Pros and cons of fat and carbohydrate blockers

The modern market for nutritional supplements is overflowing with all kinds of fat-burning drugs. Each of them acts in its own way: some purposefully destroy adipocytes, others activate lipolysis to quickly eliminate them. And there are those that bind to fats that have entered the digestive tract, interfere with their absorption and are excreted along with them from the body. At first glance, it seems like an ideal weight loss regimen, but will such remedies actually help you get rid of extra pounds?

Action

Today, fat blockers are actively used in dietetics: dietary supplements for weight loss under this name can be found both on the Internet and in pharmacies. Brands that produce products for bodybuilders, powerlifters, weightlifters and other athletes are not far behind: products labeled “Fat Blocker” can be found in specialized sports nutrition stores.

They act similarly to carbohydrate blockers according to the following scheme:

• biologically active substances in their composition, entering the stomach, slow down the action of lipases (fat-splitting enzymes);
• selectively attack fat molecules even before they have time to be digested;
• bind to them, interfering with their breakdown and absorption - this is called the blocking process;
• are eliminated from the body naturally.

As a result, it turns out that fats that enter the body with food are not broken down, do not enter the bloodstream and are not deposited in problem areas in the form of folds. Of course, we should not forget that reserves can also be formed from an excess of carbohydrates. But with a low-calorie diet or additional use of carbohydrate blockers, this will not happen either.

If fat absorption blockers are used against the background of intense training, you can burn old deposits in problem areas in a short time. There will be no new ones arriving - so a beautiful figure is guaranteed. Moreover, everyone can benefit: men will build muscle mass, and girls will lose weight, acquiring seductive shapes. It is not surprising that such drugs have gained wide popularity as sports nutrition.

Carbohydrate blockers

Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy. Once in the digestive tract, they are broken down into simple and complex ones with the help of the enzyme amylase and converted into glucose. Simple ones are absorbed immediately into the intestinal walls, digested easily, and stimulate the production of the hormone insulin. Chronic increased production of insulin leads to weight gain, and subsequently to the development of type II diabetes.

The drug Metformin blocks the enzyme amylase.

Under the influence of blocking drugs, the absorption of carbohydrate molecules is suspended. The drug partially neutralizes digestive enzymes and slows down the formation of glucose. A decrease in its production prevents the formation of new fat cells, forcing the body to use up old ones. This mechanism of action allows the use of blockers to combat obesity.

Carbohydrate blockers were originally used to treat diabetes mellitus. But later, when the drug’s ability to reduce appetite was discovered, they began to be used for weight loss.

Common drugs that block the amylase enzyme include white bean extract, Metformin, and Acarbose.

Compound

Any fat absorption blocker acquires amazing properties due to the bioactive components in its composition. Today, manufacturers use several ingredients to create them.

Chitosan

It is familiar firsthand to athletes and those losing weight, as it is part of many drugs in sports nutrition and dietetics. An amino sugar that is obtained from chitin, the main component of the exoskeleton of arthropods and other invertebrates. It is produced from the cell walls of certain fungi and the shells of crustaceans (most often red crabs). The acyl carbon compound that imparts rigidity to chitin is first removed.

Although there are 15 methods for producing chitin from crustacean shells, they are all expensive. Therefore, not so long ago it was decided to obtain chitosan from cheaper biomass - from domesticated, breedable insects. Everyone who took supplements based on it immediately felt the impact of this innovation: prices for drugs fell, which pleased many, but in terms of effectiveness, things began to decline.

Its molecule contains many free amino groups that bind to molecules not only of fats, but also of other substances that are nearby: hydrogen and metal ions, for example, as well as bacterial toxins and breakdown products formed during the digestion process. It turns out that chitosan works in the gastrointestinal tract as a kind of cleaner, eliminating harmful substances. This type of cleansing also helps you lose weight.

In addition to the fact that chitosan acts as a fat blocker and removes toxins from the body, it also has many beneficial properties for human health:

• reduces cholesterol levels;
• prevents the development of gout and diabetes;
• improves intestinal motility;
• strengthens joints, cartilage, ligaments;
• has mucoadhesive properties (can stick to mucous membranes), which allows it to be used to create drugs that enter the body through the nose, eye, and mouth;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• being a cation by nature, it forms insoluble polyelectrolyte complexes, which is used in encapsulation technologies (it is for this reason that almost all fat blockers are produced in the form of capsules);
• launches and accelerates regeneration processes;
• activates the immune system;
• has an antitumor effect.

