When you want to lose weight and lower your BMI, sometimes you need a little extra help. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to fat burning pills. Fat burning tablets can make the difference between weight loss success and weight loss failure. In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The different types of fat burner pills
- The types of people who might like to use fat burners
- Who should not use these supplements
Ready to add some weight loss supplements to your routine? Here’s the complete guide to fat burning tablets and supplements.
1. What is a fat burner pill?
There are so many weight loss supplements on shelves, you might not even be clear as to what each of them do. You’ll see appetite suppressants, metabolic boosters, fat burners and more. In this guide, we’re going to focus specifically on fat burning pills and how they can help you lower your BMI.
There are two types of supplements that might be grouped under the fat burning tablet category: fat burners and fat blockers. But some manufacturers might also include stimulants and others under the category.
Your best bet is to read the label of your pill carefully to determine what’s in it. We’re going to look at specific ingredients later in this guide, to help you figure out what’s best – and safest – for you to take.
Fat burners will generally boost your metabolism. This will help you burn fat from the foods you eat more quickly, and may help your body burn its stored fat. Fat blockers do just what they say – they’ll help block fat from the foods you eat from being absorbed into your body.
Fat burning tablets may also include appetite suppressants, which will help you curb cravings for starches, sugars and other foods. Stimulants will do the same thing, but will also help you to burn calories and keep your metabolism running.
The pill you choose is ultimately up to you, but be sure you talk to your doctor before you begin a fat burner, as some may interfere with your medications or medical conditions. Women who are pregnant should not take fat burning pills.
2. How does a fat burner work?
Depending on which type of fat burning pills you choose, your supplement may work in a number of ways. Some fat burners will raise your metabolism, allowing your body to burn calories and, subsequently, fat. Fat burners can help you burn off fat from the foods you eat, but can also help your body burn the reserves of fat that make you overweight.
Fat blockers work a little differently. When you eat fatty foods, your body absorbs them and what it doesn’t use for energy it will store, causing weight gain. Fat blockers can help you lower your BMI because they keep your body from absorbing fats from food.
Fat blockers are great, but there are two things you should be aware of. First of all, you may get diarrhea. Uh oh! Because your body is passing fat through the system, it can make for some pretty messy bathroom issues. Try your fat blocker at home for the first time to get a feel for how your body reacts.
The second thing is that your body does need fat! You’re going to need good fats to help your body absorb nutrients in the foods you eat. Your fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K, essential vitamins to your overall health. You can ensure that your body is absorbing these vitamins while you take your fat blocker by eating plenty of healthy fats. You can find healthy fats in:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Avocado
- Fish like salmon and tuna
- Eggs
- Olives and olive oil
- Chia seeds
Now that you know a little about how fat burners work, let’s look a bit more in detail at some different types of fat burning tablets work to lower your BMI.
Appetite Suppressants
Appetite suppressants range from caffeine to fiber, and will help to block your cravings for food. There are a few ways this can work. Usually they’ll simply make you feel full, like fiber will. But in some cases, they’ll alter your brain’s release of hormones and chemicals which are directly related to your hunger.
Appetite suppressants aren’t fat burners, per se, but they may be marketed that way. Be sure to read the packaging on your supplement before you take an appetite suppressant.
Extracts
Extracts can be fat blockers, fat burners or appetite suppressants. What an extract is is a concentrated version of, say, an herbal product. You may find green tea extract, green coffee bean extract, raspberry ketones or many other extracts on the shelves.
Remember that just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always check with a professional to determine if a supplement is safe for you and your lifestyle.
Stimulants
The biggest thing you need to know about stimulants is that they very well might raise your heart rate. If you’re sensitive to ingredients like caffeine or have any type of heart or blood pressure issue, be sure to check with your doctor before you take a stimulant.
Stimulants, generally speaking, will help to boost your metabolism and assist your body in burning calories.
