Jun 10 2009
Fast weight loss and bikini bodies - myth or miracle?
Even though the official start of summer is not until June 21st; for most it started once the warm weather hit us like a wake up call that bathing-suit season was here! At this point many start to panic and run to the health food store looking for the latest weight-loss product to help them lose pounds quick. To belay their fears about relying on such products, many manufacturers advertise their supplements are “all natural” or “safe and effective”. Even the slow economy has not had a negative impact on the sales of weight loss products. Business journals are reporting that sales on supplements continue to rise.
Is this trendy path to fast weight loss and the perfect bikini body in a few short weeks realistic? Is it even safe? Many products make outrageous claims of 10 - 20 pounds dropped in as little as 2 or 3 weeks. Astonishingly, their promises are then followed up with amazing photos and testimonials. Caveat emptor! In the fine print are often statements like, “results not typical” or “this statement has not been evaluated by the FDA”. This means that while the featured pictures and testimonials show miraculous results, this is generally not what most consumers will experience. Furthermore, there are, most likely, no studies to support such claims.
So is the fast track to a bikini body a myth or miracle? The short answer is both. Many will experience rapid weight loss with popular supplements, others will have no results, or possibly even negative effects. There are a few key ingredients to be aware of:
- Guarana: An herb native to South America that is high in naturally occurring caffeine. While it provides an immediate burst of energy, it is temporary, and can be harmful when used long term. Like other caffeine containing plants, it can cause nervousness, sleeplessness, increased heart rate and has addictive properties. The herb is part of native South American herbal medicine, and should be used judicially with recommendation and supervision by a Natural Health Professional or Master Herbalist.
- Ma huang: Also comes in the form of ephedra. High doses are associated with heart palpitations and shortness of breath. (See this medical review for more info). The herb ma huang is part of the Chinese medicine’s pharmacopoeia and has much value in Chinese medicine. As such, see an OMD or LAc for proper use of this herb.
- Kola nut: (Not to be confused with gotu kola) Another herb with naturally occurring caffeine. Caffeine may initially help raise the metabolism; but regular cardiovascular exercise produces the same result, and is a much safer alternative.
As with all fad dieting and magic formulas, the weight loss often comes back as soon as the diet is stopped or the supplement is discontinued. The ugly truth is that effective, permanent weight loss is the result of dedication and perseverance. There is no magic formula. The plan is simple: eat fresh, whole foods, eliminate processed and high sugar foods, and finally find some form of regular exercise which you enjoy. The particular diet and form of exercise is really a matter of individual preference.
From a holistic perspective, weight gain is a sign of imbalance in the body. This imbalance is often due to a poor diet or sedentary lifestyle, but there are pathological issues that can effect the body’s natural rhythm as well. Hormonal imbalances are one example. Many have tried exercise and diet on their own with little to no success, and then either given up or turned to weight loss supplements and their false promises. Anyone who wants to find their healthy weight and is struggling should seek the advice of a doctor, nutritionist, or other natural health professional.
Source - www.examiner.com
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