Therefore, chitosan is included not only in sports nutrition preparations and dietary supplements for weight loss, but also in some medicines. Most often - prescribed for periodontitis, caries, kidney failure, Crohn's disease, high cholesterol, for rapid wound healing (including in plastic surgery).

In fat blockers, chitosan can be listed under different names:

• N-Carboxybutyl chitosan (O-Sulfated N-Acetylchitosan, N,O-Sulfated Chitosan);
• Chitosan Ascorbate, Ascorbate de Chitosane;
• Deacetylated chitosan (Chitosane Deacetyle);
• Mono-Carboxymethylated chitosan (Chitosane Mono-Carboxymethyle);
• Sulfated N-Carboxymethylchitosan;
• Trimethyl Chitosane chloridum;
• Enzymatic hydrolyzate of polychitosan (Enzymatic Polychitosamine Hydrolisat, Hydrolisat Enzymatique de Polychitosamine);
• Chitosan (Chitosane, Quitosano).

A fat blocker for weight loss based on this unique substance can be bought in pharmacies. One of the most popular is Chitosan Evalar. And also Chitosan Alga plus (Litoral) and Chitosan-diet (Alcoy).

Garcinia cambogia

An equally famous component of food supplements in sports nutrition and dietetics. An evergreen tropical tree native to India, Indonesia, Africa, and South Asia. The extract is prepared from the fruit - small light yellow pumpkins. Inside they are divided into segments, like citrus fruits. It is believed that their pulp contains substances in large quantities that work for weight loss:

• hydroxycitric acid;
• ascorbic acid;
• pectin.

Vitamin C is a source of energy and a means to strengthen the immune system. Pectin improves digestion and relieves hunger for a long time. And hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a triglyceride blocker. The famous American doctor Mehmet Oz stated this quite loudly in 2010. It is believed that preparations with Garcinia Cambogia extract have a complex beneficial effect on the body, it:

• improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• has a calming effect on the nervous system (which means it prevents compulsive overeating);
• helps with rheumatism, dropsy, hormonal imbalances, delayed menstruation, intestinal disorders;
• strengthens the immune system;
• cleanses the body of toxins;
• improves blood circulation, frees blood vessels from cholesterol plaques.

Fat blockers may be listed as Garcīnia gūmmi-gūtta or simply Garcinia. At the pharmacy you can buy the weight loss dietary supplement “Garcinia Forte” from Evalar.

Orlistat

Orlistat is an inhibitor that inhibits the functionality of gastrointestinal lipases. Obtained as a waste product of the bacteria Streptomyces toxytricini. It is not absorbed into the blood and is excreted from the body naturally unchanged. Used as a fat blocker because:

• has high lipophilicity;
• blocks the activity of pancreatic and gastric lipases, which have a fat-breaking effect;
• At the same time, it comes into close contact with fat droplets;
• is excreted along with them from the body.

Since the flow of triglycerides into the blood is suspended, an energy deficiency is detected, which forces the body to start the process of mobilizing adipocytes from previously formed reserves. As a result, with regular use of orlistat-based blockers, a persistent decrease in visceral fat mass and weight loss is observed. This substance also reduces the solubility of cholesterol and its ability to penetrate into the bloodstream.

Orlistat-based fat blockers are pharmaceuticals and are used not in sports nutrition, but in medicine for the treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Pharmaceutical preparations in which it acts as the main active ingredient are Orsoten and Xenical.

Fat blocking drugs based on orlistat: Orsoten and Xenical

The most popular carbohydrate and fat blockers for weight loss

Pharmacies have a large selection of weight loss products. When purchasing, whether it be carbohydrate or fat blockers, you need to focus on your health status and goals.

Chitosan

Chitosan is used in the treatment of obesity, reducing cholesterol levels.
The substance is extracted from shellfish shells and has a binding effect. Well absorbs water-soluble substances, fats and fat-soluble compounds. Used in the treatment of obesity and lowering cholesterol levels.

Capsules with chitosan, after ingestion, transform into a gel-like substance, increasing the viscosity of the stomach contents. The gel binds fat molecules before digestion and prevents them from being absorbed.

Acarbose

The drug is used as a drug for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and belongs to the group of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. With its help, enzymes responsible for the breakdown of sugars are suppressed in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a delay in the absorption of glucose, therefore less glucose and simple sugars are absorbed, and the release of sugar into the blood that occurs immediately after eating is prevented.

