Fat Binders

Fat burners

Fat burners might sound like a band, but they are actually supplements that some people take in a bid to help them lose weight. So, what are fat burners, and what do you need to know?

What does ‘fat burner’ mean?

Researchers from the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham describe fat burners as ‘nutrition supplements that are claimed to acutely increase fat metabolism or energy expenditure.’ In other words, fat burners are said to support metabolism and fat oxidation.

Why do people use fat burners?

There is currently very little research into whether fat burners work, but fans say the benefits of green tea based fat burners include losing weight faster than by diet and exercise alone, improved energy and a faster metabolism. But they’re not a magic bullet – you still need to eat well and exercise to lose weight.

What are the side-effects of taking fat burners?

Common side-effects of fat burners include nausea, constipation and headaches. In some cases, they can raise your blood pressure and few studies have found fat burners are bad for your liver too.

What are natural fat burners?

Fat burners are often a blend of various natural ingredients that – independently – research shows may have a small effect on your appetite, metabolism and fat loss. Natural fat burners include: • caffeine • capsaicin, the plant chemical that makes chillies hot • EGCG, a compound found in green tea As it’s still not known if these effects are significant enough to have an impact on fat burning and weight loss, any fat burners should be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.