It is a common occurrence among people who are overweight or obese to have very low levels of energy. Some people say that the sluggishness that one experiences when he or she is overweight is the fact that excess weight means more burden for the body to carry. And that would obviously slow things down a lot.

One way to increase a person's energy level is to increase the body's thermogenesis or ability to burn calories. Simply stated, the more calories are burned by the body, the lesser amounts of fat will be stored and chances of having excess weight will be significantly reduced. But sadly, thermogenesis tends to be slower in people who are overweight or obese.

Hence, boosting energy levels in people who are fat requires, first and foremost, losing weight. A product called Phenocal claims to help in reducing unwanted weight and boosting one's energy levels. Not that people who want to attain their ideal weights need another product to add to the already saturated weight management product lines, but taking a look at the components of Phenocal, made by Pharmaxa Labs, show that it includes substances that may just work on reducing weight and increasing the body's energy.

The numerous testimonies claiming that Phenocal can effect weight loss and raise energy may have been the direct results of two important plant-based extracts, namely: Hoodia Gardonii and Garcinia Cambogia.

Hoodia Gardonii

For thousands of years, the southern parts of Africa is home to bushmen who often go on hunting trips that last for several days, even weeks. And during those trips, they consume mouthfuls of Hoodia Gardonii, a local plant, to overcome the feeling of hunger and to increase their energy levels. This plant enables the bushmen to go about for days without full meals and yet they remain tough and strong for the hunt.

Hoodia Gardonii is very similar to cactuses in that it can be mainly found in the dessert; in fact, it is often referred to as the African Hoodia Cactus. This plant can grow up to six feet in height. Commercially, it has become an important ingredient in weight management products.

The most valued substance found in Hoodia Gardonii is P57. This substance can help people who are overweight or obese to lose weight by cutting back the appetite. In a study, obese people who were given P57 extract from the plant were able to reduce their caloric intake by up to 1,000 calories without harmful aftereffects.

As to energy source, Hoodia Gardonii has been found to possess a certain molecule that is at least 10,000 times more convertible than glucose, which is one of the main energy supplies of the body. This molecule goes directly to the hypothalamus and fires up nerve cells to make you feel more active. With Hoodia Gardonii as its main ingredient, Phenocal can help in both reducing weight and increasing energy levels.

Garcinia Cambogia

This plant is endemic in India and other parts of Asia. The fruit of Garcinia Cambogia looks very much like a scaled-down pumpkin. And the fruit extracts and rind are a source for substances that are used as chief ingredients for products that suppress the appetite and increase energy levels.

Garcinia Cambogia contains copious amounts of hydroxycitric acid. This substance can hinder citrate lyase, which is an enzyme that can turn carbohydrates to fat. By clamping down this enzyme, hydrocitric acid helps in burning carbohydrates and boosting energy levels. The production of glycogen can also be boosted by this substance; and that could mean suppressed appetite and additional energy source.

With these two extracts, Phenocal does not just act on excess weight; it also allows the body to have more energy. It may well be considered a win-win solution for anyone struggling with weight and stamina problems.