Maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way toward improving overall health. However, sometimes, losing weight is easier said than done. If a balanced diet and exercise aren’t working, you may want to consider adding a weight reduction supplement to your routine.
There’s a wide array of weight-loss supplements on the market. These products work in different ways but share the goal of helping users lose weight, potentially reducing the likelihood of obesity-related health risks. Many of these supplements offer other health benefits and can help boost energy, reduce fat mass, and support a healthy lifestyle. However, finding the best product for your needs can be challenging, so we're here to help you make that choice.
We reviewed and tested countless dietary supplements for weight loss. We analyzed product descriptions, read many reviews, and assessed our experiences. After all that, we selected six incredible products that we're confident will support weight management and assist you on your weight-loss journey. Read on to learn more about the best weight-loss supplements on the market and how to find the right one for your needs.
Summary of the Best Supplements for Weight Loss
- Best Overall: PhenQ
- Best for Men: Instant Knockout
- Most Energizing: Ozemra
- Best for Athletes: Capsiplex
- Best for Women: Trimtone
- Best for Craving Control: Phen24
Are Dietary Supplements Safe?
Not all weight-loss supplements are created equal, so it’s important to research to ensure the product you’re considering is safe before purchasing it. Here are some key indications that a specific weight-loss supplement is a safe choice:
- It doesn’t contain any FDA-banned ingredients such as ephedra or beta-methyl-phenylethylamine.
- It's made in an FDA-registered facility.
- It contains natural or familiar ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extract, or cayenne pepper extract.
- The manufacturer promises realistic results in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, not an overnight transformation.
Best Supplements for Weight Loss
1. Best Overall: PhenQ
Why we love it:
PhenQ, our top pick, is formulated with five fat-fighting ingredients to help boost metabolism, increase lean muscle mass, and crush cravings: Capsimax powder, chromium picolinate, caffeine, nopal cactus, and L-carnitine.
Capsimax powder contains capsaicinoids from hot peppers and supports your body's natural fat-burning abilities to reduce fat accumulation. Chromium picolinate helps curb sugar and carb cravings. Caffeine gives you an energy boost and helps fight fatigue. Nopal cactus is a high-fiber ingredient that helps you feel fuller. Lastly, L-carnitine fumarate, which is often found in green veggies, nuts, and red meat, helps your body convert stored fat into energy.
PhenQ is also formulated with a-Lacys Reset, an ingredient found in placebo-controlled studies to increase fat loss and muscle mass. In one study, people who took a-Lacys Reset experienced a 7.24% reduction in body fat and a 3.80% increase in muscle growth.
PhenQ receives many glowing reviews from customers who started taking this supplement after hitting a weight-loss plateau. They say it helps them lose weight and start shedding body fat again. Reviewers say they feel energized but not overly jittery when taking this weight-loss supplement. They report being less tempted to reach for snacks between meals and having an easier time controlling their meal portions.
Pros:
- Multiple fat-fighting ingredients
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Results are backed by placebo-controlled studies
- No prescription required
Cons:
- May interfere with sleep if taken too late in the day
Specs:
- Size: 60 pills per bottle
- Strength: 50 mg Capsimax powder, 10 mcg chromium picolinate, 108 mg caffeine, 20 mg nopal cactus, 150 mg L-carnitine, 25 mg a-Lacys Reset, and 1 mg copper sulfate per tablet
Save on PhenQ by signing up for the company's Subscribe & Save plan. Customers also enjoy additional discounts when purchasing bulk quantities.
2. Best for Men: Instant Knockout
Why we love it:
Men looking for a supplement to help them lose weight should consider Instant Knockout. Crafted with sustainable weight loss, this supplement receives rave reviews from weight lifters and athletes. Part of a complete weight-loss system, the Instant Knockout supplement is loaded with vitamins, including vitamin D, for nutritional balance.
