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Whether you're looking to lose a significant amount of weight or just a few pounds, there's no doubt that weight loss can be challenging. Between diets and taxing workouts, you may be left with your tank empty at the end of the day. This may leave you wondering, is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
While diet and exercise have the most impact on your ability to lose weight, the best supplements might help speed up the process. These typically contain ingredients that work to boost your metabolism which sometimes results in more calories burned.
Because weight loss supplements can be a tricky category to navigate, you'll want to fully vet whichever options you’re considering to ensure the ingredients are both safe and effective. To help you with your search, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has done some of the work for you by providing a list of the best supplements and diet pills for weight loss.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE’s readers are of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming protein powders, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We’ve also consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when ingesting supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before ingesting a new supplement or pill. Weight loss supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss of more than a pound each week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
The Best Supplements & Diet Pills for Weight Loss - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall: PhenQ
- Best for Women: Phen24
- Best for Men: Burn Lab Pro
- Best for a Keto Diet: Bauer Nutrition KetoCharge
- Best for Gut Health: Athletic Greens AG1
- Best for Menopause: Estroven Weight Management for Menopause Relief
- Best for PCOS: THERALOGIX Ovasitol Inositol Powder
- Best Natural: Nutramode Premium Green Tea Extract Supplement
- Best for Energy: Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner
How We Rated Supplements
Below is a breakdown of some of the factors we used to rate each supplement:
Price/affordability scale (Scale of $-$$$):
Prices depend on several factors and tend to fluctuate over time, so we've kept our affordability rating scale simple so you can easily see how products compare:
$ = under $1 per serving
$$ = $1-2 per serving
$$$ = over $2 per serving
Flavor Options (rating scale of 1-3):
Regarding dietary supplements you take frequently or even daily, options are important. And while your protein powder or pre-workout doesn't have to taste good to be effective, having several flavors to choose from can make it easier to stick with your fitness and health goals.
N/A = Unflavored
1 = 1-2 flavor options
2 = 3-4 flavor options
3 = 5 or more flavor options
What to Look for in a Weight Loss Supplement
When shopping for a weight loss supplement, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select a product that aligns with your goals. Here are the top things to keep in mind:
Active Ingredients
Of course, the most important factor when looking for a weight loss supplement is the active ingredients. We recommend analyzing all of the ingredients to get an idea of the methods the supplement uses to promote weight loss (they tend to vary from brand to brand). Some products use stimulants to boost energy expenditure whereas others bank on appetite suppressants to reduce energy intake. Think about the type of supplement that best suits you and your goals.
Cost
Some supplements are quite pricey and the cost can add up quickly.
Serving size
Some weight loss supplements require users to take multiple pills at a time. If you’re someone who struggles with swallowing pills, this may be something for you to consider. For that reason, a powdered supplement that can be mixed into water or a drink might be preferred.
Sweeteners
While the majority of weight loss supplements come in pill form and are unsweetened, there are a few powdered versions that use sweeteners. In most cases, these products use calorie-free sweeteners, some of which come from artificial sources. If you try to avoid artificial sweeteners, you'll want to check the label.
Stimulants
Many weight loss supplements include stimulants such as caffeine to help boost your metabolism and increase energy levels. This may be problematic for people who are sensitive to caffeine. Consider whether you'd prefer a stimulant-containing or stimulant-free supplement when shopping around.
Best Overall - PhenQ
SPECS
- Cost: $$
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 2 capsules daily
- Dose recommendations: Take one capsule with breakfast and one with lunch
- Type: Multi-ingredient fat burner
In simple terms, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. While this seems rather easy, some people struggle to maintain a steady calorie deficit. But PhenQ uses a five-pronged approach that aims to increase calories burned and reduce food cravings.
The product includes caffeine, Capsimax (red chili pepper extract), L-carnitine fumarate, and alpha lipoic acid, all of which have been shown to promote thermogenesis, the process through which fat is burned in the body. In addition, it includes chromium picolinate, a natural mineral that might reduce cravings for high carbohydrate foods that can lead to weight gain.
