Are supplements really that necessary for losing weight?

Km0714

As far as losing weight and getting toned goes, are supplements really that helpful? I've been reading all over the internet and magazines this and that about supplements, but they're so expensive and quite frankly the gnc store intimidates me haha.

I do take a multivitamin daily

If you do use supplements to help you with losing weight and getting toned what do you use? Would you recommend it?

Thanks

sorry guys necessary was the wrong word *helpful

Today414

I take a multivitamin and an omega suppliment. I don't think they really help with weight-loss .. they're just good for you. Lol

Zylahe

You dont need supplements. To lose weight.
You should aim to have a nutritious balanced diet at a slight calorie defecit , then you will lose weight.

ValerieMartini2Olives

Necessary? No. Do they make you think and feel better about yourself? Probably, so why not?

geekyjock76

Supplements are not necessary. In fact, very few products actually have the support of independent clinical research to back their claims.

The only product which MAY be beneficial would be protein powder more or less due to the convenience factor in making shakes and smoothies to bring to school or work when you don't have the liberty to eat an actual meal or just to add extra protein in your diet. It can also be used to make instant protein desserts such as puddings, brownies, cheesecakes, etc.

Just figure out how many calories you need to eat to maintain your weight and body composition when engaging in a certain amount of activity. From that, set a weekly weight loss goal relative to how much fat mass you can realistically lose per week.

teamstanish

Necessary? No. Good for you? Yes.

I feel way more energetic when I take my supplements!

mizzie1980

Nope, not at all.

nxd10

Necessary? no
Helpful? rarely
Potentially harmful? Sometimes

Most of them are quack medicines according to the NIH. Others have steroids/chemically active substances that are not well controlled in the dosages given.

gmallan

If you're getting everything you need from your diet then, definitely not. If your diet is lacking in some regard or you find yourself unable to get enough of a particular nutrient then you can use suplements. A balanced healthy diet is preferable

BusyRaeNOTBusty

I take a vitamin, glucose and fish oil. I sometimes use protein powder if I'm not hitting my protein macro with food alone.

nicolamoonbrains

I don't think supplements help you to loose weight, but if, like me you have a real problem with vegetables and getting all the nutrients you need then its worth taking something I think, but not just the cheapest multi-vit you can find in the supermarket! I was recommended solgar supplements, and take one of they're multi vitamins and within a week of taking them for the first time I noticed a big difference in the way I felt. I felt more energy and vitality for sure. They are very good supplements but not cheap unfortunately.

For weight loss, supplements like sea kelp might help as it is said to boost your metabolism as well as green tea extract but I have no experience of these supplements so can't vouch for them. Don't take sea kelp though if your taking thyroxine!! Those are not to be mixed.

annette_15

I've never used any supplement or vitamins of any kind and I'm doing just fine!

kellyscomeback

Are some necessary to me, yes. Those include protein powder (whey & casein), multivitamin and EFA (essential fatty acid) supplements. I'm going to be lifting heavy soon so I am on a loading dose of creatine.