Thermogenics and lipotropics - what really burns fat? Details about properties and side effects

Fat-burning drugs are dietary supplements that help significantly simplify the process of losing weight and getting a sculpted figure. The sports nutrition market today is oversaturated with such products. But how can a person who knows little about these products choose an effective product? We have compiled a rating that includes only the best fat burners from popular manufacturers.

What is thermogenesis

The concept of “thermogenesis” is understood as the release of heat by the human body. Thermogenic fat burners, when consumed, cause an increase in body temperature, which accelerates the process of losing excess weight. This is their benefit.

Important! You should remember that fat burners will not do all the “dirty” work on your body for you. Remember about fractional proper nutrition and physical activity. The optimal formula for an athlete is “diet + sports + fat burner”.

Operating principles and types of fat burners

There are several types of effects on fat deposits. Each component that is included in fat burners for weight loss is aimed at stimulating one (or all) processes. Among the most effective types of influence are:

• Lipolytic

  – the main task of the components is to accelerate lipolysis and metabolic processes;

• Thermogenic

  – the most effective way to eliminate excess weight. It consists of increasing calorie consumption (even during rest), increasing performance and suppressing appetite;

• Appetite suppression

  – reduce the feeling of hunger. Such passive effects do not have a direct effect on the fat burning process, but make it easier to tolerate low-calorie diets;

• Blockers

  – reduce the absorption of fats or carbohydrates. Increasingly less commonly used in supplements, not classified as safe by the FDA;

• Thyroid stimulants

  – used only in conjunction with other components, aimed at stimulating the T2 hormone.

Up to 80% of the supplements are composed of substances that stimulate lipolysis and increase thermogenesis. The complexes may also contain central nervous system stimulants to increase energy, physical and mental performance. They have an indirect effect (by increasing the intensity and duration of training) on ​​the fat burning process.

How can you choose a thermogenic?

To choose a good thermogenic, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

• Manufacturers - try to buy products from proven, reputable brands, because some little-known manufacturers do not hesitate to violate the composition stated on the packaging.
• Composition - carefully study the insert. You will be surprised, but many drugs consist of cheap and completely inactive elements.
• Reviews - be sure to read what people say about a particular drug based on their own experience, choose the best ones.
• Research - any effective remedy has a sufficient research basis, links to which are placed on the package insert. It’s better to buy medications at a pharmacy, so you can also get advice from a pharmacist.

What are these products and how do they work?

Fat burners are supplements and drugs whose main effect is to destroy fat in the body. When consumed, the fat layer is significantly reduced, metabolism is accelerated, and appetite is reduced. Fat burners are highly effective, so weight is actively reduced within a month. Practice shows that the desired result can be achieved even in 2-3 weeks.

These products for men are created from special components that saturate the body with energy and increase endurance. At the same time, muscle fibers are preserved, only fat is removed. Metabolism is gradually normalized, which allows you to maintain the achieved result for a long time.

How to take thermogenics?

Nutritionists do not recommend long-term use of such drugs, since the effect of the supplements is significantly reduced. In addition, long-term use can lead to overload of the cardiovascular system and other side effects.

Rules for taking supplements:

• Often, the course of treatment can last 1 month, after which you should take a break for 1-2 weeks, after which you can resume the course again. Thyroid hormones are responsible for energy expenditure, so continuous use of thermogenics can provoke hormonal imbalance in the body.
• It is strictly not recommended to exceed the dosage. In large doses, even the most harmless thermogenics can be hazardous to health.
• Capsules (powder) should be taken 2-3 times a day so that their concentration in the blood remains consistently high. Read the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
• It is better not to take such drugs before going to bed, as this will cause sleep disturbances.
• The optimal time for use is morning, lunch or before training. At this time, you will be able to burn the maximum amount of fat cells.

The role of fat burners

Manufacturers began mass-producing fat-burning supplements in 2008-2009.
This was facilitated by the demand for a sculpted and aesthetic figure in amateur sports. Unlike the previously popular “Asian pills,” diuretics and other dubious drugs, sports fat burners had a pronounced effect. They were also safe for health (with the exception of excessively exceeding recommended dosages). Modern fat burners for weight loss are based primarily on natural ingredients. Their main task is to naturally and safely accelerate fat burning processes in the body without negatively affecting muscles.

All legal fat burning supplements are FDA approved. This confirms their safety and effectiveness for the correction of body fat mass.

Possible side effects from thermogenics

The safety of the drug is influenced by the composition and quality. Thermogenics may be harmful to your health if you are diagnosed with:

• coronary heart disease;
• arterial hypertension;
• arrhythmia and many other heart diseases;
• thyroid disease (accompanied by hyperthyroidism);
• acute gastrointestinal disorders;
• renal and liver failure.

If you have at least one of these diseases, then be sure to consult a specialist before you start taking “drugs.”

Direct use can cause the following side effects:

• increased heart rate;
• increased blood pressure;
• irritability and agitation;
• trembling in the body;
• increased sweating;
• sleep disorders;
• nausea and heartburn;
• diarrhea and flatulence.

As a rule, side effects appear 1-3 hours after the first dose.

Doctors' opinions

According to doctors, these drugs should be taken very carefully. They are highly effective and can actually speed up metabolism and weight loss. However, such products often contain synthetic components that cause side effects. Doctors recommend carefully following the instructions and familiarizing yourself with possible contraindications.

Fat burners are effective and lead to quick results. However, you should not consume them in large quantities, as they can lead to flatulence and intestinal upset . Only the correct intake of fat burners leads to weight loss. It is recommended to consume such drugs before training, as physical activity enhances their effectiveness.

Rating of the best thermogenic fat burners

Here is a rating of thermogenics that have already made a name for themselves in the world of bodybuilding:

Lipo-6 Black (Nutrex)

The price for 120 capsules of Lipo 6 is 1500 rubles. This is one of the most popular supplements for weight loss. Main characteristics:

• due to liquid filling: rapid absorption and long-lasting effect;
• decreased appetite;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• removal of fatty acids and excess moisture.

This drug is “unisex”, but thermogenics for women are represented by Lipo-6 Black Hers. The advantages are: brand, proven components, effectiveness. The downside is that 1 serving is 3 capsules.

We described in detail the effect of the drug Lipo-6 in this article.

Hydroxycut Hardcore Elite (MuscleTech)

100 Hydroxycut capsules can be bought for 1800-2000 rubles. Its effect is aimed at fighting fat and preserving muscle mass.

Characteristics:

• A safe range for increasing body temperature, which helps speed up metabolism and trigger thermogenesis. As a result, the fat layer is “under attack.”
• Increased energy and concentration. It contains anhydrous caffeine, so it adds a powerful energy boost to thermogenesis.
• Pros: power, natural composition, brand.

Animal Cuts

Animal Cuts (Universal Nutrition). The cost of 42 bags is 3100 rubles. Like all thermogenics for men, Animal is indicated for all athletes who seriously train in the gym and are cutting. For women, it is advisable to halve the dosage, and if the effect does not suit you, you can take the full dose. Effect on the body:

• increased metabolism;
• increased thermogenesis;
• getting rid of excess fluid;
• concentration of attention;
• release of energy;
• maintaining muscle and burning fat.

Like many other sports supplements, Animal is intended for healthy people over 18 years of age. Pros: acts comprehensively, popular manufacturer, natural composition; The only downside we can mention is the high cost.

Black Mamba Hyperrush

Black Mamba Hyperrush (Innovative Labs) is sold in capsules. 90 pieces cost 2490 rubles. It contains highly effective thermogenic compounds:

• CoreX (Brand Ephedra Extract) is a neurostimulant that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.
• Caffeine speeds up and optimizes the functioning of the nervous system.
• Beta-aminoethylamine - similar to geranium extract, improves performance in sports.
• Sida Cordifolia is a plant extract that normalizes digestion and suppresses appetite.
• Yohimbine + Evodiamine + Synephrine - have a pronounced thermogenic effect and work well in combination.

This remedy is indicated for professional athletes, so you should carefully study the side effects before starting the course.

