Are Fat Burners Bad For You?
Short answer
Yes, fat burners are bad for you. At best they are completely unnecessary and at worst can cause problems ranging from discomfort to death.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
First, it is prudent to explain that fat burners are not deemed "bad for you" because they don't work. A large amount of research and testimonials show that they are effective. However, the cost - real or potential - is too high. Two ingredients that are common to most, if not all, fat burning supplements are caffeine and yohimbine. Both of these have serious potential dangers, especially if overused. Caffeine can trigger anxiety, interrupt sleep patterns, and in extreme cases, cause cardiac arrest. The idea behind caffeine's inclusion is that it increases alertness and helps quicken metabolism. While these traits are effective in weight loss, there is a limit. After some time, the body's metabolism will slow down in an attempt to self-preserve.
Yohimbe, for its part, has only been shown to be effective in treating male erectile dysfunction. Studies have shown it to be dangerous and possibly have a harmful effect on the liver, heart, and kidneys.
Just the fact that fat burning supplements rely heavily on stimulants should be a warning sign. The side effects of a quickened heartbeat can vary. Sometimes it can cause anxiety. In the worst cases, it can lead to heart attack.
One popular fat burner sold by a well-known supplement chain has ingredients that can stop one's breathing. Another was banned in Canada in 2014 due to containing undisclosed ingredients such as phenylpropylmethylamine and beta-Methylphenethylamine.
Due to the nature of the pills, a common side effect is stomach cramping and/or diarrhea. This is caused by fat not being able to be absorbed by the body and instead being expelled. Anyone with a pre-existing heart, kidney, liver, or digestive problems should not take dietary supplements at all.
Lastly, it is important to remember that fat burners are not a replacement for diet and exercise. They are meant to give you the energy you need to get started. So long as you get enough rest and have the willpower necessary to eat well and work out, fat burners are not only possibly dangerous - they're completely unnecessary.
Possible short-term side effects
- stomach cramps
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diarrhea
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nausea
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anxiety
Possible long-term side effects
- heart attack
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liver toxicity
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cardiovascular disease
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kidney failure
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slowed-down metabolism
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Old School Labs Fat Burner
- Preserves lean muscle
- Targets stubborn fat
- Appetite suppressant
- Boosts energy levels
- Formulated for diet support
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-05-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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