Fat Blaster has been designed as a fat burning diet pill. The manufacturer claims that Fat Blaster boosts metabolism enabling fat to be burnt more quickly, suppresses appetite and promotes the conversion of dietary carbohydrates into energy instead of stored fat. The majority of ingredients contained in Fat Blaster are fairly common in other diet pills. Worryingly, there does not appear to be an official website which means that it is not possible to determine the country where Fat Blaster is manufactured or the quality control procedures. Additionally, there is no contact address or telephone number for the manufacturer – a serious cause for concern.

How does Fat Blaster work?

Fat Blaster has been designed to convert carbohydrates into energy, accelerate metabolism, suppress appetite and burn away excess body fat. Ingredients included in the Fat Blaster formulation to achieve this are: Citrus aurantium, yerbe mate and guarana (to boost metabolism and promote fat burning); chromium chelate (to normalize blood sugar levels); Garcinia cambogia fruit extract (to prevent new fat cells from forming and promote the conversion of carbohydrates into energy); and Gymnema sylvestre (to reduce appetite).

Fat Blaster pros

• Fat Blaster is sold with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Fat Blaster cons

• There is no clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of Fat Blaster as a weight loss pill.
• There are no user testimonials offered on Fat Blaster.
• There is no free trial sample of Fat Blaster offered to new consumers.
• Some ingredients found in Fat Blaster may not be suitable for some individuals.
• Potential side effects are not clear but could include headache, restlessness, insomnia and stomach upset.
• There are no contact details for the manufacturer.

Fat Blaster ingredients

The ingredients are:

• Vitamin E 10IU
• Vitamin B12 600mcg
• Chromium 500mcg
• Blaster Blend 1320mg
• Garcinia cambogia fruit extract (50% EGCG)
• Gymnema Sylvestre
• L-Tyrosine
• L-Carnitine-L-Tartrate
• Calcium pyruvate
• Citrus aurantium extract (15mg synephrine)
• L-Phenylalanine
• Cayenne pepper
• White Willow Bark
• Caffeine (from Guarana seed extract)
• Nut Grass extract
• Ginger root
• Licorice root
• Fennel seed
• Apple cider vinegar
• Yerba mate leaf
• 5-HTP (from Griffonia simpliciflia seed extract)
• Bioperine

Looking at the key ingredients in greater detail:

Bioperine: This ingredient is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). Bioperine contains 95 percent piperine. Bioperine has been shown in clinical research to increase the absorption of ingredients in nutritional supplement formulations. It is possible that the use of Bioperine may increase the side effects of certain supplements due to increased absorption.

Garcinia cambogia fruit extract: The active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia is hydroxycitric acid (HCA). This fruit is native to India and has been a part of the diet there for centuries. Numerous studies have concluded that HCA causes no adverse side effects and that the quantity and quality of scientific evidence is sufficient to support the safe, supplemental use of HCA at doses of up to 2,800 mg daily. There are no known medication interactions associated with the use of HCA. However, patients taking oral hypoglycemic agents are advised to use caution before using HCA, due to the possibility of exacerbating the action of hypoglycemic medications. Consult a physician before commencing use. Individuals diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus should use extreme caution in taking HCA/Garcinia cambogia due to its glycemic action. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia syndromes should also avoid using HCA. Pending additional research HCA is viewed as safe and non-toxic for most healthy adult individuals.

Gymnema sylvestre: This is a woody climbing plant native to tropical regions of India. Its bitter leaves can eliminate the ability to taste sugar, thereby reducing cravings for sugar. Gymnema sylvestre is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed that this herb has antiviral and lipid lowering properties. Gymnema sylvestre may also offer health benefits for individuals with diabetes mellitus. Based on limited information Gymnema sylvestre is believed to be able to reduce the sugar available in the stomach for absorption, raise insulin levels and block dietary fat absorption. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 8 week-study of 60 overweight subjects, a combination of hydroxycitric acid, niacin-bound chromium and gymnema sylvestre extract facilitated a reduction in body weight and BMI (Preuss HG et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2004;6(3):171-180).

Guarana: This ingredient is a recognized thermogenic agent with clinically demonstrated benefits for weight loss (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr 1989; 49(1):44-50. Am J Clin Nutr 1980; 33(5):989-997), although some findings indicate that it offers greater benefits to lean individuals that to those who are overweight (Am J Physiol 1995; 269(4 Pt 1):E671-8). Guarana also delivers an energy boost. It is incorporated into many fat burners because of its caffeine content and diuretic properties.

Citrus aurantium: Citrus aurantium is a fruit known as Zhi Shi in traditional Chinese medicine and as bitter orange in other countries. It contains synephrine, a compound that is structurally related to Ephedrine, as well as Octopamine and Tyramine. Synephrine can increase metabolic rate and lipolysis (fat breakdown). It also acts as a mild appetite suppressant and an energy booster. The effects of Synephrine are enhanced when it is combined with caffeine. A Mayo Clinic website states that there is not enough clinical evidence to support any weight loss assisting claims related to Citrus aurantium and advises that it may not be safe. An increasing number of case reports are linking Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) to ischemic colitis, strokes and angina.

Yerba Mate: A South American shrub that contains the xanthine alkaloids caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Yerba mate has about half the caffeine of coffee. Theobromine and theophylline are stimulants, although they have a less potent effect on the central nervous system (CNS) than caffeine. Yerba mate is also a source of chlorogenic acid, a compound which may have some weight loss properties. In one study, yerba mate combined with guarana and damiana resulted in delayed gastric emptying and an increased feeling of fullness (J Hum Nutr Diet. 2001.14(3):243-50).

Fat Burner dosage

The manufacturer recommends the following: Day 1-2: Take 2 capsules 1 hour before morning breakfast and again at 3.00 PM with a large glass of water. Follow with 4 to 5 glasses of water throughout the day. Day 3 and beyond: Take 4 capsules 1 hour after breakfast and again at 3.00 PM with a large glass of water. Follow with 4 to 5 glasses of water throughout the day. Reduce to 2 capsules twice daily if necessary. Do not take after 5.00 PM. The 120 capsule container will last for about 1 month.

Fat Blaster conclusion

There is nothing particularly novel in the Fat Blaster formulation to distinguish the product from many other fat burners on the market. Its primary ingredients are stimulants that may help to increase metabolism, suppress appetite and boost energy levels. Unfortunately, Fat Burner consists of a propriety blend of ingredients making it impossible to determine if they are present in high enough concentrations to be optimally effective. Individuals sensitive to stimulants, such as caffeine, or have pre-existing heart or blood pressure conditions should avoid Fat Burner diet pills as they may cause side-effects.