Thermogenic Fat Burners

110 capsules of Thermogenic Fat Burners cost 1000 rubles. This product is based on l-carnitine, plant extracts and chromium. Acts gently and effectively:

• accelerates fat burning processes;
• increases heat production without harm to health;
• normalizes the function of the gastrointestinal tract;
• reduces appetite;
• the fat disappears, and a beautiful relief appears.

Main active components of additives

The action directly depends on the formula of the complex and dosages of the main substances. Despite the variety of supplements in the sports nutrition industry, all fat burners have similar basic components:

• Caffeine and Green Tea Extract

  – major stimulants, included in 85-90% of fat burning supplements. Have a thermogenic effect, increase energy;

• Ephedra (extract, leaves)

  – plant analogues of ephedrine (the most powerful fat-burning drug, which has been banned since 2006);

• Geranium (DMAA, 1,3-dimethylamylamine)

  – a plant component similar in action to ephedrine. Banned by WADA since 2009, in Russia - since 2014 (manufacturers use geranium oil or plant analogues);

• Synephrine

  – a powerful stimulant, the effect of which is significantly superior to caffeine. Often acts as a replacement for ephedrine;

• Yohimbine

  – a natural stimulant. Blocks the action of alpha-adrenergic receptors and stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors. This accelerates the breakdown of fat cells and reduces the rate of formation of new depots. In addition to burning fat, it is useful for men as a powerful aphrodisiac;

• L-carnitine

  – accelerates the utilization of fats during aerobic exercise, increases energy;

• Naringin

  – a flavonoid of plant origin, which is found in maximum quantities in grapefruits. Reduces appetite, affects the absorption of glucose, increases mental and physical performance;

• White Willow Bark Extract

  – used as a herbal analogue of aspirin and a synergist in the ECA combination.

Some fat burners may contain substances such as chromium picolinate, raspberry ketones, goji berries and others. They completely lack fat-burning properties, which is why these components belong to the placebo category. Almost all sports supplements come in capsule form. Fat burning pills and powder form are produced extremely rarely. Understanding the main active ingredients will help you choose an effective fat burner even without experience taking supplements. Therefore, before purchasing, read the instructions or photos with the composition of the complex.

Reviews on the use of thermogenics

Information about the drugs is contradictory, but we were able to find real reviews from athletes who tried the effect on themselves:

• Sergey: I tried Black Mamba Hyperrush. Killer stuff. I even agree to make my heart pound like crazy, but the drying effect is wonderful! Energy is in full swing, energizer sensations. But I can only recommend it to professional athletes, because beginners have no use for this effect.
• Yaroslav: I decided to save money and bought a jar of Lipo-6 from a merchant near the hall. I waited, but my body temperature didn’t start to rise, I didn’t notice any changes at all, I just felt nauseous. After 3 similar attempts, I freaked out and threw everything in the trash. I bought the original, because it became a matter of honor. Now everything is fine, I use it according to the instructions.
• Irina: This is a nightmare, now I suffer from tachycardia and sleep disorders. As soon as I stopped taking it, the kilograms returned.

Remember that thermogenics are only a metabolic booster that will help you lose weight. The basic work, such as eating right and exercising, is something you have to do yourself. If you have experienced the effect of taking it, write to readers in the comments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Supplements

Despite popular misconception, sports fat burners for men are not a 'magic pill'. This is a category of powerful additives that can cause a number of negative phenomena if treated negligently and not following the rules of administration. Fat burners for men have the following benefits:

• Accelerate the process of eliminating fat mass;
• Make it easier to bear the feeling of hunger even on a low-calorie diet;
• Increases performance when there is a calorie deficit in the diet;
• Improve mood and increase mental activity;
• They only affect fat cells (they do not lead to fat and muscle utilization, as with normal body weight loss).

All supplements have a general effect on the body. With their help it is impossible to achieve a local effect in the right places. Any complexes for eliminating belly fat in men are a commercial ploy.

