In order to make a change in body composition, it requires a large attribute of discipline whether it is weight gaining or fat losing. However, it is the latter that most of people strive for. It is hard for people to shed body fats as it demands long term consistent behavior.
Therefore, they try to seek some method which is easy and gives immediate results. And here comes the miracle called fat burning supplements. Extensive advertisements which claim more than 90% fat loss via these supplements. Such claims sound appealing for people struggling with obesity.
What is CLA?
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a fat burning supplement which contains a fatty acid that the human body requires called Linoleic Acid as its major constituent. The source of this fatty acid is mainly beef and dairy products.
According to the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, in order to shed mass a person has to take 1.4 to 3 ounces of CLA on a daily basis. This requires, for instance, a natural consumption of 2 pounds of beef or 100 ounces of milk on a daily basis.
So, it is not possible to gain the benefits of CLA through its natural sources. Hence, the only refuge to utilize CLA is via supplements.
Is CLA Supplement Effective in Fat Loss?
Many studies claim quite promising results in terms of weight loss and body shaping by using CLA supplements. However, they fail to give profound evidence whether this supplement is effective in all cases.
For instance, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers interpreted the results of taking CLA supplements for a period of 6 months to 2 years by various participants. The results showed a clearly significant amount of fat loss in people who consume such supplements rather than those not taking CLA. However, the amount is less than a quarter of a pound/ week on average.
On the other hand, the Journal of Obesity suggests that CLA supplements are not effective in all cases when it comes to losing fat. In addition, a study under this journal claims no variation in body composition when its effects are examined on a long-term basis.
Risks & Side Effects
There are some side effects associated with these fat burning pills. According to various medical sources, it is observed that the consumption of these pills inculcates some severe negative effects on the human body apart from stomach ache, diarrhea, fatigue or nausea. These side effects are;
- Increase Insulin Resistance: Taking CLA supplements may enhance the resistance against insulin according to various research centers. So, it is not suitable for people who are suffering from diabetes
- Reduction in Good Cholesterol Level: These fats burning CLA supplements a source of reduction in High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol level in the human body which is called good Cholesterol as it reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Unsafe for women & Children: It is a not safe method for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, due to lack of solid evidence doctors do not recommend the supplement to women and children.
Conclusion
In the end, all that matters the most is the safety of human health which should not be compromised at any level. Fat burning supplements provide a great deal in terms of shedding mass to some extent.
But one should never forget the risks associated with change when it comes to the cost of messing up with the natural process. Therefore, one should consume such supplements after completely understanding the pros and cons associated with these supplements.
