What are the risks of fat burners, according to experts

A few days ago, the former model Marlen Olivari made a big noise by promoting the Fat burners A extra charge which is sold as an ally for losing weight.

In a recording he posted on his Instagram account, Olivari mentioned that Siluet Power, a product composed of safflower oil and caffeine and presented in capsules, It was suitable for all ages.

“Old people, young women, young men, older men. Children! Many children suffer from childhood obesity and therefore need to be cared for and kept healthy. From the age of 8, they can take it,” we hear people say in the video.

The fact implied that the Institute of Public Health (ISP) had announced a health check against Olivari, since it recommended it from 8 years old.

Although these products received authorization from Seremi de Salud to be marketed as a dietary supplement, the FAI clarified that in this case they were sold with other unauthorized properties.

But what is a fat burner? What are the harmful effects this could have on health? Is this the miracle formula for weight loss? La Tercera spoke with specialists about this type of product. That’s what they said.

Caterina Tiscornia, professor of nutrition and dietetics at Finis Terrae University, indicates that fat burners could be understood as “a stimulant of increased energy expenditure, associated with an increase in body temperature.”

Specifically, this supplement is said to stimulate lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fat for energy. This is what has been associated with weight loss, explains the academic. However, Studies have not been able to prove that this increase in lipolysis by fat burners actually contributes to significant weight loss.

“There is no solid scientific evidence that allows us to say that if a person consumes fat burners and sits at a desk, lipid metabolism will improve” says Rafael Barra, doctor in pharmacology and member of the Biomedical and Applied Research Center (BICAP) of the University of Santiago.

These products are fundamentally based on caffeine in different doses, explains Eliana Reyes, director of the School of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the Andes.

“Many say directly that it contains caffeine, others say that it contains extracts of guarana and other products ‘rich’ in caffeine, which has an accelerating effect on the metabolism” Reyes explains. Some of these supplements may contain other ingredients such as ephedrine, which is banned in some countries.

The nutritionist Isadora Suarez who published a video Criticizing the recommendation of fat burners to the elderly and children, he says this particular formula caught his attention because it contains 220 milligrams of caffeine.

“If you compare it to an energy drink sold everywhere, the entire can contains about 120 milligrams. A pre-workout used as a fitness supplement for people who train with weights can contain up to 150 milligrams of caffeine. In other words, we find that this recommended fat burner serving contains almost twice as much caffeine as an energy drink and a pre-workout. Suarez said.

According to experts, it is the high doses of caffeine contained in these products that can present a series of health risks to people of all ages.

“As they stimulate the central nervous system, they produce hyperstimulation and irritability,” Reyes explains. Other effects identified are as follows: They increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, negatively impact sleep, and can cause liver damage in some patients.

They have also been found to promote the non-absorption of intestinal fats, which can cause vitamin deficiencies and diarrhea.

Another point to consider is the caffeine dependence that could be generated by ingesting these supplements. “We know that caffeine is addictive. If you want to stop, it could cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, diarrhea and fatigue,” says Suárez.

Due to all the associated risks that have been identified with fat burners and the lack of scientific evidence to support their supposed results, nutrition professionals agree on one thing: Its use is not recommended for any group of the population and, moreover, it is not an effective product either.

“They are sold as if they work, but it has not been determined that this is actually the case. It’s all marketing and a waste of money.” Suárez’s sentence.

“I don’t recommend them to anyone. They are extremely harmful because caffeine is a stimulant that has harmful effects if ingested in such quantities,” explains the academic from the University of the Andes.

According to specialists, the fact that someone promotes products such as fat burners is extremely dangerous, because it does not prioritize the illnesses that those seeking to purchase the product might have.

“If this is recommended as if nothing were done without considering the pathologies, there could indeed be a serious health problem, particularly in hypertensive people” emphasizes Suárez.

Then he adds: “To receive supplementation, you must first consult a doctor or nutritionist. I can’t tell them what they need just by seeing a person, I have to send them for their medicals, examine them and supplement based on that. »

For Tiscornia, what was observed with this type of article also corresponds to a form of professional intrusion. “It’s serious, because it contributes to a general lack of awareness among the population. There is information provided by influencers today, but many do not have the skills to indicate what is most suitable. That is the problem”.

Precisely, nutrition professionals assure that digital platforms have been the factor that has most triggered the use of fat burners in recent times. Added to this are other elements, such as growth of obesity worldwide And diet culture which “is still very latent in society,” says Suárez.

“Obesity is something very complex which requires an expert approach. It’s not something you can leave to something you’ve heard or seen. This is also due to a general perception of obesity as being more of an aesthetic problem than a health problem, which is a big mistake. » Barra concludes.

Experts point out that if someone is looking to take care of their weight and diet, The first step to take is to seek advice from a health professional such as a nutritionist or nutritionist. “Diets are never standardized, but personalized according to each person,” explains Suárez.

It will be this specialist who will be able to put in place an appropriate and realistic diet for the patient, according to their needs. In addition, the diet must be supplemented by a physical exercise program.