PROS
- Contains several ingredients that might increase energy expenditure
- Provides 60-day money-back guarantee
- Uses transparent labeling
CONS
- Not suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine
- Cost can add up at over $1/serving
BUY: PhenQ
Best for Women - Phen24
SPECS
- Cost: $$$
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 3 capsules
- Dose recommendations: Take one capsule during the day and two capsules at night
- Type: Multi-ingredient fat burner
Women face unique hormonal fluctuations that correspond with their reproductive stages. Some of these fluctuations may impact your weight status or ability to stay lean. While diet and exercise can help counteract this, some women may look for a supplement for additional help in managing their weight.
Our top pick for women, Phen24, consists of a day and night formula to optimize your metabolism 24 hours per day. The daytime formula is meant to boost your metabolism, increase energy levels, and reduce food cravings. It includes ingredients such as caffeine, guarana, and cayenne powder, to aid thermogenesis. It also includes L-phenylalanine which has been shown to suppress appetite in animal models.
The nighttime formula provides users with ingredients such as calcium D-pantothenate, vitamin C, glucomannan, choline, green tea extract, and hops extract. These ingredients are designed to enhance fat loss and reduce hunger while sleeping, though data is limited on most of them.
PROS
- Uses a 24-hour approach to boost metabolism and reduce food cravings
- Contains clean, all-natural ingredients
- 60-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Several of the ingredients lack reliable human data
- Green tea extract in the night formula contains caffeine which may impact sleep
BUY: Phen24
Best for Men - Burn Lab Pro
SPECS
- Cost: $$
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 3 caps
- Dose recommendations: Take 3 caps daily before exercise and with your first meal of the day on rest days
- Type: Multi-ingredient fat burner
Men are often interested in gaining muscle to maintain a masculine physique. This is usually accomplished through a combination of strength training and a high protein diet. Other factors include avoiding excess fat gain and supporting healthy testosterone levels. To enhance muscle gains and burn fat, some men choose to take testosterone boosters or fat burners.
Burn Lab Pro is a stimulant-free fat burner that’s designed to help you burn fat and promote muscle gains. Its main active ingredient is Forslean, a patented version of coleus forskohlii, which is an herb that’s been shown to increase testosterone levels and induce fat loss in men. It also includes Capsimax cayenne pepper extract for fat burning, HMB (hydroxy methylbutyrate) to support lean body mass, and chromium to enhance blood glucose control.
Unlike some of the other weight loss supplements we've reviewed, this one is designed to be taken prior to working out. So, if you don't plan on exercising after taking it you might not experience the full benefits.
PROS
- Contains ingredients known to boost testosterone and fat loss
- Stimulant-free
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Natural ingredients
CONS
- Designed only to be taken prior to exercise
- Higher price point
BUY: Burn Lab Pro
Best for a Keto Diet - Bauer Nutrition KetoCharge
SPECS
- Cost: $$
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 2 caps
- Dose recommendations: Take 2 caps in the morning on an empty stomach
- Type: Ketosis promoting agent
The keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that is often followed for its weight loss benefits. When following a keto diet, carbs make up 5-10 percent of your total calories while the rest of your calories are from carbs and fats. When in ketosis your body uses fat instead of carbs as its main energy source. It typically takes two to four days to get into ketosis. But, by including supplements such as Bauer's Keto Charge, you might be able to help your body reach ketosis faster.
KetoCharge supplies a blend of three ketone salts: calcium beta-hydroxybutyrate, sodium beta-hydroxybutyrate, and magnesium beta-hydroxybutyrate. These salts mimic the ketones naturally produced in the body when following a keto diet, helping to put you into ketosis faster.
In theory, this should allow keto dieters to eat slightly more carbohydrates while still remaining in ketosis. Other potential benefits of supplementing with ketone salts include reduced appetite, weight loss, and improved mental focus.
PROS
- Provides ketone salts to enhance ketosis
- May help enhance fat loss
CONS
- Uses a proprietary blend hiding specific amounts of ingredients
- Some claims lack research backing
BUY: Bauer Nutrition KetoCharge
Best for Gut Health - Athletic Greens AG1
SPECS
- Cost: $$$
- Flavor options: 1
- Sweetener: None noted
- Serving size: 1 scoop (12g) mixed with 8 oz. of water
- Dose recommendations: Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
- Type: Greens powder
When following a weight loss regimen, sometimes we may lose focus on the quality of our diet. With so much focus on calories and macronutrients, micronutrients are often forgotten about. To fill in the potential gaps in their diets, some people use a greens supplement to provide important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support gut health.
