I'm a 16 year old girl. I weigh 110lbs. and am 5'. I used to weigh barely 90lbs. but due to depression last year I wound up gaining weight. I have my eating back on track but my weight holds at 110.
What do you reccomend calorie-wise for me to eat?
I also do karate and fencing. I have a weight bench and weights at home but don't use them. Is it safe for me to take a fat-burner like Hydroxycut or Citrimax? I'm not too concerned with the actual scale number, I'd mostly like to get rid of the fat and gain muscle, perhaps look a little "cut".

It is always tough to say how many calories a person should eat. Everyone is so different and your activity levels can change from day to day. The standard thing to say is to not let your calorie level drop below 1,500 calories per day. But, since you are doing karate and fencing you probably should not let your calories go below 1,800 per day. With 2,500 probably being much healthier for you!

I wouldn't mess around with Hydroxycut. It is a pretty powerful stimulant. The Citrimax would be much better. Here are a couple of responses I've written to people concerning these two products.

Reponses:
Here is some info on Citrimax (HCA).....
Common name: CitriMax
Generic name: Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)
Also known as: Garcinia Camogia
What It Is: A form of CITRIC ACID derived from the fruit of the Garcinia plant and other tropical fruits.

What It Does: Inhibits the formation of FAT cells, curb's appetite, prompts muscles to burn fat as fuel and lowers CHOLESTEROL levels. Some studies have been inconclusive while others have supported these claims. I have spoken to many people who have found Citrimax to be very effective as it seems to have been with you! While I never like to recommend a "pill" for weight loss, if you exercise and follow a healthy diet I think this supplement can enhance your efforts to reduce your bodyfat levels. Also, it has been used for centuries by people in southern India with no known side effects.

Interactions: None known. Some researchers have suggested that L-CARNITINE and CHROMIUM may enhance HCA's (Citrimax) fat-burning effect.

Use: HCA (Citrimax) should be taken 30 to 45 minutes before meals to be effective, although it can remain active for several hours afterward. Trials also show that HCA is 700% more effective when taken two to three times per day than when taken only once.

More info:
This rare substance is derived from the dried rind of Garcinia Cambogia, a native fruit-bearing plant of Southeastern Asia. Also known as "Malabar Tamaring" or "Goraka," the Garcinia Cambogia rind has been used for centuries throughout Southeastern Asia as a flavoring ingredient for curries and condiments, a food preservative, and a digestive aid. Resembling a small yellow to reddish pumpkin, the rind is dried and extracted (without the use of harmful solvents) to produce HCA (Citrimax).

CitriMax plus ChromeMate is a new herbal extract rich in (-) hydroxycitric acid, and ChromeMate, a high-potency niacin-bound chromium ingredient. CitriMax is derived form the dried pericarp (rind) of Garcinia cambogia. Independent laboratory analysis using the highly accurate HPLC method shows that CitriMax contains the highest concentrations of (-) hydroxycitric acid (HCA) available as a dietary supplement. SUGGESTED USE: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule three times per day, preferably one-half hour before meals. One capsule Provides:

* Chromium (Polynicotinate)*...100 mg
* (-) Hydroxycitric Acid**..........250 mg

*ChromeMate brand of niacin-bound chromium polynicotinate (U.S. Patents 4,923,855, 4,954,492 and 5,194,615). **CitriMax brand of (-) hydroxycitric acid from 500 mgs of standardized Garcinia cambogia extract. CitriMax and ChromeMate are trademarks of Inter-Health Co.

Info on Fat Burners:
Fat burners, especially the ones that use combinations of stimulants, whether they are synthetic or herbal, do work. However, they are not something that you should stay on for more than 8 weeks at a time. I prefer to cycle them with a 2 week on, 2 week off schedule.

While I don't like to recommend a pill for losing weight, these will help to give you a boost. But, remember, they are not something that you should be taking all the time!

Stay focused on eating quality foods and training hard for the best results in losing body fat. Of the two products you mention I only have experience with the Hydroxycut. I know of many people who have responded very well with this product when combined with a good exercise program and a quality diet. Give it a shot but remember to cycle it like I mention above!