Are you trying to lose weight, but not satisfied with your results? Do you plan on implementing fat burning supplements in your weight loss plan? Did you know that quality supplements can contribute to the outcome of your weight loss?

Thanks to our review today, you’ll learn 13 potent and popular fat burning supplements that successful dieters regularly use. Often times, a lot of people who’re trying to slim down introduce supplements to their diets; however, not all of them work as they’ve imagined.

This is because they may not be the most appropriate type of supplement for their needs or because it’s of poor quality.

This being said, when it comes to fat burning supplements, we need to do some beforehand research in order to maximize our results.

But, it’s crucial that every dieter realizes that without a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise, supplements can’t do much for your weight loss.

When you focus on these two major factors and also choose the right supplements with the right properties, you will be closer to your goals and begin feeling and looking better.

With the help of our review, you’ll learn the following “tricks”:

How to add supplements to your diet plan
Which are the best fat burning supplements
How to choose quality supplements

If your goal is to learn more information about fat burning supplements and how to reduce surplus body fat with the help of these products, make sure you read the whole review.

We won’t just list the 13 most popular supplements, but also mention other vital aspects of supplementation for the best weight loss results.

13 Popular Fat Burning Supplements

1. Caffeine

–Stimulant of the central nervous system

–Legal psychoactive substance

–Has positive and negative effects

Caffeine is a type of chemical present in tea, coffee, guarana, cola, mate, and other products. Also, it’s among the most commonly used fat burning supplements for decades.

Caffeine supplements are made from caffeine, either natural which is gathered from the brewing process or artificial one, that is, human-made.

Caffeine is one of those supplements that can help boost the metabolism, but it can also improve the weight loss results by reducing the fat accumulation in cells.

It’s crucial to note that though all caffeine can avert the fat accumulation, the synthetic one from energy drinks and diet pills won’t have the same antioxidant properties as the one from found in natural sources like tea and coffee.

Moreover, another study also discovered that this chemical encourages the growth of brown fat tissue and thus, helps burn more calories for thermogenesis.[1] But, in order for caffeine to help you lose weight, you need to reduce the amount of daily calories you intake.

Remember, this is no magical substance and it can’t remove the calories you consume. What it can do for you is to boost your energy levels and increase your stamina during exercise, another important aspect of weight loss in addition to a healthy diet.

Pros:

Available in natural & synthetic form
Popular weight loss aid
Good for fat burning during exercise

Cons:

Can be harmful in larger doses
Caffeine in a pill form is a drug and must be used accordingly

2. Garcinia Cambogia Extract

–Extracted from a fruit

-Available from different brands

-Possible interaction with other drugs

Garcinia Cambogia is a small green fruit with a similar shape to that of a pumpkin. Its skin contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA). This active ingredient is used as an ingredient in weight loss pills and it’s one of the most popular fat burning supplements today.

Many people use it to lose weight because the HCA in it was found to stimulate the body’s fat burning capacities. The fruit from which the substance is extracted is quite sour, so it’s not eaten fresh very often, but mostly cooked.

According to human studies, this supplement helped stimulate a 2-pound weight loss; however, there have been others that found no advantages from this supplement. [2] This being said, there’s no guarantee that it will help you; however, it can be beneficial to implement it in your weight loss plan.

Namely, it can help you achieve weight loss in several different ways. First, it does this by decreasing your appetite and by blocking the production of fat and thus, minimizing surplus fat from the abdominal area.

To ensure you get the most from this supplement, buy it from reputable manufacturers only and take it according to the recommended dosages, nothing less, and nothing more. In case of a medical condition or medical therapy, consult your doctor before you start consuming it.

Pros:

Supplements have helped a lot of dieters
May increase athletic capacity
Good for fat reduction

Cons:

No guarantee that it will help
The fruit is quite sour

3. Orlistat

-Popular over-the-counter weight loss medication

-Recommendable for overweight people whom diet and exercise haven’t helped

-Reduces fat absorption by 25 percent

In the world of fat-burning supplements, this over-the-counter medication is often used by overweight individuals who need to lose a lot of weight.

According to studies, it can be helpful for weight loss, more than dieting can.[3] It’s intended for overweight adults who’re following a low-fat and diet reduced in calories.

This medication is a lipase inhibitor which blocks the intestines from absorbing around 25 percent of the fat one consumes. And, the unabsorbed fat goes out from the body through the feces.

