How to Compare Fat Burners to Fat Blockers

Hmmmm, is a fat burner or a fat blocker right for me?

Many weight-loss supplements claim to be fat blockers or fat burners. A fat blocker is a supplement that actually prevents saturated fats from being absorbed by the digestive system. A fat burner boosts the metabolism and focuses the body's energy burners on fat rather than other sources of fuel. In this article, we'll discuss how to evaluate and compare fat burners and fat blockers to select the supplement that is best for you.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• List of ingredients of the fat burner you are considering
• List of ingredients of the fat blocker you are considering
• Pen
• Piece of paper

How to Compare Fat Burners to Fat Blockers

1. Make a chart with two columns. Label one column "fat burner" and the other column "fat blocker."

2. 

   Write the following words in the fat burner column: Chromium Picolinate, L-Carnitine, Choline.

3. Chitosan comes from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp.

   Write "Chitosan" in the fat blocker column.

4. Read the ingredients of each supplement. If the words you wrote in the columns are in the ingredients, place a check mark next to them. These ingredients are the active elements of fat burners and fat blockers. Many weight-loss supplements do not actually contain these ingredients, but instead rely on suppressing appetite via high doses of caffeine, guarana or Ma Huang. A truly effective fat burner must have at least one of the ingredients in your list or it will not actually help your body "burn" extra fat. Likewise, a fat blocker that does not contain chitosan will not actually prevent fat that you consume from entering your body and being stored.

5. To jog or not to jog? That is the question.

   Decide how much you want to exercise. If you already exercise regularly or if you plan to begin doing so, then a fat burner is a good option for you because fat burners optimize the amount of fat you burn when you engage in physical activity. However, if you cannot or prefer not to exercise regularly and somewhat strenuously, then a fat blocker will probably be a more effective route for you. These should be taken immediately prior to meals and in dosages consistent with how much saturated fat is in the meal.

6. I'm here to help--talk to me!

   Talk to your doctor. You should consult a physician before beginning any new weight-loss or exercise program. However, if you intend to supplement your regimen with weight-loss supplements, it is particularly important to consult your doctor in case any of the ingredients in your fat burners or blockers will interact badly with medicine you are already taking. Furthermore, both types of supplement are nearly useless when used incorrectly, so you will need to be sure you are taking them at the right time of day and in the right amounts to achieve results.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

• Many weight-loss supplements contain high amounts of caffeine. If you have a history of heart problems, you may need to avoid this type of supplement.