Not only are the people of the U.S. more overweight than just about every other country in the world, but the U.S. practically worships medication as a solution to all of life’s problems. This combination has led to a booming weight loss supplement industry in America, with hundreds if not thousands of different brands on the market today.

Most weight loss supplements work by the same general principle of appetite suppression. Appetite suppressants are always CNS stimulants of one kind or another, and therefore will also trigger a number of ‘side effects’ in addition to lowering your appetite. The side effects include an increased heart rate, a boost to your blood pressure, and often a roller coaster effect on your blood sugar levels. Weight loss supplements are therefore not without some risks, especially if you suffer from heart disease of any kind, or diabetes.

The irony about weight loss supplements is that most people that would benefit from them are also people that are at risk to take them. People who are very much overweight are far more likely to suffer from heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes, and therefore shouldn’t take weight loss supplements that work by way of a stimulant.

One of the first stimulants that was popular in weight loss supplements was ephedra. Ephedra is the precursor chemical to amphetamines, and has many of the same upper like effects on your body. After it became clear that ephedra based medication was causing people to have heart attacks or other fatal health complications, ephedra has become less popular as a weight loss pill ingredient. Be careful though, just because a diet pill advertises itself as ‘ephedra free’ doesn’t mean that is stimulant free, as there are many different stimulants out there that also share the same risks as ephedra. If the supplement you are considering indicates that it will ‘boost your energy levels’, it’s got a stimulant.

Though risky and not without some side effects, weight loss supplements may be appropriate for some people. Of course, a healthy diet and regular exercise is the best way to lose weight and keep it off, but no one really wants to hear that. If you are considering a weight loss supplement, its always a good idea to talk to your doctor about it first.

There are dozens of programs that sell boxed foods in precise portions yielding just so many calories and low in fat. There are exercise programs, machines, belts, gyms, supplements. Obviously, since these products and services are booming, people want to lose weight and realize healthy foods are better for them. People also know exercise burns calories. So it certainly makes sense to practice these principles in order to succeed.

The trouble is, with so many food programs emphasizing one diet component over others, such as the “low carb” diet, “high fiber” it’s difficult to know which is best for you. Ditto for exercise programs. How can you determine a healthy way to lose weight that works for you?

First, remember the bottom line is calories. A healthy way to lose weight requires that your food choices contain the spectrum of nutrients required for good health with sufficient calories to allow you to lose weight slowly. Losing weight too quickly is stressful on your heart, may result in sagging skin, and typically does not lead to a permanent loss.

Some people do well on the boxed foods diets. Others end up cheating themselves by eating a couple of the meals because they’re still hungry. Analyze your own eating patterns and pick up a book giving calorie content of different foods. See if you can’t put together a week’s menu of foods you like, including all food groups, within the daily calorie allowance you’ve established and consist of foods that will be filling. Another healthy way to lose weight is to eat several small but nutritious meals instead of the standard three squares.

When choosing forms of exercise, consider your age, state of health, and general tone of muscles. If you’ve got arthritis, jogging probably isn’t your best choice. Aerobic or Pilates exercises may work best for you. Bicycling and swimming use almost every muscle in your body and so are among the most beneficial in a program of a healthy way to lose weight. It’s essential that you choose something you enjoy. If it’s not enjoyable, you won’t keep up with it and be more likely to give up on the entire effort.