When someone begins their weight loss journey, they are willing to explore all the options. Aside from the most obvious two changes to make in what you eat and how much you move, there are alternative support paths as well.
One that has proven popular and actually been tried by around 15% of all US citizens is Thermogenics. So, how can they help you lose weight and what do they actually do?
What do Thermogenics Do?
Thermogenics play a significant role in enhancing the body’s metabolism by stimulating the thermogenesis process, which is the production of heat in the body. By doing so, they help increase energy expenditure, thus potentially aiding in weight loss.
To clarify, thermogenics do not directly control calorie loss and gain. Instead, they contribute to the body’s calorie-burning processes. In simpler terms, they help the body burn more calories throughout the day, even when at rest. However, it’s crucial to note that thermogenics alone cannot create a calorie deficit – the condition necessary for weight loss.
A calorie deficit occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, leading to weight loss. Thermogenics can assist in burning more calories, but effective weight loss typically requires a combination of factors: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and overall lifestyle changes.
Therefore, while thermogenics may boost your metabolism, they should be considered part of a broader weight management plan and not a standalone solution.
The Benefits
There are plenty of claimed benefits to thermogenic supplements, and these are explored here. The ways that thermogenics interact with the body are fairly specific, and they target all of the areas that cause weight gain and unhealthy habits.
Suppressed Appetite
A suppressed appetite is an obvious benefit because it means you feel less inclined to eat during the day and the evening. When you eat less, your body will naturally start the weight loss process as long as what you are eating is the right type of thing.
Energy Boost
Thermogenics often contain ingredients, such as caffeine, that can provide a boost in energy. This can enhance your performance during workouts, potentially leading to more calories burned.
Fat Metabolism
Thermogenics are known to accelerate the body’s fat metabolism rate. While it’s often claimed they target ‘stubborn fat’, it’s more accurate to say that they increase overall fat metabolism.
All types of body fat would be influenced, not specifically the so-called ‘stubborn fat’. However, the impact on fat loss can vary from person to person.
Metabolic Rate
Thermogenics can stimulate the body’s metabolic rate, leading to increased energy expenditure even during periods of rest. This means your body may burn more calories throughout the day, potentially aiding in weight loss.
Types of Thermogenics that Work
There are a variety of thermogenic substances that can potentially support weight loss efforts. They are often found in everyday foods and beverages, as well as in specialized supplements:
Specific Capsules, Powders, and Drinks
There is a whole range of thermogenic products that have been designed to enhance the thermogenesis process within the body. They tend to pull together a combination of thermogenic enhancing ingredients that interact in a way to boost the effects. There are great options for vegan-led diets as well, for instance, BURN is plant based and has everything you need to help shed unwanted pounds.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a heavily featured ingredient in pre-workout supplements, regardless of whether they are thermogenic focused or otherwise. It is well known to suppress appetite, boost energy and produce a metabolism boost which all aid weight loss and better exercise. It is often categorized as thermogenic in its own right because of its effect on your adrenaline level.
Why is this relevant? Because adrenaline impacts how much your fat cells produce fatty acids that are in turn converted into energy. So, you essentially burn more calories.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea is rich in compounds known as catechins, which can enhance fat oxidation and boost metabolic rate. It is a common ingredient in combined and blended thermogenic supplements and for good reasons too. It is powerful enough alone, but especially when banded with other components that aid fat loss and energy recovery.
While many thermogenic substances are naturally derived, it’s crucial to understand that ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ doesn’t automatically mean ‘safe for everyone.’ The effects of thermogenics can vary significantly from person to person, and they may have potential side effects. Some thermogenics can interact with medications or may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating thermogenics into your weight loss plan. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and can guide you in making safe and effective choices.
When Is the Best Time to Take Thermogenics?
If you are going to try these out as a part of your weight loss journey, it is best to be armed with the facts. Take them first thing in the morning, because this means the results will carry on all day long and if you take something too close to bedtime then it can interfere with your sleep.
As for the frequency of intake, it’s generally advisable to stick to the recommended dosage on the product label or as suggested by your healthcare provider. The concept of ‘mixing up your intake’ isn’t backed by scientific evidence. Consistently taking thermogenics according to the recommended guidelines should be sufficient to experience their benefits.
Lastly, make sure that you have a realistic mindset above all else. If you dream big but you don’t get what you want straight away, then this doesn’t mean you should quit. However, it can take time to see an effect and some people are just more amenable than others.
So, thermogenics aid weight loss through the ways in which they interact with your metabolism, energy levels, and stubborn fat. Alongside eating well and a little exercise, they have proven effective in some cases for losing weight.