First, Alli will work much more effectively for women who are eating a diet that is high in fat. Another example is the combination of appetite suppressants and thermogenics used in a product like Leanbean, which helps with both reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure. Theanine amplifies some of the positive effects of caffeine, while tamping down on jitters and anxiety. Increases metabolism and fat burning while decreasing appetite.Nonetheless, safety remains paramount – individuals with kidney disease, low blood pressure, or those taking blood thinners should avoid forskolin supplementation.This difference in therapeutic approach may partly explain the higher efficacy and lower incidence of adverse effects in the CHM group than in the WM group in the real-world (Sui et al., 2012).Iodine – Iodine helps with the thyroid gland, which in turn helps to regulate how your body functions and will help you lose weight when it’s working properly.Recently it has been used as a less harmful substitution for other ingredients that have been known to have harsh reactions in the body.Due to this complexity, weight management studies that assess dietary supplements in the context of other modalities can lead to challenges in discerning the effect of a specific dietary ingredient.The risk of selective reporting bias for four articles 23, 33, 41, 52 was assessed based on published protocol, while that of remaining studies was compared against their published reports only.One of the best weight loss pills available is PhenQ, an over-the-counter supplement touted as potent in helping curb cravings, elevate energy levels, and attain a shredded look.Alongside the well-established anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering properties, preclinical studies also suggest that glucans may exert anti-obesity effects by activating the gut-hypothalamic (Peptide YY- Neuropetide Y) axis, therefore increasing satiety in diet-induced obese mice .Information on gastric cancer risk needs to be determined for the supplement forms of these ingredients, and more data are needed to understand if a protective effect exists at lower levels. Fat burner By the end of 2015, the global dietary supplements market is estimated to reach nearly 123 billion dollars. There are many different options for obesity treatments, including dietary control, exercise, life-style changes, prescription weight-loss medications, and weight-loss surgeries . While there’s no magic fix, they can support your weight loss journey when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise. When it comes to weight loss, many people explore various supplements and herbs that may aid their journey. None of these supplements are a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise. It’s touted as an all natural weight loss supplement sourced from raspberries. PVE are characterized by antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, glucose lowering, and cardioprotective properties, together with potentially inducing weight loss 61,62,63. Several reports are available regarding clinical adverse effects after ingestion of white kidney beans . Different ginseng extracts are being studied for the treatment of several medical conditions, including body weight management. Interestingly, there seems to be an ethnicity-dependent effect, with more important weight loss (mean 1.51 kg) in Asian subjects , compared with one of 0.82 kg in Caucasians . Amylase and glucosidase inhibition increases the presence of undigested carbohydrates in the GI tract, in turn driving the microbiota to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) 38,39, recently found to be capable of activating AMPK, and inducing weight-loss through lipogenesis and lipolysis down- and up-regulation, respectively . For obesity and health problems related to weight, talk with your doctor about whether diet pills or surgery could help you. Diet pills and surgery can help with weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity. Natural weight loss supplements may be used along with diet and exercise for best results. “By taking advantage of the low-energy density low-calorie and health-promoting effects of plant-based foods, one may be able to achieve weight loss, or at least assist weight maintenance without cutting” down on the volume of food consumed or compromising its nutrient value. Twenty studies used traditional decoction 21, 22, 25, 27, 29–31, 35, 37, 39, 40, 43–49, 51, 55, eight studies used capsules 20, 24, 26, 32–34, 36, 38, seven studies used granules 28, 41, 42, 50, 52, 56, 57, three studies used tablets 19, 23, 53, and one study used powder . Publication bias for body weight and BMI outcomes was assessed by the visual inspection funnel plots with pseudo-95% CI limits and quantified by Egger's regression and Begg's correlation tests. For studies with low heterogeneity (I2 ≤ 50%), fixed effects model was used. All continuous data (i.e., body weight and BMI) were presented as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). They recommend taking one capsule with breakfast and one capsule with lunch for the first 3–4 days to see how your body will react.If data from included studies are available as study results in clinical trials registers, such as ClinicalTrials.gov or similar sources, we will make full use of this information and extract the data.Orlando de Guzman is a writer and editor with expertise in health and environmental news.You may already have a few of these weight-loss wonders right in your spice rack.Given that most women do not meet recommended intakes of choline during pregnancy and lactation, particularly women following a vegetarian or vegan dietary pattern, and that most prenatal vitamins do not contain choline, the DGA also states that supplementation may be necessary .Though it’s a targeted option, it’s a good fit for people in the right nicheThe third part consisted of questions about participants' health and lifestyle, such as disease history, medications, smoking status, dietary habits, and physical activities.That is a way to possibly lessen the amount of fat that the body will make in the future. Also, be sure not to combine this stack with other products containing other stimulants like caffeine, as the levels in the Enhanced Shredded Stack are already high. A bundle like this may save you more over time, especially if your weight loss journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Lastly, L-theanine and vitamin D3 are included to help support your energy levels for long training sessions without caffeine. Bone and joint health You deserve better, safer and fairer products and services.We're the people working to make that happen. Karina worked at CHOICE from 2000 to 2018, and continues to contribute as a freelancer, mostly on health and lifestyle matters.You can find me on LinkedIn. For example, yohimbine was found to vary from between 23% and 147% from what the label said the products contained. These events may be unusual, but the fact that they do happen makes it difficult to see how the TGA can consider these products “low risk”. Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. If the pill increases uptake of GLP-1 agonists, as the drugmakers expect, it seems this new drug class will continue to revolutionize obesity management. The price for customers with health insurance will be significantly lower, though these drugs are rarely covered. Novo Nordisk estimated that perfect adherence, alongside exercise and portion reduction, would result in users losing 16.6 percent of their weight. The duration of the studies lasted between 6 weeks and 6 months. Funding sources were not revealed for two studies; the remaining were funded by a combination of local government and industry sponsorship. Of these five, two were conducted in Italy; investigators in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Finland contributed to one study each. Funding sources were not revealed in 9 (24%) studies and the remaining were funded by both industry and governments. Common Ingredients in the Best OTC Weight Loss Pills Given the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, and with obesity being a well-established risk factor for worse prognosis 326,327,328, it is now of the utmost importance to find safe and effective ways to tackle weight excess. Given the present literature revision, it is possible to conclude that many of the presented food supplements are likely to exert an anti-obesogenic effect in the absence of significant adverse events. Moreover, oral supplementation of 1800 mg LA for 6 months did not cause significant adverse effects compared to placebo . However, given the less favorable safety profile compared to other food supplements, its use cannot be recommended nor discouraged at his time. A meta-analysis of 13 studies providing 60–4000 mg caffeine/day for 4–36 weeks showed that caffeine intake led to a reduction in BW, BF, and body mass index (BMI), and that this effect is dose-dependent . A search of the Mintel GNPD found 579 caffeine-containing supplements with weight management claims whereby 164 listed the caffeine content. The safety evidence for each ingredient is reviewed, and the status of the clinical evidence on the weight management and relevant clinical health benefits are summarized. (9) Some research even found that topical forskolin cream may reduce body fat in certain areas.One of the most effective ways GT can contrast obesity is through the inhibition of enzymes such as pancreatic lipase 28,29,30, amylase, and glucosidase in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.There’s no good evidence that specific natural appetite suppressants work for women.All patients received standardized counseling on CHM or WM weight-loss prescription by a clinical physician on an approximately monthly basis with their weight reduction as well as any documentation of adverse events.Many protein supplements such as whey, casein and soy protein have been sold and marketed as an anti-obese product for a long while.Reeds et al. obtained similar results in a randomized control trial comparing the effect of ginseng and its active component ginsenoside Re in overweight/obese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance or newly diagnosed T2D.In other words, the currently available evidence is insufficient to support most health claims attributed to berberine,” says Dr. McGowan.It’s often used by those wanting an added boost to their fat-burning efforts.This supplement can be used alongside Gainful Creatine and Gainful Collagen if you would like to improve muscle strength and skin and tissue elasticity. Probiotics aim to restore healthy microorganisms, whereas berberine influences insulin sensitivity and certain inflammatory markers. Probiotics and berberine both connect to gut health and metabolic regulation, but their mechanisms differ. Garcinia cambogia targets fat production, while berberine focuses more on metabolic pathways. Another study has demonstrated that intracellular calcium plays a key role for regulating adipocyte metabolism. The mechanism of increasing fecal fat excretion is most probably due to the formation of insoluble calcium-fatty acid soaps and/or binding of bile acids . The high thermogenesis of protein may be explained by the lack of storage capacity in the body, the high ATP cost of protein synthesis, and the metabolic costs of urea synthesis. Previous studies have shown that high-protein intake may induce an increased level of plasma peptide tyrosine-tyrosine which is a key inhibitor of food intake in humans and rodents . Dietary fiber could also be a fermentable substrate for the colon microbiota, supporting an increase in microbial mass increase and production of short chain fatty acids. These work to boost thermogenesis, or the process through which calories are burned in the body. It also feeds the probiotic bacteria in your microbiome, improving your gut health and helping reduce inflammation. Some of them contain stimulants like caffeine and guarana while others don’t. Then, if your body responds well, you can increase your dose to two capsules with breakfast and two capsules with lunch. As an added bonus, green tea extract is rich in antioxidants that can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. Overall, evidence supporting the use of licorice or licorice extract for weight loss is conflicting and of low-quality. Licorice has been recently shown to exert beneficial effects on health; for example, it seems to be hepatoprotective in case of NAFLD and contributes to improve the lipid profile in overweight and obese patents . Pointing in the same direction, the consumption of DAG together with alpha linoleic acid (ALA), a fatty acid undergoing easier beta oxidation as opposed to palmitic, stearic, oleic, or linoleic acid 207,208,209, resulted in excellent outcomes on body weight and visceral fat loss 203,210,211. Moreover, Li et al. investigated the beneficial effects of DAG consumption on T2D patients, demonstrating an improvement not only in relation to body weight and waist circumference, but also regarding glucose metabolism and blood pressure compared with TAG . Given the lack of recent data and the low-quality of evidence in literature, pyruvate