Inositol supplements are advertised as a great way to lose weight, but as is often the case, the truth isn’t quite that simple. Inositol can help some people lose weight and is especially helpful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Most doctors feel more evidence is needed to support the use of inositol for weight loss overall, but the supplement is generally safe and well-tolerated, so there is certainly no harm in giving it a try. You will have to give it at least 6 weeks, however, to give it a chance to work, and you should avoid artificial sweeteners during that time as they can stop your body from adequately absorbing and using the inositol.
What is Inositol?
Inositol is sometimes referred to as vitamin B8, but this is a misnomer as it’s not really a vitamin at all. It’s actually a natural sugar made by your body and found in some foods. Your body uses inositol to make the membranes of your cells, create neurotransmitters like serotonin, and to help regulate your insulin levels.
Does Inositol Help with Weight Loss?
Inositol sometimes helps people lose weight. Without getting too into the science, here’s why:
Individuals who carry extra weight often have an increase in insulin resistance, meaning their cells don’t respond to insulin exactly as they should. As a result, the sugar in your blood stays there rather than moving into your cells to be used for energy. This elevates your blood sugar and increases your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary disease, and most importantly for our discussion, obesity.
Inositol helps your body use insulin more efficiently, potentially lowering your insulin resistance. This can help you lose weight and result in other health benefits, including lower blood pressure. Those who succeed at losing weight with inositol combine the supplement with healthy lifestyle changes such as eating a better diet and increasing the amount of exercise they get. So although it’s possible inositol could help you lose weight, you shouldn’t rely on the supplement alone to get the job done.
Does Inositol Cause Weight Gain?
There’s no evidence directly linking inositol to weight gain. Some women taking inositol as part of a polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) study did experience weight gain while on the supplement. This occurred in only a small number of the women, however, and it is not known if the general public would experience the same outcome as those with PCOS. It’s also possible that another unrelated factor caused the weight gain.
How Much Inositol Per Day Do You Need for Weight Loss?
There has been no official determination as to how much inositol you should take for weight loss and there is no established recommended daily allowance (RDA) value. In various studies, does of 12 milligrams per day have been well-tolerated and produced few to no side effects. Dosages of up to 18 milligrams per day are not unheard of, however.
What Happens When You Start Taking Inositol?
Although considered safe, inositol can produce some side effects. These potential side effects include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
Does the Mia Aesthetics Skinny Shot Contain Inositol?
No. Inositol may help reduce weight, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to say for certain, so we do not include this supplement in our skinny shot. The vitamin B6 included in the skinny shot helps to boost your metabolism and provides a little extra energy that can help you feel good and give you the energy to encourage a healthier exercise regimen.