It’s made with naturally-sourced, high-quality ingredients and is manufactured in an FDA- and cGMP-approved facility. It’s a great source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with protein, to help with muscle growth and repair. With 13 grams of fiber per serving, it supports healthy digestion and helps you feel full, so you're less likely to snack. An ample 35 mg of carbohydrates per serving gives you energy to power through workouts, and vitamins A and E support a healthy immune system.
This dietary supplement is vegan and vegetarian-friendly and designed to speed up weight loss. It contains glucomannan, a soluble fiber that helps you feel full. Cayenne pepper seeds help you burn calories and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Green tea extract and caffeine work together to elevate your metabolic rate while giving you energy to power through your day. Plus, this weight-loss supplement contains black pepper extract, L-theanine, and vitamins B6, B12, and D3.
MMA coach Greg Jackson highly recommends Instant Knockout. Customers who use it to reduce body weight and improve performance also give it glowing reviews. This supplement is suitable for both men and women.
Pros:
- High fiber content for appetite suppression
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Endorsed by MMA athletes
- Made in an FDA-approved facility
Cons:
- Works best with Instant Knockout Complete
Specs:
- Size: 120 capsules per jar
- Strength: 300 mg caffeine, 100 mg L-theanine, 100 mg cayenne pepper, 10 mg black pepper extract, 500 mg green tea extract, 1,800 mg glucomannan, 45 mcg vitamin D3, 5 mg vitamin B6, and 10 mcg vitamin B12 per 4-capsule serving
You can save by buying several months' worth of Instant Knockout at a time. Most orders qualify for free shipping.
Learn more about Instant Knockout today!
3. Most Energizing: Ozemra
Why we love it:
If you're looking for a weight-loss supplement to help you feel energized and empowered, we suggest trying Ozemra. This over-the-counter product is available without a prescription. It's designed to help you improve your physique, fight food cravings, improve your body's thermodynamic processes, and work with your natural metabolism to promote weight loss. It’s manufactured in a cGMP-certified and FDA-registered facility.
Ozemra gets great reviews from athletes who say it helps them power through tough workouts and see results faster. It's also a favorite among busy professionals seeking a product compatible with their on-the-go lifestyle. Customers say they notice a reduction in cravings after just one dose. After a few weeks on Ozemra, they notice that their habits around snacking and eating have changed for the better.
One of the key active ingredients in Ozemra is caffeine, known for speeding up numerous metabolic processes. This supplement also contains capsaicin, which can help you burn more body fat, including stubborn belly fat. Each serving also contains an ample 250 mg of glucomannan, which helps you feel full so you don't have the urge to snack. Vitamin B12, alpha-lipoic acid, chromium picolinate, and calcium round out the formula. Plus, since you only have to take it twice daily, this supplement can be easily integrated into a busy schedule.
Pros:
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Can help fight cravings and prevent overeating
- Made in an FDA-registered facility
- Only has to be taken twice a day
Cons:
- May make some users feel jittery
Specs:
- Size: 90 capsules per bottle
- Strength: 1,000 mcg folate, 100 mcg vitamin B12, 400 mcg chromium, 250 mg glucomannan, 200 mg L-carnitine, 100 mg alpha-lipoic acid, 100 mg caffeine, and 100 mg cayenne pepper per 2-capsule serving
Customers can save on Ozemra by purchasing multiple bottles at once.
Learn more about Ozemra today!
4. Best for Athletes: Capsiplex
Why we love it:
Capsiplex is an athlete-trusted weight-loss aid that comes in two forms: one for men (Burn by Capsiplex) and another for women (Trim by Capsiplex). This specialization means getting the most effective weight-loss support for your body's unique needs. These weight-loss supplements are designed to help you maintain normal glucose levels and avoid fatigue. They also help support a healthy metabolic rate, so you burn more calories, even at rest.
Burn is designed to help men's bodies attack fat, including belly fat, while preserving body muscle. It can ease cravings, making you less tempted to reach for snacks and cheat foods. Plus, it gives you more energy, making it easier to burn calories during workouts. Capsimax (cayenne pepper extract) is an active ingredient in this formula. The formula also contains InnoSlim, a patented blend of ginseng and astragalus that helps support fat burning. Tyrosine helps improve control and motivation, and arginine may help enhance blood flow to your muscles.
