The Truth About Fat-Burning Pills
“There is no elevator to a fit body, you just have to take the stairs!!!!”
People often think of fat burning pills as some sort of magic pills that will melt away body fat! The truth is that, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Let’s start by getting down to how fat burning pills work. Not all fat burning pills work the same and they usually do one or more of the following things to trigger fat loss:
– Curb appetite
– Promote fat to be used as the primary source of energy
– Block fat absorption in the intestine
– Increase you metabolic rate and your core temperature, so you burn more calories
Now the main problem is that none of this is natural and it may trigger fat loss, but it is only going to work as long as you keep taking the pill!
Also, unlike the makers of prescription drugs, companies that make supplements don’t have to prove that their products are safe or effective before putting them on the market. Even products that claim to be natural aren’t necessarily safe or good for you. Here are some harmful side effects fat burners can have on your body:
Ingredients unapproved by FDA:
Not all the fat burners sold in the market contain ingredients that are FDA approved. In 2015 the FDA identified more than 20 fat burners that contained ingredients like sibutramine, a drug that can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke, unapproved laxatives that have been linked to cancer and a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor which can cause seizures and increase risk in people taking blood thinners.
Negative effect on your heart:
Many fat burners contain a substance called bitter orange, which may increase blood pressure and heart rate to levels that are not safe. The National Institute of Health reports heart attacks and strokes linked to bitter orange in healthy people with no obvious risk factors.
Risk of your body getting overheated:
Some fat burners use an ingredient called DNP (2,4 – dinitrophenol). This ingredient boosts your metabolism and increases body temperature. In some people it has caused profuse sweating, rapid heart –beat and even death.
Negative effect on the liver:
A plant based compound called N- [2-hydroxy-2 (4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide is used in some fat burners. This compound has been linked to cases of hepatitis, liver inflammation and even permanent liver damage.
I know this sounds repetitive, but the only way to effectively lose body fat, gain lean muscle and maintain it, is through a well-balanced lifestyle that includes healthy eating and regular exercise.
If you are taking pills for fat loss, I highly recommend consulting with your doctor first.
As far as supplements go, here are a few that I do like and use:
Whey Protein:
I get my essential nutrients from real, unprocessed food most of the time, but I love the Isagenix Meal Replacement Shakes. I have a shake instead of a meal when I am busy or traveling. It is quick and gives me all the nutrients I need without having to cook. I like this brand because it makes soy-free, gluten-free shakes with premium quality whey protein. If you are using a protein shake that you like, make sure it is made from really good quality ingredients.
Fish Oil:
This is a type of fatty acid derived from the tissue of oily fish. It contains omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA, which are important to maintain healthy cholesterol, bone health and mental wellbeing. I use the Super Omega-3 fish oil made by the company Vita-Source. You should definitely take fish oil supplements if you are vegetarian.
Multi Vitamin:
I highly recommend taking a multi-vitamin everyday. I personally don’t like taking many pills, so I prefer the one- a -day Women’s Multi Vitamin at Whole Foods. I get the one with Iron. You can also take your vitamins and minerals separately if you like. This company makes different multi-vitamins for men and 50+ men and women.
Collagen:
Collagen is important for strong bones and joints, healthy nails, hair and skin. I take collagen capsules made by the company BioSil.
I take by vitamins, fish oil and collagen first thing in the morning. Apart of this, I rely on home cooked food from fresh, local sources for my nutrition.