Fat Burners
The word 'Fat Burners' usually refers to a group of
over-the-counter diet pills with amphetamine like active
ingredients which theoretically raise metabolism and help the body
burn fat. These active ingredients perform like stimulants and
'rev up' the body, sometimes with unpleasant or even fatal
effects.
Despite the popularity of these diet pills, and extravagant
manufacturers claims, there is NO clinical evidence that these
'fat-burners' melt away fat or cause lasting weight loss.
Active Ingredients in 'Fat Burners'
Ephedrine
Ephedrine, which is structurally similar to amphetamines is the
active ingredient in the diet pill Ephedra, which is commonly
known as ma huang. You may see either ephedrine, ephedra, or ma
huang listed on the labels of some herbal weight loss drugs and
fat burners. Doses of ephedrine that are sufficient to cause
weight loss also can cause tremors, induce severe headaches, and
make your blood pressure sore - especially when combined with
caffeine as it often is in over the counter diet preparations.
Ephedra has been linked to more than 800 incidents including high
blood pressure, severe headaches, heart rate abnormalities,
seizures, heart attacks and even deaths. Ephedra derivatives also
have been reported to produce acute hepatitis and other
unexplained liver injuries. The FDA recommends that no more than 8
milligrams a day of ephedra should be used for no more than 7
consecutive days and that labels disclose all potential side
effects, including death. Unfortunately, many preparations are
sold without comprehensive ingredient labels so you have no way of
knowing how much ephedra the product includes.
Ephedra is not recommended for use in doses larger than or for
periods longer than what the FDA recommends.
Fat-Burners & Fat-Burning Pills with Ephedrine Could Be Harmful
Some diet pills promise to burn fat, but according to one expert,
a professional nutritionist who works with the Pittsburgh Steelers
on their nutrition and has done extensive research on diet pills:
"There is nothing in an over-the-counter diet pill that is truly
burning fat. Nothing. A lot of things that are labeled fat
burners, the primary ingredients in them are ephedra or ma huang -
that particular substance is actually a very powerful central
nervous system stimulant."
Ephedra will burn some extra calories, but the risks far outweigh
the benefits.
Guarana
Guarana is sold as a fat burner and a metabolism booster but its
active ingredient is basically caffeine - 100 milligrams of
guarana has about the same caffeine content as a cup of black
coffee. Taken by itself, guarana is probably not dangerous, but it
is no more effective for weight loss than caffeine.
Guarana is often used in herbal fat-burners in combination with
ephedra, making the ephedra even more powerful and dangerous. This
combination increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and
death.
Diet & Weight Loss Pills
Diet and weight loss drugs or pills, whether prescription or
over-the-counter weight loss supplements, are only effective when
combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan.
NOTE: Before using any form of diet pills or weight loss
supplements, please consult your doctor.
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