People often turn to fat burners or thermogenics to lose weight or increase their energy, but relying on these supplements can lead to disappointment and even potential health dangers. Several fat burner manufacturers have been criticized for making exaggerated claims and some fat burners have been banned after being linked to heart problems and even death.
Unsafe Stimulants
The top-selling fat burners once contained ephedra, also known as ephedrine or ma huang. This stimulant was successful in burning fat quickly but also had very serious side effects, including being linked to stroke, heart issues, high blood pressure and death. Ephedra was banned in 2004 and dietary supplements containing this stimulant became illegal. Some newer products contain ingredients such as bitter orange or country mallow. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these herbs contain chemicals related to those found in ephedra and thus also are potentially dangerous.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many fat burners. MayoClinic.com confirms that caffeine might boost weight loss by suppressing appetite, increasing calorie burning and acting as a diuretic. While caffeine alone is not necessarily dangerous, it is a stimulant that can cause nervousness and insomnia. These side effects are intensified when combined with other fat-burning ingredients such as yerba mate and guarana. Caffeine, along with these stimulants, can lead to irregular or increased heart rate and anxiety.
Unknown/Undeclared Drug Ingredients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration twice released warnings to consumers that many fat burners often contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. The agency also warns that some products contain prescription drugs in amounts that exceed maximum recommended dosage and even some herbal ingredients that have not been approved by the FDA. Without knowing what is in some fat burners and in what quantities, it is impossible to know the dangers these supplements can cause.
Unsubstantiated Claims
Despite claims that fat burners produce quick and radical fat loss without dieting or exercise, many of these claims are unsubstantiated, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The American College of Sports Medicine further warns that claims often are not based on scientific evidence or use animal testing that does not relate to humans, and real results often are lackluster or nonexistent. That is not to say that all fat burners are ineffective, but with so many manufacturers boasting deceptive claims, it can be difficult to separate the good products from the bad.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Sports Supplements
- MayoClinic.com: Does Caffeine Increase Weight Loss
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: FDA Uncovers Additional Tainted Weight Loss Products
- American College of Sports Medicine: Resistance Training: Contemporary Issues in Resistance Training: What Works?
- MayoClinic.com: Ephedra
- American Family Physician: Common Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss
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