consumption should not be encouraged as a tool for inducing weight loss. Dietitians Recommend These Weight Loss Supplements to Help You Lose Fat in 2026 It goes without explanation that no weight loss intervention is clinically relevant if it does not coincide with a reduction in body fat. For instance, Mohammadi et al. did not find a statistically significant difference in anthropometric parameters such as BMI, weight and total body fat of obese patients receiving a supplementation of curcumin at a dosage of 1 g/day compared to placebo . Here, we provide more details concerning natural compounds proven to exert an effect on energy expenditure, although it should be kept in mind that most mechanistic evidence is on rodent models, and the weight loss effect only was proven in human subjects. What weight loss methods would you consider using? When it comes to losing weight, diet and exercise are always the best route for long-term results. A simple multivitamin could be the boost your weight loss plan has been missing These help fight hunger pangs and allow you to fill your body with vitamins and nutrients rather than trans fats and high fructose corn syrup. Do you need a little extra help reaching your weight loss goals? Some products will come backed with guarantees, offering your money back if you don't see results in, say, 60 days. With its day and night formulas, Phen24 is marketed as a 24-hour fat-burning system, all but guaranteed to help kick metabolism into gear, especially when it starts to slow down with age. While drinkable supplements aren't convenient for everyone, we will note that the orange mango flavor of this one is plenty palatable, making for a refreshing pre-workout ritual. Natural Weight Loss Supplements: What Works and How to Choose Search terms were overweight, obesity, CHM, RCT, and their synonyms. Although bariatric surgery for individuals with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 has greater weight loss outcomes, its risks of postoperative or late complications cannot be ignored . Current antiobesity medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for inhibiting fat absorption (e.g., orlistat) were subjected to a high incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and steatorrhoea. These, however, were reported to have low compliance and a stricter regime may be required before significant weight loss can be observed . It is commonly screened and diagnosed according to the body mass index (BMI), with a World Health Organisation (WHO) cut-off point of 25–29.99 kg/m2 for overweight and ≥30 kg/m2 for obese . The trial had a high completion rate, with 94.3% of participants finishing the study. The real breakthrough was the introduction of semaglutide, developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk as a treatment for diabetes; its impact on weight was a fortuitous side effect. Senate investigation, which led to stricter regulations on weight-loss medications. Although participants lost an average of 7.8 kg over 88 days, reports of death, neuropathy, and blindness led the FDA to ban DNP in 1938. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently warned consumers about the risks of weight loss supplements adulterated with multiple pharmaceutical agents. If you have any existing medical conditions or are taking any prescription medications, it’s essential to speak to your doctor before you start taking a weight loss supplement. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that the weight loss supplements you choose are as safe as possible is to look for third-party testing or certifications. I am also a registered dietitian, and I have personal experience with obesity and weight loss efforts. It can be tricky to find weight loss supplements that are high quality, safe, and effective. (Discover how much protein you need to lose weight here.) That’s because only five percent of us get enough fiber in our diets. Exercise Bikes and other exercise equipment is also available at Walgreens.com. Don't forget to drink plenty of water each day. If a hectic schedule makes it tempting to grab unhealthy meals on the go, pack a few meal replacement bars in your purse, briefcase or backpack. Regulations for Natural Weight Loss Products The pills that claim to make you slim and trim are an integral part of Australia’s billion-dollar weight-loss industry. For BodyNutrition’s #1 weight loss pill recommendation, click here. A weight loss pill can give you the boost you need to achieve your weight loss goals. Finally, orlistat works by blocking the absorption of fat from your diet. One study by ElAgouri et al. analyzed illegal male enhancement nutraceuticals in Egypt in 2013. Disturbingly, the target audiences of these products are obese individuals and immunocompromised patients, often with heart and blood pressure problems. Based on the claim that these products are safe, consumers may decide to use double or triple doses, which may lead to highly toxic levels of adulterants. Very little research has been done on the use of yohimbe for weight loss or its effect on body mass, and studies are often contradictory. So far, studies suggest there’s minimal effect on body weight and body fat, and some smaller studies show contradictory results. Promotes weight loss through the increased fat breakdown in the body. Complicating the interpretation of many studies is that most weight-loss supplements contain multiple ingredients. Keep in mind that fat burners are not intended to help you shed countless pounds overnight; in fact, losing weight too quickly would be adverse to your health. How many supplements will you need to take each day in order to achieve your desired outcomes? Just like other supplements for men, fat burners will have varying serving sizes. As you seek the best weight loss supplement, there are several factors to consider. Phen24's Day Formula contains caffeine, guarana, and cayenne powder for a thermogenic metabolism boost and L-phenylalanine, which has been shown to have positive effects on appetite reduction and overall satiety.(7) Research indicates potential side effects including gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, and drowsiness. 