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Empowered or ‘self-love’ suckers? Latest beauty trends present a depressing new reality

No-one has mastered the beauty sell better than the Kardashian-Jenner clan. From left, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, ...

No-one has mastered the beauty sell better than the Kardashian-Jenner clan. From left, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian.

The beauty industry has always been rife with snake oil merchants peddling a myriad of remedies and regimens to impressionable consumers, many of them young women.

But with the advent of Instagram models, influencers, advertisers and sponsorship deals, there is a whole new and ultimately depressing avenue through which to reach women.

There’s “skinny tea“, which offers a bold and ultimately baseless promise of “detoxing” or “cleansing” you from the inside out; body-altering corsets, or “waist trainers”, once staples in aristocratic society, now tightly wrapped around the torsos of Instagram models; and appetite suppressants that come in the form of Garcinia Cambogia-laced gum, fibre-heavy cookies, and even lollipops.

The products that clutter innumerable medicine cabinets and makeup bags around the world are hawked as being potentially transformative – serums that are able to pull you out of the jaws of visibly aging, creams so potent they destroy stretch marks, and intense blackhead strips that latch onto your face like a scene from The Mask.

Adding lemon to your tea in the morning will helps boost digestion and detoxification ??☕️

A post shared by SkinnyMe Tea (@smtofficial) on May 14, 2018 at 9:35pm PDT

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Body Love boot camps helping women love their bodies

But now the industry is moving towards serving two camps: those who are struggling with their body image, and those who are energised by the resurgent tide of self love.

Christine Morgan, CEO of Australia’s The Butterfly Foundation and National Director of the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, says body dissatisfaction is “one of the leading risk factors for the development of an eating disorder”, so how we communicate on social media platforms about body image and thus the promotion of appearance-related products is significant.

“With mixed messages about body image being present online, television and print media, it can be a confusing space to truly understand what constitutes a good relationship with your body and appearance,” Morgan says. The see-saw between self-hatred and self affirmation, and the exploitation that exists in both avenues is not without consequences.

Morgan explains that a major concern when it comes to these mixed messages is that, no matter whether the premise is radical self-love, or self-improvement, the outcome is the same: a woman’s worth is contingent upon her appearance.

The greatest challenge for her organisation right now is social media. Instagram users in particular have have continual access to not only marketing campaigns but the day-to-day lives of enviable people.

According to Morgan, constant access to filtered images of people, their food, their lives and quite frequently their bodies, can lead to unhelpful comparisons, as well as pressure to achieve a certain body type. “On top of this, celebrities and well-known individuals are often paid to endorse or promote certain products across their social media. This is quite concerning as it could mean that individuals are taking advice or purchasing products, without seeking professional advice first.”

The global beauty market, which is valued at some $445 billion, has always relied on and fed into insecurities; they pledge that every lotion, gel, peel, and injection is simply a small hurdle to jump through in order to land on the final and ultimate beauty marker where you’ll finally be content with what you see in the mirror.

my girl @premadonna87 hooked me up with the @waistgangsociety snap back package. #ad waistgang has the BEST quality snap back products. make sure you get your package follow @waistgangsociety to join keep up the journey together. tag us in photos, and head over to www.whatsawaist.com NOW! Use code (Kylie) for an exclusive discount I can keep up with your progress ‼️ #waistgangsociety #waistgang #fitness #whatwaist #whatsawaist.com

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Mar 19, 2018 at 12:12pm PDT

The media landscape is so riddled with fantastical bodies that are erased of any perceivably realistic quality, and this landscape now includes your acquaintances and even friends, who shave down their “trouble spots” with photoshop.

But, as feminist discourse has mainstreamed, so too has the language around “empowerment” been manufactured as a response to a toxic beauty industry, in order to maintain the crippling beauty standards, without the sexist accusations.

Thus, the beauty industry has evolved into a “self-love” or self-esteem movement. It first appeared in mainstream American society in the 80s, asking you to accept and even take pride in your imperfections but – of course – at a cost. You applied makeup because “you’re worth it”; you wash with a certain soap because “beauty comes in all sizes”.

If you can bottle up, print and press, sew, and even eat feminism and self-affirmation then market vultures will be there to sell it to you. You have Dove’s “Real Women” campaign, CoverGirl’s #GirlsCan sales pitch, and Pantene’s “Labels Against Women” advertisement tapping in to what’s been described as “femvertising“.

