Losing weight and reducing body volume occurs when fat is burned in the body. This process can be accelerated with the help of special additives that promote the forced processing of fats, intercellular and subcutaneous. In this area, the question of what is better, thermogenics or lipotropics, is still controversial. These are the main groups of fat burners with different properties, effectiveness and side effects.
What are thermogenics, their functions as fat burners
Thermogenesis is a process in which the body itself produces heat through metabolism. Thermogenic substances are called substances that help burn fat in a short time. Their job is to increase the metabolic rate, after which the body begins to more actively convert calories into energy.
The main goal of thermogenics is to speed up metabolism, even if it is too slow. You need to understand that not all fat burners are called thermogenic; many of them affect appetite by dulling it, thereby preventing weight gain. Anorectics - act on the neurons of the brain, thereby suppressing appetite. Lipotropics - effectively speed up the metabolism in the body. With the correct dosage, these drugs cannot cause any harm (if there are no contraindications to them).
What are lipotropics
Lipotropics (lipotropic factor, lipotropic factor) are a class of supplements that increase the rate of metabolic processes during which fats are broken down. Their action is due to the activation of special enzymes that enhance fat burning and at the same time protect the liver from the effects of harmful substances.
As for the method of using lipotropic factors, they must be consumed immediately before physical activity. The reason is that fat, once broken down into glucose, must be processed during exercise. Otherwise, most of it will be absorbed back and stored again in fat.
We advise you to study: “The best exercises for cellulite.”
The list of lipotropic fat burners for women and men includes vitamin-like substances. Their action has been confirmed, but it has also been proven that the fat-burning effect is quite weak. L-carnitine is considered the best lipotropic, an amino acid that ensures the transport of fatty acids to mitochondria. They break down fats to release energy.
Other lipotropic fat burners:
- CLA (conjugated linoleic acid);
- choline;
- melatonin;
- omega-3;
- betaine.
Advantages and disadvantages
Without a doubt, the main feature of thermogenic fat burners is their ability to quickly rid the body of extra pounds. They are used for “lazy” weight loss. This means that there is no serious need for physical activity in order to achieve the desired result (although a little activity is still required). In this case, you do not need to change your diet or use extreme options for the body - fasting.
However, in addition to the positive qualities, there are also disadvantages. Remember that thermogenics, like other weight loss drugs, have a negative effect on the body (especially women), leading to disruption of its functions. It is important to consult a specialist before taking fat burning medications. This will significantly reduce the risk of side effects. These negative consequences include:
- increase in basal temperature;
- the emergence of dependence on the drug;
- change in cellular metabolism.
About the dangers of thermogenic supplements
Manufacturers, citing the naturalness of fat burner compositions, assure that taking them according to the attached instructions does not pose any health risks. However, doctors do not agree with such an unambiguous formulation, believing that such supplements should be used with great caution by people whose health indicators are far from generally accepted norms. For example, diseases of the digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems, as well as cardiopathologies, liver and kidney failure, and diabetes are often contraindications to the use of such drugs. To avoid aggravating existing problems, you should consult a sports physician before using thermogenics. Physiologists note that taking fat burners, even in a healthy person, can be accompanied by a number of “discomfortable” effects, which are a consequence of stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system:
- Increased sweating
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia);
- Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure);
- Reactions from the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, heartburn or flatulence);
- Increased breathing;
- Hyperexcitability.
However, such reactions are usually short-term and reversible and disappear after 2-3 hours. In some cases, reducing the dosage of the product will help prevent side effects.
Natural fat burners
Natural fat burners
In addition to dietary supplements, there are natural fat burners contained in food. Their difference from chemical preparations is the absence of harm to the body, since such products are of natural origin. All foods classified as fat burners are divided into two categories: liquid and solid.
The first type includes:
- Clean drinking water improves metabolism like nothing else, ridding the body not only of harmful toxins, but also of excess weight. You need to drink about 1.5-2 liters of liquid per day.
- Water with lemon – due to the high content of lemon juice, which makes it easier for the body to fight excess weight, the fat burning process is accelerated.
- Green tea is a natural fat burner that helps speed up metabolism.
