin B3, for example, helps the body to break down carbohydrates and convert them into energy, but high levels of vitamins B3 and B1 have also been linked to insulin resistance. There are suggested links between low levels of vitamin B12 and obesity.
Protein powder.
Protein promotes weight loss as you burn calories digesting it, and you stay full for longer. Increasing the protein ratio in your diet can add some calorie burn to your day. Protein shakes may also help with weight loss as they reduce feelings of hunger. So, if you include protein in every meal this will help you feel full for longer.
Fibre.
Fibre provides many health benefits, including helping you to maintain a healthy weight. In fact, eating just 30 grams of fibre every day will help to support weight loss and improve the body’s responses to insulin. Eating fibre will also make you feel full for longer, so you might be more likely to resist snacking.