Can Taking Thermogenic Supplements Really Help You Lose Weight?

For many people, abdominal fat loss is the ultimate goal in their decision to exercise or diet. That bulging tummy isn’t really flattering whether you’re a male or female. So many resort to all types of measures just to trim down that waistline and obtain rock hard abs – abdominal workout machines as seen on TV, all sorts of fads and diets, and of course, weight loss supplements. There are many types of weight loss supplements and one of them is the thermogenic supplement.

Thermogenic supplements are those that aid in weight loss by burning fat through production of heat. As you know, when heat is produced within the body, more fat and calories can be burned and this principle alone should aid in weight loss. The problem is, many claim that thermogenic supplements only work during the first few takes. But as a person takes them habitually, the results become somewhat disappointing and frustrating even. Some even say that thermogenic supplements can actually result in muscle loss, eventually slowing down metabolism and re-promoting weight gain. And what’s worse is that some thermogenic supplements have negative effects on a person’s health. Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties, and even addiction, are some of the negative effects reported from the intake of thermogenic supplements.

Such reports cannot be disregarded as there’s truth to them. Some thermogenic supplements DO contain stimulants such as caffeine or ephedrine. Both are said to increase energy levels, burn fat, and suppress appetite or food cravings. The problem is that these stimulants can also cause elevated blood pressure, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and addiction. Because of this, the FDA has banned ephedra (ephedrine). According to the FDA, "dietary supplements containing ephedra present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury, and should not be consumed."

This is unfortunate because thermogenics as a whole is something that fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders can really benefit from. The production of heat in the body can really make goals like abdominal fat loss more achievable and plausible. So if some thermogenic supplements have negative side effects, what do you do? One thing you can do is check the label for the ingredients. Stay away from thermogenic supplements that contain harmful ingredients like caffeine, ephedrine, garcinia cambogia, bitter orange or citrus aurantium, and pyruvate. If you want to stay away from thermogenic supplements, then do so. There are safer means of achieving thermogenesis in your body anyway.

Topical thermogenic products, for example, can be applied onto the skin before exercising to increase levels of heat in a particular body part and therefore maximize workout by increasing amount of sweat produced. The more you sweat, the more fat you burn. Topical thermogenic products can also target specific areas like your tummy so if abdominal fat loss is your goal, apply topical thermogenic products to your mid-section before you exercise. Of course choose brands that are trustworthy, those with ingredients that are safe for your skin and your overall health. And last but not least, exercise and eat healthy. Nothing beats hard work. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are still the most effective and safest means to lose weight. And don’t forget to consult your physician before you try out any workout or diet regimen. It’s great to lose weight but always consult the experts first, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.