Diet pills have received a bad rap over the last few years, but do they deserve it? When people hear the word diet pill the first thing that comes to mind is Fen-phen. Another thought that comes to mind for several people is Ephedra and the heart problems it caused. Unfortunately these two cases left a bad taste in peoples mouth concerning diet pills, but should all diet pills receive a bad mark because of this. There are several diet pills and supplements, especially the new ones coming out in the next year that contain extracts of important nutrients and compounds that can really be beneficial to the human body.

There are several diet pills that should not be be looked at with the same frame of mind as the ones that gave the industry a bad name in the past. The most recent diet pills in the industry contain ingredients that are not only healthy for the body but also have case studies determining their safety. Diet pills now contain formulas that work to assist the body in several different ways such as increasing muscle mass, and fat loss; providing fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein; reducing fat uptake, and cholesterol and helping to stablize insulin levels.

When trying to determine what type of diet pill you should take consider what you want to get out of the diet pill. You should also conduct research on the ingredients contained in the product. If you have high blood pressure be weary of products that contain high levels of stimulants such as caffeine or green tea. Always talk with your doctor before starting a diet pill to help determine if it is safe and look at consumer reviews from a public blog to see what type of side effects people have had while taking the product. Not all diet pills are bad but not all diet pills are safe, so make sure to do your homework

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of consumption of different protein sources on food intake and energy expenditure in normal weight subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Breakfast preparations (casein, soy protein, whey protein or control) were ingested during seven consecutive days. Appetite, food intake, and energy expenditure were assessed. RESULTS: Casein consumption led to a lower energy intake than whey protein. There was lower energy intake on day 7 than on day 1 of the casein session. Soy protein preparations resulted in higher diet induced thermogenesis (DIT) than in control preparations. The respiratory quotient (RQ) obtained in the whey protein session was lower than the control and soy protein sessions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the consumption of different protein types leads to distinct effects on satiety (casein), DIT (soy protein), and/or RQ (whey protein).

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2010 Feb;54(1):45-51.

Effects of protein quality on appetite and energy metabolism in normal weight subjects.

Alfenas Rde C, Bressan J, de Paiva AC.

Departamento de Nutrição e Saúde, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brasil. ralfenas@ufv.br

Nutrex is the company that makes Lipo 6 Black. Nutrex researchers claim that Lipo 6 Black uses a 5-prong approach to annihilate body fat. First the makers of Lipo 6 Black use 2 powerful Thyronines to increase Fat Metabolization. Second, this product contains 3 forms of Yhoimbine to help with fat release. Third, Lipo 6 Black uses 3 Pheylethylamines to help activate Brown Adipose Tissue. Fourth, certain ingredients help increase body heat to help melt away fat deposits. And last, this product uses complete liquid dispersion for maximum potency. Lets take a look at the ingredients of Lipo 6 Black to see how this product compares to others that claim similar effects.

Lipo 6 Black Ingredients

Fat Oxidation Dual-Stimulator 150mcg(3,3′-Diiodo-L-Thyronine *; 3,5 Diiodo-L-Thyronine *)

Lipolytic Acceleration Matrix 4.5mg (11-Hydroxy Yohimbine *; Alpha-Yohimbine *; Yohimbine HCL *; Metabolic)

Heat Generating Blend 20mg (Methylsynephrine *; Synephrine HCL *)

Brown Adipose Tissue Heat Activator 150mg (B-Phenylethylamine HCL *; N-Methyl-B-Pheylethylamine HCL *; R-Beta-Methylphenylethylamine HCL *; Free Fatty Acid Releasing Complex 200mg; Caffeine Anhydrous *; 1-Methylcaffeine *)

Other Ingredients(Vegetable Cellulose, Glycerin, Purified Water, Polysorbate 80, Hypromellose Q.s.p., FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #6)

Cost of Lipo 6 Black

You can buy Lipo 6 Black for $32.94

Overall Opinion of Lipo 6 Black

Lipo 6 Black overall is a little better than average. I would say Lipo 6 Black is close to being in the top 10 products for this year. There are a few things that Lipo 6 Black could have done better such as increased some of the amounts in their ingredients. They should have added a few other ingredients to help reduce hunger and block carbs. This product should help in burning extra calories though and has had some positive customer reviews, but there are definitely better products out there.

Hydroxycut Hardcore X is a product that is aimed at increasing norepinephine. Muscle Tech the producers of Hydroxycut Hardcore X claim that norepinephrine is one of the body’s most critical fat-breakdown hormones. By increasing your norepinephrine levels the makers of Hydroxycut Hardcore claim that it will help increase your metabolism levels. This themorgenic effect is said to help your body burn more calories a day and also increase your energy levels.  Lets take a look at what is found in Hydroxycut Hardcore X.

