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Nutrition

What Are The Side Effects of Fat Burners and Their Alternatives?

Avatar photoby Dylan Wolf Published on Jun 14, 2025

fat
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

The best fat burners and why you should reconsider taking them.

Everyone wants a leg up when it comes to their fitness journey, whether that be a fat burner or other supplement, and how can you blame them? These days people want a quick and easy solution in regards to how fast they are able to transform their bodies from bulky with a little excess body fat, to shredded and summer ready. People want to look good, want to be shredded, want to have good amounts of muscle mass, and, perhaps most of all, wants to abolish stubborn body fat. With all these different bodybuilders, fitness models, and actors out there all looking like comic book superheroes, it’s clear to see why so many people are dying to get in shape and look as impressive as possible, as a there is a standard to abide by.

That said, people are also impatient, always hoping to get a quick fix to success. Although it takes countless hours of training and following the strictest diets to get where you want, supplements will always be a popular option for those who might not be able to get all of the nutrients they need in regards to nutrition and want that competitive edge. But some simply want the extra help that some supplements can give them. To be specific, fat burners are clearly all the rage with it’s promises of devouring pounds from your frame.

People are always looking for the best fat burners, but knowing what you’re getting into is the best option, and our team at Generation Iron is going to break it down.

What Are Fat Burners?

fat burners

For many of you looking to see the words “miracle supplement for fat destruction”, we must inform you that you will be disappointed, as there is no magic pill when it comes to getting your dream body. You still need to put in the work. Fat burners, or thermogenics as they are also called, are blends of herbs and stimulants concocted for a specific purpose which is to raise your core temperature in order for your to burn more calories. Not only that, but they are also effective in suppressing your appetite and providing you energy when your in a calorie deficit or low calorie diet.

So far you’re thinking, “great, what’s not to like?” Well, the best fat burners that you can find on the market these days are missing a key ingredient that once gave fat burners such a claim to fame. The ingredient we’re talking about is Ephedrine.

A synthetic version of the Chinese herb, ephedra, Ephedrine can no longer be found in fat burners in the US market. They can still most commonly be found in UK prescription drugs these days. Why were they taken out of fat burners in the US market? Ephedrine has been shown to cause many unhealthy side effects as well as shown to have addictive qualities, which is not something that you want to deal with. That being said, some fat burners can indeed be effective, but the long term damage may not be worth it.

How Do They Work?

Now if you thought you’d just take a fat burner, sit down on the couch, and watch your fat melt away then you unfortunately have the wrong idea of what these supplements do. Fat burners aren’t a miracle drug that does all the work for you. In fact, there are very specific ways that fat burners can effect the body.

Appetite suppression is one way in which fat burners can help with fat loss. Through the use of noradrenergic drugs, the body’s hormones are manipulated so that the brain makes you feel like you are full. Other fat burners can manipulate your serotonin levels to make you feel fuller quicker, overall putting an end to those cravings for cheat meals or unnecessary snacks.

Another type of fat burner are fat blockers. Made from a shellfish derivative called chitosan, when fat blockers enter the body the substance binds to the fat in the food you consume, which prevents it’s absorption into the body. This is dangerous however because not only can it block fat from entering the body, but other important nutrients as well.

These are fat burners that can increase your metabolism, which ultimately leads to weight loss. Caffeine is a main source for powering these types of fat burners, but like the others there are health effects to be cautious of. For one thing, overuse can cause metabolic damage as your body gets used to absorbing the stimulants and can eventually lead to rebound which puts your body into self preservation mode which means a slower, sluggish metabolism.

But while fat burners can be effective the side effects of anxiety, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, dehydration, damaged metabolism, and death makes this a supplement that you may not want to utilize. If you do wish to use fat burners, consulting a trusted physician should be paramount.

Natural Fat Burners to Look For

So you came here looking to find the best fat burners you can utilize. Well, like we said before, consulting your doctor is always the best option before consuming any kind of supplement. But we’re not going to leave you empty handed. Trying these natural alternatives can help boost your energy output and increase your metabolism to help you burn fat.

Coffee

There’s a reason why people use coffee as a pre-workout supplement. The caffeine in coffee means you’re going to get a ton of energy while at the same increase you metabolism and thermogenic response allowing for increased fat loss coupled with quality training.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper can increase your metabolism as well as promotes your body to utilize fat as your primary source of energy. Sprinkling a bit on your lunch before you gym session couldn’t hurt.

Green Tea

Green tea is not only a great antioxidant, but a brilliant tool to help you boost your metabolism. It can also prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s. You get all the benefits of a fat burner without any of the unnecessary negative effects.

Our Favorite Option

When it comes to finding a good fat burner, we have tried plenty. However, there are a few of them that stand out to us, one of them being Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner. Let’s break it down.

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Code GENIRON10 For 10% Off

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner

Transparent Labs Fat Burner is a great burner to expedite weight loss in 3 ways. A 100% honest label ensures quality ingredients and optimal effectiveness.

Shop Transparent Labs

This is an option to expedite weight loss by allowing you to shed fat, maintain muscle mass, and build that ideal physique for whatever comes your way, whether you are looking to compete in bodybuilding, have a photoshoot or movie role, or you just want to be shredded for the beach. Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner works with 3 ways to speed up the fat loss process:

  • Determining how many calories you should burn
  • Preventing hunger to eliminate snacking and unwanted calories
  • Offering an enjoyable weight loss experience so you actually work for your fat loss goal more effectively.

Transparent Labs works to provide total transparency with a 100% honest label so you know exactly what you are getting and how much you are getting from a fat burning supplement while shedding belly fat and avoiding muscle breakdown.

Transparent Labs Fat Burner

Check out our individual review on Transparent Labs PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner!

Wrap Up

Overall, shedding unwanted body fat does indeed require a lot of time, effort, and dedication to diet and training. However, supplements are there to help you further your progress a little bit more.

What is your favorite way to burn fat?

Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

Avatar photo

About Dylan Wolf

I work mainly in content writing, focusing my free time on bodybuilding and strength sports. I was introduced to fitness in high school and after watching Generation Iron movies. I love to train. I have competed multiple times, even winning a junior title in classic physique. I have a bachelor's in criminal justice and business obtained through Alvernia University. When I am not focused on work or training, I enjoy watching films or reading about anything and everything.

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