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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Are weight loss supplements effective??

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Weight Management
    Do weight loss supplements really work and how?
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    Lisa Renn

    Dietitian

    Lisa is an APD with 12 years experience, specialising in helping people identify and change habits that impact negatively on their health. Inspiring change, Lisa … View Profile

    Sucessful weight loss is really about changing your behaviours and habits around food. The promise of taking a supplement without changing anything else about your diet or the way you use food. eg emotional eating, has to be false. Weight loss is about taking in less food than your body needs to maintain your current weight. Unfortunately there is no ‘silver bullet’ it takes time and effort over a long period of time and requires you to change your relationship with food if you are to keep the weight off once you stop taking the supplement.

    Some of the appetite supressants have chemicals (either natural or pharmaceutical) that will have effects on your sleep and concentration levels so should always be taken with caution. One of the  medications Doctors used to prescribe for appetitie supression has been taken off the market due to it's potential side effects.

    Meal replacement sachets and very low calorie diets (VLCD) such as Optifast are options to consider but woud be best undertaken in consulatation with a Dietitian and/or your GP.

    Best of luck, the old saying applies here “ If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    Agreed, nothing beats good nutrtion and healthy lifestyle. Not only do weight loss suppliemnts come with side effects, they are not sustainable and expensive. 

    I suggest you talk to a registered dietition to discuss a suitable sustainable food plan to assist you with your goals. All the best:)

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    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    I agree with both Kirsty and Lisa here. There are so many products out there and they are often only used to make money for the large companies. If you are severely overweight/ obese with health-related problems than I would suggest Optifast initially however you would need to consult with an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and your GP first.

    As Lisa pointed out, you need to learn how to eat healthy, form good relationships with food and know what works for you and stick to it. It's all very individual, a consultation with an APD will help your to determine the best plan that works for you long term. Weight loss supplements are often only for the short term and they can carry some nasty side effects so be wary. They should never be used to replace a well balanced diet. If you are looking for some more information google search the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and the Austrailan Dietary Guidelines. These resources will be able to point you in the right direction.

    For more individualised dietary changes seek the experts in nutrition, APDs. You can find an APD at www.daa.asn.au :)

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