Like Burn, Trim contains Capsimax, caffeine, and InnoSlim. However, it also includes plenty of calcium, iron, and zinc to support women's needs. Zinc helps promote adequate muscle repair after hard workouts, and calcium is important for strong muscle contractions.
Both of these weight-loss dietary supplements are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making them suitable for various diets. They’re also made in a GMP-certified facility. Capsiplex recommends taking these dietary supplements on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before a workout.
Customers say Burn helps them see better results from their workouts and makes them feel more inspired and empowered to work out hard.
Trim receives rave reviews from women looking to shed a final 5 to 10 pounds. They say it helps them break free from weight-loss plateaus and start seeing results again. Some women say it helps them recover faster from hard workouts so they can hit the gym more often.
Pros:
- Separate formulas for men and women
- Vegan, soy-free, and dairy-free
- Energy for workouts
- Made in a cGMP-compliant facility
Cons:
- Not ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine
Specs:
- Size: 90 capsules (30-day supply) per bottle
- Strength: Burn – 16 mg vitamin B3, 1.7 mg vitamin B6, 2.67 mcg vitamin B12, 150 mcg iodine, 170 mcg chromium, 800 mg L-tyrosine, 500 mg L-arginine, 250 mg InnoSlim, 200 mg caffeine, 100 mg capsicum fruit extract, 76 mg green tea leaf extract, 20 mg black pepper fruit extract, and 4.5 mg green coffee bean extract per 3-capsule serving; Trim – 250 mg InnoSlim, 100 mg capsicum fruit extract, 200mg caffeine, 200 mg vitamin C, 10 mcg vitamin D, 1.4 mg vitamin B6, 333 mcg folate, 120 mg calcium, 14 mg iron, 150 mcg iodine, 10 mg zinc, and 40 mcg chromium per 3-capsule serving
You can save on Capsiplex by ordering multiple bottles at once. Most orders ship for free. Both Capsimax weight-loss supplements come with a 60-day guarantee.
Learn more about Capsiplex today!
5. Best for Women: Trimtone
Why we love it:
We were very impressed by the glowing reviews we saw for Trimtone, a natural weight-loss supplement designed specifically for women. Users who found other weight-loss supplements too energizing or ineffective report getting great results from Trimtone. Since it contains only 100% natural ingredients, you can have confidence in its safety. It's an appetite suppressant, metabolism booster, and fat burner—all in one product!
Some women report losing as much as 30 pounds in 5 months with the help of Trimtone. Many other reviewers say their cravings disappear on Trimtone, often after just the first dose. They also report feeling balanced and motivated throughout the day. This positive mindset helps them stick to their workout and dietary goals.
Another advantage of Trimtone is that it only needs to be taken once a day before breakfast, making it a perfect choice for busy moms and professionals alike. The primary active ingredients are all things you're probably familiar with: grains of paradise, green tea, green coffee bean extract, caffeine, and glucomannan.
Trimtone is made in the U.S. in a GMP-certified facility. It’s unlikely to cause side effects, and each dose contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Most reviewers feel this is enough to help boost their metabolism and speed up weight loss without making them feel jittery or on edge.
Pros:
- Convenient one-a-day dose
- Can help burn fat
- Formulated specifically for women
- Made in a GMP-certified facility
Cons:
- Not appropriate for vegetarians or vegans
Specs:
- Size: 30 capsules per bottle
- Strength: 120 mg caffeine, 100 mg green coffee, 100 mg green tea, 100 mg glucomannan, and 40 mg grains of paradise per one-capsule serving
Sign up for Trimtone’s Subscribe & Save program to save on the brand. The company also offers deals when you buy multiple bottles at once, and most orders ship for free.
Learn more about Trimtone today!
