Supplements and Weight Loss_ What You Need to Know with Dr. Sejal Desai
In today's episode, we'll explore the complex world of supplements and their impact on weight management. Join me alongside Dr. Sejal Desai as we delve into this multifaceted topic. Dr. Desai will shed light on the relationship between supplements and weight, providing valuable insights for a healthier lifestyle.
About Guest
Dr. Sejal Desai, MD, is double board certified in Obesity Medicine & Family Medicine and a diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Based in Houston, Texas, she brings over two decades of experience to her practice.
Since 2013, Dr. Desai has focused on aiding individuals struggling with obesity. She founded and leads Tula Medical Weight Loss and Wellness, offering evidence-based approaches to weight management.
Her contributions extend beyond her practice. Dr. Desai serves on HOPE (Houston Obesity Partnership for Excellence) and is a distinguished speaker on rare genetic disorders of obesity. She's an active member of the Obesity Medicine Association's Membership Committee and generously volunteers her time educating fellow physicians about obesity as a disease
Multivitamins: Personalized Nutrition and Key Considerations
1. Nutrient Dense Foods over Supplements:
Getting essential vitamins and minerals primarily through nutrient-dense foods is key for most individuals. Prioritizing a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins remains the fundamental approach to fulfilling nutritional requirements.
2. Viewing Supplements as Medications:
Concerning supplements, including multivitamins, it's important to treat them as you would medications. Unlike the natural nutrients in food, these are made in a lab to supplement your diet, not replace it. Remember, handle them with the same care and caution as you do with prescribed medications.
3. Individualized Approach to Supplements:
Deciding on the right supplements? It's all about tailoring them to fit your specific situation. Consider things like dietary choices (vegan or vegetarian), any existing medical conditions (such as celiac, Crohn's, or ulcerative colitis), food allergies, the medications you're taking, and unique physiological needs (like menstruation, postmenopause, or if you've had bariatric surgery). These factors play a key role in determining your supplement requirements.
4. Multivitamins as Standard for Pregnant Women:
For those planning pregnancy or already expecting, here's the deal: it's often recommended to go for a standard prenatal multivitamin. These bad boys are loaded with essentials like folic acid, which is vital for a baby's development. Start these supplements before conception—they play a crucial role in ensuring your body's nutrient levels are ready for the pregnancy journey.
Weight Loss and Meal Replacements: What to Know
Meal replacements, like protein shakes and fitness bars, have become a go-to for folks aiming to drop those extra pounds. However, in certain cases, such as post-bariatric surgery or stringent weight loss plans, these meal replacements might not cover all the essential nutrients you need.
Many over-the-counter protein shakes and store-bought meal replacements boast about their vitamin and mineral content. But if you're using them to replace solid meals while slashing calories, they might fall short on delivering everything your body requires.
How about medical-grade meal replacements prescribed by doctors? Those usually pack a punch—solid protein, fewer carbs, and a good mix of vitamins and minerals. However, not all shakes are made equal. Chat with your doctor or a dietitian to make sure the protein-rich product you're eyeing aligns with your health and weight loss goals.
Exploring the Impact of Potent Weight Loss Meds on Diets
With new powerful weight loss meds (like Wegovy and Zepbound) making waves, they're seriously changing the game when it comes to diets. Even with many folks eating less, there aren't clear supplement rules yet.
Navigating supplements while on weight loss meds feels like a bit of a puzzle. But the real goal is to get your essential nutrients directly from food and using supplements to supplement that healthy lifestyle. It's really about customizing your nutrition game with guidance.
Working with someone well-versed in these meds is like having a secret weapon. They can really fine-tune how your diet and meds work together, which is pretty neat. Oh, and if these meds have your appetite on vacation, those meal replacement options can be a day saver.
Truth Behind Natural Weight Loss Supplements
Natural supplements, especially those designed for weight loss, often provoke curiosity among patients seeking alternative approaches to shed extra pounds. Exploring options such as green tea extract, berberine, and more recently, barley, has become a common endeavor in the quest for effective weight loss.
However, behind the allure of these supplements lies a questionable reality. A significant portion of the supplement industry, approximately $2 billion within the colossal $50 billion sector, caters specifically to weight loss. Yet, despite this massive investment, the U.S. Government Accountability Office raises concerns about their efficacy and cites potential risks for physical harm.
Scientific support for these supplements remains patchy at best. Most studies lack human-based evidence, often relying on animal trials, lab-based experiments, or inadequately conducted research. Consequently, solid evidence backing their claims for weight loss is really just lacking.
While these supplements might offer marginal effects on weight at best, they’re far from a miracle. The truth is, they aren't the magical solution to weight loss. Instead, the tried-and-true formula remains steadfast: embracing a healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced diet and regular exercise.
To sum it up, the search for effective, natural dietary supplements for weight loss is far from over. There’s just not enough scientific evidence to back up their claims. Ultimately, the key to sustainable weight management lies in maintaining a balanced lifestyle through good dietary habits and consistent physical activity.
Selecting Safe Supplements: A Guide for Quality and Reliability
When it comes to choosing a supplement, whether it's vitamin D, B12, fish oil, probiotics, or even something like apple cider vinegar, ensuring its quality and safety is crucial. The million-dollar question lies in how one can find a safe and reliable supplement from the vast array available in the market.
While the FDA does regulate supplements, their oversight regarding effectiveness, safety, or quality isn't as rigorous as one might expect. The responsibility for testing the supplements and ensuring their quality falls largely on the individual companies producing these products. This can lead to discrepancies where some supplements claims may not match what’s on their labels. From inaccurate dosage to additives, food dyes, or variations in batch consistency, these concerns are not uncommon among over-the-counter supplements.
In fact, back in 2016, the FDA issued over 30 public notifications to consumers regarding certain weight loss products that contained sibutramine—an ingredient previously used in a prescription weight loss medication. Sibutramine had been withdrawn from markets due to cardiovascular safety concerns back in 2010, yet it was found in some supplements, raising significant safety issues.
So, the question remains—how do we navigate this landscape and pick a reliable supplement? One helpful tip is looking for supplements that have undergone third-party testing. Entities like NSF, USP, and Consumer Lab conduct independent evaluations and testing of various supplements. Their lack of financial affiliation with these products ensures more unbiased and reliable results. Checking for labels such as NSF, USP, or Consumer Lab on the supplement's packaging or verifying through their websites (like nsf.org or usp.org) can guide toward trustworthy options.
Ultimately, seeking out supplements that have undergone third-party scrutiny offers a degree of assurance in terms of safety, quality, and reliability, providing consumers with a more informed choice.
Exploring the diverse realm of supplements and weight management strategies can be complex. Dr. Sejal Desi's valuable insights provide a roadmap, enabling individuals to make informed choices about their health and wellness journey. Remember, a balanced approach to dietary supplements and lifestyle choices paves the way toward a healthier tomorrow.
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