I have heard a lot about products such as Stacker, Met-Rx, Ripped Fuel that are supposed to help burn fat while you work out, are these really safe, what are the side effects and what exactly do they do, I don't believe they are steroids?

Barrow boy

Generally these products contain caffeine, ephedrine and aspirin. The former two increase metabolism and heartbeat, the latter aids blood flow by minimising clotting (ie the blood is thinned). Side effects are hypertension (dramatically increased blood pressure), haemophilia (excessive bleeding),excessive insomnia and headaches. Some makes can also make you 'jittery'. One minute you can hardly sit still, the next you can't keep you eyes open. If you have a cardiovascular system which is well exercised and you heart can stand the extra pace, the side effects are probably not dangerous. If you already are inclined towards hypertension or if your workouts are pushing your heart rate towards your allowable maximum, you ought to think twice. Two products stand out as 'diferent' - Colvera which is recommended by a women's health site, but I can't see how it works. See it on http://www.womens-health-fitness.com/fat-burners.html Or Ripped Fuel Extreme which contains herbal additives which are meant to relax the airways in your lungs, lower blood pressure and increase the metabolic rate. You can read about it on http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/weight-loss-etc/ripped-fuel-review.htm Why not ask your gym? They are not going to reccommend risky products that will involve them in lawsuits! Oct 30 02, 9:42 PM