Thermogenic Fat Burners: The Science of Heat and Weight

Written By: Brandon Davies

Published on: April 7, 2023

Expert Review By: Steven Cleark&

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This guide seeks to answer the following:

• What thermogenic fat burners are
• Types of thermogenic compounds
• The benefits of thermogenic fat burners
• How thermogenic fat burners aid in weight loss

Wellness has become a matter of concern in the world over the last few years. Due to this, many products, including fat burners, have been created to help individuals seeking to lose weight. Thermogenic fat burners, night fat burners, and low-calorie meal replacements are some of the few products that have infiltrated the market to help weight loss regimens. This ultimate guide will help you understand what thermogenic fat burners are, their mode of action, and the ingredients that earn them their name. 

What are Thermogenic Fat Burners?

Thermogenic is defined as heat-producing. Thermogenic fat burners are just one of the numerous fat burners available in the US market. Why are these types of fat burners called thermogenic? Thermogenic fat burners contain different compounds that stimulate the mitochondria to increase metabolism in the human body to produce ATP and heat. Thermogenic fat burners increase cell metabolism, breaking down fat faster than normal and releasing more heat. In order to choose the best thermogenic fat burner, make sure it is at competitive prices, manufactured by a reputable brand, and contains any of the following blends of ingredients.

Common compounds used as the base of thermogenic fat burners include:

• Caffeine
• Green tea
• Capsaicin
• Garcinia cambogia
• Yohimbine 
• Synephrine

Caffeine

In our day-to-day lives, we consume a lot of caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in different plants, and it is commonly consumed in beverages such as tea, coffee, and cocoa. Caffeine stimulates the brain to increase the adrenaline levels in the bloodstream, making the individual more active and alert.

How does caffeine work as a fat burner?

Caffeine stimulates the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, adrenaline stimulates fat cells in the body to release fatty acids, which are further broken down into glucose to produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Caffeine is also an appetite suppressant, making the stomach feel full and making you consume less food.

Research has concluded that every 1.5 milligrams of caffeine consumed burns 1 more calorie within 24 hours since consumption. This means a single 150mg supplement pill burns an extra 10 calories within 24 hours of consumption. 10 additional calories burned within 24 hours is relatively small, so one should supplement this by dieting and exercising more frequently. To get the best results using caffeine as a thermogenic fat burner, one needs to consume 1.4-2.3 mg of caffeine for every pound of body weight. This means that if you weigh 143 lbs, you need to consume 328mg of caffeine.

Caffeine, being a stimulant, has a maximum daily allowable dose. The recommended daily dose of caffeine is up to 400mg. A caffeine overdose may occur if you consume over the recommended dose. Symptoms of a caffeine overdose include:

• Labored breathing
• Hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Convulsions
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

Green Tea Extract

Another popular compound used in thermogenic fat burner supplements is green tea extract. Green tea extract contains two active compounds which act as thermogenic fat burners- caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). As mentioned, caffeine increases cell metabolism, thus burning more fat in the process. Depending on the amount, released adrenaline quickly breaks down in the bloodstream. This can be felt when one is spooked. 

The heightened state lasts only a short time, and your body returns to a state of homeostasis. EGCG reduces the rate at which adrenaline is broken down. This means that adrenaline lasts much longer in the blood in the presence of EGCG. Due to the slowed breakdown of adrenaline, more fatty acids are released into the bloodstream, producing more energy and burning more fat.

Caffeinated green tea supplements are estimated to boost fat burning by 16 percent and metabolism by 4 percent. This was observed in an experiment where the subjects lost 2.9 pounds after taking green tea supplements for 12 weeks. However, more research is needed to provide a conclusive result on the effects of EGCG on weight loss.

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants which aid in the oxidation of fat. Caffeinated green tea is essential in thermogenesis fat loss as caffeine increases adrenaline that breaks down fat and green tea slows the breakdown of adrenaline in the body.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers. It makes the chilies spicy and gives the sensation of a burning tongue. Capsaicin has several advantages as a thermogenic fat burner. First, it stimulates the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline stimulates fat tissue to release fat that will be broken down for the release of energy. An increased amount of adrenaline in the bloodstream increases the number of fatty acids that are released into the bloodstream for breakdown. Capsaicin works in the same manner as caffeine. Additionally, capsaicin is also an appetite suppressor. Capsaicin in the stomach and bloodstream reduces one's appetite helping one consume fewer calories. These two properties of capsaicin make it suitable for heat-generating weight loss.

