BRN PLUS Weight Loss: Examining the Claims, Risks, and Alternatives

The pursuit of effective weight loss solutions has led many to explore various supplements, including fat burners. Among these, BRN PLUS has garnered attention, prompting a closer look at its purported benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview, drawing upon user reviews, expert opinions, and scientific research.

The Allure of Fat Burners

If you’ve been having a hard time losing weight, you may have considered taking a pill that has been advertised as a fat burner. Fat burners are a supplement that contains natural or artificial compounds. These supplements are supposed to help you slim down. Over-the-counter fat burners appeal to patients who want a way to magically treat obesity and believe that their benefits outweigh the risks. However, fat burner supplements may be neither safe nor effective. Fat burner supplements are said to work by increasing your resting metabolic rate. The active ingredients help get rid of body fat. However, research is still needed on the effects of ingredients like caffeine on your heart rate and blood pressure. The effectiveness of fat burner supplements is still in question. Though they’re commonly used for weight loss, there’s not a lot of evidence that they work. These supplements claim to block fat or carbohydrate absorption, curb your appetite, or speed up your metabolism. At the same time, some of these supplements can interfere with other medications you are on. Fat burners work by elevating your blood pressure and increasing your overall energy expenditure, which may eventually lead to weight loss over time. You should take precautions if you already have high blood pressure, though, because taking these supplements could lead to hypertension.

Studies have shown that fat burner supplements might not work the way you want them to. They don’t make your fat cells magically disappear. Instead, they can work by helping weight loss in other ways. This includes: Increasing your metabolism, Reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs, Suppressing your appetite. Fat burners work in theory. However, it all depends on the ingredients. Since fat burner supplements aren’t FDA-approved, you can’t always be sure what’s inside. They can make any claim without factual evidence to support the claims. Fat burner supplements are typically tablets or "burn capsules" taken by mouth. They contain a range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, caffeine, herbs, and other plants.

Common Ingredients in Fat Burners

  • Caffeine: This is a common ingredient because it stimulates your nervous system and potentially helps burn calories. Supplements may contain more caffeine than your typical coffee, tea, or chocolate.
  • Green tea extract: This is another common ingredient because green tea helps burn calories and reduce the fat you absorb from food.
  • Carnitine: This is a compound that boosts your metabolism and gives you energy. It can be found in meat and dairy products, and it’s made naturally by your liver and kidneys. However, its weight-loss benefits are questionable.
  • Yohimbe: This is another plant compound that comes from the bark of an evergreen tree. It’s common in fat burner supplements but can cause negative effects. Yohimbe can cause: Headaches, Anxiety, Agitation, Increased blood pressure, Heart problems, Kidney failure.
  • Soluble fiber: This ingredient isn’t found in all fat burners, but you can find some with high amounts of fiber. Fiber helps control your appetite, and soluble fiber can help prevent your body from absorbing fat from food.

Most supplements contain a lot of different ingredients, typically more than what’s beneficial for your health. These unknown ingredients can cause fat burners to react unpredictably with your body.

Regulatory Concerns and Hidden Dangers

Fat burner supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. Because of this, you may be taking a health risk by taking them. First, you don’t always get a complete picture of what is in the supplement. Some studies on these supplements have found ingredients inside that aren’t listed on the bottle. Second, just because a supplement calls itself “natural” doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Some fat burner supplements have been linked to problems like liver damage. Some herbs, like ephedra, that were once used in fat burners are now banned by the FDA because they cause high blood pressure, mood change, irregular heart rate, stroke, seizures, and heart attacks. Before taking these supplements, you should talk to your doctor. Their ingredients may interfere with other medications you are taking.

Read also: Are Hydroxycut Gummies Effective?

A significant concern surrounding weight loss supplements is the presence of hidden drug ingredients. Numerous public notifications from regulatory agencies highlight this issue.

Examples of Products with Hidden Ingredients:

  • FATZorb
  • Toki Slimming Candy
  • LipoFit Turbo
  • THERMO SHOCK
  • ITCHA XS
  • Body Shape Weight Loss System
  • Govvi WOW!
  • Phentamene XT
  • NORF 20
  • Alfia Weight Loss Capsules
  • Lipopastilla + Gold Max
  • Dr. Reade Slim Sense
  • Hydro Pinapple [sic] Burn
  • Cholestene
  • Genesis Ultra Slim Gold
  • 365 SKINNY High Intensity
  • Miss Slim
  • Tummy Tuck Max
  • Vy & Tea
  • Super Slim
  • Lishou Slimming Coffee
  • Li Da Daidaihua Plus
  • Imperla Elita Vitaccino
  • Fruta Planta
  • Fruta Bio
  • Burn 7
  • Livtone
  • Detox Plus
  • CholesLo
  • Skinny Pill
  • Lanugar
  • JaDera PLUS
  • Sheaya Lender
  • Love in S
  • Reduktis Max
  • Lipro Dietary Capsule
  • Adelgasin Plus
  • Super Slimming Herb
  • Lishou Fuling Jiaonang
  • Detoxi Slim
  • Absolute Nine Slim
  • GoLean Detox
  • Ultra Fit
  • Slimmer Extreme Thermogenic Formula
  • Slim Bio Capsules
  • Slimina
  • Pink Granada
  • Green Lean Body Capsule
  • Shengan Natural Model
  • Like Slim Coffee
  • In Shape
  • Baschi Quick Slimming Capsule
  • BodySlim Herbal
  • Easy 2 Slim
  • Slimming Capsule
  • Nuvitra
  • Asunsa
  • Lyn DTOX FS3
  • Adipotrim XT
  • Body Shape Weight Loss System
  • Row of Antibody Pil
  • Adriana Balance S
  • AB Slim
  • PAYA Dietary Supplement Product
  • Asia Slim Capsules
  • Adipessum Miracle Slimming Capsules
  • Fruta Planta Life (Garcinia Cambogia Premium)
  • A1 Slim
  • Physic Candy - Define
  • Physic Candy - Curve
  • Slimming Plus Advanced
  • Platinum Weight Loss Solution - Fat Loss Metabolizer
  • Platinum Max Strength Blue Pill Version
  • Lean Extreme Max
  • X-treme Beauty Slim
  • Queen Slimming Soft Gel
  • ABX Weight Loss
  • Supreme Slim 5.7
  • Ultimate Body Tox
  • Zi Su Body Fat Health II (Zi Su Shou Shen Ying Yang Su II)
  • Skinny Bee Diet
  • Results
  • Accelerator Boost
  • Natural Eruption
  • Citrus' Fit
  • Adelganzantes R-II
  • Zi Xiu Tang Beauty Face and Figure Capsule
  • Ultimate Lean
  • Slim Fit X
  • Maxx Easy
  • Mang Luk Power Slim
  • Mang Luk Power Slim Detox
  • Xcelerated Weight Loss Ultra Max
  • Xcelerated Weight Loss Turbo Charge
  • Xcelerated Weight Loss Charged Up
  • Dream Body Advanced Acai Weight Loss
  • Dream Body Extreme Gold
  • Dream Body Original Formula
  • Extra Slim Plus Acai Berry Weight Loss Formula
  • Exhilarate
  • Step 2
  • Black Label X
  • Black Gold X Advanced
  • 3rd Degree
  • Propell Platinum
  • ENVY BP
  • ZlimXter Capsules
  • Xerophagy Capsules
  • Eradicate Capsules
  • Dynamizm Capsules
  • La'Trim Plus
  • Evolve Bee Pollen
  • Jenesis
  • Oasis Bee Pollen
  • Prime Bee Pollen
  • Thirty Plus
  • Lipo Escultura
  • Zero Fat
  • SPCARET Princess Diet
  • Slyn Both
  • Perfect Slim Fast Track Slim
  • Super Herbs
  • Xtreme Fat Burner Capsules
  • Tip-Top Shape
  • Lishou Slimming Coffee
  • Basha Nut 100% Fruit Soft Gel Capsules
  • Ultimate Herbal Slimcap
  • NATUREAL
  • Meizi Super Power Fruits Herbal Slimming Formula
  • Achieving Zero
  • Zero Xtreme Capsules
  • Akttive Capsules
  • Slim Forte Slimming Capsule
  • Li Da Dai Dai Hua Slimming Capsule
  • Fatloss Slimming Beauty
  • Superior
  • Green Algae Combination by Crane Beauty
  • Xcel Advanced
  • Xcel
  • Ultimate Boost
  • L-Carnitine Sob Strengthening Version Slimming Miracle Capsule
  • Black Mamba Hyperrush
  • Natural Max Slimming
  • Diablos Eca Fire Caps
  • Eliminating Weight
  • Oxy ELITE Pro Super Thermogenic
  • Nine Slim
  • Seven Slim
  • Botanical Slimming (Red)
  • Lean Body Extreme
  • Yanhee Slim
  • Slim-K
  • Slim-Vie
  • Super Extreme Accelerator
  • Japan Hokkaido Slimming Weight Loss Pills
  • Mix Fruit Slimming
  • Lingzhi Cleansed Slim Tea
  • 24 Ince
  • Lipo 8 Burn Slim Capsules
  • Sliming (sic) Diet By Pretty White
  • Trim-Fast Slimming Softgel
  • Sport Burner
  • Toxin Discharged Tea
  • Sliming Diet
  • La Jiao Shou Shen
  • B-Perfect
  • Asset Bold
  • Asset Bee Pollen
  • Natural Body Solution
  • Slim Trim U
  • Lite Fit USA
  • Infinity
  • New You
  • Vitaccino Coffee
  • Citrus Fit Gold
  • Tonic Life BP
  • Thinogenics
  • Dream Body Slimming Capsule
  • Meizitang Citrus
  • Asset Extreme Plus
  • 7 Days Herbal Slim
  • Dr. Ming's Chinese Capsule
  • SlimEasy Herbs Capsule
  • Sliming (sic) Diet Berry Plus
  • Asset Extreme
  • "SlimExtra Herbal Capsules"

These notifications serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with unregulated supplements.

