The Best Weight Loss Supplements for Diabetes: Expert-Backed Picks To Burn Fat Naturally
See the combo that may help as much as double fat loss
Losing weight can be tough no matter what, and for people with prediabetes or type-2 diabetes, it’s an extra challenge. Here’s why: Cellular damage that leads to diabetes triggers a host of problems with the hormone insulin, one of which is slower fat burning. The fix? Well, a healthy diet and moderate exercise are still key to long-term results. But if you’re looking for a natural way to make lifestyle tweaks feel easier and work better, “there are natural supplements that can help,” says Jeffrey Hockings, DC, cofounder of the Diabetes Reversal Group telehealth company. Keep reading for a quick guide to the best weight-loss supplements for diabetes.
4 supplements to lose weight with diabetes
All the options here are backed by science. But, as always, talk to your doctor before taking any new supplement.
Woman's World Answers
Turmeric
This spice-rack staple is made from the root of a plant native to India and has been used by traditional healers since ancient times to treat inflammation and digestive issues. Today, studies show its active ingredient—the antioxidant curcumin—is increasingly linked to anti-diabetes and anti-obesity prosperities.
This inspired a recent meta-analysis published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, which found that doses of curcumin as low as 80 mg a day increased weight loss in people with type-2 diabetes and even prediabetes by 4 to 5 pounds compared to a placebo. And higher doses, up to 2,100 mg per day, led to greater results.
How does it work? Its anti-inflammatory effect is key, says Dr. Hockings. Everyone with diabetes has hidden inflammation in their systems, and inflammatory compounds block fat burning. “Turmeric can help with weight loss by suppressing inflammation, reducing fat accumulation and potentially increasing metabolism,” says the doc, who routinely uses turmeric in his practice.
ALA
“ALA stands for alpha-lipoic acid, which is a very potent antioxidant that supports energy metabolism and it helps protect cells,” says Dr. Hockings. “It’s been shown to help with blood sugar control, diabetic neuropathy, cognitive health, heart health, liver support, skin health and weight management.”
Here’s another cool perk of ALA: For those who can’t afford or can’t tolerate the side effects of popular diabetes medications Ozempic and Mounjaro, ALA is an option that can enhance the weight-loss benefits of a less expensive and better tolerated diabetes medication called Metformin.
European research found that pairing a 600-mg dose of ALA with metformin doubled the loss of body fat compared to metformin alone. “Your body produces its own ALA, but supplements can help ensure the optimal amount is in your body to create the most benefit,” notes Dr. Hockings.
Gymnema sylvestre
This herb native to Asia is popular in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains compounds that have been shown “to inhibit sugar absorption and help improve insulin function,” says Dr. Hockings. “It also has anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a great supplement.”
Backing him up: A 2017 study in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that “body weight dropped significantly” when people with insulin issues (some of whom had type-2 diabetes) took 600 mg of gymnema per day. In fact, they shed 7.48 pounds in 12 weeks while participants given a placebo actually gained weight.
Probiotics
By this point, most of us have heard that probiotics can help supplement beneficial bacteria already in our guts. But here’s something you might not know: Eating probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt and kefir) and/or taking a supplement can actually push out bad bacteria linked to diabetes and weight gain while bolstering bacteria that improve insulin function, lower high blood sugar levels and inflammation, boost metabolism and more.
While researchers are still working to pinpoint which strains of probiotics are best for weight loss and type-2 diabetes, early results are promising. A 2022 study in the Asploro Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Case Reports found that type-2 diabetics given a daily dose of the the probiotic B. subtilis (found in Align brand supplements) lost up to 15.6 pounds in a month—far more than those given a placebo supplement.
Dr. Hockings also strongly recommends any mix of the following: L-Acidophilus, L-Plantarum, L-Bulgaricus, L-Salivarius, Streptococcus Thermophilus, Enterococcus Faecium, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Bacillus Coagulans. A daily probiotic supplement also has many other health benefits beyond weight loss. Says the doc: “I recommend one to all my patients!”
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