Fen-phen was an ingredient that was commonly found in nearly all diet pills in the 1990’s. Many diet pills were believed to have been successful for the millions of American dieters who were searching to stifle their appetites. Ephederine is also a successful ingredient in diet pills. Ephedrine allows the release of stored fat from various places in the body and releases it into the bloodstream.

The fat in the bloodstream can then be utilized by the cells in the muscle tissue for energy, or fuel, or can be eliminated. This sounds like the answer in a nice, tidy package. However the release of adrenaline that is also caused by ephedrine, is the response to our fight or flight instinct. This release is intended for circumstances of life or death. In a normal situation, the body is over stimulated and fidgety. Studies also show it can wear out the adrenal glands.

Soon after the weight loss miracles made these ingredients popular, doctors began noticing previously healthy patients developing hear problems. Some of these problems were potentially fatal. Fen-phen was found to be linked to hear problems. Ephedra was banned by the FDA due to heart failure and potential for strokes. So, the fat burner really works, but the hope is that after the fat is lost, the dieter is still healthy and has not developed other problems.