3. Who can use fat burning tablets?
If you need help losing weight, there’s a good chance that fat burning tablets might work to help you lower your BMI. There are a number of people who should not use fat burning tablets, so let’s look at those people first. They include:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
- People with medical conditions who have not cleared supplements with their doctors
- People with medications who have not first talked to a doctor
And that’s pretty much it! Remember – safety first. Don’t compromise your health by taking a fat burning tablet if you have any concerns. Talk to a pro first.
Now, let’s talk about who should use a fat burning tablet. These people include:
- People who are just beginning a weight loss program
- People who have reached a weight loss plateau and need a boost
- People who have a short term goal like a wedding or vacation
- People with a naturally slower metabolism
- People who are forced to eat meals out a lot, due to work or travel
In short, pretty much anyone can use a fat burner, so long as your doctor clears it. They’re great for short term weight loss as well as long term support. Just remember that they’re not miracle pills. You’ll need to exercise and eat well, too!
There are a few “special populations” who might get great benefits from fat burning pills.
Seniors
As you grow older, your metabolism slows. A fat burner can help older adults lose weight more quickly by helping to bump up the rate at which the body burns fat and calories. Just make sure that you don’t have medical conditions or medications that a fat burner will mess with. Check with a pharmacist to be certain.
Weight Lifters
If you’re a weight lifter, you might see some extra benefit to taking a fat burner. Most weight lifters exercise with the goal of increasing lean muscle mass. In order to do that, fat layers must be decreased so that the beautiful six pack can shine right on through. A fat burner can assist weight lifters in getting rid of excess fat so that their muscle tone is more visible.
If you do lift weights, be sure that you get in touch with your doctor before you take a supplement. Sometimes weight lifters can actually put excessive strain on the heart during physical activity, so a stimulant could be risky.
Bad dieters
Yep, you read that right. If you’re just a plain old bad dieter, you could benefit from fat burning tablets. Now, that’s not to say you should rely on them. But fat burning tablets can help you get the extra boost you need to reach your goal BMI and your weight loss goals.
4. Can fat burners burn fat?
Let’s move on to the question you really want an answer for: can fat burning pills and fat burning tablets actually burn fat? The short answer to this is simple: yes! When you take the right fat burning tablets, they truly can lower your BMI and help you lose weight.
That’s not to say that all fat burners will work for everyone, though. The first thing you’ll have to remember is something we’ve said a thousand times before: you’re not going to lose weight just by taking fat burners. Nope, not possible. Those huge burgers and shakes are going to go straight to your hips whether you’re taking a pill or not.
Now, with that said, taking the correct tablet to suit your lifestyle can be a great way to enhance your weight loss efforts. They’ll help prevent fat from being absorbed by your body. They’ll help to boost your metabolism. And they’ll help burn the fat that your body’s already stored.
In other words, they can be both preventative and proactive, helping you to keep fat from being stored and burning the fat you already have. But they’re only going to work in conjunction with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
As we’ve stated before, talk with your physician before you take a fat burner. If you have medical conditions, these pills can do more harm than good.
5. What are the best fat burning pills and tablets?
Let’s talk about some specific fat burning pills that you’ll find in stores. These pills can help you reduce your BMI in a healthy way, so long as you take them as directed. Here are the best of the best fat burners you can find on your drugstore shelf.
Caffeine tablets
Studies show that caffeine can help your body burn fat more effectively. During aerobic exercise, fatty acids are moved to the energy centers of your cells and burned as energy. So, to put that another way, you’re only going to lose fat with caffeine if you exercise. Physical activity is like the “on” switch that activates caffeine as a fat burner.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, these fat burning pills aren’t a great idea. But if it doesn’t bother you, you can find caffeine pills in your drugstore or mass merchandise store with no problem.
Raspberry ketones
Raspberry ketones are kind of a fad fat burner pill, but studies do imply that they work to help reduce the fat on your frame. They were first popularized by the mainstream media, and everyone and their uncle jumped on the bandwagon. But, newer studies on mice and rats show that they do have a bit of effect on body fat.
Raspberry ketones aren’t made from real raspberries. It would simply take far too many raspberries to do that! Instead, they’re synthetics that work exactly the same way as the fruit but for a fraction of the cost.