According to some available data, this is one of those supplements in the form of a medication which can help lower dangerous belly fat known as visceral fat.

Unfortunately, surplus amounts of this fat has been associated with serious health issues like stroke, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Could this medication be the right one for you? – In case you’re overweight and exercise and diet improvements and calorie reduction hasn’t helped you lose weight, consult your doctor to learn if you could benefit from this medication.

Orlistat comes in capsule form. It’s taken orally, three times per day, with a meal that has a bit of fat or 60 minutes later.

In case you consume a fat-free meal, the dosage should be skipped. To ensure you avoid uncomfortable digestive side effects from high-fat meals, opt for low-fat dairy and lean meats.

Pros:

Beneficial for fat reduction
Easy for consumption
Helpful for visceral fat reduction

Cons:

It’s still a drug
Comes with side effects
Not suitable for everyone

4. Raspberry ketones

-Present in some fruits like raspberries and blackberries

-Synthetically produced to make weight loss supplements

-No human studies have been done yet

Raspberry ketone is a natural substance which gives the potent aroma to red raspberries. It’s also present in smaller amounts in other berries and fruits, including kiwis, cranberries, and blackberries.

With this in mind, some people already consume some amounts of this substance. Recently, they’ve become popular weight loss supplements. However, the supplements aren’t extracted from raspberries because of the high costs- 90 pounds are needed for a single dosage. So, they’re synthetically produced.

The molecular structure of ketones is similar to capsaicin and the stimulant synephrine and according to studies, they can speed up the metabolic rate and thus, researchers speculate that the raspberry ketones can have the same effects.

According to studies done with lab mice, raspberry ketones were able to better the breakdown of fat and boosted the secretion of the hormone known as adiponectin which plays a role in metabolism and blood sugar regulation. [4] But, exercise can also elevate the levels of adiponectin by 260 percent.

For now, there have been no human studies on the effects of raspberry ketones to lose weight. This is why the possible side effects are unknown. But, being a food additive, they’re categorized as Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA.

According to manufacturers, the recommended dose is 100 to 400 mg, 1 to 2 times per day to lose weight.

Pros:

Speeds up the metabolism
Reduces the appetite
Blocks fat absorption

Cons:

Works only when you eat healthy and exercise
No studies show the effects in humans

5. Glucomannan

– A water-soluble fiber

-Available as supplement and food additive

-Exceptional capacity for liquid absorption

Glucomannan is a fiber which is present in the roots of the elephant yam, also known as konjac. You can find it as a supplement, in beverage mixes, and in some food products like flour and pasta.

It’s not just among the most well-known fat burning supplements, but it’s also used as a food additive.

Similar to other soluble fibers, it’s believed to encourage weight loss by being low on calories, increasing satiety, delaying stomach emptying, and lowering the fat and protein absorption.

Moreover, this supplement nourishes the good gut bacteria which transform it into short-chain fatty acids that prevented fat gain in some studies done with lab animals. [5] To lose weight, a 1-gram dosage, three times per day, is considered enough.

But, in order to get the most of it in terms of weight loss, you’ll need to take it prior to meals, from 15 to 60 minutes before. What’s good is that this is one of those supplements that’s well-tolerated and generally considered safe.

Make sure you drink one to two glasses of water or other liquid to avert choking or throat or esophagus blockage. Without doubt, this is one of those fat burning supplements that can really make a difference; however, it can never achieve this in isolation.

The best way to shed surplus weight and to optimize your health is to make long-term, proper changes to your lifestyle.

Pros:

Generally considered safe
Generally well-tolerated
Promotes fullness
May benefit your health in other ways too

Cons:

Has to be taken prior to meals
Possible mild side effects like flatulence and diarrhea
May lower the absorption of some meds

6. Extract from green tea

-most popular tea in the world

-available in powder, liquid or capsule form

-it’s abundant in potent antioxidants

Without doubt, green tea is one of the most frequently consumed teas on a global level and one of the most praised fat burning supplements. The extract is the concentrated form of the tea and one capsule of it has the same amount of active ingredients found in a cup of the liquid.

Same as green tea, the extract is abundant in antioxidants that have been touted for several health advantages, including reduction of the risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as weight loss. [6]

Namely, being rich in catechins and caffeine, it helps lose weight through the regulation of the thermogenesis hormones. Thermogenesis, as you may already know, is a process by which the body burns calories for food digestion and heat production.