The effectiveness of Acarbose depends on the time of its administration. The best time to take is before meals. Sometimes frequent use of the drug leads to symptoms:

• bloating;
• diarrhea;
• colic;
• diarrhea;
• vomiting, nausea;
• constipation;
• allergy.

Frequent use of Acarbose may cause nausea and vomiting.
Some drugs reduce the effect of Acarbose:

• Cortisone;
• oral contraceptives;
• Phenytoin;
• calcium channel blockers;
• L-thyroxine;
• Estrogen;
• Cholestyramine.

If kidney function is impaired, the drug should not be taken.

Phase 2

The blocker is based on a natural component – ​​bean leaf extract. It has the ability to block the action of alpha-amylase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars. Provides support to the body during long-term diets and helps control the amount of food eaten.

Metformin

The drug is not a direct means of weight loss. It regulates the body's sugar balance by inhibiting the release of glucose from the liver, resulting in lower sugar levels. Reducing blood glucose levels when using Metformin suppresses appetite and helps cope with excess weight.

Metmorphine, as a carbohydrate blocker, is popular among those losing weight due to its ability to break down subcutaneous fat, and it acts much more mildly than other drugs, but after frequent use, some experience side effects: nausea, diarrhea, flatulence.

Research

It would seem that it has been decided: if fat blockers are made on the basis of such powerful components as chitosan, garcinia cambogia and orlistat, there can be no doubt about their effectiveness - you need to take it and lose weight without any problems, and with such health benefits! In fact, these ingredients have repeatedly been the subject of scientific research to determine the extent of their effectiveness for weight loss. And this is the conclusion the scientists came to.

Chitosan

Dietary supplements with chitosan began to be sold as effective fat blockers and weight loss aids after the results of experiments that were conducted on mice and rats were published. According to them, after active use of the substance in animals, a significant decrease in cholesterol and impaired absorption of fats were noted. However, this study caused a wave of criticism: there is no exact information about who conducted it and when. In addition, the rodent body is still different from the human body.

Because of these doubts, 15 independent studies were conducted and analyzed. Their duration varied - from 1 to 3 months. A total of 1,219 people took part in the experiments. The results of only one of 15 studies indicated that the use of chitosan led to a decrease in cholesterol. In the other groups, such an effect was not observed.

As for fats, after summarizing the results of all 15 studies, scientists came to the conclusion that chitosan is still a fat blocker. It does slow down their breakdown and absorption, but only slightly. If you follow the daily dosage, this will lead to a loss of no more than 9 kcal per day. For those losing weight, this is a negligible amount. Moreover, such supplements had a much less effective effect on women than on men.

Based on the comprehensive studies conducted, a clear conclusion was made: despite the fact that chitosan is a triglyceride blocker, its effect on their absorption is clinically too insignificant to promote rapid and effective weight loss.

Garcinia cambogia

Dietary supplements for weight loss based on Garcinia Cambogia began to be mass produced after the results of a scientific study were published in 1996 in the internationally respected scientific journal International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders. properties of this exotic plant. The article stated that after the experiment, all participants who took garcinia fruit extract lost an average of 5.4% of excess weight.

Garcinia cambogia fruits

After this, Garcinia Cambogia began to sing odes as a plant that allows you to get rid of extra pounds in a short time. And after its main secret was discovered - hydroxycitric acid in the composition, which has the property of blocking fats in the gastrointestinal tract, the extract began to be used by sports nutrition brands.

The fame did not last long. Since then, other scientific studies have been conducted on the beneficial properties of both garcinia and hydroxycitric acid. None of them confirmed the fact of weight loss. Moreover, conclusions were drawn about the hepatotoxicity of these fruits. Despite this, supplements based on it continue to be sold under the labels: Fat blocker, Fat burner, For weight loss, Metabolic drug, To reduce appetite.

Orlistat

Despite its synthetic origin, orlistat, in various scientific studies conducted mainly in the USA, has proven its effectiveness as a fat blocker. Results:

• weight loss was observed in 75% of those who took part in the experiment;
• in the first 3 months, weight loss averaged 5% of the initial weight in the absence of physical activity and 10% in the presence of it;
• normalization of pressure;
• cholesterol reduction;
• improvement of well-being in hypertensive patients and diabetics (with type II diabetes).

These results made it possible to produce drugs for obesity based on orlistat, and not dietary supplements for weight loss.

Considering that fat blockers, despite their popularity in dietetics and sports nutrition, have been shown in numerous studies to be minimally effective (or not demonstrated at all), their use should be approached with extreme caution. First of all, you need to find out whether you can even take them without harm to your health. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications and find out about possible side effects.