6. Best for Craving Control: Phen24
Why we love it:
Are cravings thwarting your weight-loss efforts? If so, we suggest trying Phen24, a system of dietary supplements designed to support weight loss day and night. The Day formula helps your body burn body fat, including belly fat, and stay energized while also banishing hunger. The Night formula boosts your mood and supports fat-burning while helping you fight cravings. Customers say they’re far less likely to reach for a bag of chips or other late-night snacks when they take Phen24. They also report giving in to cravings far less often during the day.
Phen24 dietary supplements are made with 100% natural ingredients and are available without a prescription. The Day formula contains L-phenylalanine, an amino acid that supports healthy dopamine levels to help promote a positive mood. It also contains guarana to help fight obesity and cayenne pepper, which promotes fat burning. The Day formula even contains ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, an herb that helps reduce cortisol levels to prevent the storage of excess fat.
The Night formula contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps promote fat burning while also reducing your urge to stress eat. It also contains Griffonia—black seeds that help you feel satisfied after eating. This formula is high in choline bitartrate, which has been proven to reduce leptin levels and help users feel less hungry. Finally, you get the benefits of L-arginine, an amino acid that supports healthy carbohydrate metabolism.
Customers say they feel incredible when taking Phen24. This positive attitude and mindset makes weight loss less of a chore, ultimately making their efforts more successful. Customers appreciate only having to take each formula once a day.
Phen24's results build over time. Most people report feeling better and looking slimmer after about three months. These weight-loss dietary supplements come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Specialized formulas for day and night
- Can help curb cravings
- Backed by a 60-day guarantee
- Each formula only needs to be taken once per day
Cons:
- Not appropriate for people with an autoimmune condition
Specs:
- Size: Day – 30 capsules per bottle; Night – 60 capsules per bottle
- Strength: Day – 15 mg zinc, 2 mg manganese, 1 mg copper, 150 mcg iodine, 150 mg caffeine, 100 mg guarana extract, 70 mg L-phenylalanine, 20 mg cayenne powder per 1-capsule serving; Night – 80 mg ascorbic acid, 10 mg calcium, 5 mg pyridoxine, 4mg thiamine, 120 mcg chromium, 120 mcg D-biotin, 100 mcg molybdenum, 1,000 mg glucomannan, 52 mg Griffonia extract, 40 mg choline bitartrate, 40 mg green tea extract, and 25 mg hops extract per 2-capsule serving
You can save on Phen24 by buying multiple bottles at once. Most orders ship for free.
Learn more about Phen24 today!
How We Picked the Best Supplements for Weight Loss
We evaluated every supplement on our list according to the following criteria and only featured the top contenders in this article:
Ingredient Quality and Safety
First, we examined each product’s active ingredients closely to ensure they were generally safe and backed by scientific evidence of their efficacy as weight-loss aids. We also ensured the ingredients were well-sourced and of high quality.
We eliminated products made with questionable ingredients, such as conjugated linoleic acid. While animal studies indicate that this ingredient is an effective weight-loss aid, there aren’t enough human studies, either from the Office of Dietary Supplements or other reputable scientific sources—backing its efficacy and safety. As such, we avoided products formulated with conjugated linoleic acid and those containing ingredients known to produce unwanted effects.
Effects
We relied on reviews to analyze the effectiveness of each of these weight-loss supplements. We read reviews from customers of various ages, genders, and backgrounds to get a full sense of how each works. We prioritized products with reviews from buyers who reported more significant weight loss than before they started taking weight management supplements.
Company Reputation
The best supplement companies stay around for a long time because their products work. So, we tried to choose dietary supplements from brands with long, positive histories in the industry. We also preferred companies with solid guarantees and good shipping policies.
Ease of Use
We avoided products that required complicated dosing schedules and liquid weight-loss supplements that we felt might be hard to take. All of the supplements featured here are easy to take. Most are simply capsules or pills that you can swallow with a glass of water.
How To Find the Best Weight-Loss Supplements for You
If you’re looking for a supplement to help you on your weight-loss journey, here are some important factors to consider as you compare your options:
Primary Effects
Different people have different needs when it comes to weight-loss support. For example, some people may primarily need help controlling their appetite and curbing cravings. Other people may want more energy to get through workouts without fatigue.
