Fact: There’s no magic pill for weight loss. 

Fact: There ARE fat-managing supplements that can support your health journey and help you reach your goals faster.

The internet is a minefield when it comes to advice about weight. Social media platforms such as TikTok are rife with so-called experts offering quick-fix solutions to getting trim. Unfortunately, much of this advice isn’t backed by clinical evidence, and some may even pose serious risks to health. 

Managing weight isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about consistent, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle. But when you need that little extra support, Bargain Chemist can help you out. Here are our tips for looking and feeling your best, and our pick of the best fat managing supplements. 

What Really Influences Your Weight 

Many factors can contribute to body weight. Some of these we might have no control over, such as genetics, gender, age, medical conditions, and certain life stages. 

But there are factors we can control - like, diet and level of physical activity. Then there are some grey areas that can affect our weight but aren’t always easy to pinpoint, like digestive function, stress levels, sleep, and hormones. 

Diet

Eating more calories than your body burns is one of the most common causes of weight gain.

 
Processed foods like packaged snacks and takeaways can be surprisingly energy-dense, yet they often don’t provide the protein or fibre that help you to feel full - so you keep eating. Liquid calories from sugary drinks and alcohol are often less satisfying than solid food, which may lead to eating more. 

Exercise

Lack of physical activity doesn’t just mean you’re not burning excess energy. It can also affect how your body uses energy and stores fat, and also blood sugar balance and appetite. All of this may influence how the body uses and stores energy.

Digestion

Imbalances in gut bacteria can affect the way your body absorbs certain nutrients, which can then affect energy metabolism. Higher levels of ‘unfriendly’ bacteria in the gut may also influence how the body stores fat and manages blood sugar levels.

Sleep

Insufficient sleep may also affect weight by disrupting normal sleep-wake cycles, known as the circadian rhythm. Research suggests that consistently poor sleep patterns may influence appetite and the balance of gut flora.

Lifestyle Changes That Work

Focus on fibre, protein, and whole foods

Fibre helps you feel satisfied for longer while supporting healthy blood sugar levels, so you’re less likely to raid the fridge at midnight. Prebiotic fibre also supports healthy gut microbiome involved in digestion and metabolic function. 

• Foods high in fibre include fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, brown rice, wholegrains, and legumes. But if you’re struggling to get these into your diet, try Bioglan Natural Prebiotic Fibre. Just add a spoonful to water, juice, smoothies, cereal, or baking for an instant fibre boost. Lifestream Probiotics Metabolise is another great option: this unique blend of seven specific strains of beneficial bacteria and prebiotics can support gut flora and healthy weight management.
  
  

Protein takes longer to digest, which can help you feel fuller for longer. Protein also plays an important role in supporting lean muscle mass.

• Good protein sources include lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and dairy. But when life is busy, a protein shake can be a convenient way to support your protein intake and metabolic function. Musashi Shred & Burn Protein Powder is a delicious, easy-mixing protein shake made with high-quality whey protein, carnitine, green tea extract, and choline to support muscle health and weight management. Choose between chocolate and vanilla!
  
  

Metabolism support

While eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are fundamental to weight management, a little extra support for your metabolism can help keep you motivated.  

• Musashi Fat  Metaboliser is designed to support the metabolism of stored fat when used alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It contains carnitine to support energy production and choline to support healthy liver function.

• Overindulged? SLIMFIT Fat Binder is a patented fibre complex designed to combine with dietary fat and support its passage through the digestive system. Simply pour the contents directly into your mouth after a meal to help support your weight management goals.

Support for energy production

If your energy levels are constantly hovering around zero, it’s no surprise that the couch looks more exciting than going for a run.

 
B vitamins play an important role in converting food into energy. Adding a B-complex to your health regimen can support energy production and motivation, which really come in handy when you're trying to manage your weight!

• GO Healthy PRO Activated Vitamin B Complex contains all eight B vitamins in their biologically active form, which means they are immediately available for use in the body. 

• Good Health Synetrim Slim is a multi-ingredient formula to support energy levels, mood balance, and healthy fat metabolism along your weight management journey. It features the patented Synetrim®, along with green tea, decaffeinated green coffee bean, chromium, and iodine to help keep you on track toward your goals.
  
  

Support for sleep patterns and stress management

Getting your recommended 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night can support healthy appetite, metabolism, and weight. If you’re constantly struggling to nod off, or you always wake up feeling tired, there could be a few different things at play. 

 

• Stress and worry can make it difficult to get enough sleep, which can then affect your good intentions for eating well. Support healthy relaxation and restful sleep with My Health Magnesium Sleep, which contains magnesium combined with traditional sleep-supporting herbs hops, passionflower, and ziziphus.

   

• There’s a reason that athletes use ashwagandha! This ancient herb is traditionally used to support the body in times of stress. Radiance Ashwagandha Stress Shield contains a scientifically researched dosage of ashwagandha known as KSM-66. 

 

Weight management isn’t about restricting yourself. While there may be some treats you need to cut back on, there are always healthy alternatives. 

 

And remember - what works for somebody on TikTok might not work for you!

 

The road to a healthier you is about finding the right support for your body and lifestyle in ways that you can sustain. Start with the basics of a healthy diet and daily exercise, and explore different options that can support metabolism, energy production, and healthy appetite where needed. Bargain Chemist is here to help you out - just ask!

 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Weight management products should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise.