Shedding fat and losing weight requires two things — time and effort.
It takes weeks or months to notice results. Sometimes, getting the lean, shredded appearance you want seems unattainable.
So, it makes sense that we look for a cheat code when it’s time to lose weight.
If you want to lose weight faster and achieve outstanding results in weeks (not months or years), you may want to check out fat burners.
Are fat burners safe to use? Yes, but you need to be careful with them.
If you’ve been curious about adding a fat burner to your supplement stack but are worried about the risk, this post is for you!
Read on to learn about fat burner safety and if they are a good choice for your routine!
Do Fat Burners Work?
Fat burners help you drop weight by increasing your metabolism and curbing your appetite. Here’s how:
Fat Burners Boost Your Metabolism
Taking fat-burning supplements boosts your metabolism with stimulants like green tea and coffee extract that increase your body’s thermogenesis — the amount of heat your body produces.
As your thermogenesis increases, your metabolic rate increases with it.
A more active metabolism also raises your basal metabolic rate (BMR), or the minimum amount of calories your body needs to run.
Fat Burners Curb Your Appetite
Fat burners also curb your appetite by stabilizing your blood sugar levels, increasing your fiber intake, and including appetite-suppressing ingredients like garcinia cambogia and 5-HTP.
Suppressing your appetite makes it easier to control your portions and avoid snacking, two common habits that prevent weight loss.
When you combine these powerful appetite-suppressing effects with an increased metabolic rate, you open the door for rapid fat loss.
Are Fat Burners Safe to Use?
Fat burners are generally safe for healthy individuals, but some may need to avoid them. These supplements may not be the best fit for your supplement regimen if you:
- Have heart conditions like high blood pressure
- Are sensitive to stimulants like caffeine
- Have trouble sleeping or diagnosed insomnia
- Experience anxiety or nervousness
It’s essential to consult your doctor or health provider if you’re curious about fat burners but unsure if they’ll work for you.
Speaking to a trusted medical professional will help you better understand the risks associated with these supplements and help you make the right decision for your health needs.
What About the Long-Term Safety of Fat Burners?
As with most stimulants, your body adapts to fat burners over time.
Cycling fat burners or only using them when you need to temporarily drop weight increases the supplement’s effectiveness.
You also want to avoid long-term fat burner usage because it can increase dependency on the stimulants in the supplements.
Caffeine is a key ingredient in fat burners and has strong dopamine-related reinforcing effects. As your body grows accustomed to this release, you may also feel like you need to increase the dosage to feel the same effect.
The Side Effects of Taking Fat Burners
Fat burners come with a list of side effects, especially if you restrict calories while you take them. Some of the potential side effects of fat burners include:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Digestive distress
- Anxiety, jitters, or nervousness
- Insomnia or disrupted circadian rhythm
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
People who already experience a rapid heart rate or high blood pressure should avoid taking fat burners due to potential severe issues like increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Should You Avoid Other Supplements When Taking Fat Burners?
It’s crucial to stay aware of your stimulant intake and build a complementary supplement stack when using any workout supplements.
When hitting the gym, you may want to avoid a high-stim pre-workout formula if you’re taking fat burners. Opting for a low-stim or no-stim pre-workout will help you balance your stimulant levels.
You may also want to add supporting supplements to your routine to prevent some side effects of fat burners.
Electrolytes can help with potential dehydration and dizziness caused by fat burners, and supplements like probiotics and digestive enzymes can counteract the gastrointestinal issues associated with fat burners.
The Bottom Line
Fat burners can be a powerful tool in your supplement arsenal, especially if you need to shed weight quickly before a vacation or get into proper form before a bodybuilding competition.
Before taking a fat burner, weigh the pros and cons of adding it to your routine, pay attention to how it will interact with your current stack, and consult a health professional if you have any reservations.
If you want to find the best weight loss supplement for your body type or have more questions about the right supplements for you, get in touch with us!
Our team at BDS has over a decade of experience in the supplement game, and we’re always happy to help you find the supplements that elevate your exercise routine.