5-HTP primarily influences weight management by increasing serotonin production in the brain. Nonetheless, safety remains paramount – individuals with kidney disease, low blood pressure, or those taking blood thinners should avoid forskolin supplementation. Clinical trials indicate that forskolin, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, might support metabolic risk factor management. Green Tea Extract – The Fat Burner A high-quality diet pill will both ramp up your fat burning and reduce your hunger cravings, helping on both sides of the weight loss equation. The diet pill industry is fraught with imitation products, low-quality supplements, and downright dangerous ingredients. With a great combo of appetite suppressants and fat burners, but only a modest 100 mg dose of caffeine, it’s the perfect pick for shaving off stubborn fat. That’s why we chose PhenQ, which has only a moderate amount of caffeine and a solid combination of metabolism boosters and fat oxidizers to sustain weight loss. The 1994 Dietary Supplement Act does not require that dietary supplements (defined broadly to include many substances, such as herbs and amino acids, that have no nutritive value) be shown to be safe or effective before they are marketed. However, even this did not eliminate the practice as the pills could still be prescribed as individual components.65 This practice was further restricted in 2011 when, following the lead of the FDA, which had recently withdrawn sibutramine because of risks of strokes and heart attacks, the Brazilian health agency reconsidered the status of all prescription weight loss pills. Despite receiving only perfunctory evaluations and sometimes counseled that she did not need to lose weight, she was prescribed more than 1500 pills.32 That same month, the US Senate, following months of detailed investigations in which the Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly identified at least 60 deaths and many more serious adverse effects (Figure 3), launched hearings into the rainbow diet pill industry.33 Although there was no standard formulation, the pills usually contained a selection of d-amphetamine, chlorthalidone, and thyroid hormone as weight loss agents, and digitalis, barbiturates, potassium, glandular extracts, and belladonna were added to counter side effects (Table 1).15 Particularly troubling was the dosage of medicines a patient might receive. And it may help you burn calories while your body is at rest. It can lessen your appetite and make you feel fuller. You take it as a weekly shot to manage obesity. It's one of four similar weight-loss drugs approved for use for less than 12 weeks, called short-term use. Other possible side effects include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, constipation, and nervousness. The star of appetite suppressants—or "hunger neutralizers"—is Konjac root, a starchy root vegetable full of glucomannan soluble fiber. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers are of the utmost importance to us. It is also used as a thickener for soups and ice creams and as a gelling agent for fish and meat-based products. Agar is a gelatinous substance extracted from a type of red algae, agarophytes; it is a fiber-rich mixture of natural polysaccharides, mainly agarose and agaropectin. These findings suggest a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients after guar gum supplementation. While food sources provide a steady, natural intake of inositol, supplements provide much higher doses, says Dr. Dasgupta. That said, inositol is not guaranteed to lead to significant weight loss in everyone who takes it, and it’s not a singular solution for weight management. Here, experts reveal if inositol can actually help you lose weight and what to look for in foods and supplements. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing supplements to your regimen. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a journey that goes beyond fad diets and short-term fixes. Our team is comprised of unbiased licensed nutritionists, dieticians and health professionals. Scientifically formulated and good quality products may be effective in assisting you with your weight management goals but if you do not reduce your calorie intake and exercise, then it will have a limited effect. The regulations governing these complementary health products are not as strict as it is for pharmaceutical drugs. Some ingredients in over-the-counter diet products may not be safe. Overall, the evidence is weak or inconclusive. There’s some evidence across 23 small human trials that it might boost metabolism. That’s because it’s almost always combined with other ingredients. Researchers noted the poor quality of studies and insufficient (too small) sample size (number of participants). It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your needs. Supplements are most effective when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid products with proprietary blends that do not disclose ingredient amounts. Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, particularly EGCG, which may boost metabolism and fat burning. LeanBean has a formula designed to control diet (suppressant) while accelerating metabolism as well. It has many of the powerful ingredients in the list below, making it a morning ritual with professional bodybuilders and Instagram models. 3) Triggering appetite reduction that results in more feelings of satiation while eating less 2) Decreasing nutrient absorption, especially fat, so total calorie intake drops Always double-check product quality, watch for third-party testing labels, and speak with a healthcare provider if you take prescription medications. If you’re focusing on weight lifting to boost metabolism, a protein powder can aid in muscle maintenance and growth. When aiming to lose weight, having a clear plan is essential. “A qualified healthcare professional can be a great support during times of physical and mental transformation. Your personal goals, expectations, and health concerns should be considered before choosing a product. “Their powerful anti-inflammatory properties not only reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but they also promote optimal cellular functioning for metabolism and fat modulation.” After eliminating products with unwanted ingredients and too much caffeine, we looked for supplements with synergistic effects. While it’s hard to target any specific area of your body for weight loss, Powher is hard to beat if you are trying to drop that last bit of belly fat. Burn XT focuses on thermogenesis, leveraging the fat burning effects of cayenne pepper, green tea extract, and caffeine to accelerate your body’s oxidation of fat. Clinical evidence suggests combining proven supplements with proper nutrition and regular exercise delivers optimal results. Ultimately, supplements serve as tools within a comprehensive weight management strategy. Essentially, these supplements work best when matched to your specific needs and health goals. MXGST used in our clinical practice is the dry powder derived from the water extract of a mixture of four botanical and mineral drugs, which contains Ephedra sinica Stapf, Prunus armeniaca L. Hence, safety, tolerability, and efficacy are three impartible core issues surrounding the commencement of weight-loss medications. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist with, presently, the most promising weight-lowering effect, increases incidence of symptomatic gallstones and may elevate the risk of pancreatitis apart from gastrointestinal symptoms (Pi-Sunyer et al., 2015). Topiramate, an anticonvulsant and also a centrally acting drug, has been reported with dose-related cognitive side effects, including psychomotor slowing, decreased concentration and attention, memory impairment, and an unexpected surge in suicidal thoughts (Shin and Gadde 2013). Orlistat, inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases, has adverse effects, including steatorrhea, oily spotting, and fecal incontinence, which is poorly tolerated (Apovian et al., 2015a). PRISMA flow diagram illustrating selection and exclusion of studies for qualitative review and meta-analysis.Embracing this natural option could be a step towards achieving your health goals and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.Green tea/GTE interventions do not appear to affect obesity hormones, leptin, and adiponectin, probably due to the modest reduction in BF 53,54.Obesity is defined as excess fat accumulation that may lead to serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, ischaemic stroke, and certain types of cancer 1, 2.Pyruvate has been proposed to aid with lipid metabolism through reversible conversion to phosphoenolpyruvate and to increase glucose uptake by skeletal muscles, providing a potential for weight loss (117).In the GLOW study, those taking Plenity reduced their waist circumference by 6.7 centimeters versus only 5.0 centimeters in the placebo group.Weight-loss pills tend to contain a mix of herbs and vitamins, and often stimulants such as caffeine, which can result in high blood pressure and heart palpitations. This pharmaceutical drug is designed to inhibit the breakdown of fat in the gut, leading to fewer calories absorbed from fatty foods eaten. Extracted from a plant in the mint family, forskolin raises cellular levels of a compound called cAMP, which is believed to cause increased fat burning. (7, 8, 9, 10) Some of the potential side effects are nausea, diarrhea, insomnia and anxiety. It may also increase norepinephrine, a fat-burning hormone. Cr may also contribute to weight loss by suppressing appetite and by stimulating human thermogenesis, through sensitization of insulin-sensitive glucoreceptors in the brain, thus increasing energy expenditure . In our hands, a 26-week-long mangosteen extract supplementation led to glucose metabolism improvement in insulin resistant female subjects with obesity, with a frank decrease of HOMA-IR, independent of body weight change . A 2014 review and metanalysis, taking into account RCTs that analyzed the effect of grapefruit on weight and body composition in humans, showed no benefit regarding weight loss, but a positive effect on waist circumference and body fat percentage reduction . They might be older men whose testosterone is lower than it used to be, and as a result have a lower metabolism and a greater natural inclination towards gaining body fat and losing muscle mass. Instead, it helps upregulate cellular mechanisms that burn fat, helping you drop pounds without the negative side effects of caffeine and other stimulants. Green tea extract is a proven supplement that keeps fat oxidation high and has numerous additional health benefits for heart health and cognitive health, which are particularly attractive features for older adults. Remember, supplements should complement a balanced diet and regular exercise, not replace them. Taking Forskolin as a part of a balanced diet may aid in increasing energy levels while supporting weight management goals. People often consume this supplement before meals to support their dietary goals. Exploring different herbal supplements might be an exciting opportunity for those looking to shed a few pounds naturally. Moreover, in a metanalysis of 14 RCTs, Sood et al. suggested that patients receiving 1 g glucomannan daily, together with 1 glass of water and an energy-restricted diet, showed statistically significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and body weight when compared to placebo. Another recent metanalysis investigated the effects of psyllium consumption (whether prescribed through supplements or added to foods) on BMI and/or weight, including RCTs, both parallel and crossover, not necessarily placebo-controlled. More recently, Xiao et al. conducted a metanalysis on four RCTs evaluating the effects of psyllium on body mass index, showing that BMI and body weight remained unaltered by psyllium intervention, although the results may be partially attributable to the low number of studies included . We will define participants with a BMI between 25 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m² as being overweight, and people with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater as obese. The findings of this review may provide useful information for consumers, healthcare professionals and health regulators, and therefore contribute to ensuring effective and safe use of herbal preparations. Despite this, green tea and chitosan may be included in herbal preparations containing multiple herbs. For BodyNutrition‘s #1 natural weight loss supplement recommendation, click here. Sticking to clean foods and a healthy lifestyle should be at the core of your weight loss, but a weight loss supplement can give you an added boost. Even the best natural weight loss supplement can only provide assistance; it can’t do all of the work for you. If you are aiming to lose weight, but having a hard time meeting your goals, a natural weight loss supplement might be just what you need for that extra boost. PhenQ is a simple and focused weight loss supplement that uses caffeine, carnitine, and capsicum for maximum efficacy. This formulation is formidable, scientifically proven, and takes a top spot on our list as an all-in-one weight loss supplement. PhenQ is not just a weight loss supplement. Each serving of Leanbean is engineered with garcinia cambogia, green tea, green coffee, turmeric, cayenne pepper, konjac, and chromium, a powerful lineup of appetite suppressing and fat-burning ingredients. LeanBean is the trendiest natural weight loss pill for women. She owns Melissa Mitri Nutrition, a virtual private practice helping women achieve sustainable weight loss. BMI, a ratio of your height versus weight, was also decreased by 2.1 kg/m2 in the GLOW study Plenity group versus 1.5 kg/m2 in the placebo group. Plenity is an FDA-cleared, prescription-only weight loss capsule that takes up space in the stomach to help you feel full with less food. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have described the antitumor, antimutagenic, immune-modulating, anti-osteoporotic and antioxidant effects of β-Glucans. The study of the effects on health of β-glucans is complicated by the variability of their biological activities which depend on the source, the extraction and purification methods. They are naturally occuring in the cell wall of bacteria, fungi, algae, and higher crops, such as cereals and can be taken orally as a food supplement or as part of a daily diet . This natural alkaloid primarily influences metabolism through its unique interaction with cellular pathways. The compound primarily works by enhancing fatty acid oxidation and reducing triglyceride synthesis in the liver. Clinical studies demonstrate that CGA decreases lipid accumulation and improves glucose tolerance similar to metformin. Fundamentally, CGA operates through multiple pathways to support weight reduction. Commonly, phentermine is a short acting medication and short-term use is suggested since the suppression on appetite may wear off in several weeks (Apovian et al., 2015b). Phentermine, a sympathomimetic agent, poses side effects, such as tachycardia, insomnia, constipation, and agitation. However, the safety or significant tolerability issues of the currently available anti-obesity medications arise in the long term use (Lee and Dixon 2017). More seriously, being overweight and obese increases the risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or other diseases for both men and women in all age groups (Calle et al., 1999). Obesity, a worldwide epidemic issue, causes a global public health problem for both individuals and society (Stefan et al., 2013). Life-threatening outcomes may result if customers use a single dose of products containing phenolphthalein, sildenafil, sibutramine, and orlistat, with no real efficacy. With respect to efficacy, the results of the study revealed a wide variation in the efficacy of both prescription medications and OTC nutraceuticals. Users of AB Slim® (Table 1) suffered from diarrhea (48%), appetite loss (78%), hypertension (10%), dizziness (28%), tachycardia (32%), blurred vision (18%), depression (34%), suicidal thoughts (4%), skin rash (4%), and dry throat (70%). You should start with that foundation, and then fill in what you’re missing in an effort of overall health and wellbeing. There’s just no getting around this duo if you’re serious about losing weight. No need to buy it in supplement form unless you aren’t getting enough meat, seafood, nuts, and other zinc-containing foods, in which case it is available in pill form. Before starting any weight loss supplement, discuss it with your doctor. While CLA shows some promise in studies, the authors noted that the “magnitude of these effects is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain”. The authors of a 2011 review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials with a total of 706 participants examined the effects of Garcinia cambogia on weight loss, finding minimal benefits. Overlap weighting was used to balance the baseline differences between CHM and WM groups. Furthermore, the potential adverse events were analyzed during the study period. The proportion of subjects who achieved 5 and 10% weight reduction was calculated as well. Melissa believes everyone has the power to improve their health, one small habit at a time. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of health problems. Ozempic and Wegovy can cost $1,000 a month without insurance, while some of the supplements cost about $70 a month or less. So if you pick up a bottle of supplements that says GLP-1 on the label, you’re not getting GLP-1 and you don’t know exactly what’s inside, Raj warned. “They contain extracts, maybe from fruits or vegetables, that purport to boost your body’s natural GLP-1. “What’s very misleading, in my opinion, is a lot of these supplements have the term GLP-1 on the bottle, but they do not contain GLP-1. It’s also more expensive than comparable creatine products, at about 50 cents per serving, as opposed to the more typical 30 to 40 cents. This creatine is also NSF Certified for Sport, so athletes can rest assured that it’s free of banned substances. It’s best to start small, with about 1 teaspoon a day, then work your way up slowly to a full dose of 1 tablespoon. Natural weight loss supplements are designed to complement your existing fitness journey, but PhenQ takes it a step further. Our detailed reviews of these supplements are intended to empower you to make an informed decision on the best weight loss treatment for your needs. We have conducted extensive research on various weight loss pills, examining their ingredients, benefits, and potential side effects. However, opting for weight loss pills–or even considering injectable options–can make the journey slightly less challenging while promoting healthier habits. Relying solely on supplements is unlikely to produce significant weight loss. As of early 2026, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) remains the gold standard, achieving a weight loss of up to 20–22%, followed by Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) at approximately 15%. Modern GLP-1 medications mimic natural hormones that stimulate insulin production, slow gastric emptying, and suppress appetite by targeting the brain’s satiety centers. Also, remember that there’s no substitute for a well-rounded diet and exercise so if you’re not doing these things, a supplement alone isn’t the solution. Certain vitamins can help bolster your body's fat-burning abilities. This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.Today’s generation of drugs has shifted the paradigm by addressing metabolism holistically.While you can’t target a specific area of the body with a pill, a fat burning diet pill will decrease your overall body fat content, which includes your belly fat.So we took a closer look at a selection of diet pills and checked out the ingredients that reportedly give these products their fat-busting properties.Some, like green tea extract, may have a more direct effect by modestly increasing metabolism and fat oxidation.According to the National Institutes of Health, many common ingredients in weight loss dietary supplements can lead