The disadvantages of fat burning supplements include:

• Risks of intolerance to some basic components (especially ephedra and geranium);
• Increased blood pressure (does not apply to complexes without caffeine and other stimulants);
• Lack of effect without following a training and nutrition regimen;
• Powerful thermogenics increase sweating, which can become a problem during the hot season.

An athlete must understand how to choose the right complex; this is a key condition. If an athlete chooses a fat burner to eliminate excess weight wisely, any negative manifestations are minimized. When an athlete without experience takes the most powerful fat burner for men, which, in addition to ephedra and geranium, contains 3-4 more stimulants, the risks of negative effects increase many times over.

IRONCHEL

There are many nutritional supplements called “fat burners”, “energy drinks”, etc., the purpose of which, as their names indicate, is to help the body get rid of excess weight, give an additional boost during training, but in this article we will consider only those of them , which have a thermogenic effect (from the Greek “thermo” - heat and “genesis” - to produce) and can really speed up your metabolism. It is thermogenic drugs (or, as they are called, “thermogenics”) that account for a third of the money spent on the purchase of sports nutrition products, which suggests that they really deliver on advertising promises, i.e. increase strength and endurance, provide energy and at the same time help reduce subcutaneous fat without reducing muscle mass.

Do they really help increase muscle gain and maximize fat loss? Are they good for long-term use during training? What are the side effects? Is sleep and the ability to quickly recover after training disrupted? Is there an addictive effect and is it possible to easily give up thermogenics? Let's figure it out.

What is thermogenesis?

The term thermogenesis refers to all forms of heat production by the human body. All the heat generated by the human body is generated by “burning” calories. Thermogenesis and metabolic rate increase during the processes of digestion, assimilation and replenishment of the body's energy stores, and this increase lasts for several hours after eating. In fact, this is the main reason why it is recommended to eat five to six times a day if you want to burn fat and build muscle. The breakdown and absorption of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) triggers the process of thermogenesis and allows the body to burn more calories without triggering insulin-dependent fat production. Likewise, working out twice a day (physical activity increases heat production and increases metabolism) can also have a significant fat-loss effect. Training in the fasted state increases the thermic effect of eating in both lean and obese people, while training after eating produces a similar effect only in lean people. The energy costs for the breakdown and absorption of macronutrients are highest for protein, slightly lower for carbohydrates and lowest for fats. The absorption of food alone takes from 5 to 10% of our body’s daily energy expenditure. This rate is lower for obese people and higher for bodybuilders, especially those who consume more protein, more calories and eat more often. It is worth noting that when taking thermogenics, body temperature increases by 0.5-2°C. Thermogenic drinks are known to work faster and more powerfully than capsules or tablets. This is not only because the liquid is easier to digest, but also because protein drinks themselves have a significant thermogenic effect.

Champions of tarmogenesis

Ephedrine. Ephedrine undoubtedly ranks first on the list of widely used thermogenic drugs. It is typically produced from the dried young shoots of the Ephedra sinica plant; This shrub, native to Asia, is commonly called mahuang. (Ephedrine can be produced from other types of ephedra, as well as from another plant - Sida cordifolia.) Ephedrine is chemically close to amphetamines and acts on the sympathetic nerves, which are responsible for physiological “combat readiness” and for some other functions of the body, called sympathomimetic. Despite its chemical and structural similarity to amphetamines, ephedrine is approximately five times less likely to increase systolic (upper) blood pressure, 10 times less likely to increase diastolic (lower) blood pressure, and 10 times less likely to cause sleep disturbances. Caffeine, which ephedrine is usually combined with, is a much stronger central nervous system stimulation that is felt by those taking the drug.

