Thermogenics

Thermogenics are dietary supplements used to stimulate weight loss. Thermogenics increase the body’s consumption of energy (metabolism), generating heat, by decoupling oxidative phosphorylation, requiring the body to burn more fuel to maintain temperature homeostasis. Thermogens do not stimulate fat metabolism directly, but rather the body’s metabolism as a whole. For those already undergoing diets, a higher percentage of metabolised energy will come from fats due to lack of readily metabolised carbohydrates.

Common thermogenic substances are ephedra, bitter orange, capsicum, ginger and caffeine. 2,4-Dinitrophenol, a powerful oxidative decoupler, was widely used as a thermogenic compound in the 1930’s. The ECA Stack (ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin) is the most well known thermogenic formulation, popular among bodybuilders as a means to achieve low body fat levels.

As the name suggests, thermogenics has to do with temperature – these supplements raise your body temperature, and the number of calories burned. Thermogenic fat loss products have proven to be effective helping people lose weight; however not indefinitely.

Thermogenic compounds tend to stimulate the central nervous system, like caffeine and ephedrine. Like all supplements/drugs, if not used responsibly, thermogenic products can lead to abusive behavior. Short term use of these products can produce excellent weight loss results; however, long term use can lead to adapted tolerance to these substances leading to little and/or no fat loss benefit. Worse yet, prolonged use can lead to chemical dependence.

Bottom line, take a course of thermogenic pills for a maximum of 5 weeks, further enhanced with a fitness regime, leave a month or so before continuing – the results are astounding!