About 31 percent of NewBeauty readers told us that they would try anything to help them lose weight, with another 25 percent saying they would consider using a fat-burning supplement. But while the goal behind these supplements is to help speed up the metabolism so the body is more efficient at burning fat, there is always the concern over whether they are safe or not.
For the first time in 13 years, the FDA has approved a new prescription weight loss pill (just last week). What’s special about this drug, called Belviq, is that it’s specifically made for those that are considered obese. It works by controlling appetite by seeking out the serotonin receptors that affect appetite. Arena Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the drug, reported that nearly half of those who used Belviq, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise plan, lost 5 percent of their starting body weight in the course of one year.
The FDA originally rejected Arena’s first request for approval back in 2010 because there was concern over whether the drug caused heart problems. But new data revealed that these problems did not occur at the doses that Belvig would be prescribed at. And even though this drug has FDA approval, most nutritionists and health experts agree that the safest way to lose weight is through a healthy diet and exercise. “You’re better off regulating your metabolism long-term through physical activity-the most influential factor behind burning calories-and smart food choices,” says celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson.
“The best fat burner is your body’s own chemistry,” says Los Angeles nutritionist Amy Piacentino. “But when that’s not working properly, you might have to take a supplement to ‘turn it on.’ In those cases, I recommend taking a natural supplement.”
A great natural option is TruDerma Mangodrin ($50) because it contains an African mango extract that help suppress the appetite and absorb carbohydrates. Genuine Health Abs Plus ($30) is another option because it claims to boost metabolism and boosts the way your body processes fat as an energy source.
For more information about fat-burning supplements, be sure to check out the latest issue of NewBeauty Magazine on newsstands now.
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