The statistics regarding obesity are staggering in their implications. In the US, more than 2 out of 3 adults are at least overweight, and more than 1 in 3 are obese. And these problems are more endemic in the male population.

Among women, 58.1% are at least overweight.

But for men, it’s a problem that affects 70% of the population.

Why Do Men Become Fat?

The basic cause of being overweight is simple—people consume more calories than they burn through physical activity. The extra calories are stored as body fat, which is an evolutionary development that provides humans with energy reserves for lean times.

But since food is now freely available—and most of these food items are packed with calories—there are no obvious circumstances that allow for burning off the excess fat.

In many places, men are more likely to be overweight. In the UK, this is true as well. Nearly half of all men in Britain are overweight, but this is true for just a third of the women. A quarter of all UK men are obese, but that only applies to 7% of the women.

So what accounts for these startling differences? According to some experts, part of the reason for this is the social acceptance of overweight men. Since more of them are overweight, it seems like a normal situation for a man to be overweight.

So they are less likely than women to realize that their weight is unhealthy, and therefore less likely to do anything about it.

Of course, the main reasons for male obesity are still the usual suspects: they’re eating more and not exercising enough. Overeating packs in the calories, and inadequate exercise fails to burn through the level of calorie consumption.

So men end up with an energy imbalance that leads to stored body fat and excess weight.

But other factors may also be at work here:

• Genetics. Just recently, US researchers have discovered a new gene found in human fat and muscle. This gene, Arrdc3, seems to cause weight gain in men as they grow older, but it doesn’t seem to affect women. In their study, the US scientists removed this gene in male mice and they no longer experienced age-related weight gain. Removing this gene from female mice didn’t have any significant difference at all.
• Chemicals. One type of chemicals called phthalates is especially dangerous for men. These are the chemicals used in many household products and used as plastic softeners. According to the study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, these chemicals can cause men to become overweight and to lower their sensitivity to insulin, which is a precondition for diabetes. These chemicals damage how men’s testicles function, and increased obesity is associated with lower testosterone levels in adult males.
• Pollution. Another study conducted by researchers in Denmark found that men who have blood group O (which is the most common group) are more susceptible to becoming overweight when exposed to long-term industrial pollution at work, compared to men of other blood groups and all women regardless of their blood group.
• Work environment. The modern work environment may also be a significant contributor to male obesity. It’s not only that men are spending more time at work, which leaves them little time for exercise. The act of sitting itself affects how men burn fat. Studies involving lab animals have indicated that muscles produce a protein that processes fat only when these muscles are flexed. When men are sitting down, however, their muscles are not tensed.
• Corporate success. Women may complain about the difficulty of climbing the corporate ladder, but this comes with a cost for men. US studies have found that a male boss is 20% more like to be overweight than average men. In contrast, among female bosses the risk is only increased by 7%.
• Lack of sleep. Losing sleep is a very common consequence of high pressure schedules. But it has a much more serious effect on the male metabolism. In Japan, researchers have discovered that when men sleep for less than 5 hours, it triggers a hormone in the blood that increases appetite. This is an effect not seen among women.
• High calorie instincts. When people are stressed, they eat more. But men are more likely to choose high-calorie food items with or without stress. A study conducted by the American Society of Microbiology involving 14,000 adults demonstrated that men tend to go for meat and poultry. In contrast, women are more likely than men to choose fruits and vegetables.
• Vanity. Men are also more likely to be overweight because they’re more averse to being seen as puny. While women may find thinness appealing for themselves, for many men this is a sign of weakness and lack of masculinity. Men don’t actually see themselves as fat—they consider themselves “well-built”. The ideal, of course, is to be big with muscles. But being fat is considered a better alternative to being skinny.
• Weight contagion. Remember that saying about birds of the same feather? A man who has a fat friend doubles his chances of becoming fat himself. That’s because men compare themselves to each other, so having an overweight female friend doesn’t have the same effect on men. In addition, men are also more susceptible to peer pressure. Men get teased when they try to eat salads while others are munching on steaks.

Health Effects of Obesity for Men

Men’s health has taken greater damage from obesity, compared to women’s health. For example, since 2003, the cases of diabetes among men have risen by almost 33%. In contrast, for women it only rose by less than 25%.

That’s because men are more likely to put on the excess weight around the waist, where it circulates through the liver and cause metabolic problems like diabetes.