Green tea extract
Green tea extract is actually one of the most promising of the natural fat burners on the market. Chemicals in green tea called catechins are responsible for the positive effects of green tea extract on your BMI. Even better news is that you can see these benefits by drinking the tea!
If you do choose to drink your green tea instead of taking a fat burning pill, be sure not to add sugar. If you want just a hint of sweetness, add a splash of cranberry juice or just a tiny amount of natural local honey.
Chili
This lovely little spice that you probably already have in your cabinet is a great natural fat burner. Chili has been shown to boost your metabolism and burn fat. It does this by actually raising your body temperature. Similar effects can be gotten from cayenne pepper and black pepper.
Garcinia cambogia
Garcinia cambogia is usually marketed as an appetite suppressant but can act as a fat burner as well. This is a natural supplement but remember, once again, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Garcinia cambogia can raise your heart rate, which is unsafe for certain segments of the population. Check with your doctor before you start taking garcinia cambogia.
Forskolin
Forskolin is another of those “television doctor” fat burners, where there might not be enough evidence to support its efficacy. However, it’s generally considered safe to use, so feel free to give it a shot. The theory behind this supplement is that it acts as a fat burner by regulating specific enzymes in your body. It’s a natural supplement but use caution. Just because a television doctor says it’s safe doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check with a real doctor.
Prescription fat burners
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a fat burner or a fat blocker. This is always the safest route, as your medication will be professionally monitored. Because drugs differ in different parts of the world, your best bet is to talk to your doc about what’s available to you in your region.
6. Training methods to use in combination with fat burning pills
If you’re serious about losing weight, you’re going to want to add some healthy exercise to your routine. Experts recommend that you get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Be sure to choose exercises that fit in with your general, overall health and that will be safe for you to participate in.
Let’s take a moment to consider some of the best exercises to do while you’re taking fat burning pills.
Swimming
If you love to swim, fat burners are a good choice for you! Swimming is a nice low-impact exercise that won’t raise your heart rate too high. That makes it a good bet if you want to take a stimulant-type fat burner pill, but any pill will work well to boost your weight loss efforts while you swim.
Cycling
Cycling is another good training method to use with fat burners and fat burning pills. You can lower your BMI and cover oodles of miles fast when you hop on your bike. Choose a fat burning tablet that won’t raise your heart rate too high, as cycling certainly will.
Running
Use caution when you use a fat burner if you’re a runner. Running is one of the easiest ways to elevate your heart rate. Too strong a fat burning pill and you may find yourself at risk for serious side effects like heart attack.
Powerwalking
If you want a good balance between walking and running, powerwalking is a great choice. It’s slightly less likely to cause trouble as you take a fat burner than running is, but may give you a better, more toning workout than just walking.
Weightlifting
When you’re weightlifting, you’re focusing more on building lean muscle mass than you are on losing weight. There’s a good chance you’ll not be elevating your heart rate too high, so feel free to talk to your doctor about a fat burning tablet to help you meet your weightlifting goals.
7. Using fat burners without training
Can you lose weight with fat burning pills without training? Well, sure! But remember. It’s recommended that you get a proper amount of exercise in order to lose weight and to have a healthy lifestyle.
If you decide to use a fat burning pill without training, talk to your doctor first. You’ll need to discuss your medical situation, the medications you may be taking and your current diet. There’s a very good chance that your doctor will have you significantly reduce your caloric intake – something you might not be used to.
There are other changes in store for you, too. You’ll have to choose foods that are healthy and whole – no more chocolate cookies at bedtime! You’ll also be incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. But don’t worry. These make a great alternative snack to sweets and even salty snacks like chips.
Your life doesn’t have to be turned upside down if you decide to use a fat burning tablet without exercising. Just changing your daily diet and increasing your water intake will make a huge difference. As soon as you’re able, though, it’s best to get a little physical activity in your routine!
