Fat Burning Pills

If you have done any type of research on how to lose weight or how to get ripped, then you have most likely found some sort of ad or site that mentions fat burning pills. These are also known as “themogenics”. Some of the more popular brands that you might have seen are OxyElitePro, Hydroxycut, Xenodrine, Lipo 6, and SuperHD.

But do they work? Are they safe? Are they actually worth the cost? And what are my thoughts on fat burning pill?

Let me start off by saying that it has been 10 years since I have used any type of thermogenics. Its not that I think they are harmful or dangerous (unless abused) – But just like you, I have a budget, and I would rather spend my money on the MOST effective supplements which in my opinion are things like Shakeology, Results & Recovery, protein whey, creatine and an effective pre-workout.

Back when I used thermogenics about 10 years ago, I used Hydroxycut. This was back when ephedra was still legal and was included in the formula. Its hard for me to say JUST how effective it was because I lost 36lbs (before gaining almost 70lbs) by eating right, doing 45 minutes of cardio and 1 hour of lifting per day. But I can still give you my thoughts.

 

Fat Burning Pills – How Do They Work?

The concept of a fat burner/thermogenic is to increase your resting metabolism so that you burn more calories per than that you would have without the thermogenic.

There are lots of ingredients out there that are included in each manufacturer “special” formula, but the most common ingredient is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that is going to increase your heart rate, thus you burn more calories throughout the day. Like I said, there are lots of other ingredients that each manufacturer will claim make their product “better” at burning fat. Usually its certain types of herbs and vitamins, but essentially they all do the same thing…they raise the heart rate which burns more calories.

Here is a great article on bodybuilding.com about natural thermogenic ingredients: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kristi2.htm

In addition to increasing your heart rate to burn more calories, thermogenics (fat burning pills) contain ingredients that suppress your appetite. Now we all know that fat loss is simple. Its calories in vs. calories out. If you take in less than you burn each day, you will lose weight. By suppressing your appetite you eat less, you increase your calorie deficit, you lose more weight. Simple.

So do thermogenics work? I would say YES.

Are they the complete solution to fat loss? NO!

The REAL solution always has been and always will be a balanced diet and consistent exercise. Losing weight and living a healthy lifestyle is…well, its a LIFESTYLE. Its to total sum of all the choices you make throughout each day. Its the choice you make for every meal. Its the choice you make to push play or not…THAT is what will lead to lasting health and fitness…not a pill!

 

Are Fat Burning Pills Safe?

I would say that in most cases they are safe. But YOU need to do your research on whichever fat burning product you choose! You are responsible for that. Dont go poppin fat burners like tic tacs and say, “Coach Todd said they’re safe!”

The reason these types of supplements CAN BE dangerous, as with any supplement, is abuse. People think that if they double the dose, they will lose twice the weight. Its people like this that cause the “reformulation” of products to make them more idiot proof. So just be sure and do your homework before taking any type of thermogenic. Read reviews, customer reviews, check out real results…see if its the real deal FIRST!

 

So What’s The MOST Effective Fat Burner?

In my opinion…its not a pill! The BEST way to increase your metabolism and blast fat away is with High Intensity Interval Training, HIIT and calculating your nutrition so that you are eating with precision to lose fat!

 

Would I Use Fat Burners?

I am going to have to agree with my own coach (Wayne) on this:

“Do I plan on using thermogenics as a regular part of my supplement strategy?  No.  I don’t.  Again, it comes down to weighing the costs vs. the benefits of my supplements, and I would rather use my supplement budget on things like Shakeology, whey protein, recovery drink, and creatine.  But that’s not to say that thermogenics are a waste of money.  I think they really do work, but again, don’t expect them to be a little magic fat melting pill!  Because they aren’t.”

 

I hope this article gives you guys a better understanding of fat burning pills/thermogenics. If you have any questions, be sure to post them in the comments below. Or even let us know if there is a thermo that has worked for you!