Several agents have been promoted to increase fat loss. However, as you have read, minimal scientific data are actually available to support many of these products. The products, which have been shown to be beneficial in aiding fat loss, from a scientific point of view, include caffeine with or without ephedrine. Although caffeine alone or in combination with ephedrine appears to be the most effective, there is some controversy surrounding the use of these ingredients. When abused, ephedrine has been associated with adverse reactions including death. The use of caffeine also produces some unwanted side effects. However, if a caffeine and/or ephedrine product is used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and if used alone, it is unlikely that any life-threatening events would occur with the use of the product. Nevertheless, appropriate supervision by a physician is always recommended.

An exercise intervention program was used in conjunction with the dietary supplement. The supplement, in most cases, did not produce a great effect, if any. The key to fat loss is that caloric expenditure must be greater than caloric intake. If it is not, fat loss will not occur.

Although new fat reduction supplements will appear on the market, the main physiological mechanism of body weight regulation, energy balance, is reflected by energy intake and energy expenditure. Excess energy intake without a concomitant rise in energy expenditure will result mainly in the deposition of fat into adipocytes. This excess energy may be in the form of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. A balanced diet with energy expenditure exceeding energy intake is the best form of fat reduction-guaranteed.

Reducing Lipid Absorption

Dietary lipid (predominately fat) is digested by specific enzymes including lipases, phospholipids, and cholesterol esterase. Most of the lipid digestion occurs in the duodenum of the small intestine in which lipids are emulsified by the detergent action of bile salts. Lipids and bile salts spontaneously form micelles. The micelles contain fatty acids and cholesterol, and serve as transporters. Micelles migrate to the brush border where lipids diffuse out of the micelles into mucosal cells.

Agents that can prevent lipid digestion and/or absorption appear an attractive approach as a fat loss mechanism or, more importantly, reducing blood cholesterol levels. In fact, there are some prescriptions and fat substitutes that function to reduce fat absorption. However, a reduction in lipid absorption has potentially negative side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and a reduction in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.


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