Ephedrine affects the brain and the entire central nervous system (CNS): it increases arousal, physical activity and the working potential of nerve endings in the muscles. This stimulating effect is the main reason why ephedrine is widely used in bodybuilding. The ban of many sports organizations on the use of ephedrine suggests that there is an opinion about the ability of ephedrine itself to increase strength, endurance, and improve athletic performance. Studies conducted with doses of ephedrine considered safe (120 mg) do not support this opinion. In any case, this is not what we are looking at in this article, but rather the thermogenic effect of ephedrine, which promotes fat burning. Studies have shown that ephedrine is effective in reducing body weight and burning fat due to its complex action: approximately 25-40% (increases in direct proportion to the duration of drug use) of its effectiveness is associated with thermogenesis, in addition, ephedrine helps reduce the amount of food consumed by suppressing appetite, and increases energy tone. Studies have shown that the bulk of short-term thermogenesis occurs mainly due to muscle contractions and the work of internal organs; long-term use of ephedrine and other thermogenic drugs helps to significantly increase both overall physical activity and stimulate peripheral circulation, which promotes lipolysis. Ephedrine also stimulates the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (norepinephrine) from nerve endings; these hormones, interacting with receptors in muscles and adipose tissue, turn on the “internal burner” of the body, i.e. the process of thermogenesis, thereby accelerating the overall metabolism.

Is ephedrine safe? Ephedrine has been used to treat colds for thousands of years. The juice of the mahuang plant, called soma, has been used for centuries as a longevity drink and references to it can be found in early Hindu religious literature. Ephedrine-based products account for more than a third of all sports nutritional supplements sold worldwide. Tens of millions of tablets are taken annually in the US and Europe by people of all ages to relieve asthma attacks. Based on these data, one can judge the complete safety of correctly used ephedrine-containing drugs, proven over time. With continuous use of ephedrine - starting with small dosages and gradually increasing to the recommended level - adverse cardiovascular and neuromuscular effects are significantly reduced until they disappear completely, while the effectiveness of lipolysis (“fat burning”) is enhanced.

It should also be noted that mahuang and its extracts are more effective as thermogenic agents than synthetic ephedrine, norephedrine (phenylpropanolamine), pseudoephedrine and drugs based on them. Mahuang, in turn, does not produce the same stimulating effect as synthetic ephedrine.

Can ephedrine cause unwanted reactions? Of course, if it is used incorrectly. Despite its low toxicity and relative safety, improper use of this drug can lead to very serious, even fatal, consequences. It is for this reason that the maximum permissible dosage is indicated on the packaging, as well as warnings about contraindications for people with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (for example, stomach ulcers), pregnant women, and also taking antidepressants of any kind or undergoing treatment. Consulting a doctor before starting to take ephedrine-containing medications is also necessary for diabetics and people with any thyroid dysfunction. Ephedrine may cause decreased urination. In men with an enlarged prostate, ephedrine can cause the inability to urinate independently.

Currently, the usual dose of ephedrine is 18-25 mg per dose (usually several tablets or capsules), but no more than 75-100 mg per day.

Caffeine. Caffeine-containing drinks have a long history and are safe for adults when used in moderation. Caffeine itself does not have a thermogenic effect, at least not in the short term after regular dosage, and does not promote weight loss or the growth of brown fat. Be that as it may, caffeine can invigorate you and give you energy for a workout or performance. Caffeine doubles the effect of ephedrine, prolonging and enhancing thermogenesis.

Ephedrine, caffeine and theuphylline. Many weight loss studies have looked at various combinations of ephedrine and caffeine. This win-win combination was also analyzed in the case of the supplementation of theuphylline (an anti-asthma drug that is an extract obtained from black tea). These experiments typically used a dose of 20 mg ephedrine and 200 mg caffeine, taken 3 times daily 1 hour before meals. By adding theuphylline, the dose of caffeine could be significantly reduced, while fat burning performance remained very high. The combination of “ephedrine + caffeine + theuphylline” has been successfully used to correct and accelerate metabolism in overweight people.

Although the above studies used different diets along with thermogenic drugs, designed for different total calorie intake, and the participants in the experiments were obese people (and not bodybuilders), all subjects showed a significant decrease in body weight compared to those who took ephedrine and caffeine alone or placebo. More importantly, ephedrine—with or without caffeine—helped preserve muscle tissue during a low-calorie diet. At the beginning of taking these drugs, a significant number of the experiment participants indicated such unpleasant side effects as insomnia, rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia, tremors of the limbs and a general state of anxiety, but, as a rule, these symptoms disappeared completely after two weeks of constant use of thermogenic agents. All of the above side effects can also be observed after taking caffeine or theuphylline separately. In addition, caffeine and ephedrine can cause digestive disorders, irritation of the gastric mucosa, and increased urination.

