Are nutritional supplements the answer for quicker weight loss?

Health and Natural Living. There are thousands of weight loss products on the market all claiming to be amazing – yet the fine print will almost always state that the results presented – are not typical. Fortunately, the weight loss trend seems to be shifting a bit to include a more natural and healthy approach to losing weight In today's society – where you can't be rich enough and you can't be thin enough – people are looking for any way to make dieting as painless as possible. With the right attitude – it doesn't have to be difficult – but it does require commitment and discipline.

Some of these weight loss products could even do some damage.

Nutritional health supplements are being included in various diet programs. Supplements may not hasten the weight loss process – but, their benefits are innumerable when basic nutrition may be reduced. But, if you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet when trying to lose weight – supplements may not be necessary.

Multi-vitamin supplements should be considered when:

1. You know you are not eating foods from all the food groups. Each of these food groups supply different and necessary nutrients that your body needs.
2. If you know that your caloric intake is lower than what is recommended. When you reduce you calories substantially – you are bound to be reducing the required nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
3. If you are under a large amount of stress. Stress can rob your body of the nutrients that it needs. Taking a nutritional supplement can help keep your body healthy while dealing with stress.

The greatest benefit to post menopausal women can be seen in reduced bone loss It was proved that after menopause, women tend to gain weight until their mid-60's. Supplements are good for general nutrition when nutrients may be lacking, but in a recent study (as reported on WebMD) – it was shown that calcium and vitamin D may actually slow weight gain in post menopausal women. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can be more important for women than just reducing weight gain.

Some weight loss plans can do just the opposite and caution should be taken when starting a diet where calories are too low and health could be at risk. Hopefully, the ultimate goal in losing weight is for the benefits to ones overall health. Supplements may aid weight loss in keeping the body healthy and replacing vitamins and minerals that could be lost when reducing caloric intake