You race from task to task all day long, only stopping long enough to scarf down some fast food. Fatigue is relentless, and the pounds keep increasing. Turning to energy drinks to help you lose weight sounds like a fix-all, but this solution may only add to your problem. Though research is controversial, the ingredients in some energy drinks may elicit better results than others.
Theory
Many energy drinks claim to boost metabolism, thereby increasing the number of calories burned while at rest. A rise in energy may also increase your desire to be active, thus burning more calories from greater amounts of exercise. Taurine, caffeine, sucrose, guarana, ginseng, niacin, pyridoxine and cynaocobalmin are common ingredients in energy drinks that are credited with this increase in energy and metabolism.
Red Bull
Red Bull gives you wings, according to the company's slogan. However, the high amounts of sugar in these drinks may keep you grounded from excess weight gain. A sugar-free product is now on the market, but it contains fairly high levels of artificial sweeteners. With caffeine levels equivalent to a cup of coffee, it may cause a great enough thermogenic effect -- a process that speeds metabolism and burns fat tissue -- to offset the sugar. As of 2010, though, no reputable studies had been performed that found Red Bull to increase weight loss.
Celsius
Celsius is a sugar-free energy drink with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, no high fructose corn syrup and no aspartame. It uses green tea, ginger root, guarana, caffeine, calcium, chromium, vitamin C, biotin and B-vitamins to make the claims that it increases metabolism enough to burn up to 100 calories in the three hours following consumption. It also is claimed to reduce fat, increase endurance and fight fatigue. The company's website lists three studies proving these results, but all three studies were funded by the company. The nutritional facts in this product, though, make it a healthier energy drink choice.
FRS
FRS claims to give you healthy energy and the product is based upon quercetin. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that has been used to boost energy and immunity in cancer patients. This form of natural energy may help you push harder through your workouts, thus eliciting greater results.
Warnings
All energy drinks have a potential of causing adverse side effects, with the likelihood increasing if you have any poor health conditions. Always consult your physician before consuming them if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, a history of seizures, stroke or diabetes. Discontinue use immediately if you feel dizzy or ill.
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