GNC Burn 60: Risks, Side Effects & Safety Concerns

GNC Burn 60 is a thermogenic weight loss product touted to help raise metabolism, burn calories and boost energy level. Manufactured and sold by GNC, a U.S. chain of vitamins and supplements, the product--which comes in tablet form--is packed with caffeine, which can increase calorie-burning potential when coupled with a healthy diet and exercise routine. However, ingesting a lot of caffeine can result in a variety of side effects that are detrimental to the user's health.

Mental Overstimulation

• Because GNC Burn 60 contains a high dosage of stimulants--including extracts of both guarana and black tea leaves--users are at risk for anxiety, nervousness, restlessness and irritability. Caffeine can also trigger panic attacks in people who are prone to them.

Dehydration

• When taking GNC Burn 60 in conjunction with exercise, users have reported sweating more than they normally do while exercising, which may mean that the weight loss the manufacturers claim the product can achieve may result from a loss of water weight rather than loss of fat. Excess caffeine consumption and excess sweating both lead to dehydration.

Side Effects

• Users of GNC Burn 60 have reported side effects like nausea, headaches and tremors that are associated with high levels of caffeine use. Heavy caffeine use--ingesting 500 to 600 milligrams or more of caffeine per day--has also been associated with insomnia and a fast or irregular heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic.