Judging by the ingredient profile and concentrations used, Force Factor Ramp Up is not a cutting edge thermogenic fat burner, as claimed by the manufacturer. Apparently, it has been designed to promote the burning of more fat, increase metabolic rate and build lean muscle mass. Force Factor Ramp Up is a caffeine heavy pill with side effects reported by some users. Unfortunately, there is no clinical data posted on the official website supporting the Force Factor Ramp Up formulation.

Force Factor Ramp Up pros

• The manufacturer recommends that Force Factor Ramp Up is used together with exercise
• The effectiveness of Force Factor Ramp Up is supported by some positive testimonials on the internet
• Force Factor Ramp Up is made to a high standard in the US
• Force Factor Ramp Up is backed by a 30 day money back guarantee

Force Factor Ramp Up cons

• Force Factor Ramp Up reviews are mixed with some users reporting no fat loss or muscle gain
• Force Factor Ramp Up is a stimulant heavy diet pill
• Force Factor Ramp Up contains relatively high levels of caffeine
• Some users report side effects using Force Factor Ramp Up
• Some customers have complained that they have been signed up for repeat subscriptions without their authorisation

Force Factor Ramp Up side effects

Force Factor Ramp Up has a relatively high content of the stimulant caffeine. Force Factor Ramp Up side effects reported by some users include: Lightheadedness, headache, stomach ache, nausea, jitters and insomnia.

Force Factor Ramp Up ingredients

Green tea extract (120 mg, standardized to 45% EGCG): There is some evidence that green tea offers benefits to dieters when present in the correct dosage and standardized for the appropriate catechins. Most studies have demonstrated that it is one essential catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), working in combination with caffeine that provides the weight loss benefits. Fortunately, the manufacturer of Ramp Up does reveal what their green tea is standardized for, so that it is possible to assess the value it adds to the formulation. Green tea may also slow the increase in blood sugar following a meal. It does this by inhibiting the action of a digestive enzyme amylase. This enzyme is responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase following a meal. Green tea has been reported to promote weight loss by increasing the metabolic rate, boosting calorie burn (e.g. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005; 81(1): 122-129).

White willow bark 100 mg, 15% salicin): In traditional medicine, white willow bark was used for hundreds of years as the herbal form of aspirin. It was incorporated into ECA (ephedra/caffeine/aspirin) fat burners, although there is limited evidence that it enhanced this stack in any way. In non-ephedra fat burners such as Force Factor Ramp Up, it is unlikely to have any value, except as an anti-inflammatory, a fever reducer, an analgesic, an anti-rheumatic and an astringent. There are some possible side effects due to the active ingredient salicin. This is known to cause ulcers, and overdoses will lead to side effects such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus and kidney inflammation. Individuals with a known allergy to asprin or have blood clotting issues should avoid white willow bark.

Caffeine (100 mg from guarana and caffeine anhydrous): A recognized fat burner with clinically proven modest benefits for weight loss (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49(1):44-50; Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(5):989-97), although there are indications that it offers greater benefits to leaner individuals (Am J Physiol. 1995;269(4 Pt 1):E671-678). Caffeine can also enhance exercise performance. In the Force Factor Ramp Up formulation it is the caffeine/green tea/EGCG combination that is important. At the recommended dose of 2 capsules there is 200 mg of caffeine, which is quite high, particularly for people sensitive to stimulants. A full day’s dose will deliver 400 mg (the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee).

Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid (50mg): A key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, alpha-ketoglutarate is used to help treat kidney disease; intestinal and stomach disorders, liver problems, cataracts and recurring yeast infections. It is also used for improving the way kidney patients receiving hemodialysis treatments process protein. Some individuals take alpha-ketoglutarate to improve peak athletic performance. Manufacturers of athletic nutritional supplements claim alpha-ketoglutaric acid is an important addition to diet and training for athletes seeking peak performance. They base this claim on studies that have shown that extra ammonia in the body can combine with alpha-ketoglutarate to reduce problems associated with excess ammonia (ammonia toxicity). However, to date, the only studies that have demonstrated that alpha-ketoglutarate can reduce ammonia toxicity have been performed in hemodialysis patients. Doctors sometimes administer alpha-ketoglutarate intravenously to prevent injury to the heart caused by blood flow problems during heart surgery or to prevent muscle breakdown after surgery or trauma.

Marie Coral Calcium (50 mg): A form of calcium claimed to offer additional health benefits, none of which have been substantiated.

Proprietary Herbal Blend (80 mg): This blend appears to serve more as window dressing. With a mere 80 mg divided up between 6 ingredients – cayenne, bladderwrack, yerba mate, meadowsweet, wintergreen and mustard – it would appear that none of these ingredients are present in high enough doses to elicit any significant effects.

Force Factor Ramp Up dosage

The manufacturer recommends taking 1-2 capsules in the morning and 1-2 capsules in the afternoon with a large glass of water. There are 60 capsules per container.

Force Factor Ramp Up website

The official Force Factor Ramp Up website is strong on marketing and weak on detail. The FAQ section is very limited and there are no before and after photos accompanying the customer testimonials. No clinical evidence is presented supporting the product.

Conclusion

There appear to be only two ingredients in the Force Factor Ramp Up formulation that offer any real benefit for weight loss, namely green tea and caffeine. Force Factor Ramp Up seems expensive given that these two active ingredients can be individually purchased at a considerably lower price. However, the ingredient profile should provide a significant energy boost during exercise.

Force Factor Ramp Up contact details

Website: http://www.forcefactor.com/products/ramp_up

Address: Force Factor, 650 Wauhatchie Pike, Chattanooga, TN 37419-2427