6 Best Weight Loss Supplements For Men: 2024 Update (2024)

Table of Contents

PhenQ

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• Good Manufacturing Practices or GMP-certified facility.
• Active ingredients with some background in clinical research.
• Natural ingredients.

• May cause sleep disruption.
• Price: $70 per month.
• Contains a proprietary blend.

PhenQ has several B vitamins, copper, iodine, and chromium,^[2] which may help avoid nutritional deficiencies. Carnitine^[3] is included due to its role in oxidizing fatty acids and promoting healthy metabolism. This means it may help burn fat.

PhenQ also contains alpha-Lacy’s Reset, a combination of alpha-lipoic acid^[4] and L-cysteine,^[5] along with Capsimax, nopal cactus, and piperine. There is also a proprietary blend of Panax ginseng^[6] and Astralagus membranaceous.^[7] Most of these ingredients have been linked to weight loss.

However, proprietary blends make it difficult to predict whether results might be replicated. Dosing matters, and proprietary blends do not provide the doses of individual ingredients.

Studies have not addressed using all of these ingredients together, so it’s difficult to predict whether there is an additive effect for weight loss — or side effects. Each ingredient has been tested and considered safe, and many users provide positive feedback. The included amount of caffeine appears to have varied over time, so you might want to check the amount of caffeine before buying.

Instant Knockout Cut

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• GMP-certified manufacturing.
• Natural ingredients.
• Vegan-friendly.

• Price: $65 per month.
• Potential sleep disruption.

For those dreaming of a supplement provided in the shape of a clenched fist, Instant Knockout Cut delivers. Similar to other weight loss supplements, it includes vitamins and fat burners intended for metabolic support. These ingredients include:

• Vitamin D3.
• Vitamin B6.
• Vitamin B12.
• Glucomannan.
• Green tea extract, 45% epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG.
• Caffeine 300 mg.
• L-theanine.
• Cayenne powder.
• Black pepper extract.

The inactive ingredients are simple, natural, and unlikely to cause concerns like allergies.

A primary ingredient is green tea extract,^[8] which provides a primary active catechin called EGCG. An average weight loss of about 1.1 kg or 2.4 pounds has been associated with a daily dose of 856.8 mg of EGCG. For context, the dose provided by Instant Knockout Cut is 225 mg, calculated by weight, so results may vary.

Green tea extract^[9] does carry a risk of liver damage, so consulting your doctor before using it is advised.

Energy-boosting effects are provided by B vitamins^[10] and a relatively high dose of 300 mg of caffeine. For reference, this would be similar to drinking about three small cups of coffee.

This is a significant amount of caffeine that should be considered along with other sources in your daily routine. As such, taking this supplement before working out in the morning is recommended.
L-theanine^[11] is an amino acid. Many individuals consider a protein powder supplement as a more comprehensive source for including all essential amino acids.

PrimeShred

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• GMP-certified manufacturing.
• Natural ingredients.
• Vegan-friendly.

• Only available from the company website.
• Potential sleep disruption.

PrimeShred has a fairly significant amount of ingredient overlap with Instant Knockout Cut. The ingredients in PrimeShred include:

• Vitamin B6.
• Vitamin B12.
• Green tea leaf.
• L-theanine.
• Caffeine, 225 mg.
• Cayenne pepper extract.
• Black pepper extract.

The green tea^[8] component is dosed similarly, so its potential to aid in significant weight loss is about equal. The caffeine content is reduced but still significant at 225 mg. This is another pre-workout supplement best taken in the morning to minimize sleep disruption.

The unique ingredients include:

• Vitamin B3.
• L-tyrosine.
• Rhodiola rosea root.
• Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMAE.

There’s some evidence from animal studies that Rhodiola^[12] may help preserve muscle mass and support the breakdown of fats.^[13] Further research would be helpful to shed more light on these findings.

The ingredients are natural and unlikely to cause concerns related to common allergies. The manufacturer places a high priority on label transparency and providing products that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Burn Lab Pro

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• GMP-certified manufacturing.
• Third-party testing.
• Natural ingredients.
• Vegan-friendly.

• No additional vitamins.

The manufacturers of Burn Lab Pro focus on manufacturing quality and reliability. Submissions for third-party testing provide further evidence of this. It’s also worth noting that Burn Lab Pro is stimulant-free.

The active ingredients include:

• Chromium.
• Calcium.
• Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate, or HMB.
• ForsLean, or Coleus forskohlii.
• Cayenne pepper extract.
• Black pepper extract.

