Fat burners and weight loss

Fat burners aren’t listed as a recommended treatment for weight loss by the NHS, as there’s not enough evidence to show that they work. Some claim that while fat burners do speed up the metabolism and help your body burn more fat, this effect is limited and won’t lead to significant weight loss.

Fat burners can be used by people who are actively trying to lose weight - provided you have been told it is safe by your GP. They should be taken as part of a healthy lifestyle that incorporates a varied and balanced diet, and regular exercise.

Because fat burners are dietary supplements rather than medication, they haven’t been studied in close detail, which means we don’t know a lot about the effects they have on the body.

However, we do know that some of the ingredients can lead to unwanted side effects, especially when taken in large quantities. High amounts of caffeine, a popular ingredient found in fat burners, can cause high blood pressure.

Fat burners have the potential to cause headaches, an increased heartrate and trouble sleeping – as well as more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. This is why it’s important to check with your GP first before you start taking them.

The best way to lose weight is eat well while reducing the number of calories you’re consuming each day. A healthy, varied and balanced diet is one that features:

For more eating inspiration, check out the NHS Eatwell Guide.

To get started with your weight loss journey, you can download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan app – this is broken down into 12 weeks and incorporates weight loss goals, meal plans and tips on exercising.