Our mission to boost the beauty confidence of women and girls matters as much as ever. That’s why we never use models in our images or films, only inspiring women with stories to tell – like dancer Jordan here.  #Dove #BTS #RealBeauty #DoveWomen #LetsDance

A post shared by Dove Global Channel ? (@dove) on May 3, 2018 at 6:08am PDT

All of the aforementioned companies gleaned the monetary potential in using self affirming, capitalist feminism and despite the criticism they’ve faced, they’ve still made considerable profit off these campaigns. It isn’t even just major brands attempting to make the case for consumerism as a means to feel good and in control, but beauty bloggers and writers who tell their readers that feeling “empowered” by a nearly $3000 blazer, or a $500 pair of pants is reasonable instead of downright ludicrous.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by thoughts concerning your size, weight or physical attributes, Morgan stresses that purchasing goods or beauty products are unlikely to help.

“You may experience satisfaction in the first instance at purchasing a new product, but this will likely subside. It is so important that we address the underlying mental health concerns that may be causing these thoughts, rather than ‘fixing’ or ‘altering’ our appearance in the hope this will make us feel better.”

Meanwhile, consumers are told to contour, laser, and suppress even their natural urge to eat so that they may become an object of desire, replete with millions of followers, and a sponsorship deal with a tea. This, now, is the ultimate aspiration of our age.

Where to get help:

– Eating Disorders Association of New Zealand: 0800 2 EDANZ or (09) 5222679

Mental Health Foundation: 09 623 4812


 – Sydney Morning Herald

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Rapid Tone Diet Review

Do you find weight loss difficult? Losing weight in short span of time seems like an impossible target. Anything that offers such results seems to be ineffective. It is true most of the times because all the weight loss supplements may not be working.

It is better to understand that it’s not just about eating healthy and exercise, your metabolism, necessary energy and burning off extra calories need a systematic approach. Losing weight is also linked to emotional health and one cannot lose weight without understanding the weight loss.

Herbs like Ginseng, Garcinia, and Forskolin have been a part of may research studies for their effective role in weight loss. For this reason, there are many weight loss pills that use natural ingredients for safe weight loss.

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This article is to analyze a highly competent weight loss diet called Rapid Tone Diet. This is a dietary supplement that uses a natural formula to burn fat cells. It is also said to supplement the energy and improve metabolism. Above all, the emotional well-being is also connected with its unique formula. Let’s know how effective does it work before you make up your mind on this product.

What Is Rapid Tone Diet?

The Rapid Tone Diet is a weight loss plan by using rapid tone supplements. It is designed for every person who is over 18 years of age and is facing trouble while losing weight.

Unlike other weight loss supplements, the rapid tone is not marketed with high promises that it will do wonders for you in days. Rather, the manufacturer decided to make it simple and easy for the customer to use it.

Rapid tone diet is a precise formula that uses herbal ingredients that are otherwise famous for weight loss too. Not studied as a formula but these ingredients are used for centuries for their potential benefits.

These ingredients are Ginseng, Garcinia Cambogia, and Forskolin. Following is a small description of each one of them to promote weight loss.

Ginseng extract: it is a herb that is a major part of traditional Chinese medicine. The clinical trials found ginseng to be helpful in reducing weight, overall BMI and controlling appetite. It is also linked to reducing sugar levels and diabetes.

Garcinia Cambogia: it is a fruit that has potential benefits in weight loss. It works by increasing serotonin levels in users, which is linked with emotional boost and mood improvement. It also suppresses appetite.

Forskolin extract: it is also a herb linked with weight loss. Unlike other ingredients, it is new to be in weight loss supplements. In a formula with Garcinia and ginseng, it makes the weight loss better.

How Does Rapid Tone Work?

The extract of Ginseng, Garcinia, and Forskolin in rapid tone supplement works on preventing the weight gains rather than weight loss. Does this sound confusing? Well, actually it is not. The best type of weight loss is when you utilize the already stored fat cells of the body.

But what will happen if you keep on eating more food meanwhile? It will deposit in the form of fat cells again. That’s is why the manufacturers of Rapid Tone have come up with the idea of working on prevention of weight gain, while the body prepares to use the already stored fat.

Next is the energy requirement. You see, it is necessary for the body to have sufficient energy to make all its functions work. Be it a simple activity like movement that is intentional to the unintentional and involuntary mechanisms like breathing and thinking. A restriction on diet usually causes energy deficiency. That’s why people on diet often feel lethargic.

When you are following Rapid Tone Diet, this lethargy will be no more a case. The daily food intake contains fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. The excess carbohydrates are stored in the liver in the form of glycogen. When you are low on energy, the body uses this stored glycogen for it.