Chromium^[2] has been associated with modest weight loss and improvements in body fat percentage. HMB^[14] has been studied for its potential ability to promote muscle mass and enhance exercise performance. HMB was found to have no additional benefits for body composition compared with exercise alone.

Coleus forskohlii^[15] is a plant-derived from India, and some studies support a potential benefit for weight loss.

Overall, the ability of these ingredients to promote weight loss would benefit from further studies. Some current studies suggest promise for relatively modest results.

All ingredients are natural, non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan-friendly. It would be unlikely to cause concerns related to common allergies.

Capsiplex BURN

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• GMP-certified manufacturing.
• Natural ingredients.

• Includes proprietary blend.

Capsiplex focuses on the inclusion of Capsimax, a capsicum extract supplement. This ingredient is functionally the same as the cayenne found in other supplements reviewed.

The claim is that capsicum^[16] can control appetite and promote fat burning, but this comes from cell-based and animal studies. Further testing in humans would be helpful, particularly in determining effective dosage and the amount of weight that may be lost.

Overall, the active ingredients have a lot of similarities with PhenQ. The ingredients these two supplements have in common include:

• B vitamins.
• Iodine.
• Chromium.
• Capsicum, provided by Capsimax.
• Caffeine, 200 mg.
• Panax ginseng and Astralagus membranaceous provided by Innoslim.

Innoslim is the same proprietary blend included in PhenQ. As previously mentioned — and noted on the manufacturer’s website itself — proprietary blends reduce label transparency by making it difficult to determine the doses of individual ingredients. This makes it hard to predict whether the ginseng^[6] and Astralagus^[7] will mirror the modest benefits seen in studies.

Additional ingredients include:

• L-tyrosine.
• L-arginine.
• Green tea.
• Black pepper extract.
• Green coffee bean extract.

Similar to PrimeShred and Instant Knockout Cut, the green tea^[8] extract dosage of 76 mg provides less EGCG than the doses provided in clinical studies. The EGCG dose that provided results in studies was 856.8 mg daily.

Crazybulk Clenbutrol

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• GMP-certified manufacturing.
• Natural ingredients.

• Price: $65 per month.
• Garcinia cambogia should be used with caution by some individuals.
• Contains maltodextrin.

For those familiar with bodybuilding supplements, the name Clenbutrol may sound familiar. It is meant to be a safer, legal alternative to the steroid clenbuterol.

Clenbutrol — without the ‘e’ — addresses stubborn body fat by including Garcinia Cambogia,^[17] guarana extract,^[18] and vitamin B3.^[19] The amount of caffeine is somewhat less straightforward but could be estimated at 75 mg per dose as defined by guarana extract content.

Unfortunately, maltodextrin is included in the list of ingredients. Maltodextrin has been associated with gut dysbiosis^[20] and metabolic syndrome^[21] among those susceptible. Its beneficial effects are linked to reduced hunger, but this should be weighed against the potential negative effects on metabolism and gastrointestinal microbial balance.

It’s important to note that Garcinia Cambogia^[22] carries a risk of interactions with prescription medications. It can also cause serious complications for those with reduced liver function. It is highly recommended to discuss its use with your doctor.

The brand places a heavy focus on bodybuilding, but it may support weight loss for those combining it with an overall calorie deficit.

How Do Weight Loss Supplements Work?

In general, most effective fat-burning supplements are marketed specifically for use before a workout. This is because a fat burner usually relies on stimulants like caffeine to boost energy during a workout.

Ultimately, much of the calories burned and subsequent weight loss depend on the workout. If you’re wondering how to get rid of more stubborn fat around your belly or butt, exercise is a central strategy.

In cases where supplements have shown a modest effect, the potential mechanisms and results related to individual ingredients can vary.

Astralagus

A traditional Chinese medicine, Astralagus membranaceus,^[7] has been explored for its potential beneficial effects on metabolism. These effects include blood glucose control, lipid-lowering, and appetite suppression.^[23]

The effects of Astralagus on metabolism have been primarily studied in rodents. Its weight loss effects could theoretically be attributed to an increase in adiponectin levels, which influence sugar and lipid metabolism. For instance, rats with fatty liver disease who were given Astralagus experienced a slower accumulation of fat in the liver.

B Vitamins

Workout supplements often contain one or more B vitamins, with B6 and B12 being among the most common. These vitamins play an integral role in a variety of metabolic pathways, so potential benefits for exercise and weight loss have been explored.

