Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Fat Burners
There has been increasing interest in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) fat burner supplements as adjuncts to weight management and metabolic health strategies. Many such products contain combinations of caffeine, green tea extract, yohimbine, synephrine, and various herbal compounds. However, published data on their long-term efficacy and safety remain limited and sometimes conflicting.
What is the current consensus regarding the metabolic and thermogenic effects of commonly used OTC fat burners? Are there evidence-based recommendations for their use as part of integrative or alternative protocols for weight management? Furthermore, what are the most significant safety concerns, especially in populations with cardiovascular risk or metabolic comorbidities?
Personal clinical experience or references to high-quality trials/meta-analyses addressing both benefits and potential adverse effects would be appreciated.