Fat blockers

All these drugs can be divided into two groups according to the mechanism of action on the body:

1. Slowing down the production of lipase (an enzyme that breaks down fats).
2. Binds fat molecules, thereby preventing their digestion.

Binding of fat molecules

Preparations of this subgroup use the principle of operation of an adsorbent.
Note that budget drugs such as microcrystalline glucose and activated carbon have similar properties. Among the most popular additives that can bind fat molecules, we note Chitosan. This substance is made from the shells of crustaceans and today is actively used in the production of sports nutrition and various dietary supplements for weight loss. You can find a large number of reviews on the Internet about Chitosan-based supplements, but no clinical trials have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of this substance. Thus, at the moment there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of chitosan for weight loss.

Scientists conducted all experiments with chitosan only on rats. It must be admitted that they were successful, but the dosages used in the studies, when converted to a person’s body weight, turned out to be large. This fact casts doubt on the advisability of using chitosan as a means for weight loss.

When deciding to use these supplements, you can only rely on people's reviews, but they cannot always be trusted. Among the positive properties of chitosan, one can definitely note the ability of the substance to accelerate the disposal of toxins and wastes. Among the disadvantages, of course, the main one is the removal of micronutrients from the body. Although manufacturers claim that Chitosan binds only fat molecules, it is difficult to believe in such a selective effect.

Lipase blockers

The second subgroup of fat blockers helps slow down lipase synthesis. The most popular component here is Orlistan. Here are the main positive qualities of this lipase blocker:

1. Efficacy has been proven in clinical trials involving humans.
2. When taking the drug, the number of calories entering the body is reduced by about 30 percent.
3. Orlistan is 97 percent utilized by the body.
4. It is not a toxin and works exclusively within the digestive system.
5. It can really help you lose weight.

Unfortunately, this case was not without some side effects. Since orlistan works only within the digestive system, side effects are associated with the functioning of the corresponding organs: increased gas formation, bloating, fecal incontinence, diarrhea, etc.

The likelihood of these negative aspects occurring is directly related to the amount of fat consumed. Thus, if you use orlistan and continue to eat fatty foods, side effects are guaranteed to occur. Disadvantages also include a slowdown in the absorption of beneficial fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. By reducing your fat intake, you will feel good during the course of orlistan, but the point of using it is lost, because you have already created an energy deficit.

Contraindications

• Avitaminosis;
• low-fat diet;
• pregnancy;
• age up to 12 years;
• hypertension;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• liver and kidney diseases;
• individual intolerance to components;
• lactation;
• malabsorption;
• problems with the nervous system, epilepsy, taking antidepressants and tranquilizers;
• tendency to allergies;
• CVD.

Lists of contraindications for each drug may be different. For example, fat blockers based on orlistat have the most impressive list. For chitosan additives it is minimal.

Side effects

• Allergic reactions;
• bloating, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, discomfort in the epigastric region, frequent urge to defecate, fecal incontinence;
• lethargy, drowsiness;
• hypoglycemia;
• dizziness, headaches;
• dysmenorrhea;
• fatty, oily stool;
• bleeding gums;
• disorders of the liver and kidneys;
• irritability, anxiety;
• rapid heartbeat, insomnia, increased sweating (if contained in energy tonics).

Long-term and uncontrolled use of fat blockers can lead to the development of hepatosis, pancreatitis, anaphylaxis, and diverticulitis. A case of rectal bleeding was noted.

When deciding to use such drugs, you should understand exactly how they block fats - they affect the digestive enzymes that are supposed to break them down. This disrupts their functionality and interferes with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic processes. Accordingly, in one place they are beneficial (they prevent fats from being absorbed and deposited), but in another they are harmful.

To reduce the risk of side effects, you must obtain permission from a specialist to use them (even if this is not a pharmaceutical drug, but just a food supplement), and also strictly follow all the recommendations given by the manufacturers in the instructions.

Video: Carbohydrate blockers (video from the program “About the Most Important Thing”)

Lipase blocking

The substance orlistat can stop the production of the fat-breaking enzyme. It is part of the drug of the same name and the popular medicine “Xenical”. Pros of orlistat:

• The action has been tested laboratory and clinically.
• Taking medications reduces the amount of calories consumed by a third.
• 97% of the substance is excreted from the body.
• The drug is non-toxic and acts only within the gastrointestinal tract.
• Taking medications really helps you lose weight.

