Fat Burners vs. Appetite Suppressants: Which is Better for Weight Loss?

Both fat burners and appetite suppressants are heavily marketed by the multi-billion dollar diet industry, each one a combination of synthetic and herb-derived ingredients that promise rapid weight loss and ‘amazing results.' While many weight loss scams continue to trick consumers with hype and far-reaching claims, many diet pill makers continue to see growing sales with their latest creation that has many anxious dieters hooked.

Making the choice between fat burners (thermogenic products) and appetite suppressants can be challenging; some diet pills are simply a combination of both, helping to combat fat and help the dieter manage their daily diet with ease. Still, many are designed to achieve results in just one area; with so many products out there, is one really better for weight loss?

How Fat Burners Work

Fat burners are designed to elevate the metabolism by increasing the heart rate and blood flow. This in turn may lead to a higher metabolic rate throughout the day, a state that may be more conducive to weight loss. Fat burners often contain ingredients such as guarana, ginseng, synephrine, and alternatives to ephedra. In order for them to work effectively, dieters must take them at various intervals throughout the day and can further their chances of weight loss with exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Still, side effects of the ingredients in many fat burners may be deadly. Synephrine and high amounts of caffeine can have a significant impact on people suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and even thyroid disease. Most over the counter fat burners have not been approved by the FDA, and even though diet pill manufacturers report a few clinical trials, there is not enough evidence that the pills are safe in the long-term.

How Appetite Suppressants Work

Appetite suppressants help to ‘trick' the brain into feeling full, and helping dieters feel satiated after eating very little food. Appetite suppressants may work for some people who have difficulty with portion control, but it extended use may backfire if the dieter is not eating enough and starts to feel excessively hungry when the pills wear off. Hoodia Gordonii and Garcinia Cambogia are the two leading appetite suppressants on the market, and each one offers varied results.

Side effects of appetite suppressants do exist; dieters may be at risk for eating too little which can lead to starvation levels and even blood sugar imbalances. It is especially dangerous for anyone with a history of diabetes or thyroid problems.

Bottom Line: In almost all cases, diet pill manufacturers encourage users of both fat burners and appetite suppressants to follow a balanced diet and adhere to a consistent exercise regiment. This can have a significant effect on weight loss, and natural health experts are convinced that substantial weight loss can be achieved without the use of potentially harmful diet pills.

Eating a variety of quality whole foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may still be the long-term solution for weight loss. Since fat burners and appetite suppressants have many potential side effects, the risk involved may not be worth it.