The highest level of caffeine in the blood is detected an hour after ingestion. The half-life of caffeine ranges from 3 to 7 hours, but may vary due to individual characteristics (for example, this period may double in women taking oral contraceptives). The maximum content of theuphylline in the blood is detected within approximately two hours, and the half-life is 8–9 hours. If you are hypersensitive to caffeine or the combination of caffeine + ephedrine, you should not take these drugs in the evening in the initial phase; it is better to allow the body to get used to these stimulants for about two weeks, after which you can use them at night without unpleasant consequences .

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). Another drug with sympathomimetic action, being a synthetic form of ephedrine, also promotes both appetite suppression and a thermogenic effect. FPA is one of the most widely used ingredients in cold medications (such as Coldrex) sold over-the-counter worldwide since the 1960s, and its effectiveness for weight loss was officially confirmed in 1982 in the United States. Despite its chemical proximity to amphetamines, FPA is completely safe for health. When used alone, it does not bring a noticeable stimulating effect, does not cause either a state of euphoria or addiction, although it can provoke an unwanted increase in blood pressure, especially in high dosages or when combined with caffeine. In the latter case, FPA can increase the caffeine content in the blood by 4 times. It should be noted that the combination of FPA with caffeine does not accelerate the process of weight loss. Simultaneous intake of the amino acid L-tyrosine enhances the effect of PPA. The effect will be even stronger if L-tyrosine and FPA are taken on an empty stomach (meaning you have not eaten protein for 2-3 hours) with a small amount (10-20 g) of simple carbohydrates and 30 minutes before your next meal . It is a good idea to combine the intake of these drugs with vitamins B 6 and C - both of these vitamins contribute to the rapid processing of L-tyrosine into dopamine and norepinephrine (hormones responsible for transmitting signals in the central nervous system). L-tyrosine enhances the effect of other thermogenic drugs.

As for the side effects of FPA, they are similar to the side effects of other stimulant drugs, including general anxiety, irritability, hand tremors, insomnia, increased blood pressure, headaches, visual disturbances, psychosis, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, cardiac arrhythmia, arrest breathing and heart, paralysis, death. These symptoms are usually observed with overdose, especially in interaction with caffeine. Despite the fact that the clinical presence of even mildly expressed side effects above is extremely rare, FPA should be used with great caution.

How to optimally use thermogenic drugs?

Typically, athletes, in order to “cheer up”, take 18 to 50 mg of ephedrine (a dose of 18-25 mg) with a varying amount of caffeine before training in the form of capsules or a drink. These drugs may also be combined with FPA or other thermogenesis-enhancing substances such as yohimbe or quercetin.

It should be noted that focusing on the stimulating effect of thermogenic drugs is not the best way to make the most of their fat-burning properties. To burn subcutaneous fat, it is necessary to steadily maintain an accelerated metabolism over a long period, and not a short-term “drive” effect during training. Based on clinical studies and our own observations, we can say that the following dosage regimen is optimal: 8-10 mg of ephedrine + 100 mg of caffeine three times a day for 30-60 minutes. before meals. Be careful to ensure that the stimulating effect is not felt within a week after you start taking it, otherwise you risk causing serious damage not only to the nervous system, but to the entire body as a whole.

The reason why low doses of ephedrine and caffeine are more effective for people of normal weight who consume a normal amount of calories daily is the following. Overweight people are characterized by a slower nervous system response, and therefore the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (norepinephrine) in much lower quantities, as well as low thermogenesis after eating. By the way, this partly explains the slow metabolism in obese people. As a result, overweight people or those on low-calorie diets (which also slow metabolism) experience the beneficial effects of thermogenic drugs that stimulate a surge in epinephrine and norepinephrine. So, constant use of thermogenic drugs in high dosages can seriously undermine the entire hormonal system.

