The burning question is always the same, can fast weight loss supplements help me lose weight? With all the brands and ingredients being advertised today, it is something everyone wants to know. Can I take a pill to make me thin?

The amount of money to be made in this industry is vast. That is why everyone is making new supplements trying to corner the market and bring in the big bucks. Yet there are two versions of every story, and if you are planning on purchasing, then you need to ask the questions.

The first step should always be to consult with your doctor if you plan to introduce a new supplement into your life. Your health is always changing and you must find out if the supplement you are planning to take is safe for you. Knowing your health history is important, however, as some supplements might interact with your body, and your doctor can tell you what is safe.

There are so many supplements on the market, and the food and drug administration must check them all. Many of the supplements available today do not have approval from the FDA, which means they have not been tested and proven to be safe for everyone to take. No matter what type of drug you take, whether it's herbal or man-made, you must do your homework to see the side effects that might result.

Hoodia is one of the most common supplement ingredients. Made from the cactus family it tricks the brain to believe it is full. This keeps you from over eating. The process is simple and easy since you do not eat as much or as often.

Another new type of supplement is the cortisol blocker. The stress hormone cortisol tends to encourage one to put on weight, especially around their belly. This supplement reduces the amount of Cortisol to help keep the fat from forming. The FDA has not approved this as being safe or effective.

The stimulant has always been a huge ingredient in the fat loss supplement industry. There are many types of stimulants, with some being natural and some man-made. The purpose of stimulants is to speed up your metabolism, keep you from being hungry, and make you feel full longer. Yet the speed up process does not simply affect the appetite. Stimulants speed everything up, including your heart rate. This can be very dangerous if you have not checked out the intake with your doctor. The FDA has received numerous complaints about this product and its safety factor.