BOXERS can go through periods of rapid weight-loss to try and make weight. Losing this mass from fat stores is the best way of optimising a fighter’s body composition, and priming them for a big fight. With this being so, the use of fat burners is increasing. But with flaws in their use and some serious health implications, are boxers better off not using them? Here are my top five fat burner facts.
Next: page 2 of 6 – What is a fat burner?
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
1. What is a fat burner?
A SUPPLEMENT which is labelled as a fat burner has a wide range of ways in which it is meant to work. There are supplements that claim to boost energy, help suppress your appetite, promote the use of fat as a substrate for energy production and even increase your daily calorie expenditure by accelerating the speed of your metabolism.
Next: page 3 of 6 – Why fighters get lured in
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
2. Why fighters get lured in
ALL of these potential benefits sound appealing for boxers who are looking to rapidly drop body-fat so they can make weight limits, but maintain as much muscle as possible. However, while boxers think they are doing good by taking a fat burner, the quality and quantity of these supplements could have serious negative effects on a boxer’s health.
Next: page 4 of 6 – The fat burner negatives
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
3. The fat burner negatives
FAT burners work by creating an unnatural environment within the body, for example, by increasing the body’s core temperature thus claiming to burn more calories. However, negatives such as increased blood pressure, increased heart-rate, insomnia, mental fatigue, severe dehydration and fatality are potential side-effects that the manufacturers do not tell us about. These side-effects not only have negative implications for a boxer’s health, but can disturb the nutritional practice of a boxer’s diet and lead to excess eating and an increase in weight-gain!
Next: page 5 of 6 – The only proven fat burner
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
4. The only proven fat burner
AS previously noted, the only proven, healthy, sustainable fat burner that boxers can rely on is periodised training and nutrition. To date, the only supplement that may increase fat oxidation during training is caffeine, and this is still very marginal! See my blog on fat-burning tips to boost your chances of burning fat.
Next: page 6 of 6 – The final word
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
5. The final word
FAT-BURNING supplements are an increasing problem in the boxing world. Their use is linked with high amounts of risk and health problems and has been the cause of a few serious illnesses and fatalities. As said, the only proven fat burner that a boxer can rely on is periodised nutrition and training. Seeking expert advice from a qualified sports nutritionist can boost your chances of losing fat while maintaining your muscle, getting you in the best shape ready for your fight!
Robert Seaborne BSc (Hons), MS
@RobbySeaborne1
