Can supplements help with weight loss? If you’re been looking for ways to drop a few pounds, then it’s a question you may have found yourself pondering. But just like with the best protein powders and the best multivitamins for women, the supplement world can be a minefield, with a huge range of potions and pills all claiming they can help in shedding unwanted weight.

Although supplements do often contain ingredients considered to be ‘fat burners’ that may help to spur weight loss on a little more, the jury is out as to whether supplements for weight loss are something that are worth taking.

In fact, a recent study published in the journal Obesity suggests that supplements do not offer the dramatic weight loss benefits that they so often claim and that the old adage of ‘eat healthy food in smaller portions and move more’ is still the most effective way to reach and maintain an appropriate weight for your height, age and activity level. The best smart scales can also be helpful to track your progress, with high-tech insights into body composition.

Often, supplements for weight loss may also induce various side effects, including some that might not be so pleasant. But is it all bad news or is there some truth behind the idea that supplements can provide a role in weight loss? We asked a registered nutritionist — but it’s worth noting that you should always consult your doctor before introducing a new supplement into your dietary routine.

Can supplements actually help with weight loss?

“However, over consumption can force you to become less tolerant to the effects,” he adds.