Fats on the other hands are not a vital source of energy. They are stored in other parts of the body in the form of adipose tissues. Do you see all those stubborn fat areas? These are the sites for adipose tissues. They include buttocks, belly etc.
Using Rapid Tone Diet will make the fat release from these areas. Once they are available, the body will start using them for energy.

Remember energy is required every time but it is required more when you work out. It means that using Rapid Tone Diet along with your regular workout routine will shed your weight like anything.

Once your body starts to use these fats, these stubborn fat regions on the body will reduce and eventually end up. Using Rapid Tone supplements benefit the body by making the fat available for energy production, on the other hand, your appetite is controlled, you aren’t eating much. And guess what? All this comes with an emotional stability due to the Garcinia as its ingredient.

Why Should You Choose Rapid Tone Diet?

The best thing about this weight loss plan is that it has not just one target. It works by multiple ways, improving overall weight loss for you. Here are some bullet points that will tell you about the precise effects of Rapid Tone Diet on your body.

  • The release of fat cells from the most stubborn weight loss areas
  • Supplementing the body with energy, hence no lethargic feeling.
  • Gradual loss of water weight which will make you feel less bloated
  • Not just weight loss but the reduction in body size by a matter of inches
  • Flat stomach, reduced thighs, arms, and curves
  • Better mood, emotional stability, and high confidence.

The standard dose is just two capsules a day; one is before taking the first meal of the day and second is before eating last meal. It means you should take one capsule before breakfast and one before dinner. Take a gap of 30 minutes to 45 minutes between capsule and meal for better absorption.

Side effects

Rapid Tone Diet has no side effects for you. It is a purely herbal formula that uses no chemical or additive. The highly professional staff supervises the manufacturing process and maintains a high standard. The sources for ingredients are of superior quality.

The research on these ingredients has been even before Rapid Tone supplements were designed. It means the efficacy of these herbal ingredients is not a myth and they actually work for weight loss. The manufacturers of Rapid Tone have just made it easier for the customers to use Ginseng, Garcinia, and Forskolin in one best proportion.

The only caution needed is to keep the supplement away from heat, as it may degrade its composition. This is a general precaution that comes with all processed products including medicine, supplements etc.

Who Cannot Use Rapid Tone Diet?

Following people are not advised to use this supplement.

  • People younger than 18 years of age
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
  • People that are on a daily medication

Patients with hypertension should consult the doctor before using it. Also if you feel irritability after using it, do not use it. You may be sensitive from any of the ingredients of this formula. In that case, it is better to avoid the product to avoid an allergic reaction.

Where To Buy It?

It is easy to buy Rapid Tone Diet, just go to their manufacturer’s website. Select the product and the quantity that you want and add it to your cart. You will be asked for confirmation and payment once you do this. The product will be at your doorstep in 3-5 working days.

Conclusion

By analyzing the information on the product, available on the website, there is no obvious reason to deny the effectiveness of Rapid Tone supplements. There are no harmful ingredients, no side effects and no suspiciousness associated with this product.

Most of the people find it hard to lose weight on their own. In that case, you can always try Rapid Tone Diet. The additional benefit is that you don’t have to step outside to buy it. For all the people on weight loss track, this may be a kick boost supplement to make your efforts more fruitful. Try Rapid Tone Diet to see it working for you.

 

*DISCLAIMER

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Weight Loss Products

Dietary Supplements: What’s Best for Weight Loss, Diabetes, and Thyroid Disease

With Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, CDE, FAADE and Scott Isaacs, MD, FACE, FACP

If you are taking a dietary supplement—or several—you are in very good company. At least a third of Americans take what is known as MVMS, or multivitamin and mineral supplements, ranging from a daily multivitamin to green tea extract, fish oil, vitamin D, garcinia cambogia, and many others. And as you age, you’re more likely to seek out a supplement for whatever ails you.1

If you are trying to lose weight, manage your blood glucose, or improve your thyroid functioning, you may be tempted to turn to supplements to see if you avoid taking medication. Not so fast!

Can dietary supplements fix what ails us?Dietary supplements might seem safe but often offer a false sense of security or much worse.

Reaching for a supplement without knowing exactly what you are taking and before discussing it with your doctor is a big mistake, 2 according to Laura Shane-McWhorter, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, FAADE, a professor emeritus at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in Salt Lake City, and a certified diabetes educator.

