Street Cents

Fat burners

Should we use these products that contain ephedrine, caffeine and aspirin to help us lose weight?

Hello Street Cents,

My name is Matt Whitteker and I'm from Nepean, Ontario. I'm 17 years old.
I've been working out for about three years. I was recently in the local nutrition store and noticed several products that claim to get people "ripped" or eliminate the amount of body fat on a person's body.
I'm far from overweight, but I wouldn't mind losing a little more fat, just to get those abs popping.
I've been trying to do some research on two products in particular: Hydroxycut and Ripped Fuel . . . But I haven't had much success.
I know the simple answer to my problem would be to do more cardio exercise, but I was just wondering: Are these products safe? Do they actually work?
Thanks Street Cents

Street Cents Response

Matt, neither of these products is safe enough to consider using. Here's why:

Hydroxycut and Ripped Fuel both combine a powerful stimulant called ephedrine with other energy boosters, such as caffeine and aspirin.

These products may make our bodies heat up and increase our metabolism: It's called the thermogenic effect. That's supposed to help us burn fat faster.

These products may also give us a jolt of energy that makes us want to work out harder and for longer periods of time.

But here's the hitch: These supplements aren't regulated by Health Canada or anyone else. That means there's no one making sure they contain the same ingredients that are listed on the labels. Not only that, but there's no one examining the products to make sure they're safe or do what they claim.

The truth is, messing with fat burners is a bad idea. Ephedrine is a dangerous product. Health Canada has received reports of people who have experienced heart attacks or died while taking products that contain ephedrine. Minor side effects include dizziness, headaches, insomnia and nausea.

Canadian versions aren't supposed to contain ephedrine. But Health Canada says there's no solid proof that the other ingredients in fat burners do as they claim.

Experts Street Cents talked to said we should stay away from Hydroxy Cut, Ripped Fuel and other fat burning supplements.

Oh, and the experts Street Cents talked to said good o'l cardiovascular exercise is the best way to shed some pounds. So don't count it out.

Next >>

Update! Update!

On January 9, 2002, Health Canada put out a recall on products containing ephedra/ephedrine. Health Canada also asked consumers to stop using these products. The department announced that there are too many dangers to using these products for weight-loss, body-building, energy, etc. The recall applies to all products that contain more than 8mg of ephedra per dose and products that mix ephedra with caffeine.

original air date: November 19, 2001

Page 01: Viewer Letter & Responce
Page 02: The skinny on fat burning supplements

Back: to Episode 06