Overweight men also have much higher rates for medical conditions such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer.

Studies have also indicated that failure to conceive may be more the fault of overweight men. According to an Australian study, obese men are 66% more likely to be infertile than men with healthy weight. The obese men are also 3 times more likely to have a non-viable pregnancy after going through assisted reproduction or fertility treatments.

The quality of the DNA in the sperm of obese men is poorer, and that the mitochondria (which power the cells) are not as active compared to the sperm of men with healthy weight. It has also been suggested that levels of metabolic waste products are higher in obese men, which can cause this problem in their sperm.

Other Problems for Men Caused by Obesity

Obesity may also be the cause of low self-esteem, and this is especially true among the younger set. For many students, overweight boys are seen as objects of ridicule.

They can’t play sports well, and girls reject them for boys with healthier physiques.

As they get older, the problem with disdain from others may continue. A study conducted by Yale University researchers discovered that weight discrimination has increased by 66% over the last 10 years. In the workplace, obese employees are regarded as sloppy, less competent, lazy, and undisciplined by supervisors and coworkers.

That kind of toll on the psyche can accumulate and cause a lot of damage. Men’s obesity can cause self-esteem issues, which can then result in a vicious cycle. That’s because low self-esteem in turn can cause people to overeat and become overweight.

Best Diet Pills for Men

There are several options for men to turn to in the fight against obesity. One of the more recent propositions is for the use of surgical techniques to eliminate excess weight.

However, this may be a viable option for you only if you are severely obese. In that case, the benefits outweigh the risks.

But if you’re merely overweight, this so- bariatric surgery may not be your best option. The success of bariatric surgery hinges on your willingness to make drastic lifestyle changes after the procedure.

And if you can do that, then you don’t need the surgery at all to help you lose weight.

With this type of surgery, you risk serious side effects such as infection, bleeding, and blood clots that can move to your lungs and heart. Long term problems include “dumping syndrome”, which causes the food to move too quickly through your intestines. About 50% of all those who undergo this surgery also experience nausea, diarrhea, and the inability to eat sweets without feeling weak. Gallstones can be a problem as well.

The cost of the surgery can also be prohibitive, and there’s always a risk when you undergo anesthesia

So what’s left? There’s always dieting and exercise. But this is a solution that’s been proposed by experts for years, and real world statistics have amply demonstrated that it doesn’t work without proper supplementation. This, in turn, leads us to diet pills.

Not any diet pill will do, however.

Different Types of Weight Loss Supplements

In the market today, there are varieties of weight loss supplements. Each suits different goals and different type of people. Some supplements assist in weight loss while others are for adding more muscles. Here are some of the supplement categories:

See brief information on each of the above categories:

Appetite Suppressants

Appetite supplements suppress appetite. You do not feel the urge to eat. The supplements help to control food intake. It results in reduced body weight. You may cycle the supplements. Take the supplements for a period and stop for a while before resuming. They are available in various types and you can combine with other supplements. Appetite supplements are best for people who are less active. Sedentary people do not require much energy.

Fat Metabolisers

These supplements help to reduce the absorption of fat from food. They also help the body to burn more fat. You can use fat metabolisers alongside fat burners, an excess of which is harmful. Intake of excess fat metabolisers leads to the body’s inability to absorb more fat-soluble. These include Vitamins E, A, K, and D. The residue of the unabsorbed fat may result to foul smelling body waste. An effective Fat Metabolisers may contain any of ingredients such as Choline, Inositol, 7-Keto, L-carnitine, Acetyl-l-carnitine, and Methionine, among others. Fat Metabolisers are good for people who frequently eat hotel and restaurant foods.

Fat Burners

Fat burners are a combination of ingredients that help the body to block carbohydrates and burn fat. They offer help in weight loss of any body type without lifestyle changes. The majority of the fat burners consist of stimulants such as caffeine. Those stimulants help to increase metabolism and burn fat in the body. They also raise the amount of energy the body burns. Fat burners work best if you take before meals. They are suitable for anyone who wants a healthy body.

Diuretics

These supplements help to reduce water retention in the body. They also reduce bloating and water weight. The excess water passes out through urine, resulting in a tighter and lean body. You may get thirsty, and should therefore take more water while on these supplements. They help to shed weight fast, but may reduce energy levels in the body because of the discharge of Vitamins. It is important to take multivitamins as well. Diuretics are best for helping to shed weight before a major event. They are also helpful to people who get bloated and whose bodies retain water.