She has done extensive research on supplements—the good, the not-so-good, and the dangerous—and presented her findings at AACE 2018, the 27th American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists Scientific and Clinical Congress in Boston, Massachusetts.2 EndocrineWeb asked her to share the most relevant information for those with diabetes, prediabetes, thyroid issues and weight struggles.

“One of the top 10 reasons for supplement use is weight loss,” Dr. Shane-McWhorter says. And about one of three people who begin taking a supplement do so for better weight loss, she says, having been unsuccessful at other lifestyle changes so they turn to supplements, or return to them again hoping to shed unwanted weight.2

A variety of supplements that are promoted for weight control also claim to have benefits for diabetes control and thyroid health, she says.

Dr. Shane-McWhorter offers some guidance on the most popular dietary supplements:2

  • Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA, or Thioctic Acid)

Promoted to help peripheral neuropathy (the nerve pain that affects many people with diabetes), this supplement has been used for decades in Germany to reduce this type of pain, Dr. Shane-McWhorter says. Its impact on weight loss is under study with some promise of benefit. For example, in one study,3 people taking 1800 milligrams of ALA daily for 20 weeks lost about 4 pounds, while those taking a 1200-mg dose lost about 2.5, and those on placebo lost about 1.8 pounds.

However, the supplement can affect the production of thyroid hormones, so it’s important that your doctor monitor thyroid function levels while you are taking this supplement, she says, especially if you have a thyroid issue. More study is needed to confirm the weight loss benefits, and to see what happens in the longer term.

  • Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum).

Weight loss is one of the intended uses for flaxseed, along with reducing blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar, Dr. Shane-McWhorter told EndocrineWeb. The fiber it contributes makes you feel full so it may help some eat less and lose weight, she says. While some studies have found weight loss or other health benefits, there have been too few people studied to definitively know whether the results are good enough, she says.

If you take flaxseed, be aware of the potential risk for gastrointestinal side effects, she says. As for the daily dose, 10-30 g of soluble fiber taken two hours before a meal is often mentioned, but it’s best to run that by your doctor first make sure this doesn’t interfere with any other medications or health concerns.

  • Garcinia cambogia

For Dr. Oz fans, you’ll recognize this popular weight loss supplement. But Dr. Shane-McWhorter says caution is needed because “there are reports of liver toxicity, and while rare, it may occur in some people.”

There is some research to suggest that this supplement may be helpful for weight loss, she says, but the among of loss is slight. In one review,4  the researchers found after evaluating 12 published studies that the supplement did produce weight loss, but only a small amount. For people taking garcinia cambogia for 2 to 12 weeks, those on the nutritional supplement lost about 2 pounds more than those taking a placebo.4  And, some people actually experienced a slight weight gain when taking this supplement,   Dr. Shane-McWhorter says.

Be extra cautious if you are taking an antidepressant as this supplement could interfere with some of these drugs, leading to greater anxiety, she warns, and garcinia cambogia could interact with diabetes medicines, increasing the risk for hypoglycemia.

  • Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea has true antioxidant properties. It is also being promoted as a weight loss aid. It works, some advocates say, by increasing the amount of fat you burn but there is simply no science behind this claim. While green tea can be sipped as is, it is often combined with caffeine and garcinia cambogia, among other ingredients, to produce weight loss, Dr. Shane-McWhorter says.

In one study,5 researchers compared those who drank green tea with 625 mg catechins and 39 mg of caffeine with those taking the caffeine dose only. The combination group lost an average of nearly 5 pounds; the caffeine-only group a little over two pounds during the 12-week study.5, However, studies results are mixed with some studies showing benefit while others do not. And, she warns, there can be gastrointestinal discomfort, as well as a rise in blood pressure.1

Before Taking Supplements: What Do You Need to Know

Few people mention that they are taking a supplement, or a variety of them, when they see their doctor, Dr. Shane-McWhorter says; yet, it is critical to share this information since nutritional supplements can interact with other medicines, or you could be taking too much, or the supplements  could worsen a chronic condition.

In particular, taking MVM supplements while pregnanct can be hazardous, Dr. Shane-McWhorter points out, due to a variety of factors including ingredients added other than the one you choose to take, and other times there are ingredients added but not listed.

Supplements are treated as foods not drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so dietary supplements are not standardized and are not regulated. As such, there is no guarantee that what you’re promised on the label is actually in the pills.