User Reviews: A Mixed Bag

User reviews of weight loss products, including those from the "It Works" line, present a diverse range of experiences. Some users report positive outcomes, while others express dissatisfaction and concern.

Positive Experiences:

  • Some users reported weight loss, increased energy, and improved overall health after using specific products.
  • One user with fibromyalgia noted significant improvements in mobility, energy levels, and overall well-being.
  • Some users praised the taste and convenience of certain products, such as Skinny Hydrate drinks and skinny brew.
  • A user reported losing 30 lbs in 3 months after using a product.

Negative Experiences:

  • Several users reported experiencing negative side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
  • Some users complained about the high cost of products and the lack of noticeable results.
  • Subscription issues and difficulties in canceling memberships were recurring complaints.
  • Some users felt pressured by distributors to make purchases and expressed concerns about misleading sales tactics.
  • A user reported skin hanging under their chin after using a product to define their jawline.
  • One user reported vomiting after drinking an ice coffee product.
  • Some users reported gaining weight from artificial sweeteners and chemicals.

Concerns about Distributors and Sales Practices:

  • Complaints included distributors being rude, disrespectful, and engaging in high-pressure sales tactics.
  • Some distributors were accused of making false promises and disappearing after purchases were made.
  • Users reported being charged for additional fees that were not disclosed upfront.

BRN+ Specific Concerns

  • One user reported receiving expired medicine (BRN+) and expressed dissatisfaction with the company's refund policy.

The Berberine Alternative

Berberine is a bioactive compound in several plants. It is antimicrobial and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved berberine for treating any medical conditions in the United States, including obesity. Research into whether it could be a safe or effective aid for people who want to lose weight is ongoing.

A 2020 review of previous laboratory, animal, and human studies found some evidence that berberine may influence biological processes that can aid weight loss and overall metabolic health.

Read also: Unlock nutrition education with Diet & Wellness Plus MindTap

The authors found that berberine:

  • reduces blood glucose
  • increases GLP-1, GLP-2, and peptide YY, which are substances that regulate metabolism and appetite
  • may “switch off” genes that are responsible for cholesterol absorption

Potential Side Effects of Berberine

Berberine may cause side effects for some people, including:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • bloating
  • constipation
  • abdominal pain

However, these effects appear to be mild and infrequent.

Risks in Children and Pregnancy

Children and pregnant people should not take berberine. Berberine may cause adverse effects in these groups, such as jaundice in infants.

Berberine also has links to bilirubin buildup in infants. This can lead to a serious and possibly fatal condition known as kernicterus, which may cause damage to the brain.

Read also: Are Keto Plus ACV Gummies Worth It?

The Danger of Liver Damage

Several slimming aids and herbal medications associated with severe hepatotoxicity have been reported in the literature. A previously healthy 28-year-old female bodybuilder with no risk factors for liver disease presented to her local emergency centre with fatigue, malaise, inability to exercise and new-onset jaundice. The patient was a professional bodybuilder taking a multi-ingredient, nonstimulant health supplement and fat burner (Somalyz and Lipolyz, Species Nutrition, USA). Somalyz contains usnic acid (4 mg), propionyl-L-carnitine (167 mg), phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine (50 mg), gamma-aminobutyric acid (667 mg) and vitamin E (27 IU) per capsule. Lipolyz contains usnic acid (12 mg), propionyl-L-carnitine (500 mg), green tea extract (300 mg), guggulsterone Z and guggulster-one E (10 mg), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (2 mg) and vitamin E (20 IU) per capsule. She was taking one to two capsules of Somalyz at bedtime and one capsule of Lipolyz with meals three times a day as recommended for one month before illness.

Based on the temporal relationship between the use of the dietary supplements and onset of liver failure, literature supporting reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements and exclusion of other causes, it is fair to assume that the patient developed fulminant hepatic failure due to dietary supplements. In view of the bulk of the literature, of all the ingredients, usnic acid may have been predominantly responsible for the hepatoxicity.

Chinese green tea extracts are derivatives of the leaves of Camellia sinensis, which belongs to the aceae family. Green tea extracts have been marketed as effective weight-loss supplements, and for the prevention and cure of solid tumours. Although there is little scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of green tea extracts, serious side effects, including acute liver failure, are increasingly being reported.

Gum guggul and its constituents are increasingly being used as dietary supplements. Gum guggul is the oleoresin of Commiphora mukul, a plant native to India. Its extracts include compounds known for their hypolipidemic properties - the Z and E isomers of guggulsterone and its regulated guggulsterols. Human exposure to gum guggul most often occurs from ingesting herbal remedies or pharmaceuticals, and from the use of cosmetics. Side effects include skin rashes, irregular menstruation, diarrhea, headache, mild nausea and, with very high doses, liver toxicity.

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