Carb Blockers

Carb blockers contain carbohydrate-blocking ingredients. They block the absorption and digestion of carbohydrates in the body. However, there are few ingredients capable of blocking carbohydrates effectively. These include Phaseolus vulgaris and white kidney bean extract. Excess intake of carb blockers leads to less absorption of other vital nutrients. Energy levels in the body decrease as a result. They are good for those who love carbohydrates, but want to avoid excess storage as fat.

Fat Loss Proteins

Fat loss proteins are a mixture of various ingredients capable of boosting fat and weight loss. They, however, contain fewer amounts of fat loss ingredients, comparing to other weight and fat loss supplements. More daily doses of the fat loss proteins are, therefore, essential for positive results. Proteins are vital during fat loss because they help muscles develop. According to studies, muscles contain between 50-75% of all proteins in the body. They are the main tissue for metabolism. Fat loss proteins are good for those who work out regularly and active people.

There are different types of products in the market that help men to lose weight. Their ingredients are natural and not harmful. The tables below show different types of weight loss products in four categories:

1. Weight loss pills for men
2. Prescription alternatives
3. Mainstream products
4. Weight loss stack

Some of its ingredients are:

Hordenine  ingredient is common in the cactus plants. It suppresses appetite and helps in weight loss.

Yohimbine ingredient is suitable for managing fat loss in athletes.

Phenylethylamine boosts various cognitive processes such as concentration, memory functions, and among others.

Trimethylxanthine (Caffeine) is a stimulant with no side effects. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and reduces depression. It also improves alertness.

Synephrine is an extract of the bitter orange peel that improves appetite. The extract promotes weight loss, treats chronic fatigue, nasal congestion, and stomach upset.

Benefits of Phentramin-D

They are as follows:

Trimethylxanthine stimulates the Central Nervous System (CNS) and helps to raise alertness, increase energy levels, and reduce fatigue.

L-Theanine is a stimulant that boosts mental concentration, cognitive performance, reduces physical and psychological stress.

DL-Phenylalanine consists of amino acid and plays a role in how the nervous system and the brain react to pain in the body. It relieves pain and discomfort, controls mood and relieves minor depression.

Hordenine HCl is a chemical extract of the bitter orange that stimulates the nervous system. It helps to increase energy levels and intensity in the body, and improve concentration.

Benefits of Fenfast375

The main ingredients are:

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Potassium prevents blood vessels from thickening and oxidative damage.

Chromium Picolinate reduces body fat and promotes weight loss, but works well if you work out. It also aids in building lean body mass.

Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) helps in treating many ailments. It also slows age and improves physical endurance.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) treats illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, cognitive and others

Other ingredients are magnesium stearate, gelatin (vegetarian capsule), and Maltodextrin.

Benefits of Lean Optimizer™

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Top 5 Main Stream Products

Chlorogenic Acid slows the absorption of fat in the body. It raises metabolism and reduces weight. The acid also lowers the risks of diabetes by inhibiting glucose.

Benefits of Pure Green Coffee

Its ingredients are:

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Calcium assists in functions such as muscle, metabolic, vascular contraction, nerve transmission among others.

Garcinia Cambogia Extract helps in healthy weight loss.

Potassium is vital for body organs to function normally.

Chromium helps in the digestion of food.

Gelatin for the capsule – Gelatin is a protein that helps in the treatment of brittle bones, arthritis, and injuries from sports and games. It promotes weight loss and improves hair quality.

Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia

Red Palm Oil consists of oleic and palmitic acids. It is an antioxidant with nutrients similar to carrots, tomatoes and orange and red colored foods. Red palm oil is cooking oil that is tolerant to heat. It does not lose nutrients, oxidize, or break down under high heat.

Benefits of Red Palm Oil

Raspberry ketone works well in its pure form, but supplements may contain organic ingredients such as:

African Mango is an antioxidant and is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. It is also helpful in obesity, analgesic, GI activity and several other illnesses.

Green Tea contains catechin, an antioxidant that prevents damage to cells. It prevents many heart-related ailments such as heart failure and high blood pressure. Green Tea also improves the flow of blood in the body.

Acai Berry is essential for heart health. It prevents cholesterol and narrowing of arteries. The berry helps to lower high blood pressure.