If you are looking for supplement information online, Dr. Shane-McWhorter suggests using these tips, some supplied by the FDA:

  • Who runs the website?
  • Is the purpose to educate or to sell?
  • Are the claims backed up by testimonials only, or by studies in respected medical journals?
  • What date was the information posted or updated?2

The best way to select a nutritional supplement is to look for a “USP Verified” seal-of-approval, which means the manufacturer paid to have a nonprofit third-party lab test and certify that the ingredients in the pills match the labeling on the bottle. You can check to see if the manufacturer of the supplement you want to take has earned the safety seal at USP Quality Supplements or ConsumerLab.

An Endocrinologist Offers an Added Dose of Reality

Caution should be your mantra when considering whether to take a dietary supplement, Scott Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, an Atlanta endocrinologist tells EndocrineWeb who attended the presentation at AACE.

“A lot of claims are made for supplements with essentially no scientific evidence to support [them] the vast majority of the time,” says Dr. Isaacs, in fact, “most of the claims made are simply not true.”

Dr. Isaacs tells his patients: Taking fish oil supplements may help lower serum triglycerides in some people at risk for cardiovascular disease, and many in the US may need to take vitamin D. The only other supplement that has been shown to be even slightly effective is a fiber supplement for weight loss. However, he cautions patients not to expect dramatic results when taking it, and to discuss options to improve your health condition with your doctor to be sure it’s a wise choice for you personally.

He also warns that iodine supplements can ”shut down” the thyroid. Some alternative medicine doctors might suggest iodine tablets or kelp (high in iodine) help those with a low thyroid function (hypothyroidism),6 according to Mayo Clinic experts. While it is true that an iodine deficiency can lead to low thyroid function, this kind of nutrient deficiency is very rare in the United States and other developed countries, since salt and other foods are fortified with this nutrient to assure we all get enough.  So not only is extra iodine typically not needed, too much can worsen the low thyroid in some people.6

When shopping for dietary supplements, Dr. Isaacs says, keep in mind that the proper role for vitamin and mineral supplements is to address a confirmed nutrient deficiency.  Vitamin D is one such nutrient that is commonly low in many people in the US, particularly those in the northern climates, and for which a single vitamin supplement is warranted if prescribed by your doctor. However, if you do not have a known deficiency, don’t expect any significant benefit. More importantly, be aware of potential harm.

Nutrient Supplements to Avoid

Certain dietary supplements should be avoided due to adverse side effects or other harmful interactions, Dr. Shane-McWhorter says.

Here is her list,1 and her explanation as to why to avoid them:

HCG:  This hormone, produced by the human placenta during pregnancy, is marketed along with a very low calorie (500/day) diet for weight loss. HCG is OK’d by the FDA as a prescription drug for certain conditions, such as female infertility, but not for weight loss. It’s not approved for sale in over-the-counter products, either.7

Bitter Orange This replaced ephedra when it was taken off the market. One form of bitter orange, with m-synephrine, can cause heart toxicity, Dr. Shane-McWhorter says.

Red Raspberry Ketones: This dietary supplement may be more popular given all the attention to the Keto diet but don’t be swayed as this supplement can also lead to heart problems, and is especially dangerous if you take the blood thinner warfarin.

Caffeine: Especially In large doses, caffeine can raise blood pressure and lead to heart problems. Many experts say up to 400 milligrams a day consumed as coffee is generally OK, but your own doctor has the best advice based on your history and conditions.8

Shane-McWhorter reports no financial conflicts. Dr. Isaacs is a consultant for Novo Nordisk and on the speaker’s bureaus for Novo Nordisk, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, and Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.

View Sources

  1. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: “Multivitamin/mineral Supplements.” February 17, 2016. Available at: https://od.od.nih.gov/factsheets/MVMS-Consumer/. Accessed May 23, 2018.
  2. Shane-McWhorter L. What’s up with all these supplements? Presented at: AACE 2018, May 16-20, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts.
  3. Koh EH, Lee WJ, Lim EH, et. al. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on body weight in obese subjects. Am J Med. 2011;124(1):85.e.1-8.
  4. Onakpoya I, Hung SE, Perry R, Wider B, Ernest E. The use of garcinia extract (hydroxycitric acid) as a weight loss supplement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Obes. 2011;2011:509038
  5. Maki KC, Reeves MS, Farmer M, et al. Green tea catechin consumption enhances exercise-induced abdominal fat loss in overweight and obese adults. J Nutr. 2009;139(2):264-70.
  6. Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements?” Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-iodine/faq-20057929. Accessed May 24, 2018.
  7. Food and Drug Administration. HCG Diet Products Are Illegal. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm281333.htm. Accessed May 24, 2018.
  8. Mayo Clinic: Caffeine: How much is too much? Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678. Accessed May 24, 2018.