According to the World Health Organisation over one billion people are overweight, and 300 million of them are obese (Body Mass Index over 30). Overweight has been linked to several severe diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The roots of this widely spread trend are to be found in the post war modernization of the Western culture. As the developing countries are struggling with poor nutrition, the Western, wealthy world is sluggishly driving through fast food restaurants and sitting in their SUVs, getting fatter each day. The low physical activity brought about by modernization is one side of the coin, the other is high energy content and poor nutritional values in the food Westerners eat, leaving their bodies in excessive energy surplus.
Easy Fixes- Do They Work?
The overweight epidemic has resulted in multiple weight management solutions. The easy fixes, such as weight loss products have become increasingly popular in the Western hemisphere. Fitness and beauty magazines are filled with double paged commercials for "fat burners" and other weight loss aids. One of these products is Meltdown, produced by VPX Sports.
Due to their popularity, one would think they must work. But do they really? A quick search revealed that few research groups in the USA have examined the effect of Meltdown in healthy, active young adults. One of these studies, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in January 2009 revealed that in resting healthy, normal weight, young males and females, three capsules of Meltdown (which is the maximal dose recommended by the producer) increased energy expenditure. The side effects reported in this study were increased mood changes, heart rate and blood pressure in resting conditions. Another study published in the same journal in December 2008, studied young, normal weight, healthy participants during a incremental maximal effort treadmill test. The results showed increased resting energy expenditures prior the test and boosted fat oxidation after the maximal test. In this study, there were no indications for hemodynamic (increased heart rate or blood pressure) side effects. In summary, these studies indicate that Meltdown may be beneficial in increasing daily energy expenditure in healthy, young, normal weight people in both resting conditions and when exercising.
Although there are some indications that the Meltdown product may enhance the energy expenditure, think critically what the implications of these results are and what the advertisements claim. What are the possible side effects of the products? Do these results apply to an older, overweight, sedentary person with possibly underlying conditions? What are the risks associated with use of Meltdown or any other similar product? Search online for forums for a particular product of interest and examine what other consumers post on forums about the product. Do search in scientific journals via National Institutes of Health or US National Library of Medicine to look for science based information. The bottom line is: know what the possible risks are before purchasing any weight loss products.
The Best Way to Lose Weight
The best way to lose weight is simple. Eat less, move more. Being wiser about consuming energy is the best way to stop gaining weight and even turning the table from energy surplus to energy deficit, which brings about the desired weight loss. Increase the daily activity level by moving more. Daily walks, runs or bicycle rides increase the energy expenditure, boost physical and mental health and increase general well being.
The best ways to shed pounds include the following:
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains and get more fiber in daily nutrition.
- Cut down sugars and fats.
- Always eat breakfast.
- Steady weight loss is all about adjusting to new habits. Don't change everything all at once, but gradually change old bad habits to new healthy ones.
- Move more. Go for at least one 30 minute walk every day.
- Allow yourself an occasional treat.
It is still a whole lot easier to gain weight than lose it. But anyone can do it, so can you! Easy fixes may be beneficial in getting one started, but always consult your doctor before using any weight management aid or starting a new exercise regime.
Marjaana Rakai - Marjaana Rakai is a freelance writer with MSc in Sport Science. She provides writing services based on her long educational expertise: ...
