The Muscle Mag
The authors emphasize that this study is the first to evaluate the effects of a commercially available thermogenic supplement combined with whey protein supplementation in active men and women.
The study investigated how thermogenic supplements impact body composition, metabolism, and subjective factors such as mood, sleep quality, and eating behaviors.
Funding for the research was provided by EHP Labs, the manufacturer of OxyShred.
More products than research
Athletes often use supplements to improve their performance, enhance recovery, and increase physical fitness. This includes thermogenic supplements, also known as “fat burners,” which contain a mix of compounds like caffeine, B-vitamins, and herbal ingredients. Research shows that about 34% of athletes use energy drinks, while 29% use caffeine.
While the effects of caffeine are well-known, the effects of other herbal ingredients in thermogenic supplements are less understood.
The authors highlight the imbalance between the number of fat burner products available on the market and the pace of research on their effectiveness. Additionally, they point out issues with research studies on herbal weight loss medicines.
More research is needed to help athletes and active individuals make informed decisions about using thermogenic supplements.
A healthy sample
The study involved 52 generally healthy individuals aged 18-40 who exercised at least twice a week for the last six months. Participants were given no supplement, OxyWhey Lean Wellness Protein alone, or the protein combined with OxyShred Thermogenic Fat Burner.
Data on physical activity, mood, sleep habits, and eating behavior were collected using validated questionnaires.
Results
After four weeks, supplementation with a multi-ingredient thermogenic supplement did not lead to significant changes in body composition, hemodynamic outcomes, or subjective variables. However, combining protein and a thermogenic product helped maintain Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) compared to no supplementation.
The authors suggest that longer-term studies are needed to further investigate the benefits of combined protein and thermogenic supplementation.
Study limitations
The study did not include a group that only consumed a thermogenic supplement without protein. Adherence to the study guidelines, particularly regarding diet, was not monitored. Changes in fat and lean mass may be more gradual in individuals with already lean or muscular body composition, warranting a longer follow-up period to capture any changes.
The findings indicate that caution should be exercised when expecting rapid results from thermogenic products. The study was published in Nutrients and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15224806.
“Chronic Thermogenic Dietary Supplement Consumption: Effects on Body Composition, Anthropometrics, and Metabolism”
Authors: Siedler, M.R.; Rodriguez, C.; White, S.J.; Tinoco, E.; DeHaven, B.; Brojanac, A.; LaValle, C.; Rasco, J.; Taylor, L.W.; Tinsley, G.M.
