The Science Behind Thermogenics and Fat Loss

Introduction to Thermogenic Products

Thermogenic products rely on a process called thermogenesis. Simply put, thermogenesis is the production of heat. When the body produces more heat, body fat is used as energy. Burning body fat for energy equals weight loss. The body produces heat naturally through a process called basal metabolic rate (BMR) or resting energy expenditure (REE), through diet and exercise¹. Over the years, this has been also been made possible through the use of thermogenic products (thermogenics).

Background in Thermogenics

Thermogenics are health supplements created to accelerate metabolic functions. Their origin dates back to World War I². Since then, thermogenics have been improved and made safe to use for healthy individuals. 

With more and more studies being conducted, thermogenics have helped people lose weight and improve their overall health. One such study conducted on 12 male participants found that thermogenic products enhance resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat oxidation for several hours after ingestion³. A similar study on 13 female participants found that thermogenic products increase BMR and have the potential to increase overall energy consumption and lead to weight loss over time⁴. More studies also point in the same direction: thermogenic products are capable of increasing the REE whilst maintaining heart health, decreasing fatigue and enhancing alertness⁵. These effects are correlated with the blend of potent ingredients in thermogenics. 

Ingredients

The Ov Thermogenic Stack uses a blend of metabolism-boosting compounds: capsicum, green tea, caffeine, and Vitamin B6. Spiced foods and herbal drinks lead to greater thermogenesis and, sometimes, to greater satiety⁶. Although you can include these types of foods in your diet, supplements are able to provide intense extracts of the metabolism-boosting ingredients, much more than regular food can provide. This means that supplemental dosage can be more efficient at inducing fat burning.

Capsicum

Capsicum (Capsicum frutescens) is a plant species which most refer to as the bell pepper. Capsicum contains capsaicin, a phytochemical that gives particular plants their hot, spicy taste. Despite not being incredibly spicy, bell peppers also contain this substance - as does ginger in trace amounts. Other food sources include chilli peppers, sweet peppers and cayenne peppers.

Studies conducted on the effect of capsaicin on appetite showed that people who ingest this ingredient are less likely to consume fatty foods, sweet foods, and salty foods, decreasing their overall energy intake from food⁷. The study also highlighted that the participants were also more satisfied after their meals, hence another reason why their calorie consumption reduced. 

Capsicum ingestion activates the brown adipose tissue. Brown fat increases energy expenditure. When brown fat is activated it results in more calories being burned without extra effort⁸. Brown fat is activated by cold exposure and is associated with increased energy expenditure and lower body fat mass⁹. Another study suggests that taking at least 2.5 mg of capsaicin with each meal burns 10% more fat during 24 hours¹⁰. To put it into perspective, our OV Thermogenic Stack contains 250 mg capsicum per tablet.

Caffeine

Caffeine (Caffeine Anhydrous) is a stimulant used by billions of people worldwide. Historians concluded that the first brewed tea was first consumed back in 2737BC¹¹. Tea, coffee and cacao plants contain caffeine. Caffeine can also be found in soft drinks, cocoa beverages, chocolate, energy drinks, yerba mate, and guarana¹².

Caffeine is absorbed quickly in the bloodstream. Caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and makes you feel fatigued¹³. One particular study found that a single-dose administration of 100 mg caffeine increased the BMR¹⁴. Other studies have found that every ingested milligram of caffeine burns an additional 0.1 calories during 24 hours, and that increasing caffeine consumption may help to prevent further weight gain^15,17. Caffeine supports weight maintenance through thermogenesis and fat oxidation. Taken regularly, caffeine reduces appetite and helps regulate body weight. Caffeine is also used to enhance exercise endurance¹⁶.

Green tea

Green tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. To produce the tea, the fresh leaves of the Camellia sinensis are lightly steamed. Green tea was first used 4,700 years ago in China¹⁸. 

The European Food Safety Authorities (EFSA) suggests that green tea is an antioxidant. Many scientists believe that the polyphenols in the composition of green tea, particularly the catechins and the amino acid, theanine, may influence the human body to protect the cells from cancer. Although all teas contain polyphenols, green tea contains higher amounts than most other teas. Green tea is currently used as a beverage or dietary supplement that helps improve mental focus, supports the digestive system, and promotes weight loss. According to a study conducted in 2009, green tea was shown to reduce adipose tissue mass and lower the levels of triglycerides as well as liver fat¹⁹. These effects were achieved through several processes, including thermogenesis in white adipose tissue.

Since green tea contains caffeine, it has been shown to have thermogenic properties and promote fat oxidation²⁰. During moderate exercise, green tea extract may increase fat oxidation, and improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in healthy adults²¹. Green tea also contains EGCGs (epigallocatechin gallate). EGCG is a unique plant compound that helps to reduce inflammation, aids weight loss and helps to prevent heart and brain damage.

Another study has shown that together, caffeine, green tea and capsicum are effective in long-term weight management²². 

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is also known as Pyridoxine. The water-soluble vitamin breaks down glycogen (carbohydrate) and protein molecules. 

According to one study, nutritional deficiencies are linked to weight gain. Supplementing with Vitamin B6 could help to maintain fat-free mass during weight loss periods²³. Vitamin B6 may also improve mood and reduce depression by creating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine²⁴. A 3-month study in over 60 pre-menopausal women identified that taking 50 mg of Vitamin B6 daily reduces PMS symptoms of depression, irritability, and tiredness by 69%²⁵.

Vitamin B6 naturally occurs in yeast, carrots, poultry, fish, eggs, spinach, green peas, sunflower seeds, walnuts, avocado, bananas, broccoli, brown rice, beans, cabbage, algae, potatoes, chickpeas, raisins, onions, sesame seeds and many other food sources²⁶.

Conclusion

From burning more calories while resting to increasing energy levels and fat oxidation, thermogenic products are a convenient option to lose weight. Thermogenic products are safe and easy to consume by healthy individuals²⁷. The natural ingredients contained in our OV Thermogenic Stack are specifically collaborated to naturally burn more calories. This can go a long way in burning unwanted body fat, making it easier to maintain the results.