How to Use Supplements to Help You Lose Weight
Last updated: March 20, 2026

How to Use Supplements to Help You Lose Weight

Are you dieting, always hungry and feeling knackered? Magnesium, Omega 3 and Maca Root might give your metabolism a kick in the bottom that could turn things around. We explain how these supplements may work to help you lose weight.
Table of Contents

    Can Supplements Really Help you Lose weight?

    When aiming to lose weight, it’s essential to prioritise a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. While supplements can complement these efforts, they should not replace a nutritious diet or active lifestyle.

    However, three important supplements may support weight loss efforts.

    Magnesium supplements for energy and exercise

    Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy metabolism, muscle function, and nerve transmission. This makes it your essential partner if you’re working to lose weight and need to keep up your energy levels for your exercise routine.

    It plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. If you have a magnesium deficiency, experience muscle cramps, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping, you may be low on magnesium. Magnesium supplements are available in various forms, such as magnesium glycinate, citrate, or malate – they have different absorption pathways so mixing types is popular to improve absorption.

    Omega-3 to help you lose weight by delivering glucose to your muscles

    Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been linked to various health benefits, including weight loss. Omega-3s help regulate appetite, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, which can support fat loss and metabolic health. Additionally, omega-3s may enhance the effectiveness of exercise by promoting fat oxidation and reducing muscle inflammation. Fish oil supplements are a convenient source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be beneficial for anyone looking to support weight loss and overall health.

    Maca Root supplements for extra Energy to help you lose weight

    Maca root is a plant native to Peru and is touted for its potential health benefits, including improving energy, mood, and libido. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that may support hormonal balance and overall vitality. If you are looking to support energy levels, enhance mood, or address hormonal imbalances, maca root supplements may be worth considering.

    And a word of caution, of course…

    It’s important to note that while these supplements may support weight loss efforts, they don’t stand a chance of working unless you’re also on a calorie deficit diet and regularly exercising. If you’re trying to lose weight and failing dismally, remember you can ask your GP for an appointment with a dietician, for some professional advice that’s personalised to your own situation and medical profile.

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    Written by

    Veronica Hughes

    Lead Nutrition Writer & Healthcare Researcher

    • Medicine & Health
    • National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) treatment guidelines
    • Care Quality Commission treatment standards for the NHS

    Veronica Hughes, MA (University of Cambridge), is a nutrition writer and healthcare researcher with extensive experience in UK medical policy and evidence-based health guidance. She has served as Chief Executive Officer of a medical research charity and contributed to national healthcare standards through her work with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), helping to inform NHS treatment guidelines and regulatory frameworks.

    Her work focuses on nutrition, dietary supplements, and the role of vitamins and minerals in supporting health. She writes in-depth, research-led articles covering topics such as nutrient deficiencies, gut health, immune support, hormonal balance, and chronic health conditions, translating complex medical evidence into clear, accessible information.

    Veronica’s writing has been featured in newspaper publications and specialist health blogs, where she explores developments in modern healthcare, clinical research, and nutritional science. Her approach prioritises accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with UK and EU health guidance, making her content a trusted resource for readers seeking reliable information on supplements, vitamins, and evidence-based wellness.