Thermogenic compounds stimulate heat production in the body, which can aid in weight loss and muscle building. However, they can be dangerous if used excessively or without consulting a doctor. Popular thermogenics include caffeine and ephedrine.
Thermogenic is a term used to refer to compounds or organisms that stimulate heat production in a biological sense. This term is often used to refer to chemical compounds consumed by bodybuilders and people interested in weight loss who use thermogenesis, the process of producing internal heat, as part of their physical regimens. It can also appear in discussions of microorganisms, which generate heat when they break down biological materials. Thermogenics can be seen, for example, in many compost piles.
In thermogenesis, the body burns stored fat for energy and produces heat as a side effect. Sometimes heat is deliberately induced, such as when people are cold and their metabolism burns fat to regulate body temperature. Exercise thermogenesis occurs when people exercise and the body’s demand for energy leads to the burning of fat cells. Diet-induced thermogenesis occurs in reverse: the body produces heat by storing energy in the form of fat.
In the weight loss and muscle building communities, thermogenic compounds, known as thermogenics, are harnessed to help with fat loss. These substances speed up the metabolism, forcing it to burn more energy in the form of stored fat. For people who are trying to lose weight, burning fat accelerates the rate of weight loss. Muscle builders can use thermogenics to reduce and control fat so that their muscle definition improves.
Compounds that induce thermogenesis tend to be stimulants. Ephedrine and caffeine are two popular thermogenics. When used in moderation and combined with a safe exercise routine, such drugs can be relatively safe. However, people who go overboard on thermogenics can put themselves at risk of injury, including cardiovascular problems. With extended use, individuals can become tolerant to thermogenic compounds, and as a result, will have reduced success rates with fat loss and fat retention. This can lead people to increase their intake, a potentially dangerous activity.
Before adding thermogenics to a diet or exercise plan, it is wise to consult a doctor about which thermogenic would be safe to use and get advice on dosage. There may be contraindications or drug interactions that could lead to injury. Even substances marketed as “natural” can be harmful to people with certain underlying medical conditions and to people taking certain medications. If thermogenics aren’t recommended, a doctor may have recommendations for other steps people can take to speed up their metabolism to manage body fat.
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