The Lipstick Party

Do you know anybody that wants to lose fat? Perhaps you are desperate to lose some weight? If so, you have probably been bombarded by all the different companies willing to sell you the next fat loss miracle.

The big problem here is that the supplement industry is NOT regulated. Anybody can put anything in a bottle, smack a label on it and put it for sale on the shelves.

But are all supplements ineffective or dangerous? Well, the truth is that there are some very effective supplements with hardly any risks. The main problem is finding companies that produce them with high levels of purity.

Nonetheless, here is my review of popular supplements for losing fat:

1. Branched-chain amino acids. The claim is that amino acids increase energy levels and help build more muscle. What the marketers fail to reveal is that amino acids provide an extremely small percentage of energy compared to macro nutrients. Moreover, taking a huge amount of one amino acid can block the absorption of another.

2. Acetyl carnitine pills. Carnitine is used to bring fatty acids into the mitochondria to be oxidized. However, your body makes all that it needs on its own. So supplementing is likely going to be a waste of money.

3. Chromium picolinate. Some initial studies showed that this supplement was effective for reducing waist lines. However, since then, this supplement has failed to live up to expectations. And some research has shown it to be toxic. I recommend saving your money and buying some healthy food instead.

4. Powders. By powders I mean meal replacements. The term is very contradictory. After all, a packet of powder cannot match up to a fully balanced meal loaded with nutrients. Use meal replacements in only the most extreme situations. And even bars would be a better option here.

If a supplement is accompanied by ridiculous claims, it probably does not work. You are much better off spending your time and energy doing other things that will actually make a difference. And do not be swayed by clever marketing!

Katherine Crawford MS, a Harvard exercise expert and former flabby arms victim, is an expert on arm toning. Discover how to get sexy and toned arms right now by exploring her own blog on flabby arms.