Green tea was found to stimulate this process and increasing the body’s capacity to burn calories. Consequently, this may encourage weight loss. Moreover, this extract may be beneficial for those who’re exercising on a regular basis because it can better the performance and speed up the recovery.

This is enabled thanks to the antioxidants in it which protect from oxidative damage triggered by exercise. What’s great about this supplement is that it’s so simple to add it to your diet plan. You can find it in powder, capsule or liquid form.

The recommended dosage is between 250 to 500 mg on a daily basis. The best way to take this extract is with food. Avoid overconsumption or taking it on an empty stomach because the risk for liver damage is higher.

Pros:

Easy to consume
Pleasant taste
Boosts stamina and thermogenesis

Cons:

Not all green tea extract supplements are made equally
Doesn’t work in isolation
May cause symptoms in those sensitive to caffeine

7. CLA

-Can be acquired from some foods or supplements

-An essential fatty acid that the body needs to stay healthy

-Available in pill or syrup form

CLA is short for conjugated linoleic acid and it’s among the most commonly used fat burning supplements. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid which our body needs to stay healthy. However, it can’t be produced so we need to get it from the foods we consume or from supplements.

Linoleic acid is naturally present in dairy and beef. CLA supplements are available for people who want to lose weight and burn surplus fat. If you’re eating less and moving more, but still unsatisfied with the weight loss, implementing this supplement may help.

However, it’s important to note that CLA was found to offer modest weight loss, according to human studies, and contributed to bigger benefits in lab animals. [7] One study found that it helped encourage less than ½ a pound of weight loss per month.

And, the CLA from supplements is different from the one in foods so some of these supplements have been linked with some negative side effects. In health food shops, you can find CLA in the form of pills or syrups.

The syrup has a good taste and you can mix it with food if you prefer. It’s important to note that if you decide to go with this supplement, you should opt for the one with 80 percent CLA to optimize your chances for pound shedding.

Pros:

The syrup form tastes pretty good
May be of aid for reduction of fat
Important fatty acid

Cons:

Modest weight loss benefits
More beneficial for animals than humans
May cause nausea, tiredness, diarrhea, and upset stomach

8. Green coffee bean extract

-Extracted from unroasted coffee beans

-Can be purchased online or in health food stores

-It may have a positive effect on the body’s carb absorption

Green coffee bean extract is a fat burning supplement which is acquired from green coffee beans, i.e. unroasted ones. This extract contains a substance known as chlorogenic acid and is considered to be one of those supplements that possess weight loss benefits.

Coffee beans are rich in antioxidants in addition to chlorogenic acid and caffeine. However, during the roasting, most chlorogenic acid is eliminated from it, so regular beans don’t have the same impact as the green ones.

The caffeine from green coffee bean extract was found to enhance the metabolic rate by up to 3 to 11 percent, which can aid the body to lose weight. [8] Some studies done with humans showed that it can lower the carb absorption in the digestive tract, which helps decrease the blood sugar and insulin spikes.

The chlorogenic acid in it has been found to lower weight, decrease the fat which your body absorbs from the diet, and boost the adiponectin secretion which is a fat burning hormone.

People who’re sensitive to caffeine need to be cautious with it because excessive amounts can trigger side effects like faster heartbeat and anxiety.

Currently, there’s no study that shows the best dosage to lose weight with this supplement. However, the studies done used amounts ranging from 240 to 300 mg of the extract on a daily basis. [9]

Anyhow, the best option is to follow the recommendation by the manufacturer. Opt for one serving, half an hour prior to meals.

Pros:

Has potential to help with weight loss
Reduces the carb absorption
May encourage the burning of fat

Cons:

No studies on the best dosage
Not suitable for those sensitive to caffeine

9. Meratrim

-Made of two medicinal herbs

-May help better the BMI

-Can be bought in health food stores or online

Though it has appeared in recent years, Meratrim is becoming more and more popular in the world of fat-burning supplements. It’s created by a company that has tested several medicinal herbs for their capacity to change the metabolism of the fat cells.

The two most effective ones were combined in a 3:1 ratio and this is how the supplement was created. These two herbs are Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana.