- Coffee – increases body temperature and thus increases metabolism in the body. It is better to drink this drink 10-15 minutes before training to increase its effectiveness.
- Red wine – helps reduce your appetite by half; just drink one glass before lunch.
- Grapefruit juice is one of the best fat burners; it removes excess fluid from the body along with waste and toxins. It should not be taken together with other drugs, or if you have gastritis or ulcers.
Solid products:
- A variety of cereals are well absorbed by the body, cleanse the intestines, ridding it of all unnecessary substances. You can take oatmeal, barley, and pearl barley. If you are under intense physical activity, a diet based on porridge alone is not suitable; you need a balanced diet that includes proteins and other foods containing fiber.
- Berries and fruits contain a sufficient amount of vitamins and microelements and are also low in calories. With active use, you can significantly lose weight and improve your health.
- Protein foods and fermented milk products are considered natural fat burners and also help increase muscle mass. You can use whey and hard cheeses.
Taking fat burners during physical training
Manufacturers in the sports industry guarantee that the effect will follow immediately, even with little physical activity. This is what captivates poorly versed buyers, which is why they begin to actively take these drugs, hoping that the desired effect will come on its own, even if they do nothing. But it doesn't work that way. The result can only be achieved with the use of fat burners in parallel with physical exercise.
Dietary supplements may differ in the characteristics of their administration. Before taking, be sure to consult with your trainer and doctor (about the consequences and side effects of the drugs).
As a rule, there are general recommendations for use:
- before taking it, find out if there are any contraindications;
- take medications mainly in the morning, as they contribute to sleep disturbances;
- in case of side effects, immediately reduce the dose or completely abandon the drug;
- Take only on training days;
- do not interrupt the course.
Brand
A well-known manufacturer with a firm foothold in the sports nutrition market is one of the key points when choosing any type of sports nutrition and, in particular, thermogenics.
A reputable brand will not risk its name by releasing a low-quality product onto the market, as this could seriously damage its reputation. A couple of devastating reviews and customer dissatisfaction with the product can forever destroy the image of the manufacturer, turning both old and potential customers away from it.
But little-known brands may not worry too much about their reputation and use cheap fillers for their products, packaging them in a jar with a beautiful and selling name.
The best fat burners for women
The following drugs are considered the most popular among women losing weight:
Nutrex Lipo 6 black - it contains both natural and artificial ingredients, thanks to which a quick effect in the process of losing weight is guaranteed, but its reviews are very specific, many complain about side effects.
CLA – conjugated linoleic acid. Quite a popular product, the effectiveness of which is still debated. This acid improves metabolism and has a positive effect on the functioning of the body as a whole.
Hydroxycut Advanced - this drug helps rid the body of extra pounds and also reduces appetite. This remedy has virtually no side effects. By stimulating the metabolic process, fat deposits are eliminated.
Fat Burners - in comparison with other similar products, it has a milder effect and has almost no side effects. With this drug, losing weight is much faster and easier.
Animal Cuts from Universal Nutrition is intended primarily for athletes who are not suitable for conventional fat burners. Like all other analogues, it accelerates metabolism, but does not contain ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin (ECA).
Black Spider is considered one of the most effective remedies. It belongs to the category of thermogenics, the main component of which is ECA.
Contraindications and side effects
Many women want to lose weight quickly and easily, especially when there are thermogenics. But quickly losing a few extra pounds can lead over time to gaining new kilograms if you do not exercise regularly and take dietary supplements uncontrollably. The main danger is side effects.
Negative actions have different effects on the body of a losing weight person:
Problems with the cardiovascular system. Expressed in increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. This is due to the drugs contained in the composition, ephedrine, caffeine, and guarana.
Poisoning. In case of an overdose of the drug, symptoms of intoxication appear. If the acceptable dose is exceeded. This effect is associated with the caffeine contained in the composition. Therefore, you should not drink energy drinks and fat burners at the same time.
Allergy. There may be an allergic reaction to some of the components that make up the drug.
Problems with the digestive system. With active use, gastrointestinal diseases develop, which are accompanied by constipation, belching, diarrhea and other manifestations. The normal absorption of beneficial minerals and vitamins is also disrupted.
Other side effects. No less common are headaches, nausea, heartburn, and abdominal pain.
