Does Forskolin Burn Fat?
We all know that the keys to losing weight are a proper diet and regular exercise. Recently, however, there has been an explosion in the popularity of supplements that are supposed to aid in weight loss.
One of the more popular options in recent times is Forskolin. It has been marketed as a way to enhance your diet and exercise to help burn those extra pounds.
We wanted to put this product to the test, and that’s exactly what we did. Below we will get into the science around this natural supplement and see if it lives up to the hype.
A Bit About Forskolin and its Popularity in the Diet Realm
Forskolin gained popularity after it was first introduced on the Dr. Oz show in 2014. Since then, many people have decided to use it as a part of their weight loss routine. It’s been referred to as lightning in a bottle and even as a miracle flower. There have been assertions that forskolin can help you lose up to ten pounds in only one week without exercise or calorie restrictions. With those types of statements, it’s no wonder why many are using forskolin as a part of their weight loss programs.
Studies Conducted to Determine Forskolin’s Weight Loss Effects
According to Healthline, forskolin does stimulate the release of stored fat that comes from fat cells. However, whether or not this is enough to promote successful weight loss is still up for debate. Healthline further mentions that a calorie deficit, along with the use of forskolin, would be required for to achieve successful weight loss. What they mean by a calorie deficit is to burn off more calories than are consumed in a day.
We could only find two reputable studies conducted which explore the use of forskolin and weight loss.
The first study was conducted in 2005. This study focused on a combination of thirty overweight and obese men. It was carried out by the University of Kansas. The study lasted twelve weeks. In the study, each man took either a placebo or 250 milligrams of a 10 percent forskolin extract twice a day.
In the second study conducted by Baylor University, twenty-three mildly overweight women were given the same dosage over a twelve-week period as well. This study has been published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. If you read through the review, it suggests that forskolin (or what they refer to as CF) does not appear to promote weight loss, but can help to mitigate weight gain.
According to the study, the twenty-three overweight females involved did not have any clinically significant side effects.
The Verdict
Overall, both studies suggest that forskolin doesn’t promote weight loss, but it does have the capability to prevent weight gain.
In the study conducted by the University of Kansas, it was found that forskolin can have a positive impact on body composition. This included a decrease in body fat percentage and fat mass. Strangely enough, it appears that the twenty-three men who were included in this study also saw an increase in testosterone, which hopefully is not the case for women who choose to take the supplement. This was indicated by their blood levels. Although there was an impact on body composition, none of the participants noticed any actual weight loss over the twelve-week period.
In the second study which included female participants, there was no actual difference in body composition. It was also stated that there was no change in metabolic rate or blood lipids. However, something very notable to consider is that the participants did report they experienced less fatigue, hunger, and a sensation of fullness. Less fatigue can assist with an increase in physical activity – such as working out – and less hunger can positively impact food consumption.
So, Does Forskolin Work for Belly Fat?
If you’re like many people out there, trimming your belly fat is an ideal scenario. However, relying on forskolin alone will not be a successful solution, based on the studies mentioned above. Forskolin can absolutely be used to promote higher energy levels and to help you feel fuller. However, it’s a good idea to take forskolin while working out and utilizing a properly planned diet.
For the best results, talk to your doctor or nutritionist. Forskolin isn’t a miracle pill that will help you lose weight with no additional effort. Working out, in conjunction with a diet tailored to your particular needs, is your best bet to burn that stubborn belly fat.
For more information on Forskolin visit supplementinvestigator.com and get the full run-down on the latest weight loss supplements and fat burners.