The array of weight loss supplements available on the market can be very confusing to the consumer. Here are a few of the common types and how they will benefit someone who wants to lose weight. These supplements fall into two categories, those that directly aid quick weight loss and those that promote general health and will support weight loss.

Appetite suppressants are probably the most popular type of supplement for dieters. They stop a person from feeling hungry. When a person does not feel hungry they are much less likely to over eat or indulge in sweet treats. Stronger versions of this can also be given by prescription.

Another useful type of supplement is the carbohydrate blocker. This works by stopping the body from metabolizing carbohydrates (especially sugar) properly. This is very useful to people on a low fat diet, as it will block the other source of high calorie intake. However, caution must be used with this type of supplement, as it can be a problem with certain medical conditions, particularly diabetes.

A popular supplement that used to be only available on prescription but can now be bought over the counter is the fat blocker. These help the dieter by stopping their body from digesting some of the fat that is eaten, up to 25%. The effect of this is that the fat is not digested and goes straight through the digestive system. If a careful diet is not followed the side-effects can be unfortunate. But an upside to the side-effects is that when the dieter knows what will happen if they eat too much fat then they are more motivated to avoid taking in too much fat.

A favorite type of supplement is one which provides a boost to the metabolism. This means that the body needs more fuel to run on - so following the same diet and exercise program should mean more fat loss occurs each week. These supplements should also have the welcome side effects of making you feel less tired and more energetic.

A worry for people following a restricted calorie diet is that they are not taking in enough vitamins and minerals. To help with this concern, there are a number of pills available that contain vitamin and mineral mixes specifically designed for people who are on a diet to lose weight. They usually contain plenty of B vitamins and a good mix of general vitamins.

There is growing interest in herbal and fruit drinks that are formulated to be dietary supplements and sometimes energy drinks. They generally contain the juice, extract or concentrate of a number of super fruits. These are mainly exotic fruits that are naturally high in various beneficial substances such as antioxidants and phytonutrients. These drinks are generally not designed specifically for dieters but for everyone who needs a general health boost. They often claim to be able to help with things like join health, cholesterol control, and sugar balance.