Hydroxycut Hardcore Ingredients

Hydroxycut® Hardcore X – 1134mg †

Adenoclene™{Caffeine Anhydrous [Supplying 300 Mg Of Caffeine (1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine)] Aminoacetic Acid L-Methioninen ((2S)-2-Amino-4-Methylsulfanylbutanoic Acid, Choline Bitartrate}

Norepidrene™{MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides, Oleic Acid, L-Proline †((2S)-Pyrrolidine-2-Carboxylic Acid, Betaine HCl (2-(Trimethylazaniumyl)acetate)}

Lipidrol™ {L-Tyrosine ((2S)-2-Amino-3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic Acid, L-Leucine ((2S)-2-Amino-4-Methylpentanoic Acid, Trans-Ferulic Acid ((E)-3-(4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxyphenyl)prop-2-Enoic Acid, L-Carnosine (2-(3 Aminopropanoylamino)-3-(1H-Imidazol-5-Yl)propanoic Acid), L-Arginine Pyroglutamate, Myristic Acid (Tetradecanoic Acid)}

Capsicore™ {Capsicum Annuum (Cayenne)(Fruit)}

Other Ingredients{Sesame Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Gelatin, FD&C Red No. 40, Polysorbate 80, PAPRIKA EXTRACT, Silica, Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color, FD&C Red No. 3, Ink (Povidone, Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxide, FD&C Yellow No. 5, Shellac, Butyl Alcohol, Dehydrated Alcohol)}

Cost of Hydroxycut Hardcore X

Hydroxycut Hardcore X can be bought for as little as $9.99 which will last you about 5 days or you can buy a one month supply for $58.99.

Overall Opinion of Hydroxycut Hardcore X

Hydroxycut Hardcore X is a product that uses a number of different ingredients to help boost your energy and burn extra fat. Nothing all that new is found in this product but the mixes of the formulas are fairly new. I wouldn’t put this product in the top 3 this year but it is in the top 10 if not the top 5. Some people may not like all of the different chemicals in this formula which can effect your heart rhythm. I would recommend starting off slow to see how your body reacts to this product.

Animal Cuts is said to use eight components to fight fat and help you lose weight. The eight components are Thermogenic Complex, Metabolic Complex, Thyroid Complex, Diuretic Complex, Nootropic Complex, Cortisol inhibiting Complex, CCK Inhibiting Complex, and Bioavailability Complex. The makers of Animal Cuts state that they are able to utilize each of these complexes to reduce your weight and get you cut. Each complex has a list of ingredients that are said to help out in all of these areas. Most supplements for weight loss use one or more of these complexes. The thermogenic complex works by burning calories from stored body fat.  The metabolic complex works by increasing your metabolism and thus decreasing the amount of food stored as body fat. As a diuretic Animal Cuts uses herbs such as dandelion root to help your body shed excess water weight. Animal Cuts also claims to contain certain ingredients that help stabilize your Thyroid and help maintain proper Thyroid function. The nootropic complex is aimed at helping increase brain function to help your alertness and strength while working out. The CCK complex works to decrease weight by controlling your hunger. The ingredients in this complex is said to suppress your appetite. Cortisol increases fat in around your face and back, Animal Cuts is said to help inhibit Coritsol. Lets look at each ingredient in Animal Cuts.

Animal Cuts Ingredients

Thermogenic Complex 750mg (Caffeine Anhydrous*, Kola Nut*, Guarana*, Yerba Mate*, Raspberry Ketones*, Coleus Forskohlii*, Evodiamine*)

Metabolic Complex 750mg {Green Tea Extract (98% Polyphenols/45% EGCG)*, Oolong Tea Extract (50% Polyphenols)*, Black Tea Extract (60% Polyphenols)*, Coffee Bean Extract (50% Polyphenols)*, White Tea Extract (90% Polyphenols)*}

Thyroid Complex 350mg {L-Tyrosine*, Olive Leaf Extract (15% Oleuropein)*, Salvia Officinalis*}

Diuretic Complex 800mg {Dandelion Root (Taraxol, Taraxerol)*, Uva Ursi Leaf (Arbutin, Methyl-Arbutin)*, Hydrangea Root*, Buchu Leaf*, Juniper Berry Fruit*, Celery Seed*}

Nootropic Complex 500mg {DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)*, Bacopa Monniera (Bacopasides A & B)*, -Phenylethylamine (-PEA)*, Xanthinol Nicotinate*, Huperzine A*}

Cortisol Inhibiting Complex 300mg {Ashwangandha Extract (1.5% Withanolides)*, Rhodiola Rosea (Rosavins)*, SerinAid®*, Magnolia Bark Extract*}

CCK Inhibiting Complex 300mg {Cha-De-Bugre*, Hoodia Gordonii*, Jojoba Seed Extract (Simmondsin)*}

Bioavailability Complex 500mg {Ginger Root (Gingerols, Shogaols)*, Cayenne*, Grapefruit (6,7-Dihydroxybergamottin)*, Quercetin*, Naringin (Citrus)*, Bioperine®*}

Animal Cuts Cost

Animal Cuts will cost you $29.99.

