How Do Topical Fat-Burning Creams Work?

Feel like you need a little extra help reaching your fitness goals? Fat-burning creams might be the ticket. 

We break down the science behind these supplements to help you decide whether they deserve a place in your workout routine. 

Key Takeaways

• The foundation of fat reduction is diet and exercise.
• Fat-burning creams may also help support fat loss.
• Certain ingredients, like capsaicin, have been shown to enhance body temperature and metabolism.
• Other ingredients may enhance circulation and provide a warming sensation.
• Research suggests these creams can smooth the appearance of cellulite and support slimming when used in conjunction with diet and exercise. 

See More: What Cardio Machine Burns the Most Calories?

The Science of Fat Reduction

Carriejune, founder of Minibeast, says:

"High-quality fat-burning creams are designed to support your body's natural fat-burning processes. They can be a great addition to diet and exercise."

Weight loss and body fat reduction might seem tricky. But it's actually pretty simple. 

Shedding excess body fat is based on a simple formula: calories in, calories out. If your body burns more calories than you eat, you should lose weight. If you consume more calories than your body burns, the result is usually weight gain.

Of course, that's easier said than done. And that formula doesn't necessarily account for overall body composition.

After all, you've likely noticed how different people seem to have different distributions of body fat. Two people might have the same total volume of excess fat, but still look very different.

In part, that's because there are actually different kinds of fat. Cellulite, for example, is a type of subcutaneous fat. While it's very common among women, few men develop it.

Fat-burning or slimming creams are widely used to target stubborn areas of excess fat. These creams can't burn fat by themselves. But when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, they may support weight and fat loss.

How to Lose Weight and Burn Fat

First, let's recap the core principles of weight loss. 

Fat doesn't just appear randomly. It plays many important roles in our body. In fact, fat is vital for overall health.

One of the most important roles of fat is as a long-term energy storage. Our bodies need energy, measured in calories, to stay alive. When we don't consume enough calories to meet our needs, our bodies use stored fat to make up the difference.

The opposite is also true. When we consume more calories than our bodies burn, that energy is converted into fat cells for storage. 

Fat might be important for general wellness, but too much fat can bring various downsides. We don't want too much fat, nor do we want too little.

Healthy Diet

The most important factor in gaining or losing fat is diet. As Minibeast founder Carriejune says, "Nutrition is everything." 

To achieve weight loss, experts recommend sticking to a calorie deficit. That means consuming fewer calories than your body burns. 

That deficit doesn't have to be massive. In fact, it's usually recommended to stick to a manageable deficit. Consistency is the most important thing for long-term results. 

It's also important to eat a balanced diet. Your diet should provide you with all the macros and nutrients your body needs, especially if you are exercising. 

Regular Exercise

Exercise is another important factor in burning fat. When we exercise, our bodies burn calories. Certain kinds of exercise can even prompt our bodies to convert fat into energy.

Bonus: What Is a Meal Plan And Why Does It Matter?

How Fat-Burning Creams Work

Diet and exercise may be foundations of losing weight and burning fat, but they aren't the only factors. Many people supplement their diet and exercise with supplements, like fat-burning creams.

Fat-burning and slimming creams work in a few different ways. Some contain ingredients that are believed to target fat itself. Others aim to increase blood circulation and promote sweating.

Fat-Burning Ingredients

Several ingredients are thought to help target fat.

Some ingredients are lipolytic. That means they may help break down fat cells into fatty acids, which are used for energy.

Others are thermogenic. That means they produce heat by burning those fatty acids.

One example is capsaicin. It's the compound responsible for the spicy heat you feel when eating certain peppers. Research suggests it has thermogenic properties, potentially stimulating metabolism and supporting fat burn.

When these ingredients are formulated into a topical cream, they may be able to target fat distributed near the surface. We already mentioned one example of that kind of fat: cellulite.

Multiple studies have found that fat-burning or slimming creams can target cellulite. 

For example, in one study, participants applied a slimming cream to only one leg. They also adjusted their diet. After four weeks, cellulite improved on both legs, but improvements were "significantly greater and earlier" on the leg where the cream was applied. 

Another study gave participants, all women, a topical cream or a placebo. 81% of those given the cream saw improvements to their cellulite compared with 32% of the placebo group.

In yet another study, participants applied a slimming cream to their thighs and upper arms twice per day for six weeks. At the end, the average circumference of participants' thighs had decreased by 1.7% and arms by 2.3%. 

Blood Flow

Some fat-burning creams contain ingredients that aim to enhance blood flow and provide a warming effect. This is done through vasodilation, which means widening blood vessels.

Research has linked circulation with weight loss. As we mentioned, when our bodies burn fat, they convert the fat into fatty acids. Those fatty acids need to be transported by the blood.

Poor circulation could interfere with that process. It may also lead to slower metabolism. 

Where to Get a High-Quality Fat-Burning Cream

Not all fat-burners are made equal. One great option is Minibeast's MB Heat. It's packed with science-backed ingredients.

For example, it has capsicum oleoresin, a chili pepper extract that contains capsaicin. That's blended with more than two dozen other ingredients. Vanillyl Butyl Ether provides a warming effect, fruit oils support detoxification, and citrus aurantium extract enhances metabolism.

This carefully crafted fat-burning cream pairs perfectly with a tailored workout program, like Minibeast's Tone and Tighten. It's what Minibeast founder Carriejune calls a "body recomp," containing everything you need to achieve your fat-burning, muscle-building results. 

On the diet side, check out Minibeast's Recipe Book for tailored meals and video demonstrations to help you nail the nutrition side of things. Alternatively, have Carriejune's nutritionists craft you a 100% Custom Meal Plan.

Conclusion

When combined with a healthy diet and physical activity, fat-burning creams may support fat reduction and smooth cellulite. Make sure to grab a cream with actual research-backed ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Lose 20 Pounds of Fat Quickly?

The best way to lose fat is through diet and exercise. Make sure you're in a calorie deficit, which means you consume fewer calories than your body burns.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule for Fat Loss?

The 3-3-3 rule is a simple framework that helps simplify the process of losing weight. It calls for eating three balanced meals per day, drinking three bottles of water before 3 pm, and engaging in at least three hours of physical activity per week.

What Melts Belly Fat the Best?

The best way to melt belly fat is through a balanced, calorie-deficient diet and exercise. High-intensity interval training and resistance training are both great options. Fat-burning creams, used in conjunction with diet and exercise, may also support stomach fat loss.

Keep Reading: When to Take Pre-Workout for Maximum Performance

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new diet, exercise program, supplement, or using any fitness equipment or apparel. By using this site and its products, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk. Use all products only as directed and discontinue use immediately if discomfort or adverse effects occur.