Thermogenic Supplements

Some overweight Americans turn to the use of dietary supplements in an effort to shed unwanted pounds. Manufacturers of thermogenic supplements claim they increase metabolism through body heat, however, it is not wise to begin any dietary supplement before discussing it with your doctor.

Identification

• Thermogenic diet pills are said to increase the rate at which the human body can burn fat. Websites for these supplements, such as BodybuildingForYou.com and AllStarHealth.com, state that this is accomplished by generating body heat, which increases the metabolism.

Expert Insight

• According to PubMed.gov, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, a double blind study was conducted on a thermogenic supplement called "Meltdown." Six male participants were given a placebo, and six were given the supplement. The study showed the resting energy expenditure in the six men taking the thermogenic supplement to be higher than those who were given the placebo.

Considerations

• Andrew Weil, M.D., warns people to avoid these types of supplements, stating that the safest way to increase heat in the human body is through physical exercise. The doctor states that thermogenic supplements are generally comprised of potentially harmful combinations of herbal stimulants and caffeine.