Fat burners
All too often, even the most rigorous training regime hits the wall. If this has happened to you, then a fat burning supplement might be of help. There are literally hundreds of fat burners on the market, and some of them are truly sensational, while others are not worth the bottle they're shipped in. We take a look at some of the things to look for, and what ingredients should be avoided at all costs.
What to look for in a fat burner
One of the most important jobs a fat burner has is to increase norepinephrine, the body's natural fat-burning hormone. Norepinephrine stimulates the beta-receptors found on adipocytes, or fat cells. The combination of the norepinephrine and the beta-receptor signals the fat cell to increase levels of ‘uncoupling' proteins, kick starting the thermogenic process that converts fat stores to body heat. Although exercise is not required for this, it greatly improves the function of the supplement.
Along with the promotion of norepinephrine, a good fat burning supplement should also inhibit the promotion of phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that inhibits the fat burning process by blocking the signal that is created with the norepinephrine/beta-receptor combination.
Additionally, a good supplement increases phospholipid production and, as an extra benefit, promotes good liver function – after all, that's the part of the body that deals with fats the most.
A supplement that is high in amino acids is also a great choice. This promotes good internal health, gives you more energy for working out and promotes muscle growth at the same time.
Some of the best ingredients include Choline, Inositol and Methionine, which are lipotropic ingredients essential for breaking down fat stores in the body. It is only once the body breaks down these fat stores that they can be used as energy in the form of fatty acids.
L-Carnitine's role in transporting fatty acids to the part of a call that metabolises fat is the main reason for its inclusion in many good fat burners. L-Carnitine is especially effective if it is taken just before a workout, as well as in the morning and evening.
MuscleTech Hydroxycut Pro Series
MuscleTech's Hydroxycut is one of the most effective fat burning supplements on the market. If you've hit a wall in your training goals, Hydroxycut can give you the extra kick to burn fat in five ways.
First, it stimulates the production of norepinephrine, the hormone that stimulates the beta-receptors found on adipocytes, or fat cells. The combination of the norepinephrine and the beta-receptor signals the fat cell to increase levels of ‘uncoupling' proteins, kick starting the thermogenic process that converts fat stores to body heat.
At the same time, Hydroxycut inhibits the promotion of phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that blocks the signal created by the norepinephrine/beta-receptor combination.
Hydroxycut also plays an important role in inhibiting the role of alpha-receptor signalling, which work with norepinephrine to stop the fat burning process. By cutting this signal, the fat burning process signalled by beta-receptors is increased.
At the same time, Hydroxycut works to reduce the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which reduces levels of norepinephrine in the body. Lastly, Hydroxycut triggers the thermogenic process by elevating the activity of uncoupling proteins that burn fat in the mitochondria of muscle cells.
Effective and easy to take, Hydroxycut's effective ingredients will help you realise your training goals.
What to be wary of in fat burner
One of the most controversial ingredients in fat burning supplements is Ephedra, which was banned by the US Food & Drug administration in 2004 (this ban was upheld by a 2006 appeal ruling). Ephedra in weight loss supplements is considered responsible for a high rate of serious side effects and ephedra-related deaths.
Ephedra has been replaced by other herbal stimulants, including bitter orange, green tea extract and other forms of caffeine, mainly because they suppress appetite while also acting as a diuretic, releasing subcutaneous water stores.
Many products contain high levels of caffeine and for some people this can create a range of side effects. These include an accelerated heartbeat, shaking hands, headaches and dizziness. Over time it is also possible to build up a tolerance to the caffeine, which reduces the effect of the supplement.
When looking for a fat burning supplement, go for those that help the body to help itself. Take note of how your body responds to the supplement, and if any side effects develop. With a good fat burner, the only side effect you should have is dropping weight.