What do fat burning pills consist of?

Fat-burning supplements. What they are, whether they work, and more

Caffeine is a common ingredient because it stimulates the nervous system and potentially helps burn calories. Supplements may contain more caffeine than regular coffee, tea, or chocolate.

Green tea extract is another common ingredient because green tea helps burn calories and reduce the amount of fat absorbed from food.

Carnitine is a compound that increases metabolism and provides energy. It can be found in meat and dairy products and is produced by the liver and kidneys. However, its usefulness for weight loss is questionable.

Yohimbe is another herbal compound that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. It is often found in fat-burning supplements, but can cause adverse effects. Yohimbe can cause:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Campaigning
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Renal failure

Soluble fiber.This ingredient is not found in all fat burners, but you can find some that are high in fiber. Fiber helps control appetite, and soluble fiber helps prevent the body from absorbing fat from food.

Most supplements contain many different ingredients, usually more than are good for your health. These unknown ingredients can cause unpredictable fat-burning reactions to your body.

Fat-burning supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, by taking them, you are risking your health.

First, you don't always get a complete picture of what's in the supplement. Some studies of these supplements have found ingredients not listed on the package.

Second, just because a supplement calls itself "natural" does not mean it is safe. Some fat-burning supplements have been linked to problems such as liver damage. Some herbs, such as ephedra, that used to be used in fat burners are now banned by the FDA because they cause high blood pressure, mood changes, irregular heart rhythms, strokes, seizures and heart attacks.

Consult your doctor before taking these supplements. Their ingredients may interact with other medicines you are taking. Fat burners can be dangerous and cause serious problems if mixed with the wrong drugs.

If you do want to try a fat-burning supplement and have consulted your doctor, you can also check the U.S. Dietary Supplement Administration websites to find the best supplements for you.