You shouldn't delude yourself that doing every workout with energy stimulants will make you stronger, or that unwanted fat will disappear faster - you risk getting no results other than harm. In addition to hormonal imbalances, the abuse of thermogenic drugs for stimulation can lead to undesirable psychological consequences, such as overestimating one’s own capabilities, which can cause injuries during training. Against this gloomy background, convulsions, inability to relax, nervous breakdowns, and aggressiveness that necessarily accompany the unregulated use of energy drinks as an excuse for a lack of self-discipline and concentration look like just “minor troubles.”

For actively training athletes, it would be useful to note that taking thermogenics promotes increased sweating during training, and, as a result, severe dehydration of the body and the removal of essential macro- and microelements from it. In connection with this, it is necessary to supplement your diet with multivitamins, including the antioxidant group, as well as potassium, magnesium and calcium preparations to stimulate the activity of the cardiovascular system and general skeletal-forming muscles.

As for yohimbine, which has appeared on our shelves in recent years, we also need to be careful with it. Sensitivity to this drug varies from person to person; it has a strong effect on the central nervous system, so “less is better, but longer.” Yohimbine is especially effective in combination with ephedrine and caffeine.

If you want to add FPA to your diet, then start with a low dosage and only gradually increase it. Incorporating FPA into your weight loss program should take about 12 weeks so that this thermogenic course can gradually increase the activity of the thyroid gland.

In any case, when taking thermogenic drugs, the first thing you need to do is use common sense and be patient. Using a combination of ephedrine and caffeine in moderation, combined with diet and exercise, is a foolproof recipe for guaranteed fat loss while preserving precious muscle tissue. But, as always, there is no perfect recipe for everyone, so if after 6 to 8 weeks of constant use of ephedrine in combination with caffeine you do not feel significant changes, you should consider alternative solutions. There are many reasons why different people's bodies react differently: differences in the number of a and b receptors, muscle fibers, their types, etc.

In this article, we do not dwell in detail on the nutrition and training program, since well-known recommendations also apply while taking thermogenics: fairly low carbohydrate intake, high protein intake (2-3 g per kilogram of body), and reduction of fat intake to a minimum.

Most bodybuilders who have used thermogenics recognize the effectiveness of these drugs. Practice shows that thermogenics have a stronger effect on athletes with a fairly fast metabolism than on ordinary people with a medium or slow metabolism.

In conclusion, I would like to give some practical recommendations. When purchasing thermogenic medications, give preference to those whose labels indicate the full composition and quantity of each ingredient. Use products only from reputable manufacturers. Buy drugs that contain extracts that are familiar to you, the amount of which corresponds to the recommended standard dosages.

The Russian sports nutrition market currently includes thermogenics from such manufacturers as TwinLab, Universal, Optimal Nutrition, the composition of which is generally similar and usually includes the following ingredients:

mahuang in an amount corresponding to 20 mg of ephedrine

guarana (or kola nut extract, or synthetic caffeine), in an amount corresponding to 200 mg of caffeine

L-carnitine is an essential amino acid that enhances fat metabolism

Chromium picolinate - increases the permeability of cell membranes, thereby increasing intracellular metabolism and increasing the effectiveness of these drugs

Taking fat burners during physical training

Manufacturers in the sports industry guarantee that the effect will follow immediately, even with little physical activity. This is what captivates poorly versed buyers, which is why they begin to actively take these drugs, hoping that the desired effect will come on its own, even if they do nothing. But it doesn't work that way. The result can only be achieved with the use of fat burners in parallel with physical exercise.

Dietary supplements may differ in the characteristics of their administration. Before taking, be sure to consult with your trainer and doctor (about the consequences and side effects of the drugs).

As a rule, there are general recommendations for use:

• before taking it, find out if there are any contraindications;
• take medications mainly in the morning, as they contribute to sleep disturbances;
• in case of side effects, immediately reduce the dose or completely abandon the drug;
• Take only on training days;
• do not interrupt the course.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is an aphrodisiac and selective α2-adrenergic receptor blocker. Used by bodybuilders to restore potency, dry muscles and lose weight.

