Question: What is your opinion on weight-control products, such as Xenadrine and Body Solutions and products such as Fat Grabber? Are they a good way to get started losing weight, or is it better to simply follow a low-fat diet with physical activity?

        Answer: I think such products are marketed and sold by people who prey on the American public's well-intentioned desire to lose excess weight and body fat. These companies make millions from people who think that a particular product is going to finally be the magic bullet for a lean physique. Just short of telling outright lies about what the supplement will actually do, these companies profit from the mere suggestion that one's hopes and dreams will be met by the product.

        It must be understood that supplements are useless unless combined with two things: consistent physical activity and disciplined eating habits. Period.

        This is because the human body was designed for and relies on the combination of physical activity and disciplined eating habits for proper functioning of all systems. If your body systems are not well conditioned, there is no supplement that can change that. For example, putting high-tech motor oil in a car that won't start is pretty much a waste of money. If the car doesn't start, the motor oil (supplement) will be unable to do the job it was designed for, thus depending on other systems to complete its work.

        Sorry to disappoint, but supplements by themselves are almost useless because they only aid the body in its natural functions — they don't come in and create miraculous change.

        The weight-loss products give you the impression that they come into your body and gobble up fat cells by the thousands, which is false. With that in mind, yes, follow a disciplined eating pattern coupled with physical activity. I have been in the business a long time and the best supplement to date is wholesome food. Explore different ways of staying active and don't restrict yourself to just one philosophy or activity. Try many and discover which ones work for you.

        Contact certified personal trainer Dave Patania at davpatania@aol.com.
       

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