Over-the-Counter Exercise Supplements for Weight Loss

Evidence Against Supplement Effectiveness

The American Diabetes Association states that several large systematic reviews demonstrate that most trials evaluating nutrition supplements for weight loss are of low quality and at high risk for bias 2
High-quality published studies show little or no weight loss benefits from supplements, according to the American Diabetes Association 3
Current guidelines explicitly state there is no clear evidence that dietary supplements are effective for weight loss, as stated by the American Diabetes Association 4
The initial statement that there is no clear evidence that over-the-counter exercise supplements are effective for weight loss is supported by the American Diabetes Association 1, 2

The risk of contamination with prohibited substances in dietary supplements has been recognized for decades, as noted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine 5

Structured programs emphasizing lifestyle changes, including education, reduced fat and energy intake, regular physical activity, and regular participant contact, can produce long-term weight loss of 5-7% of starting weight, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 6
High-frequency counseling (≥16 sessions in 6 months) focusing on nutrition changes, physical activity, and behavioral strategies to achieve a 500-750 kcal/day energy deficit is effective for weight loss, according to the American Diabetes Association 7
Regular physical activity (200-300 min/week) is recommended for weight maintenance by the American Diabetes Association 1
Behavioral changes that create an energy deficit, regardless of macronutrient composition, are effective for weight loss, as stated by the American Diabetes Association 4

Vitamin/mineral supplementation (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D) may be indicated in cases of documented deficiency, but not specifically for weight loss, according to the American Diabetes Association 3
Protein supplements may be indicated as adjuncts to medically supervised weight loss therapies, but not as primary weight loss agents, as noted by the American Diabetes Association 2

FDA-approved obesity medications have been shown to improve glycemia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, as stated by the American Diabetes Association 8
Medications with beneficial effects on weight include GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists (tirzepatide), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, metformin, and amylin mimetics, according to the American Diabetes Association 2
For individuals with diabetes and overweight/obesity, the preferred pharmacotherapy should be a GLP-1 receptor agonist or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist with greater weight loss efficacy (i.e., semaglutide or tirzepatide), as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 2