Yohimbine is not used as a mono-drug, but is included in a large number of complex thermogenics. The fact is that many thermogenic drugs non-selectively act on all adrenergic receptors, including α2. Their activation reduces lipolysis and causes fat deposition instead of its breakdown. If you block α2-adrenergic receptors, which is what yohimbine does, then the fat burning process is enhanced.

Yohimbine has an stimulating effect, improves concentration and mental functions, improves potency and restores libido, improves mood and allows you to train longer and more intensely.

Yohimbine also allows you to cope with the most “stubborn” fat. The fact is that in some places adipose tissue has a large number of α1-adrenergic receptors, which makes it difficult to get rid of it. The use of yohimbine allows you to “switch” the action of adrenaline and norepinephrine from α2 to α1-adrenergic receptors, which helps to specifically remove fat deposits in the most problematic areas.

The effect of yohimbine on reducing adipose tissue volume was confirmed in a study on professional football players [5]. According to this study, yohimbine allowed not only to significantly reduce the percentage of adipose tissue in the body, but also to reduce its gain after discontinuation of the drug. It also completely preserved the athletes’ muscle mass. It is necessary to take into account the differences in the mechanisms that regulate the increase and decrease in the volume of adipose tissue that exist in men and women. Yohimbine is more effective for men.

Hormonal games

For men, using hormonal games is a simpler task than for women. The male body reacts more loyally to the intake of testosterone than the female body, and, accordingly, this gives a much better result - muscle rigidity, beautiful proportions, excellent well-being!

Now, actually, about what can improve your fat burning results:

• HGH and testosterone boosters are natural products that allow your body to produce more GH and testosterone. They are absolutely safe and ideal for solo use by beginners. They will allow you to maintain volumes and add a little more rigidity;
• SARMs are safe drugs that provide a huge range of effects - from enhancing fat burning, increasing rigidity to restoring joints and bones. They do not require support or PCT and do not particularly disturb your hormonal levels. They can give: muscle stiffness, better fat burning, protection of muscles from destruction, high-quality recovery;
• Designer steroids are a more serious group of drugs for those who want to make a professional form, or close to it. DS allow you not only to maintain volume during drying, but even to increase these volumes, adjust proportions, feel great and fully recover. The only downside is that it interferes with your hormonal system, and again, it requires a lot of knowledge!

A selection of testosterone boosters

Blackstone Labs Apex Male

Price: 3830.00 rub.

Card Product

Killer Labz Terminator Test

Price: 2960.00 rub. 2599.00 rub.

Card Product

Blackstone Labs PCT V

Price: 3490.00 rub.

Card Product

Go to the Testoboosters / PCT category »

SARMS selection

Performance Labz SARM Supreme Stack

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Anonymous Lab MK-677

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Is it possible to lose weight on thermogenics without dieting or exercise?

When taking thermogenics, active lipolysis occurs - the breakdown of fat. At the same time, a large amount of free fatty acids is released into the blood. They are an excellent source of energy. Some of this energy will be lost with heat. However, the other part, if it is not spent on movement, will again be deposited “in reserve” in the form of fat. This will significantly reduce the effect of thermogenics. Therefore, if you do not move, the effectiveness of thermogenics is significantly reduced.

What will happen if you don’t change your diet? Food for the body is, first of all, a source of energy and nutrients necessary for work, including muscle work, without which movement is impossible. When the need for energy increases, the body first begins to take it from food, then from liver glycogen, then from muscle proteins, and only at the very end from fat. Thermogenics allow you to intervene in this process and “save” glycogen and muscles. But if you continue to eat sweets and fast food while taking them, the body will have no reason to waste its reserves, because it will receive all the necessary and even excess energy from food.

Therefore, if you take thermogenics and do not change your caloric intake and lifestyle (eat everything and don’t move), there will be no effect. This can only harm the body, cause heart problems and disrupt metabolism. To achieve the best results when taking thermogenics, you need to exclude sweets, starchy foods, fatty foods, and fast food from your diet and add or exercise regularly.