Weight-Loss Study Overview

Introduction

We conducted an eight-week case study to determine which of the most popular weight-loss supplements on the market actually work. The study was double-blind (meaning both the participant and administrator of the study did not know which product they were taking). The participants made up five groups: four which took various supplements and a control group. The control group was given a placebo product (a replica of the other supplements, but without any active ingredients).

Purpose of Study

The purpose of the case study was to determine the effectiveness of the weight-loss supplements on their own, without drastic changes being made to the other elements of one’s lifestyle. Many of those dramatic weight-loss transformations usually happen when one’s diet is changed significantly and the participant starts to train really hard at the gym.

Methods

At the beginning of the study, each subject was weighed and had their measurements taken. We used a measuring tape on their chest, hips, waist, butt, biceps, thighs and above the knee. Each participant was also professionally measured by a PhD student from a local university to determine their body fat percentage. The body fat percentage was measured using a method called bioelectrical impedance (BIA).

BIA is measured using a small electrical signal that passes through the body. The measure of BIA is low when the current passes through lean tissue, where intracellular and extracellular fluid and electrolytes are primarily contained, but it registers as high in fat tissue.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of five study groups.

Participants

The study group consisted of 13 participants: seven females and six males. They ranged in age from early 20s to late 50s. Each participant wanted to lose weight for different reasons. Some just want to lose 5 to 10 pounds, other wanted to lose a more significant amount of weight, while others have a specific occasion or event in mind that they wanted to trim down for.

Weight Loss Products Used

Hydroxycut by Iovate, Cortislim by Window Rock Enterprises, LeanSystem 7 by iSatori, and Lipo 6 by Nutrex.
 

The 8-Week Case Study

Each participant was given their supplement with directions on how to take it. The supplement was transferred from its original container into a Tupperware container so the participants could not identify what they were taking. They were instructed to begin taking their supplements immediately.

Halfway through the study, all participants were measured and weighed again. All results were recorded and differences were noted.

After eight weeks all the participants were once again weighed, measured and had their body fat percentages taken again. They were also asked to provide feedback on the supplement they were taking. Results were tabulated.

Discussion

The problem with this study was that it was difficult to control the outcome and the behaviors of the participants. Although they weren’t asked to follow a specific meal plan or workout program, they were asked to exercise regularly. A majority of the participants did not stick to an exercise plan, which may have influenced the results of the study.

Some participants got injured during the duration of the study or were uncomfortable taking the supplement they were assigned. This couldn’t be controlled, but it did affect the outcome of the study.

Another factor that couldn’t be controlled was that many of the participants forgot to take their supplements regularly or at all. For many, taking up to three pills several times a day can be difficult to remember and to make a part of their lifestyle.

Some participants started taking medications thorough the study, which could cause some variance in their hormone levels and affect their weight.

Additionally, some participants also stated they were under extreme stress during the study, which may have been a factor that hindered weight loss.

Results and Conclusions

For the most part, subjects in the study did not experience significant weight loss by simply adding a weight-loss supplement to their current routine. This confirms that a calorie-restricted diet and a regular exercise plan are essential to taking any supplement.

Furthermore, some of the popular weight-loss supplements are simply too strong to be used by the average person, as many felt jittery and overwhelmed by the supplement they were taking.

After eight weeks, those taking Lipo 6 experienced no change in body fat and only lost an average of over one pound. Those taking Hydroxycut lost an average of 2.1 percent body fat and lost 1.25 inches. The group taking Cortislim lost an average of 0.8 percent and lost over one pound. However, one subject actually gained over six pounds and about five inches while taking Cortislim. Finally, those taking Lean System 7 lost an average of 1.7 percent body fat and an average of over four inches overall.

So which weight-loss supplement works? Well, from the outcome of this study, it’s apparent that in order for any weight-loss supplement to be effective, it clearly needs to be used in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan. The results from this eight-week study are somewhat disappointing, as many of the subjects didn’t really experience substantial weight loss.

Combining the reviews from the study’s participants and the results from the testing, the supplements that appeared to be work best were Hydroxycut and Lean System 7. Those taking Lipo 6 didn’t really experience any results and found it to be a little too strong. Those taking Cortislim weren’t that impressed with the results. They didn’t find the product to be very effective in suppressing their appetite or in helping them lose weight.