If you are concerned about weight gain when you give up smoking, research suggests that there are two food supplements which, unusually for nonprescription weight-loss products, really may be effective.

One, Zotrim, is a mix of three South American herbs called yerbe mate, guarana and damiana. Small clinical trials published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics have suggested that these work together to increase the “full” feeling when taken with a meal.

Ultrasound scans of the stomach demonstrate that the product appears to slow the rate of gastric emptying, prolonging the period for which food is held in the stomach. New research presented to the European Congress on Obesity has shown that 72 overweight people taking Zotrim reported significantly lower weight over six weeks.

Another new product is Lipobind, a patented mix of plant-sourced soluble fibres that may be capable of swelling in our stomachs and grabbing dietary fats before they are absorbed. The fibre and fat are carried out of your body in your stools.

The Medical Devices Directive in Germany has granted Lipobind a Certified Medical Device Product certification. Unlike medicines, which have a physiological effect once absorbed, medical devices are not absorbed so they do not change physiology.

Because the fibres swell, they create a feeling of satiety and, like the soluble fibres found in foods such as porridge, help to balance blood sugars, which may help to dampen food cravings. It appears that they also lower blood cholesterol. If you are on cholesterol-lowering medication for diabetes, you should consult your GP. Lipobind also contains oxalic acid which may increase the risk of kidney stones, so if you have a history of stones, again, chat with your doctor first.

www.slimwithzotrim.com; www.lipobind.com

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