‘brake’. Combining ECA with yohimbe is similar to pressing on the accelerator while releasing
the brake at the same time which should enhance fat loss. While this may occur, the combination
of ECA and yohimbe can cause profoundly negative effects on heart rate and blood pressure.
Therefore the combination of ECA and yohimbe is not recommended.
Section 4: Appetite suppressants
A second class of potential fat loss aids are appetite suppressants. In general, these types
of supplements are probably not needed on a ketogenic diet as the diet tends to blunt appetite in
and of itself. However for those individuals who find themselves hungry on a ketogenic diet,
appetite suppressants may be useful.
The ECA stack and yohimbe
The ECA stack is quite potent as an appetite suppressant in and of itself, especially when
it is first used (9). Typically any anorectic effects of ECA go away within a few weeks of use.
However, animal research suggests that combining ECA with the amino acid L-tyrosine may
maintain the appetite blunting effect of ECA for longer periods of time (22). Individuals who find
it hard to control their hunger on a ketogenic diet, may want to consider this combination.
Yohimbe may also suppress appetite (2).
Fiber supplements
Although fiber has already been discussed within the context of regularity, it can also be
used to suppress appetite on a diet. Fiber has many effects in the body, one of which is to slow
digestion and gastric emptying (how quickly food exits the stomach). This would be expected to
increase fullness, decreasing food intake. There are various types of fiber supplements available
from basic psyllium husk fibers to substances like guar gum. No one fiber supplement appears
to be superior to any other and most likely a combination of different types of fibers is optimal for
health. Dieters should ensure that their fiber supplement is sugar free and does not contain any
hidden carbohydrates that might affect ketosis.
Section 5: Other ‘fat burners’
At any given time, there are any number of ‘fat burners’ being marketed to dieters. In
almost all cases, these supplements are based on hype rather than science. The only two which
are discussed here are the amino acid L-carnitine and pyruvate.