Fat-burning creams – do they actually work?
People are always looking for a magic bullet: a miracle exercise, diet, supplement or psychological technique that will change how they feel and look. It is human nature.
The fat-burning creams and gels launched over the past ten years seem too good to be true to anyone applying common sense: rub a little cream onto your stomach or thighs and the fat disappears!? Is there any scientific research on these so-called topical thermogenic fat burners? We found two studies conducted by scientists with impeccable reputations and extensive expertise.
The first experiment was conducted by F.L. Greenway and C.A. Bray (1987). They investigated the effects of three substances—aminophylline, forskolin and yohimbine—in overweight women. These substances were dissolved in a special cream base. Five participants followed a low-calorie diet and were instructed to do plenty of walking. For four weeks, a cream containing the active ingredients was applied to one thigh, while the cream base alone was applied to the other. The results were quite striking: the circumference of the thigh treated with the active ingredients decreased by an average of 2.5 cm, while the circumference of the other thigh did not change.
A study conducted by F.L. Greenway in 1995 broadly confirmed this finding. This time, no diet or exercise regimen was prescribed. Yohimbine produced no significant results, but aminophylline was effective in both 10% and 0.5% solutions. No adverse side effects were observed. The researchers concluded that a cream containing aminophylline could reduce fat on women’s thighs without diet or exercise.
Does this also apply to bodybuilders? In principle, yes. Are you about to rush out and buy these miracle creams? Hold on, says Dr. Frank Greenway. There are two key issues with these creams: how to get the active ingredients through the skin in sufficient concentrations, and how to stabilize aminophylline so that it does not react with the cream base and lose its effect. All the cream bases available from pharmacies reacted with aminophylline, turning yellowish and proving ineffective. None of Dr. Greenway’s patients who used the thermogenic creams currently on sale noticed any positive effect.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that experiments have demonstrated the localized effect of thermogenic fat burners applied as a cream. It will probably be a little while yet before effective products reach the market.
Author: Jim Wright
Source: WHO – healthy eating.
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