Pros of fat burners without training
- Great for people who are physically unable to exercise
- Excellent if you travel frequently and don’t have the opportunity to exercise
- Low impact – a good idea for elderly people who may have bone and joint issues
Cons of fat burners without training
- You’re not going to lose weight as quickly
- You’re not going to learn lifestyle changes that will help you keep the weight off
- Fat burners may become a crutch for you, causing you to eat poorly
8. What to look for in a fat burner
When you’re shopping for a fat burner, there are a few things you should look for. Not all fat burning tablets are created equally, and so not all of them will help you reduce your BMI effectively. So what is it that you should be shopping for? There are a few key points to keep in mind.
First, your fat burning supplement should be made by a reliable company. It’s all too common now that people shop online, only to find they’ve been scammed out of hundreds of dollars by companies selling placebos. Check reviews of the product and make sure it’s up to par.
Secondly, check to see how much of the active ingredient is actually in the product. Many manufacturers use “fillers” to bulk up the products they sell. Now, some of these fillers are fiber, which can’t hurt you. But others are ingredients like gelatin and even sawdust! That’s no good, so be sure you check the label.
Thirdly, know what you’re buying. We’ve covered a few of the most common fat burners in this guide, but again, be sure you read the label and know exactly what’s in the product you’re buying. If you have any doubts, look up the ingredient or ask your doctor.
Finally, look for organic fat burners if possible. The trace amounts of chemicals that are in some supplements may be harmful to your health – you don’t want to put your health at risk by ingesting pesticides and other yucky stuff.
So, in summary:
- Keep your supplements as “clean” as possible
- Always know what you’re buying and taking
- If you have any doubts, ask your doctor – or even your pharmacist!
9. What to avoid in a fat burner
We’ve covered most of the things you should avoid in a fat burner already. To break it down for you, though, here’s a list of the things you should stay away from when you’re shopping for fat burning pills to lower your BMI.
- Chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and others used in the production of your supplements
- Illegal ingredients like ephedrine
- Anything that may interfere with your health like blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions
- Anything that will interfere with medications you may take – this includes birth control
- Excessive filler ingredients in your fat burner
That’s about it! Once more, say it with us – ask your doctor! If you have any questions, your doctor can help you figure out what’s best.
10. Are fat burners safe? Are they dangerous?
There’s no such thing as a completely safe anything. Everything, in excess, can be dangerous to your health. But when you take them correctly and as directed by your doctor, fat burning tablets and fat burning pills are completely safe.
Do a bit of research and find the best fat burner for your lifestyle. Decide whether a fat burner, fat blocker or appetite suppressant is best for you. Then, research the ingredients in the options that are available to you and simply go from there!
A dangerous fat burner is, first and foremost, a fat burner that’s taken incorrectly. Again, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe, so do your research. The other articles within this site are meant to help you do just that.
There are other dangerous fat burners, of course, and most of those are illegal. Let’s take a look at fat burners that have been outlawed or banned in various nations around the world.
11. Illegal fat burners
We briefly mentioned that there are some illegal fat burners out there. You’d think that because they’ve been outlawed, consumers wouldn’t have access to them. Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all.
Several weight loss pills have been found to be highly dangerous and have thus been marked as illegal in many countries. However, they’re legal in some. For that reason, consumers still have access to these drugs.
Let’s take a look at some of the supplements that may be marketed as fat burners that are possibly illegal in your area. Do not use these to lower your BMI – just say no to these drugs!
Ephedra
Ephedra is banned in most countries, and for good reason. This drug was a “natural” supplement – plant-derived – that is responsible for the deaths of roughly 155 people. That’s a lot of people! The supplement mimicked an amphetamine, and caused elevated heart rate and other serious symptoms … including death.
Hydroxycut original
We don’t normally mention brand names on this site because not all products are available everywhere. However, it’s worth noting that the original formula for Hydroxycut was pulled from shelves in 2009 and banned in most countries. The reason? It caused hepatitis and jaundice, among other symptoms. The formula has since been reworked. If you see the original formula for sale, steer clear.
Sibutramine
Sibutramine was a drug you could only get by prescription, but it was recalled and banned not long ago because of its nasty side effects. Lung disease and damage to the heart are among the most serious side effects of this fat burner. Like the others, it’s best to say no to this supplement if you find it on the market
Street drugs
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t use street drugs to lower your BMI. Meth, crack, heroin and other drugs may lower your BMI but you should definitely not use them! Consider that our own disclaimer – we told you not to do it!
