Fat burners for women: pros and cons

Fat burners are sports supplements designed to reduce subcutaneous fat. They work only in combination with training and an active lifestyle, so they cannot be considered a "magic tool" for weight loss.

Most fat burners are made on the basis of natural components. They remove excess fluid, accelerate metabolism and promote the breakdown of fat, including on the sides, hips and stomach. The main active substances are often guarana extract, red pepper, forskolin, caffeine. Thanks to this, a thermogenic effect occurs: the body temperature rises, which accelerates the consumption of calories.

Chromium picolinate, synephrine and dietary fiber, which can reduce appetite, are often included in the composition. Some drugs block the absorption of carbohydrates and fats in the digestive system - these include chitosan, bromelain, alpha-amylase.

There are two main groups of fat burners:

• thermogenics — increase body temperature, accelerating metabolism and calorie consumption;
• lipotropics — block the synthesis of fat in the liver and break down adipose tissue into acids.

To achieve the best effect, several supplements are sometimes combined, but it is important to remember: the body needs enough protein (approximately 3 g per kg of weight), otherwise the muscles will begin to break down.

Women should be especially careful when taking fat burners. They can affect the work of organs and cause side effects: headache, nervous tension, tremors, insomnia. Only a doctor can provide a reasoned recommendation on the appropriateness of using such means.

Basic rules for those who decide to try fat burners:

• they do not work without calorie and diet control;
• there are no drugs guaranteed to reduce the fat layer by several percent;
• they cannot be considered harmless vitamins, the choice should be based not on advertising, but on the advice of a specialist.

The most harmless are fat burners with natural components: caffeine, guarana, green tea extract, omega-3 acids. Caffeine is the most common: it is taken before training, in a dose of up to 300 mg. It increases endurance, but stimulates the nervous system, so it is contraindicated for people with cardiovascular problems.

Guarana contains 3 times more caffeine than coffee, but thanks to tannins, it acts more gently. It is taken after meals, up to 3 g/day. Contraindications are similar to caffeine.

So, fat burners can become an auxiliary tool in weight control for women, but only in combination with diet and physical activity, and most importantly - under the supervision of a doctor.