Many fat burner pills are available on the market and aim to help reduce body fat. Fat burners can be grouped into four categories: thermogenic fat burners, carbohydrate blockers, appetite suppressants, and thyroid regulators. Each form of fat burner contains unique ingredients and approaches fat loss differently. Some fat burners contain stimulants, and other varieties contain herbal ingredients or hormone-inducing substances.
Thermogenic fat burner pills attempt to increase the body’s metabolism, which involves hormones and enzymes. Metabolism determines the rate at which your body burns calories. Thermogenic fat burners aim to speed this process, thereby increasing caloric expenditure. This type of fat burner raises your body’s temperature and stimulates the nervous system.
Thermogenic fat burner pills are generally stimulant-based and contain ingredients such as caffeine, ephedra, and yohimbe. Side effects of stimulant-based fat burners are common and include headache, nausea, tremors, sleeplessness, palpitations, and blurred vision. Fat burners that contain ephedra, an alkaloid stimulant, are illegal in the United States. They are available in other parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, by prescription only.
Carb blockers, another type of fat burner pills, contain ingredients designed to inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates. Phaseolamin, the main ingredient in carb blockers, is derived from kidney beans. This substance interferes with digestive enzymes and allows the ingested carbohydrates to pass through the body undigested. This reduces overall caloric intake, which may enhance weight loss. Scientific study has shown that carb blockers significantly reduce body weight and BMI while preserving lean muscle tissue.
Appetite suppressants attack fat loss by creating the feeling of satiation and preventing overeating. This type of fat burner attempts to make the body believe it is full by increasing chemicals that enhance mood, such as serotonin. A decreased appetite leads to a reduced caloric intake and subsequent fat loss. Many appetite suppressant fat burners contain hoodia, which is derived from an African succulent plant. Hoodia, which has no known side effects, lacks substantial clinical research, yet much anecdotal evidence exists regarding its efficacy.
Thyroid regulators, a different class of fat burner pills, target the thyroid gland, which regulates many of the body’s functions, including metabolism and body temperature. Thyroid regulators contain ingredients that increase the thyroid’s activity. Prescription thyroid regulators are available to patients with impaired thyroid function.
Over-the-counter thyroid regulator fat burner pills contain ingredients such as guggulsterones and forskolin. Guggulsterones is an Indian herbal extract, and forskolin is an Indian plant product. Both stimulate the thyroid and increase metabolism.
Various fat burners have shown some signs of effectiveness. People are still advised, however, to thoroughly research any fat burner before incorporating it into a fitness program. They also should consult a physician before taking any new supplements or beginning a weight loss program.
