Many weight loss programs that claim to aid in rapid weight loss such as 20 pounds in a month rely on weight loss supplements and prepackaged foods.  Weight loss supplements often claim to boost metabolism, increase the amount of fat burned, or to stop the absorption of certain nutrients.  However, stopping or even decreasing the absorption of nutrients can be dangerous to your health.  Without proper nutrition the body is unable to function and perform the necessary functions for good health.  Vital vitamins and minerals can also be lost along with the desired calories when these types of weight loss supplements are used.  No matter how safe and effective a weight loss supplement claims to be there is still potential for them to be unhealthy and even dangerous.  There are a number of side effects associated with weight loss supplements including jitteriness, headaches, and irritability.  Ephedra based weight loss supplements are especially dangerous.  The ephedra based weight loss supplements were banned in the United States by the FDA due to the extreme health risks associated with their use.  Recently the ephedra-free weight loss supplements which were thought to be safe have come under scrutiny.  Increases in blood pressure and heart rate have been found to occur in a large percentage of stimulant based weight loss supplement users.  Caffeine, bitter orange, and numerous other stimulants are commonly used in weight loss supplements.  Although the use of stimulants can aid in weight loss the improper use of stimulants is known to be detrimental to your health.  Weight loss supplements also typically have a long list of contraindications which limit who may safely take them.

Common contraindications include hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.  Weight loss supplements are generally expensive to purchase.  In addition the effectiveness of the majority of weight loss supplements have not been proven in the general population.  In fact the majority of weight loss programs which claim to aid in rapid weight loss such as 20 pounds in a month do not guarantee results.  If you read the fine print for weight loss supplements which claim rapid weight loss they state that the results are not typical.  Safe and healthy weight loss which can be sustained is typically at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week.  Even when taking weight loss supplements it is recommended that you follow a healthy calorie restricted diet and a regular exercise program in order to see results.