One could classify a lipase blocker as a recommended drug if it were not for the side effects. Even smoothed wording in the annotations is alarming:

• diarrhea,
• increased gas formation,
• oily involuntary discharge from the rectum,
• fecal incontinence,
• bloating.

The number and intensity of side effects directly depends on the amount of fat consumed. If you don’t limit your diet and eat fatty foods, you will get a full bouquet of consequences. If you reduce your fat intake, you feel comfortable, but the need to take medications disappears, because you have already achieved a calorie deficit. The disadvantage of lipase blockers is that due to the action of the drugs, the necessary saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins K, D, E, A are no longer absorbed.

How to use

Each fat blocker has a unique composition. There are few additives that, for example, only contain chitosan. Typically, the main active ingredients are enhanced by additional components. The goal is one - to increase the effectiveness of the drug. Taken together, they all determine the features of the use of a particular product. The differences can be quite serious, so always read the instructions for use carefully.

Orsoten and Xenical:

• 1 capsule 3 times a day;
• drink with water at room temperature;
• take with meals;
• There should be a small amount of healthy fats in your meals
• duration of the course - until the desired result is achieved (maximum for Orsoten - 2 years, for Xenical - 4 years);
• take under medical supervision.

Blockers based on garcinia cambogia:

• from 1 to 3 capsules per day;
• take with meals;
• require an increase in daily water consumption to 3 liters;
• course duration for weight loss - 20 days, as a sports nutrition supplement and for obesity - 1.5 months;
• Monitor your liver condition regularly.

Chitosan-based blockers:

• up to 6 capsules 2-3 times a day;
• can be taken before, during, and even after meals;
• Be sure to follow a low-carb diet
• The duration of the weight loss course is 2-3 months.

Experts warn that blockers can bind and remove not only harmful, but also beneficial substances. Despite the lack of evidence for such an assumption, it is theoretically possible. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to take an additional course of multivitamins while losing weight on such drugs.

How to choose

If, despite the disappointing research findings, you still want to try to lose weight with the help of fat blockers, you need to approach the choice of this product wisely and be guided by the following factors:

• in case of obesity and overweight (calculation formulas) against the background of metabolic syndrome, it is necessary to get the doctor to prescribe drugs based on orlistat;
• for men engaged in intensive training and building muscle mass, sports nutrition preparations with chitosan - the so-called Fat Blocker - will help get rid of fat deposits;
• for women who are primarily interested in losing weight, fat burning, and eliminating problem areas on the body, blockers with garcinia are recommended;
• For girls who want not only to lose weight, but also to become the owner of pumped buttocks and a flat tummy, with regular exercise, you can try blockers with both hydroxycitric acid and chitosan.

Some of them can be found in pharmacies. Most supplements are available in a wide range on the Internet. For those who include fat blockers in their sports nutrition menu, it is better to go to specialized stores for them.

Fat blockers

When ordering drugs from online stores, carefully study the reviews so as not to receive a counterfeit product and suffer from undesirable consequences. Nowadays, Chinese capsules (name: Fat Blocker), which are available on all weight loss websites, have become very popular. Before you buy them, look at the questionable ingredients, the constantly changing packaging design and think about what you can expect from them. It is better to give preference to well-known sports nutrition brands in their field. A small TOP 9 will guide you in this niche.

Rating

1. XL-S Medical with literamine. Inkyufarm Europe Limited (Germany). $37.8 for 180 capsules.
2. Fat Blocker with chitosan. Thompson's (USA). $35.13 for 120 capsules.
3. Chitosan - chitosan with chromium. Now (USA). $30.9 for 240 capsules.
4. Chinese fat blocker. Slimming capsules with L-carnitine, lotus, poria cocos, yam, hawthorn, plum pits. Hong Kong Life Gene Engineering Company (China). $28.3 (21 capsules).
5. Lipotan with guarana, garcinia, yohimbe, prickly pear. Aklen (Russia). $22.7 for 60 capsules.
6. Super CitriMax Plus with hydroxycitric acid. Now (USA). $19.4 for 90 capsules.
7. Chitosan-x - chitosan. Frog Tech (Russia). $15.2 for 90 capsules.
8. HCA-Chitosan with garcinia and chitosan. Scitec Nutrition (Hungary). $8.7 for 100 capsules.
9. Chitosan + Chromium - chitosan with chromium Olimp (Poland). $5 for 30 capsules.

Real fat blockers, the effectiveness of which has been scientifically proven, are so far sold only in the form of a drug in a pharmacy and are produced on the basis of orlistat. As for chitosan and garcinia, there is no need to place much hope on them.