According to the manufacturers and test-tube studies, this supplement can help dieters in several different ways, that is, by impeding the multiplication of the fat cells, by lowering the fat absorbed from the blood, and by enhancing the burning of piled up fat. [10]

In one study, the group who took Meratrim experienced improvement in their BMI and hip size. The recommendable dose is 800 mg per day, divided into 2 doses. Regarding the possible side effects, they haven’t been studied in humans.

This being said, make sure you opt for 100 percent pure Meratrim supplements and purchase them from reputable sellers only if you want to lose weight. And, remember, to be able to lose weight effectively and maintain it, a healthy diet and exercise are the two most important factors.

Pros:

Useful for those who need to lose fat
Helps better the BMI
Prevent fat cell multiplication

Cons:

Side effects in humans haven’t been studied
May be among the pricier supplements
You need to maintain a low-fat diet so it can work

10. Protein shakes

-A vital nutrient for the overall health and weight loss

-Good for the metabolism and building of muscles

-Different types are available

Protein shakes made from protein powder are commonly used in the world of fat-burning supplements. Protein is a vital nutrient for our overall health and for weight loss.

When we get sufficient amounts of it, we can better our metabolic rate, decrease appetite, and encourage the shedding of fat without losing muscle.

Adding protein shakes to your diet is an excellent way to boost the protein levels and thus, encourage loss of pounds. Protein shakes are beverages that are made from a mixture of protein powder and water, even though other ingredients can be added too.

Today, you can choose to purchase protein powder and mix it on your own or buy premade shakes. Some of the most popular protein powder types are whey, casein, soy, hemp, rice, and pea protein. [11] Protein shakes can be your allies in your weight loss journey because they can lower the appetite by elevating the amount of appetite-reducing hormones and by prolonging your satiety.

Moreover, increasing your protein consumption is good for the metabolism and thus, a slight increase in the amount of calories you burn on a daily basis. In part, this happens because a diet rich in protein and strength training are a great duo for muscle building.

When you build more muscles, the burning of calories is higher, unlike with fat. This is also one of those supplements you don’t just benefit from to lose weight, but also to get rid of surplus belly fat.

If you’re a beginner in supplementation, one shake per day is a good starting point. Take it before or instead of a meal. You can combine it with water as well as add a piece of some fruit in a blender for a delicious and nourishing shake.

However, it’s important to note that some people who’re lactose intolerant and consume whey or casein shakes may experience side effects like gas, cramps, and bloating.

Pros:

Helps build muscles
Speeds up the metabolism
Can be mixed with water and fruits

Cons:

May cause digestive discomfort in some
Don’t work in isolation
May be expensive

11. Bitter orange

–Extracted from bitter orange, a citrus fruit

–Contains synephrine, a substance with potential weight loss benefits

–More research is needed to determine safety

Bitter orange is a type of citrus fruit which is used to produce an extract with potential fat-burning characteristics. This is why it has become one of the most popular fat-burning supplements in the world.

Some of the ways in which it may help you lose weight is by triggering thermogenesis and lowering your appetite and thus, help you minimize the calories you consume on the daily. [12] This is the fruit from the Citrus aurantium tree species which grows worldwide.

Nowadays, bitter orange is used for the production of cosmetics, food flavoring, and oil, but it’s also a common ingredient in supplements for weight loss. Synephrine is the main ingredient which is considered to possess the weight loss benefits.

This substance can stimulate the adrenergic receptors in charge of appetite regulation and beta three receptors that manage the metabolism. Moreover, by stimulating thermogenesis, it helps speed up the metabolism.

Since there’s small data available on the best dose of this supplement from research, stick to the doses recommended by the manufacturers. However, this supplement, according to some findings, may be harmful to elderly, obese people and people with cardiovascular illness, so it’s best to avoid it.

Pros:

Helps achieve modest weight loss
May possess other health benefits
Safe when consumed in moderation

Cons:

Offers only mild weight loss
Overuse can cause problems
May interact with some meds

12. Forskolin

-Recently became popular weight loss supplement

-Made from Indian coleus

-Results from studies on its effects are mixed

Did you know that this supplement “rose” to popularity after being praised on the television show Dr. Oz? This plant supplement is made from the root of a mint family member called Indian coleus which is native to Thailand, Nepal, and some parts of India.