Look for a weight-loss supplement with primary benefits that align with your needs. If you're active but keep giving in to cravings and overeating, look for a weight-loss supplement that offers appetite suppression.
Maybe you've been working out like crazy but still can’t seem to lose weight. In that case, you may prefer dietary supplements designed to help burn fat and decrease fat absorption.
Read reviews written by customers with needs similar to your own to get a better sense of each supplement's effects and how they compare.
Dosing Schedule
For dietary supplements to work, you must remember to take them. Look at the recommended dosing schedule for each weight-loss supplement to ensure it’s realistic for your lifestyle and schedule.
If you’re super busy throughout the day, then a supplement you only take once in the morning is ideal. On the other hand, if you have free time during the day, then a supplement with three daily doses may be more suitable. Also, pay attention to whether the supplement is intended for food. If the supplement needs to be taken with food, ensure you can eat a meal or a snack at your dosing time(s).
Active Ingredients
There are so many different ingredients found in various weight-loss dietary supplements. Take the time to read about each ingredient in the supplements you're considering. Make sure the ingredients' effects align with your needs.
The following are some of the most common ingredients in safe and natural supplements for weight loss.
Caffeine
Caffeine is commonly used to enhance energy and focus, but many people aren’t aware that it also has potential weight-loss benefits. Studies have found that caffeine can increase metabolic rate, making it an effective fat burner. In addition to supporting fat loss, caffeine can also help give you energy to work out harder or more often, which can promote weight loss and help you shed body fat.
Many non-prescription weight-loss pills contain caffeine as an active ingredient, and they tend to be safe. However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to avoid weight-loss supplements that contain it.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract is a liquid extract that contains all of the active ingredients and compounds found in green tea leaves. This substance contains some caffeine, but it also contains a few other compounds that can support weight loss, such as:
- EGCG, an antioxidant that may help enhance the breakdown of fat for increased fat loss
- Catechins, which can support visceral fat loss
- Antioxidants, which support workout recovery so you can work out harder and more often
Capsaicin or Cayenne Pepper
Capsaicin is the compound that makes hot peppers hot. It also helps raise the metabolism and speed up weight loss. Some weight-loss supplements contain capsaicin or capsaicin extract. Others contain ground cayenne pepper. These ingredients are quite safe; most people already have cayenne pepper in their spice cabinet.
Black Pepper Extract
Black pepper and black pepper extract can also help raise your metabolism, allowing you to torch more fat, even when resting. The main active ingredient in black pepper is piperine. Studies have found that it helps regulate blood lipid and cholesterol levels in rats, and it’s believed to have similar effects in humans.
Glucomannan
Do you struggle with overeating? If so, look for a weight-loss supplement containing glucomannan. This substance is a type of soluble fiber. It holds onto a lot of liquid when in your digestive tract. As such, it makes you feel quite full, so you won’t feel as tempted to snack or overeat.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many weight-loss dietary supplements. It aids in promoting fat loss by preventing storage of excess fat, especially in the abdominal area. As such, it can help shed stubborn belly fat.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports bone strength, which can increase your exercise capacity. As a result, it can boost fat loss and improve overall health.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid. It occurs naturally in foods like tea and mushrooms. People often find that taking L-theanine helps them feel more motivated and positive. As such, it can help you stay focused when striving to lose body weight. L-theanine can also help you get better sleep, and people often have an easier time sticking to their weight-loss goals and avoiding weight gain when they’re well-rested.
Benefits of Using Weight-Loss Supplements
The main benefit of taking weight management supplements is, of course, a reduction in body weight. However, this goal is achieved in several ways. Here are a few more specific, primary benefits of weight-loss supplements that can help you shed pounds and maintain a healthy lifestyle over time:
Appetite Control
You can understand all of the ins and outs of eating in a way that promotes weight loss, but if you can't control your appetite, you may struggle to lose weight or experience unintentional weight gain. Many weight-loss pills are designed to suppress your appetite and help reduce your food intake. Sticking to a reduced-calorie diet and losing body weight when you're not always hungry is easier.
