Fat loss is a considerable incentive to training. Losing body fat takes a commitment to exercise and nutrition. Sometimes those last few stubborn pounds can prove difficult and frustrating. When counting calories and following a strict diet are not enough, supplements may be helpful. With so many different types to consider, it can be confusing to figure out what might be most effective for you. Each product has a different purported effect on the body. Examining what each one claims to do can help you achieve a better overall understanding of the supplement and its features so you are better informed to make a decision.
Thermogenic Fat Burners
Thermogenic fat burners claim to speed up the body's metabolism, burning excess fat stores and using them for energy. They also stimulate the body's central nervous system, and this can cause a jittery or nervous feeling after taking one. Most of these include some form of caffeine, either in its natural source or listed as guarana, which is a plant extract used as a stimulant. Brands include Ripped Fuel Extreme by Twinlab, Xenadrine NRG by Cytodyne, Hydroxycut by MuscleTech and Lipo 6 by Nutrex. Both Hydroxycut and Lipo 6 have created versions of their product specifically aimed towards women. These claims have not been scientifically proven and should not be used to prevent or cure illness.
Carb Blockers
Carbohydrate blockers are pills usually consumed before meals that are supposed to prevent carbohydrates or starches from converting into glucose and ultimately be absorbed as fat. The unused carbohydrates are then excreted as waste, according to the manufacturers. The main ingredient that contributes to this claim is usually an extract of white kidney beans and wheat germ. One of the more popular carb blockers is derived from chitosan. It is taken from chitin, a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and turned into a fine powder, which is said to allow the compound to actively soak up fats. These have not been scientifically proven to prevent carbohydrate storage.
Appetite Suppressants
These supplements work by changing brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite thus decreasing the appetite or increasing the feeling of being full. Over-the-counter appetite suppressants come in the form of products such as Avant Labs H.E.A.T, Syntrax Subdue & VPX Dietex, for example. These supplements have not been scientifically governed to prove their potency. The FDA has approved prescription weight-loss medications for obesity. These include sibutramine, phentermine, phendimetrazine and diethylpropion.
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