Are Over the Counter “Fat Burner” Pills Safe or Even Effective?

Weight loss is what everyone wants but most are not willing to put in the work. America’s obsession with weight has led to many trying to skip the “hard work” step of  getting the body they desire. 

Look, I get it. When you’ve been grinding at the gym and watching your macros, and the pounds still don’t budge, it’s tempting to reach for a miracle solution. The truth is, there’s no magic pill. The real best way to lose weight is to maintain a calorie deficit in your regular meals.

However, this truth doesn’t stop companies from trying to convince you there is. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies try to grant the wishes of many to have a great body easily by presenting the public with weight loss pills and injections. Why regularly exercise or diet when you can easily shed the fat and not change your lifestyle? 

One of the most popular choices for easy weight loss are over the counter (OTC) “Fat Burner” pills.

These are not a first choice for weight loss, and are recommended only when diet, exercise, and other weight loss measures proved ineffective.

Are “Fat Burner” Pills Safe?

If you’re looking to try these, keep in mind that OTC fat burner pills are not as thoroughly regulated by the FDA as prescription medications. Many of these pills also contain stimulants like synephrine and caffeine, which can have serious side effects. These range from inconveniences to elevated blood pressure and insomnia. Other health risks that have been associated with OTC fat burners are cardiovascular issues and liver damage.

Many studies that say that OTC fat burners are effective are based on poorly conducted studies. They have also been known to exaggerate their claims which can lead to it costing you more in the long run.

Bottom line? These quick fixes are sometimes just that: not lasting. OTC fat burners should be approached with caution and used only when other options (health eating, exercising) have been tried. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re considering trying these, but remember the lasting results come from calorie deficits, health eating, and exercise. 

There’s no shortcut to success, especially when it comes to your health. Hard work always leads to better results.

Let us know if you’ve tried fat burner pills or your opinion on them in the comments!