Fat Burners & Weight Loss Supplements...

Is there a magic solution for losing weight fast? A magic weight loss pill of sorts? Not really, but there are several effective weight loss supplements on the market today. With hundreds, even thousands of weight loss pills and fat burner supplements out there to choose from, how do you know which fat burners work? It's hard to say, without actually trying them. Since everyon'es bodies are so much different, people react differently to different products. What works for one person might not do a thing for another, which results in very mixed reviews for a lot of weight loss supplement out there. Some of the most popular fat burners being sold today include: Lipo 6 and Lip 6X by Nutrex, Redline by VPX Sports, Lipo 6 Hers by Nutrex and Hydroxycut by Muscletech

What Are Fat Burners?

Fat burners are essentially pills which contain certain herbal ingredients such as Caffeine, Ephedra, HCA, Chitosan and Pyruvate, all of which claim to either increase energy, stimulate your metabolism and/or suppress your appetite. Some fat burners are stimulant based for increased metabolism, some work by stimulating the thyroid gland.

Do Fat Burners Work?
Yes fat burners work! when taken correctly, a fat burner supplement can be very effective in supplementing a proper diet and exercise regimen.

The Dirt on Fat Burners

Chitosan

* What it is: A substance derived from the external skeletons of marine animals, such as crabs (ew!)
* What it does: Chitosan binds to fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), which prevents the body from absorbing them.
* Where it lives: Twin Lab's Diet Fuel With Chitosan, Biotech's Fat-B-Gone With Chitosan
* Should you take it? That's up to you. First, there's a concern that Chitosan impairs absorption of carotenoids which the body converts into vitamin A. Second, most experts agree that Chitosan simply doesn't work. A handful of studies suggest that Chitosan might help trim fat, but these studies have not been published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA. For more info, see WebMD's take on Chitosan.

Ehpedra

* What it is: A powerful herb grown in Mongolia and China. Ephedrine (an extract of Ephedra) is an amphetamine-like compound which stimulates the nervous system and heart.
* What it does: An effective treatment for asthma, allergies, and sinus problems. Usually marketed for weight loss, performance enhancement, energy, or body building.
* Where it lives: The Original Formula One, Ripped Fuel, Muscletech's Hydroxycut
* Should you take it? Um, not without some good research. Since 1994 the FDA has received more than 800 reports of adverse effects associated with products containing Ephedra. These include: high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, nervousness, insomnia, headaches, heart attacks, seizures, strokes and death. What's scary is that many of these problems occurred in young/middle aged, healthy adults who used it for weight loss. The problem often stems from mixing ephedrine with caffeine, a big no-no. Check out the Department of Health & Human Services for detailed info on the problems with Ephedra.

Pyruvate

* What it is: HCRC defines Pyruvate as: "a three-carbon (triose) ketoacid produced in the end stages of glycolysis." Translation: Pyruvate is a product of sugar metabolism.
* What it does: Marketers claim it can increase fat and weight loss, reduce cholesterol, and improve endurance.
* Where it lives: Twin Lab's Pyruvate Fuel, Pinnacle Pyruvate 500
* Should you take it? William Sukala, an expert trainer at Health Care Reality Checks says: "The minuscule doses available in commercial supplements have not been proven effective in any available research." Basically, the research that has been done doesn't support marketers' claims. It seems safe right now, but, like everything else, needs further study.

HCA (Hydroxycitrate)

* What it is:A natural food substance extracted from the fruit of the Garcina cambogia tree grown in southern India.
* What it does: HCA supposedly curbs appetite and increases glycogen storage without affecting muscle or energy levels.
* Where it lives: No-Diet Diet, Bio-Max 3000, MicroSlim, and Body Busters (among others)
* Should you take it? Not unless you enjoy wasting your money. According to a study published in JAMA, HCA is ineffective for weight loss.

Conclusion
Fat burners and weight loss supplements are most effective when combined with exercise and a healthy, low-calorie diet. A high powered fat burner can work wonders when taken correctly.