I get asked all the time about carb (starch) blockers and fat blockers. What are they? Do they work? So on. Interestingly, the inquiring minds belong to both the exercising and non-exercising camps, dieters and non-dieters. Seems like everyone wants to make sure any extra carb or fat grams are headed off at the pass before they pitch a tent on their butt. So let's take a quick look at these miracles of modern science...
Carb blockers. These are generally comprised of white kidney bean extract, which is purported to block the action of amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates during digestion. At best, most brands claim to block 35-40% (or same range, but in grams) of carbs from being digested. That's assuming the product even contains the concentration of the active ingredient that it claims to. While this seems harmless enough at first consideration, how about those potential side effects? Bloating, gas, abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and-I'll say it again - gas. Lots and lots of it. Don't ask how I know, just look it up. And manufacturers will tell you: "That means it's working!" Um... I don't know about you, but I don't consider it a turn-on when my date is skywriting by the time we're through splitting a dessert. Check please! Nothing that disrupts the bowel like that-and for so little return on the investment-is worth it, especially when there does not seem to be anything conclusive showing that carb blockers do much more than slow the digestion of carbohydrates, much less completely block some of their absorption.
Fat blockers. Most commonly these contain chitosan, which is derived from the exoskeleton of shellfish. This acts much like fiber, passing through your digestive tract unabsorbed. What makes this ingredient so popular in these products is that it allegedly absorbs up to 10 times its weight in fat while making the journey to your toilet. What's wrong with that? A lot. We already have a huge problem, particularly in developed nations, with a stunning lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, among other good fats. Taking a fat blocker could exacerbate this, even causing you not to absorb any good supplements you are taking. It bears mentioning as well that there are products on the market that contain non-prescription doses of the drug Xenical, used to treat morbid obesity. While the name of the most heavily marketed one implies that it is your "friend", I don't know of many who consider something that can give them explosive diarrhea and unpredictable anal leakage their BFF. And since (good) fat is NOT the enemy in your diet (a Model Per4mance stance that is worth a full-length-multi-part article in itself), I'd steer clear of these products. Unless you enjoy living in fear of a blowout when sneezing in public, that is. I have yet to see any research showing that these products have a major effect on weight loss. I'm guessing most successes are due more to the increased water drinking, controlled portions, and decreased fat intake recommended while taking them.
My recommendation? Save your money (and your social life) and learn what natural non-invasive dietary strategies are right for you.
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