Question by csidebabygurl2003: How does fat burners really work?
Best answer:
Answer by abela2006
they have caffine so u get fidgity, and cant stand to sit still, so u have to go and do something before you go out of your mind.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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i’m not sure but i would think that they are enzymes that target lipids which break down the fat cells the body has stored blah blah blah science this science that.
the miracle “diet pills” which promise that you can eat “french fries and lose 10 pounds” are laxatives.
Save your money. Eat cooked egg whites daily instead. In a few days they will suppress your appetite and burn fat.
just recently the FDA warned 16 manufacturers of weight loss supplements for making exaggerated, unsubstantiated claims about their products.
“These products give unfounded hope to people who are attempting to lose weight. False and misleading claims have significant health consequences to individuals that may be overweight because these products do not produce the desired results…”
What Are Fat Burners?
Fat burners are essentially pills which contain certain herbal ingredients such as Ephedra, HCA, Chitosan and Pyruvate, all of which claim to either increase energy, stimulate your metabolism and/or suppress your appetite.
The Dirt on Fat Burners
Chitosan
What it is: A substance derived from the external skeletons of marine animals, such as crabs (ew!)
What it does: Chitosan binds to fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), which prevents the body from absorbing them.
Where it lives: Twin Lab’s Diet Fuel With Chitosan, Biotech’s Fat-B-Gone With Chitosan
Should you take it? That’s up to you. First, there’s a concern that Chitosan impairs absorption of carotenoids which the body converts into vitamin A. Second, most experts agree that Chitosan simply doesn’t work. A handful of studies suggest that Chitosan might help trim fat, but these studies have not been published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA. For more info, see WebMD’s take on Chitosan.
Ehpedra
What it is: A powerful herb grown in Mongolia and China. Ephedrine (an extract of Ephedra) is an amphetamine-like compound which stimulates the nervous system and heart.
What it does: An effective treatment for asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. Usually marketed for weight loss, performance enhancement, energy, or body building.
Where it lives: The Original Formula One, Ripped Fuel, Muscletech’s Hydroxycut
Should you take it? Um, not without some good research. Since 1994 the FDA has received more than 800 reports of adverse effects associated with products containing Ephedra. These include: high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, heart attacks, seizures, strokes and death. What’s scary is that many of these problems occurred in young/middle aged, healthy adults who used it for weight loss. The problem often stems from mixing ephedrine with caffeine, a big no-no. Check out the Department of Health & Human Services for detailed info on the problems with Ephedra.
Pyruvate
What it is: HCRC defines Pyruvate as: “a three-carbon (triose) ketoacid produced in the end stages of glycolysis.” Translation: Pyruvate is a product of sugar metabolism.
What it does: Marketers claim it can increase fat and weight loss, reduce cholesterol, and improve endurance.
Where it lives: Twin Lab’s Pyruvate Fuel, Pinnacle Pyruvate 500
Should you take it? William Sukala, an expert trainer at Health Care Reality Checks says: “The minuscule doses available in commercial supplements have not been proven effective in any available research.” Basically, the research that has been done doesn’t support marketers’ claims. It seems safe right now, but, like everything else, needs further study.
HCA (Hydroxycitrate)
What it is:A natural food substance extracted from the fruit of the Garcina cambogia tree grown in southern India.
What it does: HCA supposedly curbs appetite and increases glycogen storage without affecting muscle or energy levels.
Where it lives: No-Diet Diet, Bio-Max 3000, MicroSlim, and Body Busters (among others)
Should you take it? Not unless you enjoy wasting your money. According to a study published in JAMA, HCA is ineffective for weight loss.
Conclusion
As you can see, the research on fat burners is sketchy at best. No one can say with any certainty that fat burners work or if they are safe to take over a long period of time. What is a proven method of weight loss is exercise coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet. There are no shortcuts! Instead of wasting your money on something that may not work or harm your health, why not go with what you know will work? For details, visit the Beginner’s Corner to learn more.
http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/fatburners.htm