Fat blockers are a more recent development than appetite suppressant. They are the diet industry’s answer to the problem with Fenfluramine, Phentermine and other substances that can sometimes have unwanted side effects such as heart valve damage.
Most fat blockers are based on Chitosan, a substance derived bizarrely from the exoskeletons of shellfish. It is broadly similar to dietary fiber.
How Do Fat Blockers Work
Fat blockers work by binding to the fats in your digestive system and creating a combined substance large enough that it will not travel through the walls of your gut into the bloodstream. When taking a fat blocker, only minimal amounts of fat pass from your digestive tract. The beauty of these drugs is that the user does not need to cut fatty foods or carbs from their diet.
When passing through the digestive system, fat blockers can absorb 6 to 10 times their own weight of fats. Once attached to the fat, the blockers simply pass through your system and take the excess fats with them.
Fat Blocker Products
Both prescription and non-prescription fat blockers are found on the market. I list below the names of a few of the most popular brands. Xenical is the major prescription drug, but there are plenty of non-prescription pills to be found.
- Trimspa
- Xenical
- Chitosan Plus
- Cortipren
- NV
- Cortislim
- Zantrex
Fat Blocker Dangers
Fat blockers tend to have fewer and less serious side effects than appetite suppressants. You should still be on guard however, as even taking fat blockers can have some unwanted consequences.
Because of the way that fat blockers work in your digestive tract, they can sometimes cause cramping, diarrhoea and gas. This tends to pass the longer you take the pill, as your system becomes better adjusted it. It is also important to take multivitamins with a fat blocker, as some nutrients get pulled out of your bosy with the fat. Vitamins A, D, E, F and K are particularly prone to this, so be sure that your supplement contains each of these.