The effects of capsaicin on fat oxidation have been established through various experiments. In one such experiment, the fat oxidation in the presence of 75 percent capsaicin was higher than the control. The same experiment concluded that consumption of 2.5 mg of capsaicin per meal promoted up to 10 percent more fat oxidation without the risk of increased blood pressure. The experiment further concluded that capsaicin might be a vital compound in the thermogenic fat burner that supports weight loss and anti-obesity therapy.

Yohimbine

Yohimbine is a compound that is extracted from the African Yohimbe tree. The tree's bark is processed, and yohimbine is extracted from it. Yohimbine works in essentially the same way as caffeine. It, however, differs from caffeine since it targets several other hormones. Caffeine only targets adrenaline, but yohimbine targets adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine. All these hormones are essential in thermogenesis since they stimulate the release of fatty acids into the bloodstream. 

Experiments to determine the efficacy of yohimbine as a slimming supplement concluded that yohimbine is only effective when combined with active exercise regimes. There was no significant difference between the test subjects who took yohimbine and those who took the placebo. More experiments need to be done to establish yohimbine's efficacy as a thermogenic fat burner.

Garcinia Cambogia

Another promising compound in weight management thermogenesis is garcinia cambogia. This compound is extracted from the Malabar tamarind fruit, a popular weight loss supplement that prevents fat formation in your body. How does the compound prevent fat formation in the body? 

The fruit's rind contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA), which actively inhibits citrate lyase. Citrate lyase is an enzyme the body uses to form fat deposits under the skin. If this enzyme is inhibited, the body will significantly reduce fat formation.

HCA also stimulates the brain to release serotonin, making you feel less hungry. It acts as an appetite depressant through this process. In an experiment done using garcinia cambogia, the test subjects who consumed the fruit lost 2 pounds over the experiment period. 

The Science Behind Thermogenic Fat Burners

As you choose the best thermogenic fat burner, it is essential that you learn the science behind the fat-burning process. The process of thermogenesis can also be described as the process where heat is the main product of metabolism. During metabolism, glucose is broken down to release energy, producing heat as a by-product. Massive fluctuations in temperature can be detrimental to the body's processes. 

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body heat to create the optimum conditions for bodily processes through a process known as thermoregulation. The hypothalamus thermoregulates by checking the temperature of the body; if the temperature is too low or too high, it initiates a number of functions to ensure your body temperature is optimum. If you are too cold, the body will release fatty acids to be broken down to release heat. It will also make you shiver as a way of activating cells, or it will prioritize keeping your vital organs warm. If it is too hot, the body will make your blood vessels larger to ensure they lose heat through the skin.

Various groups of people can benefit from the use of thermogenic fat burners. They include people with slow metabolism and those looking to lose weight. Individuals with slow metabolism may benefit from using these fat burners since they accelerate metabolism. 

A slow metabolism can cause increased fat deposits under the skin, but fat storage is significantly reduced with an accelerated metabolism. People seeking to lose weight will also benefit from using thermogenic fat burners since these supplements stimulate the breakdown of fatty acids to release heat and energy.

How Thermogenesis Works in The Body

Thermogenesis is achieved through several ways, including exercise, dieting, and supplement use. Thermogenic supplements stimulate the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline and other hormones that promote the increased breakdown of fatty acids to produce energy. This is done through a process known as lipolysis. 

Lipolysis involves the breakdown of the body's fat deposits into their constituent molecules. This process reduces the amount of body fat that is stored under the skin.

The brain releases hormones such as serotonin which has been heavily linked with satiety since it is an appetite suppressant. Serotonin interacts with other brain proteins and hormones to initiate signals indicating satiety. At this point, one feels full and does not crave food anymore.The interaction between serotonin and other hormones has been studied extensively to determine the exact mode of action.