A recent study suggests a B vitamin complex improves endurance and workout performance^[24] among participants aged 20–30 years. Put another way, they are thought to help make you feel less tired. If you feel less tired, you may be able to burn more calories by staying active.

Caffeine

Pre-workout supplements frequently contain caffeine for a similar purpose to B vitamins. Combating fatigue may open the door to increased physical activity, additional calories burned, and the potential for weight loss.

There is some evidence that caffeine^[25] can increase fat oxidation rates during workouts, but this varies among individuals. It appears the minimum dose needed for this effect is 3 mg per kg body weight. For reference, this would be about 200 mg for someone who is 145 pounds or 270 mg for a 200-pound individual.

Many of the supplements in this list do provide doses in or near this range.

Capsicum

Several names on ingredient lists refer to capsicum, a plant that produces spicy peppers. Sometimes, these are listed directly as capsicum extract or may also be listed as cayenne powder or Capsicum annuum, among others. Ultimately, these provide capsaicin,^[16] the compound that imparts both the spicy flavor and much of the pharmacological activity.

The studies related directly to weight loss in humans have been small and suggest a modest trend toward reduced body weight. For instance, in one clinical trial,^[16] patients considered overweight used 6 mg per day of a capsinoid supplement for 12 weeks. They observed an average weight loss of about 0.9 kg or 1.98 pounds.

Chromium

In many ways, individual studies can provide a window of insight into the potential activity of supplements. Meta-analyses allow for a more broad view or a more complete picture. In a recent meta-analysis, the pooled data from multiple trials shows chromium^[2] was associated with modest effects, including average reductions of:

• Body weight, by 0.75 kg or 1.65 pounds.
• Body mass index, or BMI, by 0.4 units.
• Body fat percentage, by 0.68 percentage points.

These studies could also be considered of more value because they were conducted in humans. Interestingly, doses of less than 400 mcg daily appeared to be particularly beneficial.

Garcinia Cambogia

Hydroxycitric acid is the primary component of Garcinia cambogia related to potential weight loss effects. A similar article related to Garcinia cambogia has also been published. In a recent meta-analysis, Garcinia Cambogia^[26] was associated with modest average reductions of:

• Body weight, by 1.34 kg or 2.95 pounds.
• BMI, by 0.99 units.
• Body fat percentage, by 0.42 percentage points.
• Waist circumference, by 4.16 centimeters or 1.64 inches.

Green Tea

Previous studies have ultimately found supplementation with green tea to have a very small effect on weight, which failed to be statistically significant. A more recent study focused on a primary active component of green tea^[8] called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, provided at a higher dose of 856.8 mg per day.

This dose resulted in a modest average weight loss of about 1.1 kg or 2.42 pounds. However, it’s important to note that many fat burner supplements are unlikely to provide this dose of EGCG.

Clinically Meaningful Weight Loss

The first thing to consider is the combination of ingredients in these supplements has not been studied. We can infer some ideas about individual ingredients’ potential benefits and side effects — but predicting the effects of combining them is more complicated.

It’s also important to consider what the ultimate goal of weight loss may be. This can range from improved self-image to taking advantage of the long-term benefits of a healthy body composition. In clinical research, much of the focus has been placed on long-term health effects associated with weight loss.

In general, weight loss of about 5% of initial body weight has been considered clinically significant. This is often used as a marker to help determine the potential value of a therapy and weigh its benefits against its risks. The value of 5% has been adopted in part because weight loss of 5%–10%^[27] of initial body weight among those considered overweight is associated with:

• Improved quality of life.
• A lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Reduced insulin resistance, improved blood sugar control, and lower rates of diabetes.
• Reduced knee pain and improvements in mobility.

Several of the individual ingredients in these supplements are associated with losing a few pounds on average. For a person who weighs 200 pounds, significant weight loss could be considered 10 pounds or more. If a supplement is used, combining it with a healthy diet and adequate exercise will make your routine more likely to result in long-term health benefits.

How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Supplements For Men

Quality

As you search for over-the-counter supplements, you may notice some brands tout a variety of certifications intended to promote trust. These can vary, but two of the more common practices are related to Good Manufacturing Practices or GMP certification and third-party testing.

GMP Certification

Good Manufacturing Practices are a set of guidelines set forth by the FDA related to manufacturing facilities. Manufacturers may choose to have their facilities evaluated by third-party agencies that use the same evaluation criteria as the FDA. This can be used to show good faith in maintaining practices that ensure consumers are not provided with mislabeled, damaged, or defective products.

