What Are Fat Burner Supplements?

The most essential factors in a weight loss journey are diet and exercise. Consuming fewer calories than you burn will improve your basal metabolic rate. This is easier said than done, which is why a thermogenic fat-burning supplement can be incredibly useful.

Thermogenic supplement formulas contain a blend of natural ingredients designed to boost metabolism and increase the loss of body fat. In addition to this, they can also be great for enhancing your mood, increasing focus, boosting energy levels, and improving athletic performance.

The word ‘Thermo’ means heat, so a thermogenic translates to producing heat. Think about when you exercise; your body gets hot and sweaty. A thermogenic supplement will help your body produce more heat which will help you to burn more calories.

The most common ingredients in thermogenic supplements are caffeine, green tea extract, l carnitine, garcinia Cambogia, Gamma Butryobetaine, Dandelion and even chilli peppers! So will they actually help you shred body fat? Let’s dig into the science behind some of the ingredients commonly found in thermogenic products.

Top 4 Ingredients Found in Fat Burners

Caffeine:

Caffeine is the most common ingredient found in thermogenic products. Apart from giving you more energy, it actually has some great benefits to assist with weight loss! Some studies have shown that consuming around 150mg of caffeine daily can burn up to 15 calories a day.

This compound can aid in boosting your metabolism by increasing adrenaline, which is involved in releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream by fat cells, which can then be used as energy.

Have you ever felt a buzz of energy after a cup of coffee? Caffeine can elevate your performance while exercising by providing a hit of energy. This can also improve endurance and mental clarity, and focus. Caffeine is also an appetite suppressant as it helps reduce hunger cravings when in a calorie deficit.

L-Carnitine:

Another common ingredient found in thermogenic supplements is L-Carnitine. It is a naturally occurring amino acid commonly found in meat, poultry, fish and dairy. The function of l-carnitine is to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be used as energy. This can be particularly useful while exercising to heighten fat burn.

It can also be quite helpful for physical performance as it plays a role in the prevention of cell damage and mitigates any exercise-induced damage. Studies have also shown that carnitine can reduce lactic acid levels during exercise, reducing muscle fatigue and soreness.

In other studies, the other form of carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, has been shown to help improve brain function. This can be helpful when exercising to kick-start your day or as a pick-me-up.

Gamma Butyrobetaine (GBBO):

Gamma Butryobetaine (GBBO) is a thermogenic ingredient that is a newer addition to the market. GBBO is beneficial for weight loss as it is a molecule that converts to carnitine in the body. As we know, carnitine helps assist the use of fatty acids burned to be used as energy.

So why would you need both GBBO and carnitine in one product? GBBO has been shown to increase the uptake of carnitine. This will maximise the benefits of carnitine, so they work remarkably well when paired with each other! GBBO is also a great thermogenic ingredient because it will make you sweat due to its thermogenic-enhancing effect on the body!

Dandelion:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is another common compound found in thermogenic supplements. It has been used for many years as a medicinal herb due to its many health benefits. You may be thinking, how can a flower help with weight loss? Dandelion is a diuretic that helps remove excess water stored in the body by increasing urine output.

According to a recent Koren study, the plant shares some similarities with a weight-loss drug as both inhibit the pancreas enzyme lipase. Lipase is primarily in charge of breaking down fat during the digestion phase. The reduction of lipase has been shown to have positive effects on obesity by reducing visceral fat.

The body stores toxins in fat cells, and these toxins can be released when fat cells are broken down. The liver is in charge of clearing out toxins in the body; therefore, providing extra support to the liver during your weight loss journey will reduce inflammation and decrease toxins released into the bloodstream. Dandelion is rich in polysaccharides to help improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, which is extremely important during a weight loss journey.

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Thermogenic vs. Non-Stimulant Fat Burners

One of the most common questions is: “Do I need a stimulant-based fat burner?”

• Thermogenics (Stimulants): Best for those seeking a pre-workout energy boost and with a high tolerance for caffeine.

• Non-Stimulant Fat Burners: Best for those sensitive to caffeine, those who train late at night, or those who already drink several coffees a day. They focus on fat mobilisation (L-Carnitine) rather than nervous system stimulation.

How to Use Fat Burners for Best Results

To get the most out of your supplement, follow these three "Golden Rules":

• Timing is Everything: Most people find the best results taking a fat burner 30 minutes before a workout for an energy boost, or first thing in the morning to kickstart their metabolism.
• Stay Hydrated: Because thermogenics raise your body temperature and can act as diuretics, you must drink more water than usual to prevent dehydration.
• Cycle Your Use: Your body can become desensitised to stimulants over time. Try using a fat burner for 4–8 weeks, then take 2 weeks off to "reset" your receptors.

How Do You Use Thermogenic Supplements?

The best way to incorporate them into your weight loss plan is to take a serving in the morning as a coffee replacement. This can help boost energy, improve mood and focus and help with cravings. They can also be taken before you exercise to improve performance.

Thermogenic ingredients are all-natural, but some people may experience gastrointestinal symptoms. If you are taking any medication is critical to check with your healthcare practitioner for contraindications.

The Bottom Line:

A calorie deficit and increasing physical activity are the best ways to help lose weight. This is easier said than done, which is why adding a thermogenic fat-burning supplement can be the perfect add-on to support your weight loss journey. The many benefits include increased energy, reduced appetite, improved exercise performance and recovery, enhanced mood, and improved brain function.