Burner Balm’s ‘fat-burning energy lip balm’ is now available to buy online in the UK.

A new lip balm made by US-based Burner Balm is now available to buy online in the UK, described as a “fat-burning energy lip balm”.

The company claims that the ingredients in the balms – soy oils, Hoodia extract, green tea extract, Chromium Picolinate and natural caffeine – are absorbed through the lips into the bloodstream and act as energy suppressants, while also increasing energy and metabolism.

The lips contain many blood vessels and are therefore, according to the company, a quicker way of absorbing the ingredients than taking a pill.

Doctor Allan Kurtz is quoted on the Burner Balm website as saying the balms “…can be absorbed directly into the body’s circulation system, resulting in increased energy, appetite control, weight loss and overall wellness.” He recommends using the lip balm four to six times a day.

The lip balms have been developed by a doctor, however according to the American news show CBS, have not received FDA approval.

The team at BBC’s Newsbeat programme compiled a report about the balms. They spoke with Tam Fry from the National Obesity Forum in London, who said: “My main concern is young women because they’re easily influenced by their peers.

“You would have to put this on your lips every minute of the day to get enough to have any effect whatsoever.”

All UK health organisations agree that the best way to lose weight is through a healthy diet and exercise. It is also advisable to consult with your GP before embarking on any such regime, particularly if you are considerably overweight.

For advice and support if you want to lose weight, visit the National Obesity Forum’s website or the NHS Direct site.