The Role of Thermogenesis in Weight Loss

Thermogenesis is an essential part of weight loss. An increase in body temperature accelerates some body functions, such as metabolism. More fat is burned during this process, making thermogenesis essential in weight loss regimens. 

It is vital to note thermogenesis can be achieved through dietary measures such as fat-burning supplements or exercise."In both cases, fat deposits are released into the bloodstream, where they are broken down to provide the body with energy and heat.

Thermogenic fat burners have been found to increase the body's resting metabolic rate. At a state of rest, fat is broken down to keep the body warm. When using thermogenic fat-burning supplements, the RMR slightly increases, meaning more fat is broken down at rest. This is important in cutting weight.

Clinical Studies on Thermogenic Fat Burners

Several clinical studies have been done to establish how to use thermogenic supplements in thermogenic weight control. In one of the studies, 13 participants were asked to take thermogenic fat-burning supplements after an overnight fat. Participants repeated the process for seven days, and some took a placebo. 

Measurements of their resting metabolic rates (RMR), heart rate, and blood pressure were taken before, during, and after the experiment was done. It was determined that RMR in individuals who took fat-burning supplements had increased significantly compared to the placebo group. It was further determined that due to increased RMR, the supplements burned more fat due to the presence of thermogenic components.

In another clinical study, weight-training individuals were given supplements containing thermogenic compounds for 8 weeks. The experiment concluded that there was a slight increase in fat loss in individuals taking the supplements compared to those taking the placebo. This experiment determined that more experiments need to be conducted to fully understand the role of thermogenic fat burners in weight loss.

The Relationship Between BAT and Thermogenesis

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)

Brown Adipose Tissue is a subcutaneous layer of fat that is used to produce heat in the body. It is abundant in lipid storage, making it suitable for fat release and storage. 

• BAT has been linked to therapeutic potential in treating diabetes and type 2 diabetes. 
• The study of BAT and its link to weight loss is crucial as it offers weight loss in people with sedentary lifestyles. 
• It has been demonstrated that BAT is present in adults but in different sites than in children. 
• BAT therapy may be the key to weight loss in obese individuals.
• BAT is responsible for heat production when stimulated by cold.

How Thermogenic Fat Burners Can Stimulate BAT

BAT in green tea extract has been determined to be stimulated by thermogenic compounds such as caffeine, capsaicin, and catechins. Capsaicin activates the SIRT1 protein, which promotes the production of adrenaline. Adrenaline then stimulates the release of more fatty acids from fat deposits under the skin, which are broken down to produce heat for the body. Catechins found in green tea extract work by activating the AMPK gene, inhibiting adrenaline degradation in the blood. Prolonged exposure of fatty acids to adrenaline increases the number of fatty acids broken down during metabolism to produce heat.

The Relationship Between Mitochondria and Thermogenesis

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are regarded as the powerhouses of the cell. They act through the oxidation of fatty acids, amino acids, and glucose to produce energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

How Thermogenic Fat Burners Can Stimulate Mitochondria

Thermogenic fat-burning supplements increase the activity in mitochondria by activating various cell receptors. These receptors are crucial in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. These receptors increase the activity in mitochondria, prompting more heat to be produced in breaking down fatty acids and glucose. This process can be observed in the use of curcumin, which activates the PGC-1 protein, accelerating mitochondrial activity.

Mitochondria profoundly affect thermogenesis since they are at the core of thermogenesis. Through their action, fatty acids are broken down to produce heat and energy. Heat production is crucial in weight loss since it reduces the energy produced in the form of ATP.

Benefits of Using Thermogenic Fat Burners

Thermogenic fat burners have several benefits. These benefits include:

• Effective weight loss
• Improved energy and endurance
• Increased focus

Effective Weight Loss

Thermogenic fat burners are crucial in weight loss since they act differently. First, some act as adrenaline stimulants. Thermogenic compounds such as caffeine and capsaicin have the effect of stimulating adrenaline production. Adrenaline, in turn, stimulates the increased release of fatty acids from fat deposits under the skin. 

This process occurs as adrenaline increases the energy needs of the body. Fat-burning metabolism activation occurs in the presence of thermogenic compounds such as capsaicin. This is achieved through the increased release of fatty acids to produce energy.

Thermogenic fat burners are effective in weight loss since some act as appetite suppressors. Serotonin, one of the hormones released when hydro citric acid is present in the blood, affects satiety. This means that the stomach feels full and satisfied despite the lack of food in the stomach. This curbs appetite which may lead to weight gain.

Improved Energy and Endurance

Thermogenic fat burners improve energy production through their mode of action. As aforementioned, adrenaline is released if increased thermogenic compounds are in the blood. Adrenaline stimulates the release of fatty acids, which are broken down to produce energy. The increased energy released during metabolism is used by muscle tissue to do work for a longer duration.

Increased Focus

Different hormones are released in the presence of thermogenic compounds in the bloodstream. Hormones such as adrenaline and serotonin affect one's focus. Adrenaline alerts you to your environment since it is the primary hormone released during a fight or flight. This focus can be helpful when exercising since you can stay alert and committed to your goals.

Thermogenic Fat Burners and Protein Powder: The Ultimate Weight Loss Combo

Fat loss supplements are relatively effective in fat burning. However, you need to combine them with protein powder and exercise. Fat-burning supplements aid in fat loss in small amounts. A noticeable change can be observed faster with thermogenic supplements blended with protein powder and training.

Combining fat burners, training, and diets

Combining fat burners and training is the most effective way to lose weight. Fat burners only accelerate metabolism to stimulate a small quantity of fat. However, when combined with training, significant changes can be observed. Since thermogenic fat burners contain caffeine and release energy, the energy can be useful during training to give you a boost to finish your workout. 

Caffeine is also an important part of thermogenic pre-workouts and fat-burning supplements since it gives you focus to power through your training regimen. An increased metabolism ensures that you have the energy needed to achieve certain goals at the gym and will not make you feel exhausted during your training. Thermogenic fat burners can also be used with dieting to ensure you lose weight. Some fat burners are keto-approved and can be used with ketogenic nutrition to help you lose weight.

How Protein Powder Can Enhance The Effects of Thermogenic Fat Burners

Of all the macronutrients, protein breakdown requires the most energy. Protein is considered the most thermogenic macronutrient compared to carbs and fats. You can already conclude that protein powder combines well with thermogenic fat burners. Imagine consuming a macronutrient that requires the breakdown of fat to be effectively utilized in the body, then accelerating this process by supplementing it with fat-burning compounds. 

Eating high-protein foods will enable you to burn more fat and help you maintain lean muscle mass. Increased muscle mass is also beneficial in fat burning since more energy is required to feed the muscle tissues; therefore, more fat is broken down to release energy. It is crucial to consume a lot of protein when using fat-burning supplements.

Protein powders such as whey are effective in fat burning since they are derived from dairy products. Breaking down dairy products takes up a lot of energy; thus, more fat is burned down.

The Role of Protein in Weight Loss

Eating more protein in your diet leads to reduced calorie intake. Fats and carbs contain high amounts of calories per unit as compared to proteins. Increased protein intake leads to reduced calorie intake. In a study to determine the effect of protein on calorie intake, the participants who consumed more protein in their diet consumed 30 percent fewer calories during the study. This, coupled with higher energy requirements to break down protein, allows for effective weight management and weight loss.

Protein intake reduces cravings. Cravings are associated with carbs. Carbs are broken down quickly, so your body craves these types of food. Proteins, however, are broken down using more energy and prevent you from craving certain foods. It is crucial for you to combine protein powder with fat-burning supplements to get the best results.

Safety Risks of Thermogenic Fat Burners

Thermogenic supplements have been popularised since they sound appealing to individuals looking to lose weight. They, however, have some unpleasant side effects. These side effects include

• Nausea
• Headache
• Constipation
• Increased blood pressure
• Chest pain,
• Abdominal pain
• Anxiety
• Heart arrhythmia,
• Inflammation of the intestines
• Hepatitis
• Liver damage and failure

These side effects are generally observed when these supplements are consumed in high dosages and over a prolonged period. Supplements containing over 400mg of caffeine are highly discouraged because they have more than the required daily caffeine limit.

