Metabolism and Weight Loss

One of the many claims made by the producers of Hydroxycut, a recently recalled weight loss supplement, was that it could help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism. Hydroxycut was not alone in making this claim; dozens of supplements and other products make similar claims. But what exactly is metabolism, and can “boosting” it help you lose weight?

Unfortunately, many of the claims that advertisements make about changing your metabolism are oversimplified and perhaps misleading. These ads have persuaded many people to try a variety of products, sometimes to their detriment. If you or a loved one has been hurt by Hydroxycut use, call the Hydroxycut lawsuit attorneys of at your convenience.

What Is Metabolism?

The term “metabolism” actually refers to two different but related processes. Catabolism is the process of breaking down matter to release energy; anabolism uses that energy to create the components of new cells. In other words, your body’s metabolism is the process by which it breaks down the food you eat for energy and cell growth.

Many people think that weight gain is associated with a slow metabolism, while weight loss can be achieved with a fast metabolism. According to this theory, the faster your metabolism is, the faster you burn calories. However, many medical researchers warn that it is not that simple. The rate of a person’s metabolism is only one factor in his or her weight, and not the easiest to change.

According to many health professionals, weight gain occurs when a person takes in more calories than he or she expends. Calories are used to maintain basic bodily functions, process food, and fuel physical activity. It is very hard to change the amount of energy your body needs to function, but for most people, changing their level of physical activity would not be very difficult.

For most people, regular exercise is a far safer way to maintain a healthy weight than use of metabolism boosters like Hydroxycut. Many of these boosters and other weight loss products have been linked to harmful side effects, including heart problems and liver damage.

Contact a Hydroxycut Injury Lawyer

If you or someone you know was injured by Hydroxycut before it was recalled, you may have grounds for legal action. To learn more, contact the Hydroxycut liver damage attorneys of at your convenience.