Health

Supplements For Athletes Considering Weight Loss

It is estimated that the number of individuals with obesity has significantly increased in the past two decades. Numbers released by the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta indicate that close to 15% of adolescents are currently overweight (Body mass index greater than 25 kg per m2). While this may not sound like a high number, obesity has a profound effect on many aspects of health and the psyche. There have been many suggestions made on what is the best solution to counter the problem of obesity in our society; the majority of current treatments have had poor results. Conventional medicine including surgery to treat obesity has not been the magic bullet. This has led many people turning to natural supplements for weight loss. There are hundreds of amino acids, minerals, nutrients and herbs which are easily available Over the Counter (OTC).

Current estimates indicate that anywhere from 7-10% of adults use some type of over the counter supplements to counter the weight problem. Many athletes routinely use a variety of over the counter supplements. While many men combine fitness and supplements, women simply take the supplements. Women outnumber men by a ratio of 2:1 when it comes to the use of such products. And the surprising thing is that these products are used across all ages in both genders. Numbers from retail sales indicate that OTC supplements bring an estimated $1-1.5 billions dollars/annually in sales and the figures are increasing each year.

The top selling over the counter product for weight loss has been metabolife 356, which is an ephedra containing supplement. Ephedra is found in a lot of weight loss supplements and the actual quality and quantity remain unknown. Over the past decade, sales of this product have increased by more than 100%. However, despite the wide sales of over the counter supplements for weight loss, the effectiveness is still questionable and not everyone responds to them. Many of the products have been questioned regarding their safety and the FDA is seeking greater control over some of these OTC supplements.

Why individuals take these supplements does not have an easy answer. Surveys from individuals indicate that the products are taken for several reasons including:

* failure to lose weight by medically recommended methods

* worried about complications of weight loss surgery

* poor results with bariatric surgery

* want to prevent health problems including hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancers

* unattractiveness of being obese

* easy availability of OTC supplements

* no need of a prescription to obtain these products

* no need to see a physician or a nurse for an initial consultation

* belief that natural supplements are better then taking drugs which may have potential side effects

* media hype about the effectiveness of OTC supplements

* failing to lose weight with exercise or dieting

* lack of physician concern and/or apathy on part of the health care professional in dealing with obese patients

* obese individuals are discriminated at all levels of life, including housing, jobs, travel and even social life.

The desire to lose weight among athletes is always strong. While there is no easy solution to obesity, one thing is assured. If one is persistent, patient and dedicated, exercise will definitely help you rid the weight in a safe and cost effective manner.

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