With all the choices of “fat burning” supplements out there, it’s very confusing for the average consumer what the differences are. I’ve broken down the “fat burning” supplements into 7 categories (not in any particular order):
1. Ephedrine and Ephedra. Ephedrine and its herbal forms Ephedra and Ma Huang are often included in supplements designed to promote fat burning and/or energy. Ephedra has been in the news recently over the death of a baseball player (Steve Bechler) AND football player (Korey Stringer) during spring training, but it has not been conclusive.
2. Caffeine and Guarana. Caffeine and its herbal form Guarana are often included in supplements designed to promote energy and/or fat burning. Caffeine is also known to suppress the appetite.
3. Ephedrine & Caffeine Combos. The combination of Ephedrine and Caffeine makes up the core of some popular supplements that has been proven to burn fat and while retaining lean muscle mass. The supplements below represent many variations of this popular combo or their herbal equivalents (Ephedra / Ma Huang and Guarana). Xenadrine is a popular brand in this category.
4. Synephrine Combos (Herbal form: Citrus Aurantium or Bitter Orange): these are thought to be easier on the central nervous system than supplements that contain ephedrine or its herbal equivalents. Synephrine is still a stimulant but is a milder alternative to ephedrine.
5. Thyroid Boosters: designed to preserve or increase thyroid output and preserve or increase the metabolic rate to promote fat loss stimulant free. Excellent alternatives to supplements containing stimulants.
6. Insulin Mimickers are said to aid or act similar to insulin in order to help avoid large amounts of natural insulin from being secreted in the body – which would result in excess carbohydrates being stored as fat! My long distance running friends take Chromium Picolinate, from Michael Coglan’s book.
7. Carnitine and Actetyl-L-Carnitine. In the past, I have preached Carnitine (and Actetyl-L-Carnitine) in the past, as it has very low risk. But you know the expression: The greater the risk, the greater the reward. Ask yourself if it’s really worth it.
Pick & choose your supplements carefully!
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My question is, do any of these really work. I know some can suppress the appetite which can reduce the number of calories consumed, but do fat burners really burn fat?