The Truth Behind Fat Burners

Alex Holman and Marisa Shook

INTRODUCTION
Healthcare professionals are desperately trying to find a solution to the obesity
rates that are constantly climbing. Many Americans are informed by larger
corporations and renowned nutrition gurus that fat burners are a very effective
tool for losing weight, but much research has been done, concluding that fat
burners are not as effective as these corporations are making them out to be1.
Also, if proper dietary and exercise habits are not a part of ones lifestyle,
weight loss will not occur during the supplementation of fat burners2. There are
several different fat burners on the market, all containing different properties
that will supposedly lead to weight loss. Since large supplement companies
target the general population, more research needs to be done to test the validity
of fat burners so the general public is not misled into purchasing these
expensive weight loss products. The goal of this presentation is to explain
scientific evidence, as well as to inform Americans how to properly, and safely
lose weight through exercise and necessary dietary changes.

GREEN COFFEE BEAN EXTRACT

Summary

A raw, non roasted coffee that consists of chromogenic acids and caffeine to help
control glucose metabolism and fat absorption3. Only 4 small clinical trials have
been done, all showing that GCB promotes slight weight loss. However, all
studies have limitations that put the validity at risk. In addition, GCB has side
effects such as anxiety, arrhythmia, vomiting, acid base, serum glucose, and
serum potassium changes4.

Fat burners are categorized as supplements, and not replacements for a reason
and without good dietary and exercise habits, they will not be effective2. When
considering purchasing different fat burners, one needs to be aware of the
potential side effects as well as the evidence based research associated with
particular ingredients1. Even though some fat burners can be slightly effective,
proper exercise and diet should be the primary source of weight loss for
individuals because the risks for supplements do not out-weigh the rewards and
they will just end up being a waste of money10.

GYM MEMBERSHIP VS COST OF SUPPLEMENT

Gym Membership VS Cost of Supplement per Month
40

35

30

CLA (CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACID)

RESEARCH FINDINGS SUMMARY
Through research that has been conducted, it is known that fat burners do not
promote drastic weight loss1. The data shows that very minimal weight loss will
occur while taking weight loss supplements, and if one wants to lose a substantial
amount of weight, appropriate lifestyle changes will need to be incorporated 2. A
survey was conducted involving anyone who was willing to take the survey, to
assess the demographics of those taking weight loss supplements as well as why
they have either taken them in the past, or are currently taking them.

yes (4)
31%

yes (14)
27%

no (37)
73%

Table 1: Tried a weight loss supplement?

no (9)
69%

Table 2: Help you lose weight?

Table 1 represents the total amount of people who have taken weight loss
supplements. Out of 51 people who participated, 27 % admitted to taking a
weight loss supplement. Table 2 represents the amount of people who
experienced weight loss while taking a weight loss supplement. 31 % of people
said that they experienced weight loss, but other lifestyle changes may have
caused the weight loss to occur.

RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION DESIGN 2015

www.PosterPresentations.com

A mix of linoleic acid isomers with conjugated double bonds. It is believed to

increase satiety and energy expenditure and decrease energy intake5. In studies
revolving around animals, decreased fat mass was noted but human trials have
been inconsistent. 17 total human weight loss studies analyzed CLA, 7 found a
very slight decrease in body fat, and 10 found no statistical significance6. Side
effects include insulin resistance, increased inflammation, liver hypertrophy, and
CVD7.

GARCINIA CAMBOGIA
A fruit containing HCS, which inhibits ATP citrate lyase and increases serotonin
uptake. It also send satiety signals to the brain8. No human trials have shown any
statistically significant results9. Also, the supplement was tested for side effects
such as GI discomfort, headaches, and respiratory issues,, but no research has
detected those issues among those taking Garcinia Cambogia. Current research
shows that there are no significant side effects from taking the supplement8.

Cost for 1 Month

25

20

15

10

0
GCB

CLA

Garcinia

Planet Fitness

Fitworks

Charter Fitness

CLINICAL APPLICATION
Is has been found that the healthiest and most effective way of losing weight is
through making lifestyle changes such as:
Exercise10
Something is better than nothing.
A good goal: moderate to intense training 4 to 5 times a week.
Become a gym member.
Biking, walking, or rollerblading are fun ways to incorporate exercise.
Mindful eating10
Reduce the amount of foods that are dense in calories but incomplete in
nutritional content.
Moderate portion sizes.
Become aware of when food is being consumed and discover if you are
consuming food because you are bored, stressed, upset, or hungry.
Meal Planning10
One will be less tempted to eat fast food if meals are prepared ahead of time.
Fast food is dense in calories, so it is important to limit consumption.
Eating a plate full of color and variety will help one become healthy, as well
as reduce total calorie consumption, leading to weight loss.
Add more fruits, vegetables, and protein rich foods.