Ultimately, the FDA does not evaluate over-the-counter products directly. If facilities are found to be non-compliant, official warning letters are issued. GMP certifications and a lack of FDA warning letters are signs of a commitment to reliable manufacturing.

Third-Party Testing

Products marketed for weight loss have unfortunately been notorious for including unapproved ingredients not disclosed on the label.^[28] In some instances, these ingredients may be harmful. In other instances, active ingredients on the label were not found in the final product at all.

Testing provided by third-party labs verifies the active ingredients and their amounts. This is a sign of transparency and commitment to providing a quality, safe, and reliable product. These tests are also able to identify a select group of contaminants, ensuring they are not present.

Precautions

Taking steps that support weight management and combat weight gain can be very beneficial, but it’s also important to be aware of potential risks. Some potentially overlooked risks of adding dietary supplements marketed for weight loss include:

• Stimulant activity and the potential for related side effects.
• Drug interactions with prescription medications.

It’s important to read labels carefully because individual ingredients carry a potential for variable interactions and side effects.

In general, many ingredients are considered safe. Their more general side effects are often gastrointestinal, including things like upset stomach or nausea. There are, however, some individuals who would benefit from being mindful of particular ingredients.

Caffeine

Many weight loss supplements contain significant amounts of caffeine. If you have other sources of caffeine in your routine, these doses can add up and contribute to jitteriness or insomnia. For this reason, many of these supplements are best used in the morning.

Supplements containing caffeine should be used with caution if you:

• Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages that cause the total dose to add up.
• Have high blood pressure.^[29]
• Manage anxiety^[30] symptoms.

Some of the effects of caffeine on cardiovascular risk factors and mental health concerns are mixed. Caffeine does cause temporary increases in blood pressure, but it does not appear to increase the overall risk of heart disease. The effects of caffeine on anxiety seem to vary between individuals, and there is evidence that existing anxiety may be made worse.

Many factors can influence a person’s response to caffeine, including genetics,^[31] smoking,^[32] and even the source of caffeine, i.e., energy drinks^[33] instead of coffee or tea.

Green Tea

There have been multiple case reports of liver damage^[34] associated with green tea use in supplements. Speaking with a healthcare professional before using green tea extract is advised, particularly if you have reduced liver function.

Garcinia Cambogia

The inclusion of ingredients like Garcinia cambogia highlights the importance of consulting your doctor before starting new dietary supplements. Garcinia Cambogia^[22] should be used with caution by individuals with:

• Reduced liver function due to the risk of liver toxicity.
• An active prescription for a medication that affects serotonin.
• Diabetes, as the effects of this supplement, need to be investigated further.

Garcinia Cambogia^[22] has been associated with increased serotonin levels. As this is a common goal in prescription therapy for a variety of mental health concerns, some may recognize this as a potential benefit. If you are already taking a medication that affects serotonin, however, this may raise the risk of side effects.

Common examples of medications that impact serotonin levels are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. Serotonin has the potential to build to unsafe levels. Some of the potential effects include increased irritability and agitation.

Additional studies are needed before Garcinia cambogia can be recommended for individuals managing diabetes. Severe side effects requiring emergency care, like ketoacidosis and pancreatitis,^[22] have been reported and deemed likely to have been caused by the supplement.

Much of the focus for weight loss supplements is on potential benefits for metabolism. Garcinia cambogia has shown mixed results related to blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity and has been studied primarily in rodents. More research in humans is needed before recommendations can be made for those managing diabetes.

In short, discussing your overall health with your doctor before starting a new supplement is crucial. This will help ensure the supplements you choose align with your overall healthcare needs. This also allows you to discuss your goals and develop a comprehensive plan.

What is the most effective weight loss supplement for men?

The most effective weight loss supplement is one chosen to complement a healthy, balanced diet and physical activity. While some weight management may be achieved through supplementation, weight loss is largely reliant on maintaining a caloric deficit.

What is the quickest way for men to lose fat?

Identify dietary sources that can sabotage your efforts. Limit alcohol and processed foods with a lot of added sugars and saturated fats. Find ways to stay physically active and burn calories.

How do you lose 10 pounds in a week?

When losing 10 pounds in one week, much of it may be water weight rather than fat loss. A healthier rate is 1-2 pounds per week, achieved with habits promoting adequate nutrition and a focus on the long term.