12. Natural fat burners
We’ve said this at least a million times on this site, and we’re not afraid to say it again. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe.
Don’t rely on the claims of television doctors, labels created by marketing departments or new age doctors to determine whether a fat burner is safe or right for you. Check with medical research, check with your doctor and do your research.
Most of all, use your common sense, people! A fat burner that’s a toxin may help you lose weight, sure. But should you take it? We think that’s probably not a good idea. Instead, talk to your pharmacist or chemist about the options you have and what will work best for you.
- Not everything that’s natural is safe
- Your doctor and your pharmacist can help guide you
- Do not rely on television doctors and marketing teams to tell you what’s right for your body
13. Can the right fat burner boost my mind?
Taking the right fat burning pills can absolutely boost your mind. Not only will some of them have direct effects on your brain’s chemistry, but you’ll see other effects as well. Losing weight and lowering your BMI can:
- Decrease your instance of mental disease, including Alzheimer’s
- Improve your mood
- Increase your libido and improve your sex life
- Decrease your risk of depression and suicide
That’s good stuff! Of course, those effects can happen whether you’re on a fat burning tablet or not. When you lose weight, your mind gets healthy along with your body.
But some supplements can help to boost your mind power, your mood and more. For instance:
- Ginger
- Ginseng
- Oregano
- Green tea extract
And others can help to increase your mood whilst helping you lose weight.
14. Fat burners: Best in Test
We’re not here to tell you which fat burner is the best for you. You may more effectively lower your BMI using one supplement while your buddy loses best with another. However, we will tell you this: the best fat burners are, hands down, the ones you’re going to use the most regularly.
If your fat burning pills require that you take them three times a day, but you think you can only handle one dose a day, choose another supplement. You’re going to get the best effect from your fat burning pills if you use them the way you’re supposed to use them.
There are some instances in which you should probably talk to your doctor to determine the best fat burning tablet for you. These include:
- If you’re on any medication
- If you have a history of eating disorder
- If you’re nursing
- If you have any medical conditions
- If you’re unable to exercise
Do any of these sound like you? If so, your doctor is the best resource to find the best fat burner for you.
With that said, there are some fat burners that are scientifically researched and have been shown to have at least small effects on BMI. These include:
- Green tea
- Chili powder
- Black pepper
- Green coffee bean extract
- Caffeine
- Cardamom
Each of these are natural, so it’s a fair bet that your doctor will okay them. The exception is if you have a heart condition which may be affected by caffeine.
15. Which fat burner should you use?
Again, the fat burner you should use is the one you’re going to take. When you first begin a fat burning tablet, don’t just pay attention to your BMI. Instead, be mindful of how it makes you feel. Are you:
- Energized?
- Anxious?
- Nauseous?
- Paranoid?
- Jittery?
And so on. Obviously there are positive and negative effects a fat burning tablet can have, so pay attention. If you feel any negative symptoms, this is not the right fat burner for you. When you find a tablet you love, and that you remember to take, you’re on the path to a lower BMI!
16. Sleeping and fat burners
Something that not every fat burner label will tell you is that you may have a hard time falling asleep if you take a fat burner too close to bedtime. As we mentioned, some will make you jittery and others may just elevate your heart rate so that you feel uncomfortable.
Any negative symptom you experience from your fat burner is liable to make rest hard to come by, so keep that in mind as you shop for – and take – your fat burning tablets or fat burning pills.
A few things to remember about your fat burner and sleep include:
- Don’t take a caffeine fat burner too close to bedtime
- Don’t take too many fat burner supplements – stick with the directed dose
- If you’re sensitive to caffeine, don’t take these supplements at all
- Supplements that make you nauseous, dizzy, give you a headache or cause any other adverse reactions will increase difficulty in falling asleep
Remember that good sleep hygiene is imperative to your weight loss. It’s recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night for weight loss and for overall health.