In folk medicine, this is a well-known treatment for asthma and other health issues, but nowadays, it’s become one of the trending fat-burning supplements too. In theory, forskolin can be of aid for those who want to lose weight by helping in the creation of the enzymes lipase and adenylate cyclase. [13]

They release fatty acids from the cells in our body and when they’re free, they’re burned for fuel. When your body starts to burn fatty acids, its ability for fat reduction increases and muscle mass isn’t being lost.

But, for weight loss to happen, a calorie deficit is crucial, i.e. you’ll need to burn more calories than what you consume through foods and drinks. So, if this doesn’t happen, weight loss won’t take place.

In other words, though forskolin may boost your body’s fat burning capacity, this won’t matter if you don’t focus on the calorie deficit.

Studies done on the effects of forskolin and weight loss are mixed; however, one study with overweight and obese men found that forskolin helped them lower their body fat; however, it didn’t have a significant influence on their weight.

Also, it was able to elevate their testosterone level, which has been associated with pound shedding. Before you decide to take this supplement or any other supplements, consult a professional dietitian or your doctor to learn more.

This is because a lot of weight loss supplements may have side effects or interfere with certain meds.

Pros:

May help with fat reduction
Boost the testosterone level linked with weight loss
Available online and in health food stores

Cons:

May not affect weight loss
May interfere with some meds
Limited scientific studies

13. L-carnitine

-Naturally present in some foods like meat and fish

-Mixed results from studies on its effects

-Often used by vegetarians and vegans

L-carnitine is a naturally-occurring derivative of amino acid which is frequently used as a supplement for weight loss, as well as for its potential influence on brain function.

This dietary supplement can be produced by the body in the needed amounts; however, one needs to consume enough vitamin C and through fish and meat for this to happen.

From a theoretical point of view, its use as a weight loss supplement makes sense. Namely, as it aids the movement of more fatty acids into the cells to be burned for energy, one may think that this will also boost the body’s capacity to burn surplus fat.

But, taking into account the complexity of the human body, the results from human and animal studies differ.

In one analysis of studies, the participants lost almost 3 pounds of weight more when they took this supplement. But, on the other hand, another study showed no effects on fat burning after 4 weeks of supplementation with it. [14]

If you decide to take this supplement to fight off the surplus fat from your body and eventually lose weight, opt for 2 grams of it or less to avoid side effects like nausea and stomach discomfort.

Manufacturers also claim it to be beneficial for muscle recovery, higher stamina, and better oxygen storage, which could enhance your athletic performance. It’s also pivotal to note that you can get small amounts of it by consuming meat like beef, pork, and chicken, as well as milk and fish. The L-carnitine from foods is better absorbed by the body than supplements.

Pros:

Popular fat-burning supplement
Beneficial for vegans and vegetarians
Can be acquired through food and supplements

Cons:

May cause vomiting, nausea, heartburn, etc. in some people
May cause fishy odor in urine, breath, and sweat
Interacts with some meds

Final Thoughts

Often times, when dieters fail to meet the desired weight loss results or need additional boost, they decide to implement supplements.

However, today, there’s an abundance of supplements available, but, as they’re not FDA regulated, the experiences, study results, and claims about them are mixed.

But, this doesn’t mean that a quality supplement from a reputable manufacturer can’t help you in your weight loss journey.

What’s important to realize is that it can only be of aid if you’re already eating healthy and exercising regularly. Otherwise, most of the effects will be mild or none.

In today’s review, we discussed 13 different types of fat-burning supplements that people use worldwide, including caffeine, CLA, L-carnitine, and more.

We explained the ways in which they may enhance your body’s fat-burning abilities and the forms in which they’re available, as well as other potential health advantages and side effects.

As with any supplementation, it’s best to consult a doctor or some other professional to learn what the best option for you is and one that won’t interfere with meds you may be taking.

13 Popular Fat Burning Supplements

1. Caffeine

Pros:

Cons:

2. Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Pros:

Cons:

3. Orlistat

Pros:

Cons:

4. Raspberry ketones

Pros:

Cons:

5. Glucomannan

Pros:

Cons:

6. Extract from green tea

Pros:

Cons:

7. CLA

Pros:

Cons:

8. Green coffee bean extract

Pros:

Cons:

9. Meratrim

Pros:

Cons:

10. Protein shakes

Pros:

Cons:

11. Bitter orange

Pros:

Cons:

12. Forskolin

Pros:

Cons:

13. L-carnitine

Pros:

Cons:

Final Thoughts

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