Benefits of Raspberry Ketone

Hot pepper jelly consists of the following ingredients:

Sugar is a natural carbohydrate present in vegetables and fruits.

Food coloring is a blend of FDA certified colors. They contain propylene glycol, water, and Propylparaben.

Green bell pepper contains carotenoids and a variety of more than 30 other nutrients of the carotenoid group.

Pectin is a natural substance present in fruits such as apples and berries. It thickens after heating together with sugar.

Apple cider vinegar helps the body to block the digestion of some starch, balancing blood sugar levels.

Another ingredient is the hot green pepper.

Benefits of Hot Pepper Jelly

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Top 5 Weight Loss Stack

The different products are as follows:

Gaspari Nutrition MyoFusion Advanced Protein, 4lbs

MyoFusion Advanced Protein is rich in proteins essential for building muscles. It helps the body gain more strength and energy. The supplement has small amounts of sugar, sodium, and fat.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein, 2lbs

The supplement consists of easy to digest and absorb protein. Its ingredients protect the muscles from tear and wear.

MusclePharm Assault, 30 Servings

MusclePharm Assault boosts intensity and nourishes the muscles. It improves protein synthesis and protects the muscles from fatigue. The supplement prevents muscle degradation and balances electrolytes. MusclePharm contains stimulants that keep the mind sharp and fight drowsiness.

SciVation Xtend, 30 Servings

The supplement is a blend of essential nutrients that provide energy and help in recovery after a workout.

Controlled Labs Orange Triad, 270 Tablets

These are a combination of vitamins and nutrients. They lubricate joints and protect connective tissues. They also cure digestion problems and inflammation.

Optimum Nutrition Fish Oil Softgels, 100 Softgels

Optimum Nutrition Fish Oil Softgels consist of essential Omega-3 fatty acids. They boost production of new cells in the body because the body does not manufacture fatty acids. The fatty acids promote joint flexibility and heart health as well as the general body health.

Universal Nutrition Animal Cuts, 42 Packs

The ingredients in this supplement help the body to burn stored fat and preserve the lean muscles. They act as thermogenic and diuretics but maintain the muscle fullness. Nutrition Animal Cuts increase boost functions of the brain by increasing supply of oxygen. They reduce cravings for sugar and carbohydrates.

MRM CLA 1250, 90 Softgels

The supplement inhibits transportation of fat into cells. It stops fat cells from enlarging and promotes lean muscles. It works together with a workout to accelerate fat burning, to produce a slim, healthy body.

Now L-Carnitine, 500mg/60Vcaps

L-Carnitine facilitates production of cellular energy by transferring fatty acids to the outer and inner membrane (mitochondrial membrane).

Benefits of Men’s Fat Loss 40+ Stack - Advanced

The products in the Men’s Fat Loss Teen Stack – Advanced are as follows:

Dymatize ISO-199, 1.6lbs

Whey Protein Powder is fast digestive and absorbing. Blood transports the protein’s amino acid in the muscle tissue to ignite the protein synthesis. It helps in the growth, repair, and building of muscles. The protein aids the muscles in recovering quickly after a workout.

Cellucor C4 Ripped, 30 Servings

The formula in the supplement combines fat loss with specific ingredients during an exercise. It offers the body strength and endurance while training. As a result, it trains harder and burns fat.

RSP Nutrition CLA, 90 Softgels

The fatty acids (Conjugate Linoleic Acid) in the supplement increase lean muscle mass, aid in weight management and the general health of the body. It contains sufficient doses of ingredients and is safe to consume daily. Benefits of CLA are constant, hence no need to cycle the supplement.

Kaged Muscle L-Carnitine, 120 Vegetable Capsules

Kaged Muscle L-Carnitine supplement helps to manage weight and prevents cardiovascular complications. It gives the body more energy and improves endurance. Kaged Muscle L-Carnitine reduces recovery time for muscles and works as an antioxidant. The manufacturer uses natural fermentation to produce the supplement.

JYM Omega JYM, 120 Softgels

JYM is a fish oil supplement with sufficient doses of DHA, EPA, and Omega 3 fatty acids. It supports healthy joint and brain function. It also reduces the risks of coronary heart illness, promotes fat loss, enhances muscle building, and growth

BPI Sports NITE-BURN, 30 Capsules

NITE-BURN is a sleep formula and a metabolic enhancer. The supplement is a thermogenic formula that promotes fat loss and relaxation. It supports deep sleep for maximum body rest.

