The secret to a fit body is nutritious diet and regular exercise. However, there are certain pills available in the market which claim to help lose weight without exercise. Before trying these pills, it is important to delve deeper and find out if these are as good as they claim to be. Besides their efficacy there are doubts about their side effects and overall implications to the body.
First of all, there are many fat-burning supplements available in market varying in formula and effect. These pills are mostly made of various chemical, herbal and/or other organic ingredients that may work in any of the four ways: curb appetite, speed up metabolism, bind with food compounds to prevent their absorption by the body, or provide more energy, so that you can exercise more to lose weight. Let us take a look at some popular fat burning formulae that are available in the market and try to figure out whether fat-burning supplements actually work.
An Overview of Popular Fat Burners
- Ephedra: This compound is an extract from the Ephedra sinica plant and is popularly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat asthma, common cold, and hay fever. Ephedra acts as a stimulant, it increases the heart rate and blood pressure through constriction of blood vessels. It is often taken in conjunction with aspirin and caffeine, and studies have shown that it is effective for short-term, marginal weight loss. Its stimulant properties make it a risky option as a fat burning supplement. Since 1994, the FDA has received nearly 1,000 reports of its adverse side effects, chiefly hypertension, irregular heart rate, insomnia, nervousness, cardiac arrest, seizures, and strokes. If not taken carefully and in a regulated or supervised manner, it can be fatal. They may work, but consider the side effects carefully before starting this medication.
- Chitosan: This is a compound obtained by deacetylation of chitin, which is the structural element of the shells of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp. Its claims of helping in weight loss is derived from its ability to bind fat by interacting with lipids in the digestive system, and decreasing their absorption in the body. It hampers the absorption of oil-based vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K, and also hinders the absorption of carotenoids which are converted by the body into vitamin A. There is also a considerable difference of opinion among various experts regarding its efficacy as an effective fat loss supplement. This is because no recognized medical or nutritional institute or authority has yet approved these pills to be safe.
- Hydroxycitrate: Also known as hydroxycitric acid, hydroxycitrate (HDC) is a citric acid derivative which is found in tropical plants such as Brindleberry and Hibiscus. Laboratory test results have indicated that, this compound is a potential modulator of lipid metabolism. However, clinical evidence have not shown any implication of these pills in terms of weight loss or fat reduction. It’s presumed that it curbs appetite, thereby decreasing calorie intake. Also, it increases the storage of glycogen without interfering with muscle mass or energy levels. A study published in The Medical Journal of Australia clearly states that HDC doesn’t work to burn fat.
- Carnitine: Carnitine is a positively charged polyatomic ion having the structure NR4+, which is biologically converted and extracted from the amino acids lysine and methionine. This compound is used by living cells to transport fatty acids from cytosol to the mitochondria during the metabolism of fats for release of energy. Although, there is no scientific evidence to prove its efficacy as a fat-burner supplement, certain studies have shown that oral supplements are responsible for reducing fat mass, increasing muscle mass, and reducing fatigue-effects which are highly coveted as contributors to weight loss. However, rather than the supplements, it is better if this compound is taken in its natural form. Meat, fish, poultry, and certain dairy products are rich sources of natural dietary carnitine.
- Chromium Picolinate: This chemical compound is obtained from a combination of chromium and picolinic acid and is touted as a nutritional supplement to treat chromium deficiency. Although this mineral contributes towards metabolizing fats and carbohydrates to a certain extent (though this has not yet been clinically proven), it does nothing to enhance lean muscle mass and reduce fat. A few studies have also shown excess of this compound may damage the DNA structure.
It is difficult to come to a conclusion when it comes to determining whether fat-burning supplements work or not. There are certain gray areas where conflict of opinions occur, and it is best to get all the information about the available alternatives and decide for yourself which fat burning pill to go for. Consulting a doctor or dietitian is always a good idea. Also, these pills may work differently for men and women. However, having a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet along with some light fat burning exercises on a regular basis may help remove fat. Also, some fat-burning foods can be help speed up your metabolism. The results are gradual but long-lasting. Besides, it makes you adopt a healthier and more holistic lifestyle.
