Slimming supplements have long been a source of contention among consumers and experts alike. Some people are skeptical of the effectiveness of slimming products, while others swear by them and recommend them to their friends and family.
A general rule of thumb that has been passed down through generations is to know what’s in your food before putting it in your body to ensure that whatever you’re consuming is beneficial. A similar logic is often applied by experts and consumers alike when it comes to supplement consumption. To further shed light on slimming supplements, we’ve invited Nik Jah Binti Nik Ab Kadir, pharmacist and owner of Pantai Hillpark Pharmacy to share her expert opinion.
CAN SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS BE BOUGHT WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION?
Nik Jah Binti Nik Ab Kadir: Slimming supplements registered under the food category can be bought without prescriptions. However, customers must report to the Ministry of Health if they encounter any side effects upon consumption.
WHAT CATEGORIES CAN SLIMMING PRODUCTS OR SUPPLEMENTS BE LICENSED UNDER?
Nik Jah: Depending on the ingredients, slimming products can be licensed under the poison group, as over the counter products or as food supplements. For example, slimming products containing appetite suppressants such as phentermine and sibutramine ( Brand name Duromine or Adipex) are licensed under schedule poison and must be prescribed by doctors, due to the multiple side effects. If a slimming supplement is registered under food, the product is controlled by the Food Safety and Quality division overseen by the Ministry of Health.
HOW CAN CONSUMERS ENSURE THAT THE SLIMMING PRODUCTS THEY INTEND TO PURCHASE ARE REGISTERED WITH THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY?
Nik Jah: Consumers can check the product registration online, through a government sanctioned site: www.pharmacy.gov.my.
Furthermore, products registered with the Ministry of Health will usually have a hologram sticker on the products itself. Consumers can check the authenticity of the hologram at a community pharmacy to avoid buying fake slimming products. Consumers must buy from a reliable supplier or retailer.
Pharmacists are often dubbed the guardians of medications. Hence, it’s advisable for customers to buy from pharmacy outlets with the supervision of registered and knowledgeable pharmacists.
CAN PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS CONSUME SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS? WHAT MEDICAL CONDITIONS MAY BE HARMED WHEN SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED?
Nik Jah: Obese consumers are seen as susceptible to many medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. It is advisable for these consumers to check their medical condition with doctors and seek professional opinion before starting any slimming program or consuming any slimming products. Moreover, some fat burners work by elevating your blood pressure and increasing your overall energy expenditure, which may eventually lead to weight loss over time.
Consumers should take precautions if they already have high blood pressure, as consuming these supplements could lead to hypertension. In addition, people with hypertension cannot take certain weight loss medications, like appetite suppressants, because these medications have a tendency to raise blood pressure and affect the heart and kidneys which can be fatal in the long run. Some diet pills can cause bloating, diarrhea, insomnia, gassy stomach and oily stools which lead to poor quality of life. There are a few health conditions that can make it harder to lose weight such as hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, mental health conditions and hormonal changes with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Consumers should take precautions if they already have high blood pressure, as consuming these supplements could lead to hypertension.
ARE THERE ANY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES THAT CAN BE FOUND IN SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS?
Nik Jah: Yes, there are a few products adulterated with substances such as sibutramine, which have been found to have many adverse effects on the heart and cardiovascular system.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CLAIMS CONSUMERS SHOULD BE WARY OF WHEN IT COMES TO SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS?
Nik Jah: Consumers should be aware regarding products that claim to speed up the metabolism or promises to block fats from being absorbed (prevention of fat absorption) from the body. Consumers should avoid products that promote rapid weight loss and promise quick results. Avoid products that do not suggest any dietary advice.
HOW SAFE ARE HERBAL SLIMMING PRODUCTS? DO THEY CONTAIN ANY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES?
Nik Jah: Slimming products should be used with caution especially herbal types. Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Most herbal slimming products have limited or no consistent data to support long-term weight loss efficacy and safety. They also have the potential for adverse interactions with prescription medications. Some herbs such as comfrey (Symphytum officinale) and ephedra which is usually found in herbal slimming products can harm our liver and affect our cardiovascular system.
Consumers should be aware regarding products that claim to speed up the metabolism or promises to block fat s from being absorbed (prevention of fat absorption) from the body.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS?
Nik Jah: Ultimately, no supplement or pill works very well for weight loss. However, these products may help those who are obese to push their metabolism slightly higher and burn the fat slowly. Some slimming supplements contain laxative which helps with constipation. Slimming products containing garcinia cambogia can reduce cravings for food by hindering a fat producing enzyme in the body. Green coffee bean extract may help lower blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. It is also high in antioxidants.
Caffeine found in beverages such as coffee act as a metabolism booster. Substances such as raspberry ketones, meratrim (combination of plant extracts: sphaeranthus indicus and garcinia mangostana) increase the breakdown of fat and increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin. Weight-loss supplements such as shake and powdered drinks lead to temporary weight-loss because it reduces the calorie intake. It might contain conjugated linoleic acid, a healthy trans fat that helps to boost metabolism and make us feel satiated.
WHAT KIND OF SLIMMING PRODUCTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED?
Nik Jah: Avoid slimming products that promote rapid weight loss, due to the side effects and the products may also be adulterated with harmful ingredients such as ephedra, appetite suppressants and these products may also not be registered with the Ministry of Health.
For consumers with cardiovascular disease, avoid slimming products containing grapefruit juice and green tea as these herbs interact with warfarin and enhance liver damage.
Slimming products containing chromium picolinate should be used with caution in people who are diabetic as it can enhance insulin effect, causing hypoglycemia.
CAN SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS SUBSTITUTE EXERCISE?
Nik Jah: No. Exercise is a basic requirement for everybody because it helps with longterm weight management and muscle strengthening. Exercise also helps to maintain normal weight and prevents you from gaining weight.
CAN SLIMMING SUPPLEMENTS SUBSTITUTE A MEAL?
Nik Jah: No. Slimming supplements can be an adjunct to our daily food’s intake. We still need to take our healthy dietary plan to avoid malnutrition. It’s also important to ensure that you get enough minerals and vitamins from a natural diet.
If you’re considering purchasing slimming or weight-loss supplements, please seek professional opinion from your trusted doctors and pharmacists to ensure that you’re well informed before embarking on your weight loss journey.
