
Why You Shouldn’t Take Just Any Weight Loss Supplement

When diet and exercise aren't getting you where you need to be, you might consider weight loss supplements to jump-start success.
However, you can't gamble with your health — and that's exactly what you're doing if you don't know what you're taking.
At Alevizos Medical in Irvine, California, we offer medically supervised weight loss solutions tailored to your needs. Our practice founder, award-winning board-certified physician Dr. John Alevizos, brings over 30 years of experience to our weight management program.
With a strong foundation of integrative medicine principles, we combine traditional weight loss techniques with innovative, newer options to help you reach your goals safely and effectively.
Alevizos Medical offers a range of weight loss medication options because we believe every patient deserves a customized approach. This month's blog explains why you shouldn’t take random weight-loss supplements and helps you choose the right approach.
Potential dangers of weight loss supplements
At Alevizos Medical, we offer medically supervised treatments that promote long-term health. Many over-the-counter supplements lack scientific backing and can put your health at risk.
Some common dangers of unregulated weight loss supplements include:
Hidden ingredients
The ingredients you see on the label aren't necessarily all you get. Many supplements contain undeclared stimulants or even banned substances. The supplement could contain an undisclosed ingredient you're allergic to.
Harmful side effects
With unregulated ingredients, you have no idea what side effects are possible or what to expect. Unregulated ingredients could lead to serious side effects like high blood pressure, heart palpitations, or liver damage.
Nutrition "highjackers"
Too much of one nutrient can block the absorption of another. For example, calcium and iron compete for absorption, and having them in the same supplement can backfire. Overloading on any one nutrient or food can even lead to deficiencies.
Lack of proven results
Most supplements lack clinical research proving they work for sustained fat loss. When you take a prescription medication, you want to know it works. Supplements shouldn't be any different.
Potential drug interactions
When you start any new medication, your doctor asks about all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. There's a good reason for this: Some supplement ingredients could interfere with your current medications and cause unexpected health problems.
Why medical weight loss is safer
Instead of risking your health with unregulated products, consider medically approved, safe, and effective treatments. At Alevizos Medical, we provide a supervised approach to weight loss using treatments such as phentermine, Ozempic®, and Mounjaro®.
Unlike over-the-counter supplements, these medications have been studied extensively and are prescribed based on your specific health needs.
Dr. Alevizos and our team use proven methods, backed by clinical data, to help you reach your weight loss goals. If you have a nutritional deficiency, we recommend effective strategies, which may include carefully selected supplements.
But, in many cases, Dr. Alevizos may recommend a simpler approach: Getting what you need from food. For example, if you need probiotics for gut health, Dr. Alevizos often recommends eating more yogurt.
We tailor your treatment plan to your metabolism, health history, and weight loss goals. With us, you avoid the fads and get sustainable changes focused on overall well-being.
Medical weight loss in Irvine
If you’re ready to lose weight safely and effectively, call Alevizos Medical at 949-916-3600 to arrange your consultation.
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