to adverse effects, some of which can be serious.And if weight-loss pills don’t work, there is an increasing number of injectable medications available, although cost is a factor. In the same study, 2-week supplementation with 2.6 g/day of choline (provided as phosphatidylcholine) increased serum TG by (8%) but did not alter TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C. The supplementation of betaine, which is a metabolite of choline produced in the human body, at 1.5, 3, and 6 g/day for 6 weeks, significantly increased TC, LDL-C, and TG compared to placebo . Choline supplementation has been explored in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on lipid profiles with no effect seen with 400 mg/day choline in T2DM subjects or with 1 g choline/day in 42 healthy postmenopausal women . Although clinical evidence on the efficacy of choline supplementation in protecting against the NAFLD development and progression is lacking 102,103, the current evidence suggests the potential of choline for nutritional support and management of NAFLD. Additionally, those with high caffeine sensitivity should monitor their intake, since green tea extract contains 50-90mg of caffeine per serving. Notably, research demonstrates that higher doses (856.8mg) showed significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference. Research shows that green tea contains up to 30% polyphenol catechins by dry weight, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most potent component. Worth the daily routine for any man wanting to melt more fat. Several professional MMA fighters take the supplement, including Diego Sanchez and his training coach Greg Jackson. This fat burner was designed to help MMA fighters melt fat before their fights. Each serving of Leanbean is filled with garcinia cambogia, green tea, green coffee, turmeric, cayenne pepper, konjac, and chromium. Surprisingly, the addition of agar to a test meal was shown to increase other appetite parameters such as hunger and desire to eat , questioning its ability to inhibit appetite and caloric intake; no positive effect was also seen on energy expenditure after the test meal. The most frequently reported adverse effect of guar gum supplementation was GI discomfort, such as flatulence, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, occasionally leading to drop-out from studies . Finally, Onakpoya et al., in a systematic review and metanalysis of nine trials, indicated that glucomannan intake does not generate a significant decrease in body weight or BMI when compared to placebo . Many people know vitamins D and K support bone health, but mounting research suggests these essential vitamins may also influence body weight. “A healthy intestinal barrier is essential for absorbing nutrients and keeping your immune system operating at full capacity, both important for sustainable weight loss,” adds Bourgeois. It may help promote fat oxidation and assist with fat burning during exercise and periods of weight loss. The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade group that represents dietary supplement manufacturers, says promising metabolic benefits of berberine have been explored in recent years. Berberine is unlikely to reduce appetite and potentially leads to very little, if any, weight loss, Cohen says. It also does significantly suppress appetite, and people get significant weight loss taking Ozempic. An extract of the Seville orange, it’s also known as Citrus aurantium. Some studies have shown it can cause headache, nausea, and symptoms in the upper respiratory tract, stomach and intestines, and liver damage. But whatever their impact, it seems that we can’t escape actually doing the hard yards, such as changing our diets or getting more exercise, if we want to see results. This makes it difficult to isolate the effects of each ingredient or how they interact with each other. Always double-check product quality, watch for third-party testing labels, and speak with a healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.“A multivitamin can support weight management efforts in more ways than one, and Onnit Total Human has pretty much everything you need in one place,” explains Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD.But effective weight loss pills combine clinically-backed ingredients with real benefits, supporting fat burn, appetite control, and energy enhancement.These findings are critically important to understanding the science behind dietary supplements and alternative therapies purported for weight-loss.Some individuals see improvements in energy and minor shifts in body composition simply by swapping sugary drinks for green tea or black coffee.“It’s essential to discuss any supplements you are taking, or plan to take, with your doctor to avoid harmful interactions,” says Dr. Chu.The plant ephedra sinica’s main proposed active ingredient for weight loss is ephedrine which is often taken is conjugation with caffeine.It may directly enhance serotonin activity and/or impacting potential downstream effects on dopaminergic signaling on central insulin receptors. However, the benefits on FBG appear not to extend to people at increased risk for diabetes or with the disease based on the results of three other meta-analysis studies 58,59,61. Green tea/GTE interventions do not appear to affect obesity hormones, leptin, and adiponectin, probably due to the modest reduction in BF 53,54. The efficacy of green tea or GTE has been extensively researched, and for the most part, the results are favorable. In their systematic review, Hu et al. only found one study in children that assessed adverse events . In a 2017 review, Health Canada concluded that there might be a link between the use of GTE and the risk of hepatotoxicity and thus requires a cautionary statement on GTE products and limits their sale to adults . Supplements alone are not a comprehensive approach to healthy weight loss, but they may help enhance weight loss due to other lifestyle changes, such as improved eating and exercise habits.Although the aesthetics of the colorful pills remain, there is no longer the deceptive component to their appearance in which they were marketed as treatments tailored to an individual patient's needs.Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to verify it’s right for you.Ask your prescriber about the safest and most effective medication for your body-weight goals.L-carnitine emerges as a crucial amino acid derivative that plays a fundamental role in energy production and fat metabolism.Natural weight loss supplements may be used along with diet and exercise for best results.Dietary supplements often have vitamins, minerals, fiber, caffeine, herbs and other plants in them. “There are multiple studies showing that green tea extract enhances fat metabolism,” says Dr. Perlmutter. When insulin works better, it’s easier to burn fat and control appetite. Now, modern science shows it may also help shrink fat cells and support weight loss. It may infer that the maximal medication benefits of reducing appetite and energy intake were not achieved in the WM group. Additionally, in a 56-weeks trial, patients receiving once-daily subcutaneous injections of liraglutide, 3.0 mg, had lost a mean of 8.4 ± 7.3 kg of body weight, and approximately 63.2% of liraglutide users had lost at least 5% of their initial body weight (Pi-Sunyer et al., 2015). Liraglutide, a glucagonlike peptide-1 analogue, has been assessed by several randomized controlled trials indicating that it has anti-obesity effects possessing beneficial effects on glycemic control and could lower the risk of cardiovascular death in obese individuals (Howell, Wright, and Clements 2019). Our cohort study had several differences compared with other randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies. Specifically, the form of delivery (supplement vs. food) and intake level (e.g., testing in the range of a typical product) are important to consider when translating science for decision-making . For example, key aspects that authoritative bodies consider when selecting and assessing whether the evidence for decision-making is relevant generally follow the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) approach 13,15. Reports from authoritative bodies and government agencies that provide transparency on the scientific evidence review process are among the highest form of evidence for regulatory and policy applications. Green coffee bean extract (GCBE) and capsaicinoids and capsinoids are newer to the market and becoming popular for weight management support. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial reported that curcumin administration is well-tolerated and can positively influence weight management in overweight people by increasing weight loss (from 1.88% to 4.91%), and reducing body fat percentage (from 0.70% to 8.43%) . Despite the quality of evidence being classified as low, the strength of preclinical evidence and the promising results from human studies, together with the good safety profile, may support the use of capsaicinoids and capsaicin for the treatment of obesity. However, whether this translates in sustained weight loss is still unclear and the quality of evidence supporting its application for obesity treatment is low. Increasing your protein intake with a high-quality protein powder is a great way to support long-term weight loss. It’s eight pills in the day pack, and eight at night. “I’ve been taking these for around 20 days, and I’ve seen results from the daytime pills, specifically, with a lot less brain fog and an altogether clearer head,” they said. “The blend of vitamins and minerals can support weight loss by ensuring you meet your daily nutrient needs to keep your systems running at optimal levels,” says Bourgeois, who scores Total Human a 4.5 out of 5. Selection of studies Small sample sizes and a high or unclear risk of bias in several trials further weaken the evidence. Eight studies reported a mean decrease in BMI of 0.47 kg/m². Relevant evidence for berberine comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Third, chances are high that subjects’ motivation would de-escalate as time goes by, and it probably would result in low adherence after 180 days of treatment. The retrospective nature of our study showed a higher proportion of T2DM individuals in the WM group under submaximal dosage of liraglutide for glycemic control. Second, liraglutide has been prescribed as a therapeutic agent to provide glycemic control for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which would not be applied with the maximal dose daily for weight control purposes (Nauck et al., 2009). Careful observations and sophisticated surveillance are needed to investigate further the safety and long-term effects of this medication. Thus, under siege in whole or in part from journalistic exposé, congressional inquiry, FDA mass seizure, court-ordered restriction, and legislated deep accountability, the heyday of rainbow pills as popular prescription drugs in the therapeutics of obesity was on the wane in the 1970s. Diversion of the drug for recreational use and the concomitant public health concerns had been recognized as a serious problem by the 1950s,38 but prescribing amphetamine—whether alone, as part of the rainbow regime, or for indications other than weight loss—continued to rise in the 1960s.39 Under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, which established different schedules for certain drugs based on their medical value vis-á-vis their abuse potential, amphetamine was relegated to Schedule II. According to a Congressional investigation that year, weight loss clinics earned $250 million annually just in patient fees, and it was estimated that patients spent an additional $120 million on rainbow pills.26 Instead, the rainbow colors suggested personalized attention, a treatment uniquely crafted for the patient's individual weight loss requirements; a clearly insidious version of what might otherwise be termed “personalized medicine” today. Parisian dermatologist Louis-Victor Duchesne-Duparc observed in 1862 that bladderwrack, or sea kelp, caused his psoriatic patients to lose weight.2 James T. Whittaker, professor of physiology and clinical medicine at the Medical College of Ohio, experimented with arsenic to treat obesity. Based on GLOW study results, Plenity users lost an average of 6.4 percent of their initial body weight compared with just 4.4 percent for the placebo group. Plenity can be a useful weight loss ally when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. Even though it’s a capsule, it’s considered a weight loss “device” by the FDA, as it’s not absorbed in the digestive tract. Second, the prescription of the CHM may combine different formulas to achieve more holistic effects and it does not always exactly follow the consistent dosage or formula as well as WM. First, it is hard to reflect on patients’ adherence to lifestyle modification and actual compliance between CHM users and WM users during the course of treatment in our retrospective observational study. The results obtained from RCTs are through precise controls and close monitoring of those specific participants, including diet control and exercise education.