Appetite suppressants can also improve overall health by lowering dietary fat intake and helping you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. A high-nutrient, balanced diet can also help you achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index.
Increased Energy
To lose weight, you have to eat fewer calories than you burn. This can cause you to feel tired and lethargic. Many weight-loss supplements work, at least in part, by increasing your energy metabolism. This increase in energy can help you stay more active, which in turn helps promote more weight loss.
Faster Results
Do you feel like it's taking you forever to lose weight? If you want to lose weight faster, a weight-loss supplement can help you see results in less time. These are not miracle pills and won't cause you to drop 20 pounds overnight. (Even if they did, rapid weight loss isn’t healthy!) However, they can modestly accelerate the rate at which you lose body weight when combined with a balanced diet and physical activity.
Fat Burning
When you're trying to reduce your body weight, you usually want to lose fat, not muscle. Weight-loss supplements are often designed to support fat metabolism to burn fat while preserving lean muscle mass. In most cases, supplements best promote weight loss when paired with a good workout routine and a healthy diet. Incorporating a fat-burning weight-loss dietary supplement into your wellness routine can help you eliminate belly fat and shrink fat cells.
Potential Side Effects of Using Weight-Loss Supplements Supplements
Most people react well to natural weight management supplements like the ones recommended in this article. However, the following side effects may occur for some users:
Anxiety
Weight-loss supplements containing caffeine can make some people feel jittery. If this happens, try reducing caffeine intake from other sources, such as coffee, when taking weight-loss supplements. You can also take a smaller dose. If these measures don’t work, look for a supplement without caffeine.
Nausea
Weight-loss pills that contain a lot of green tea extract or high-fiber ingredients like glucomannan can sometimes make users feel nauseous, especially if taken on an empty stomach. If this happens to you, try taking your supplement with a snack unless the label recommends otherwise.
Sleeplessness
Some people have trouble sleeping, especially when adjusting to a new weight-loss supplement. This is most common with caffeine, green tea, or coffee bean extract supplements. You can avoid this side effect by taking only weight-loss supplements in the morning.
FAQ
How many weight-loss supplements should I take?
If you want to lose body weight, it's best to stick with just one weight-loss supplement. Many weight-loss supplements contain the same or similar active ingredients. If you take more than one supplement at a time, you may end up consuming an unsafe amount of these ingredients, which can lead to an increased risk of side effects like high blood pressure and anxiety.
It’s sometimes okay to pair a weight-loss supplement with other supplements designed to improve overall health. For example, people often take these supplements alongside supplements for gut health or supplements for high blood pressure. However, it's still wise to check with your doctor to ensure it's safe to take your chosen supplements together.
Can I take weight-loss supplements with other medications?
In most cases, you should be able to take weight-loss supplements alongside other prescription medications and over-the-counter medications. However, there are some exceptions to this guideline. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider to determine whether you can safely take weight-loss pills with medications.
Can I take weight-loss supplements in place of other medications?
Weight-loss supplements can be a safer, more natural alternative to other weight-loss and anti-obesity medications. However, they shouldn’t be considered a substitute for medications prescribed for specific medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. If your doctor has recommended you take a certain medication, don’t stop without consulting the prescribing physician.
Conclusion
If you're struggling to lose weight, adding a weight-loss supplement can help. Plenty of safe, natural supplements can help boost your metabolism, curb cravings, and promote a healthy body weight. While the products featured above can help you on your weight-loss journey, it’s important to remember that they’re not miracle pills. You’ll also have to exercise and eat a nutritious diet to achieve and maintain weight loss. If you’re at a weight-loss standstill, incorporating one of these supplements may be just what you need to start losing again. We hope you found this article informative and that it helps you find a supplement that suits your weight management needs. Before long, you'll be looking like a whole new you!
