The definition of a supplement is simply, “something added, especially to make up for a lack or deficiency.”
So when is a dietary supplement added? If fat loss and a new body is the goal, then it’s added to a proper exercise and nutritional program. This addition, however, is not necessary or by any means the answer to a new you.

These supplements, sold in health food stores and on TV, give you the illusion that a magic pill can be the answer to your fat-loss dream. Billions of dollars are being spent each year on fat burning pills. So before I go any further, lets get one thing straight. There is no pill that has the ability to burn fat.

With that said, there still can be value in these supplements, but only for a person engaged in proper exercise and supportive eating. But before you go ordering a bottle from some infomercial, it is important to understand the truth behind the hype.

Most of these supplements contain a combination of caffeine and ephedrine. While this mix is in hundreds of different brands, the supplement manufacturers do a nice job of disguising these ingredients by using many other names that make their products seem healthier and safer than they actually are.

Caffeine can be extracted from guarana, kola nut and green tea. Ephedrine can be derived from ma huang or ephedra. Since they are derived from herbs, they can be labeled herbal supplements. This makes them sound safe and natural. But keep in mind, cocaine and morphine come from herbs, and they are obviously not safe.

While supplements do not burn fat, they can cause weight loss. The caffeine/ephedrine combination causes a diuretic effect. This results in a great amount of water loss, which is why if you get on a scale after a week on these stimulants, you will notice a loss of pounds. Second, due to an alteration of your neurotransmitters, there will be a decrease in appetite. This lack of eating will hamper fat loss and slow metabolism, certainly not a healthy choice.

However, these supplements do heighten body temperature which will increase caloric burn, but you do need to be taking part in a healthy nutritional regimen and eating supportive meals to use them. If I do allow a client to take the ephedrine/caffeine combination, I always limit his or her use to three days per week while never ingesting more than 50 mg a day. This can be done for a maximum of six weeks, followed immediately by an eight-week lay-off period.

These drugs can be highly addictive, which is why supplement producers can be so prosperous. Taking these drugs for a while will increase tolerance, causing a person to constantly up the dosage. As this happens, adrenal glands grow weaker making a person feel tired and worn out without taking the drugs. I’ve witnessed many people of all occupations taking these stimulants just to get through the day. This is the most common side-effect.

Since these drugs are stimulants and do increase heart rate, it is vital to screen people before they start using these supplements. Though it’s uncommon and can be prevented by making sure you are not at risk, there have been cases of strokes resulting in death from usage. Anyone with blood pressure, circulatory, thyroid or prostate issues should stay clear of these types of products.

While these supplements can be helpful in your fat-loss goal, they are extremely overhyped and definitely not the answer. In my opinion, they are not even needed. You will experience far better results implementing a sound nutritional and exercise practice.

Believe me, I would love to be able to take a pill that would replace exercise and supportive eating, but there just isn’t one. Until there is, stay motivated and live healthier.

-Casey Einhorn

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