The supplement industry needs to be better regulated since they are not considered medications. Due to this, their research could be more extensive and human tests more extensively done. This is a safety concern because claims made cannot be substantiated, and their dosage is strictly regulated. 

With Ripped.com, you can ensure you only get high-quality products that have been extensively tested and certified by third parties. These tests ensure the ingredients listed are safe for use and do not cause any adverse health issues. Ripped.com is only stocked with authentic, safe-to-use products that can be delivered to your doorstep to kickstart your fitness journey. 

Dosage and Use of Thermogenic Fat Burners

To lose weight, supplementing fat burners with exercise and dieting is crucial. Fat burners give you the extra edge to burn more fat than you would typically have. These supplements are essential in heat-based body fat reduction since they accelerate the rate at which fatty acids are released into the bloodstream for breakdown. How, then, should fat burners be used?

Timing and Dosage

For the best results, take your supplements half an hour before breakfast. When you are asleep, your metabolism slows down compared to when you are active. Taking supplements after waking up kickstarts your metabolism and enables you to burn more fat during your morning workout sessions. You should exercise after taking the supplements to get the best results.

An individual's sensitivities also affect the timing of when to take the supplement. For example, people sensitive to stimulants such as caffeine should time their dosage so that it wears off before they go to sleep. It is recommended that they take the supplements at midday since caffeine usually lasts in the body for between 1.5 to 8 hours. 

Another factor you should consider when timing your daily dose of supplements is the ingredients. Some ingredients, such as Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR), are best taken during increased activity. Take such supplements just before your workout and not when you are sedentary.

Combining Thermogenic Fat Burners With Other Supplements

You might wonder whether combining fat burners and other supplements is safe. It is safe to combine different supplements to achieve your desired goal. However, it is essential to consider factors such as the supplements' ingredients and interactions among them. As earlier stated, fat burner supplements are composed of stimulants such as caffeine. It is important to avoid other supplements containing caffeine not to surpass your maximum daily limit.

When combining supplements, you need to consider the interaction among the ingredients. Different compounds interact differently with others, so it is vital to consult a primary care physician when you want to combine supplements.

The Best Thermogenic Fat Burners of 2023

The best fat burner of 2023 is chosen using various criteria. These include customer reviews, the supplement's efficacy, price, and brand reputation. Shop for fat burners and thermogenic from ripped.com for genuine, high-quality products to help you achieve your goals. These are the 3 best thermogenic fat burners of 2023

#3 Nutrakey Truburn (45 servings)

TruBurn is a 3-stage fat burner designed to ensure you achieve your weight loss goals. Its formula accelerates metabolism, partitions carbs, and provides the energy needed for bodily function. It also contains L-Carnitine 3000 to give you a boost of energy and accelerate metabolism. This supplement should be taken twice a day for the best results.

#2 Myoblox Tetra Fat Burner (56 servings)

This is a premium thermogenic fat burner that increases fat loss. Its caffeine content accelerates metabolism, gives you focus, and stimulates fat loss. It contains a unique blend of ingredients designed to improve your mood while burning fat to help you lose weight. It should be taken 15 minutes before your first meal in the morning. If you can tolerate it, take one more capsule 8 hours later.

#1 Gaspari Nutrition DTN8 Explosive Fat Burner (60 capsules)

This fat-burning supplement contains vitamin B6, Chromium Picolinate, Caffeine, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, and 5-HTP to aid in your weight loss journey. It also improves your stress levels as well as improving your energy output. This is the best thermogenic fat burner since it contains the optimal blend of ingredients that all help in weight loss. Take 2 capsules once a day or one capsule twice a day for the best results. It is suitable for both men and women.

Conclusion

Fat-burning supplements have many benefits. They increase the amount of fat that is broken down through metabolism and, therefore, can increase weight loss. They also act in ways that prevent the build-up of fat in tissues by inhibiting compounds in the blood that store fat. Fat-burning supplements are, however, not a magical solution to weight loss. Combining diet, training, and fat-burning supplements is crucial for the best results.