Overall Opinion of Animal Cuts

Animal Cuts is one of the better products out there for thermogenesis and reducing weight. It attacks your fat in a number a different ways. The Price of Animal Cuts is also not all that bad for what it contains. I would have liked to seen a few different ingredients and maybe seen some taken out but overall Animal Cuts is not all that bad of a product, but it is still not quite in my top three products reviewed this year.

In a study done at the University of Miami, scientists found that the lack of thyroid hormone during development can cause a lack of thermogenesis in the future. The study was done on mice at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Below is an abstract explaining the findings.  

Abstract

Type 2 deiodinase (D2), which is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), is an enzyme that amplifies thyroid hormone signaling in individual cells. Mice with inactivation of the D2 pathway (D2KO) exhibit dramatically impaired thermogenesis in BAT, leading to hypothermia during cold exposure and a greater susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. This was interpreted as a result of defective acute activation of BAT D2. Here we report that the adult D2KO BAT has a permanent thermogenic defect that stems from impaired embryonic BAT development. D2KO embryos have normal serum T3 but due to lack of D2-generated T3 in BAT, this tissue exhibits decreased expression of genes defining BAT identity [i.e. UCP1, PGC-1alpha and Dio2 (nonfunctional)], which results in impaired differentiation and oxidative capacity. Coinciding with a reduction of these T3-responsive genes, there is oxidative stress that in a cell model of brown adipogenesis can be linked to decreased insulin signaling and decreased adipogenesis. This discovery highlights the importance of deiodinase-controlled thyroid hormone signaling in BAT development, where it has important metabolic repercussions for energy homeostasis in adulthood.

Endocrinology. 2010 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Absence of Thyroid Hormone Activation during Development Underlies a Permanent Defect in Adaptive Thermogenesis.

Hall JA, Ribich S, Christoffolete MA, Simovic G, Correa-Medina M, Patti ME, Bianco AC.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (J.A.H., A.C.B.), Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (S.R., M.A.C.), and Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center (M.E.P.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (G.S., M.C.-M., A.C.B.), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136.

OxyElite Pro is a Thermogenic supplement that is made by USPlabs. OxyElite Pro is claimed to be able to burn fat in the toughest places. The makers of OxyElite Pro claims that it does this by targeting the Alpha-2 receptor. OxyElite Pro states that it reduces the effectiveness of the Alpha-2 receptor, which is responsible for inhibiting lipolysis. OxyElite Pro uses Rauwolscine to help reduce the effectiveness of the Alpha-2 receptor. Rauwolscine is said to inhibit Alpha-2 receptors while not inhibiting Alpha-1 receptors as much as yohimbine which is another ingredient that works to reduce Alpha-2 receptors, but also reduces Alpha-1 receptors.

OxyElite Pro also claims that Rauwolscine is able to help increase Brown Adipose Tissue. Brown Adipose Tissue is known to burn high amounts of calories to produce more body heat. USPlabs claims that Brown Adipose Tissue is not only found in babies but also adults. Science has stated otherwise until recently. Supposedly our bodies still contain small amounts of Brown Adipose Tissue as adults and people that are obese do not contain as much as people that are thin. Whether or not OxyElite Pro can really do this is questionable, but the idea is interesting. Lets take a look at everything that is found in OxyELITE Pro.

Ingredients of OxyELITE Pro

A proprietary blend of 119.5mg contains ( Bauhinia Purpurea; Bacopa Monnera; 1,3-Dimethylamylamine; Cirsium Oligophyllum; Rauwolscine); Caffeine 100mg; Modified Food Starch; Gelatin; Vegetable Stearate; Silicon Dioxide; Red #3; Blue #1; Red #40; Titanium Dioxide.

Cost of OxyELITE Pro

One bottle of OxyELITE Pro is going to cost you $38.95 not including shipping.

Overall Opinion of OxyELITE Pro

I would say that OxyELITE Pro is a fairly good thermogenesis supplement, but I am a little skeptical about the makers reports of Rauwolscine. Rauwolscine is just Yohimbine HCl Alpha, which is kind of funny because they talk about Rauwolscine as if it is not a form of Yohimbine. The makers of OxyELITE Pro produce some interesting studies about Yohimbine and Brown Adipose Tissue. The only problem with OxyELITE Pro is that it is not all that different from other thermogenesis supplements. There are definitely some other supplements that contain a lot more thermo inducing ingredients than OxyELITE Pro and that is why I would not recommend this as a top ranked product.