17. Side effects of fat burning tablets
In some cases, people may experience some side effects when taking fat burners. If this happens, discontinue use immediately and talk to your doctor. If you’re taking a prescription fat burner, don’t discontinue use of them without talking to your doctor first.
Here are a few examples of side effects you may experience when you take a fat burning supplement.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadness
- Heart palpitations
- Infrequent urination
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
In some cases, it may just be a matter of getting used to the pill or taking a different dose. However, in other cases the side effects may lead to something more extreme and dangerous, so be very cautious and use your common sense.
18. Can I use fat burning pills with other supplements?
In a word, yes. You can use fat burners with other supplements. But in three words, try not to. If you can find one formulated pill that meets all your needs, go with that. The ingredients in that formula are designed to work together – or at least to not react with each other. Using a formula will decrease your risk of negative side effects.
If you’re on a prescription fat burning tablet, ask your physician before you take other supplements. It’s always risky to mix prescriptions with supplements, as most supplements haven’t been tested to be safe at all, much less with other medications.
When in doubt, leave it out. Don’t take the supplement just yet. Instead, bring it to your next doctor’s appointment and see what she has to say on the matter. It’s common sense, and it’s for your own safety.
19. How to pick a good fat burner
We’ve talked a lot about the ingredients you should – and shouldn’t – consider in a fat burner. But when you’re shopping for tablets to lower your BMI, it really all boils down to three things: value, content and ingredients.
Choosing a good fat burner is really that simple. You want to find the safest, most effective pills that are within your budget. So let’s look at these three categories to determine what makes a “good” fat burner.
Value
Sometimes the value of a fat burner is subjective. For instance, a simple green tea supplement may not work as well as that designer formula. But the green tea is in your budget and the designer product is not. Therefore, the green tea is one you’ll stick with. It’s a better value for you.
On the other hand, you can often take an objective look at the value of fat burning tablets as well. Look at the ratio of filler to active ingredient, for example. A green tea supplement for $5 that’s 10% green tea extract is never going to be a better value than a green tea supplement that’s $10 and 90% green tea extract.
Always read the labels along with the price tag. Check the reviews, too! The fat burning pill that’s within your price range and most likely to lower your BMI is the one that’s the best value.
Content
The content of your fat burner is very inclusive. It can include your ingredients, sure. But it’s also going to take into account any “other” things that are in there. In other words, if you’re not taking an organic supplement, you risk exposing yourself to chemicals like fertilizers and more.
Pay attention to the sourcing of your fat burner – that will go a long way in telling you about the quality of the content in your supplement.
Ingredients
Most obviously, you’ll be interested in the ingredients your fat burner contains. What’s going to work best for you? Will it be green tea? Caffeine? Cumin? A proprietary blend?
Sometimes the key to finding the best ingredients to lower your BMI is a case of trial and error. That’s okay – that’s what customizing your weight loss plan is all about! It’s okay to use a product and then decide it’s simply not for you.
The ingredients you use should be ones you’re comfortable with. Once again, don’t take the word of those television quacks who proclaim one ingredient or another to be the next “super-fat-burner” … folks, they’re being paid to advertise these things.
Instead, do your research and decide for yourself. Then, use the fat burning tablets with the ingredients that work best for you.
20. How to use your fat burner
This is another section that needs very little explanation. The correct way to use your fat burner is just as it’s directed, either on the package or by your physician. Taking more pills than directed isn’t going to “boost” your weight loss or more quickly decrease your BMI. Instead, you run the risk of damaging your health.
This is especially true for fat burning pills that are prescribed to you by your doctor. These supplements should be taken exactly as your doctor told you. If you have doubts, be sure you ask your pharmacist when you pick up your pills.
In short, if you take your fat burning supplements the wrong way, you risk some serious health side effects, up to and including death. Don’t take that risk – take your pills the right way.
Conclusion
The world of fat burners and fat burning tablets is definitely a very wide one! It can be confusing and overwhelming to navigate the shelves and online stores that are packed with these pills. You can lower your BMI with fat burning supplements, but be sure to use common sense. If you have any doubt at all which is right for you, talk to a professional and get expert guidance.