Benefits of Men’s Fat Loss Teen Stack - Advanced

Among the products in the stack are:

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey, 5lbs

The supplement has awards for Protein and Supplement of the Year for four consecutive years. It consists of proteins and low levels of calories and fat. The protein is easy to digest and fast to absorb. It helps the muscles to recover quickly after exercise.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Casein, 2lbs

Although the supplement digests at a fast rate, its release is slow. It benefits the body for a longer period and protects muscles after a workout.

Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men, 90 Tablets

Opti-Men are a combination of over 75 different ingredients that support active men. The supplements contain botanical extracts, amino acids, essential minerals, and antioxidant vitamins. They provide the body with adequate protection for a healthy lifestyle.

BSN Amino X, 30 Servings

The ingredients in Amino X aid the body to endure and recover well after an exercise. They help the body to absorb all nutrients from the food. They support several processes such as muscular endurance, protein synthesis, muscular fatigue, recovery from workouts, minimizes muscle breakdown and glycogen resynthesis. These benefits are possible only together with exercises.

MusclePharm Assault, 30 Servings

The supplement provides energy, muscular endurance, and intensity. It reduces fatigue and increases strength.

Optimum Nutrition Fish Oil Softgels, 100 Softgels

Optimum Nutrition Fish Oil Softgel is an essential fatty acid with Omega-3. These are fats and oils that are components of all living body cells. They produce and rebuild new cells, support heart, and joint health. The body needs the fatty acid and oil supplements because it does not manufacture its own. The fish oil soft gel has an enteric coat to prevent fishy smell and aftertaste.

MRM CLA 1250 Softgels

MRM CLA 1250 Softgel prevents fat cells from growing and stops fat from moving into the fat tissue. It hastens the process of burning fat and reduces weight. It helps the body to burn calories and increase lean muscles. The supplement produces positive results if you combine with workouts.

Benefits of Men’s Fat Loss 40+ Stack - Progressive

The products in the MuscleTech Shredded Essentials Stack are:

MuscleTech Hydroxycut Hardcore NextGen, 100 Capsules

The supplement contains a blend of natural ingredients with scientific proof of efficiency. Hydroxycut Hardcore NextGen gives the body high energy and mental alertness. It also gets rid of excess weight in the body.

MuscleTech Clear Muscle, 168 Liquid Caps

The ingredients in the supplements help in weight loss, muscle building, and strength. Clear Muscle is a top performer and does not disappoint. It helps users to build and gain muscles in a short time. The active ingredient in the supplement is Betator, an HMB free acid. It helps the muscles to recover well after an exercise. The supplement prevents catabolism and muscle breakdown.

MuscleTech Platinum 100% Fish Oil, 100 Soft Gel Caps

The supplement consists of Omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil. They are among the components of the body cells. They help with joints and heart health as well as rebuilding and producing new cells. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for many other body functions. The soft gel caps have an enteric coating to prevent the aftertaste of fish.

MuscleTech Platinum Pure CLA, 90 SoftGel Caps

The supplement is gluten-free and is not a stimulant. It helps to reduce muscle breakdown and protects the hard-earned muscles.

MuscleTech Phase8, 2lbs

Muscletech Phase8 is a slow release blended protein that protects the muscles for hours. It contains several micronutrients and is low in sugar and fats. It is both anabolic and anti-catabolic and helps in the building of muscles.

Benefits of MuscleTech Shredded Essentials Stack

The stack contains four products:

BSN Carnitine DNA™, 60 Tablets

Carnitine DNA™ is a fat burner that helps the body to burn fat as energy and is not a stimulant. It increases the mitochondrial potential and energy metabolism. The body produces L-Carnitine and is also available in some foods.

BSN CLA DNA, 180 Softgels

CLA DNA is a fat that helps in weight management and healthy body composition. The supplement is not a stimulant.

BSN Isoburn, 1.32lbs

Isoburn is a low-calorie supplement that is necessary for building lean muscles. It helps the body burn fat and increase metabolism. Isoburn supports weight management as well.

BSN Hyper Shred, 90 Capsules

Hyper Shred activates metabolism and provides the body with more energy. It increases intensity and helps to achieve overall body fitness.

Benefits of BSN Super Shred Stack