Our top pick for gut health support, Athletic Greens AG1, contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, a superfood blend of fruits, veggies, and herbs for antioxidant support. Plus, it contains a number of high-quality ingredients to promote digestive health.
Supplying a whopping 7.2 billion CFUs (colony forming units) of probiotics, this supplement provides the digestive tract with a solid dose of healthy bacteria to boost gut health. In addition, it supplies users with a mushroom and digestive enzyme blend to promote healthy digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and support the immune system.
PROS
- Contains full spectrum of vitamins and minerals
- Provides 7.2 billion CFUs of probiotics to promote gut health
- Includes a superfood blend of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for antioxidant support
- Vegan-friendly
- All-natural ingredients
CONS
- Doesn’t directly target weight loss
- On the expensive side at over $3/serving
BUY: Athletic Greens AG1
Best for Menopause - Estroven Weight Management for Menopause Relief
SPECS
- Cost: $
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 1 cap
- Dose recommendations: Take 1 cap daily with or without food
- Type: Menopause relief supplement
Throughout their reproductive stages, women may experience variations in hormones that impact their body weight. Particularly during menopause, where estrogen and progesterone naturally drop, some women might find it difficult to maintain their weight or may notice an increase in stomach fat. The best way to address excess body fat is through a nutritious diet and exercise, but some supplements may be used in addition to this process.
Estroven Weight Management for Menopause Relief contains three proven ingredients to help counteract symptoms of menopause. These include black cohosh and soy isoflavones, which have been shown in some studies to aid in reduction of night sweats and hot flashes, as well as cissus quadrangularis extract, a type of vine that might help promote fat loss.
PROS
- Provides black cohosh and soy isoflavones to reduce hot flashes
- Includes cissus quadrangularis to help regulate metabolism
- All-natural ingredients
CONS
- Long-term human data is limited
- Contains some filler ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose
BUY: Estroven Weight Management for Menopause Relief
Best for PCOS - THERALOGIX Ovositol Inositol Powder
SPECS
- Cost: $
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 1 leveled scoop (2.4g)
- Dose recommendations: Take 1 level scoop twice daily
- Type: Inositol supplement
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a condition that some women suffer from that causes an abnormal amount of male sex hormones to be produced in the ovaries, resulting in the formation of small cysts. These hormonal imbalances often lead to weight gain due to insulin resistance, meaning your body may not process carbs as efficiently. Certain supplements may help counteract this insulin resistance.
One in particular, THERALOGIX Ovasitol, supplies two types of inositol, a small molecule that has been shown to help treat weight gain and insulin resistance associated with PCOS.
PROS
- Provides science-backed doses of inositol to address PCOS-associated insulin resistance
- Produced in a GMP (good manufacturing practice) facility
- Third-party tested
- Also available in single serve packets
CONS
- May be unpalatable for some as it's unflavored
- Requires 2 daily doses
BUY: THERALOGIX Ovositol Inositol Powder
Best Natural - Nutramode Premium Green Tea Extract Supplement
SPECS
- Cost: $
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 2 caps
- Dose recommendations: Take 1 capsule twice daily
- Type: Natural fat burner
Many of the weight loss supplements on the market contain a long list of ingredients, some of which come from artificial sources. While these may not necessarily be harmful, some people prefer to avoid regularly consuming artificial ingredients.
For those looking for a more natural option for weight loss supplementation, Nutramode's Green Tea Extract formula provides a blend of naturally-derived ingredients to help boost your metabolism by facilitating thermogenesis.
The main ingredients include green tea extract to help control hunger, garcinia cambogia to improve satiety at meals, as well as a blend of green coffee bean extract and caffeine to help boost calorie burning. As an added bonus, green tea extract is rich in antioxidants that can help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.
PROS
- Contains natural ingredients to boost metabolism and control hunger
- Vegan-friendly
- Third-party tested
CONS
- Uses a proprietary blend that hides specific amounts of ingredients
- May contain too much caffeine for those who are stimulant-sensitive
BUY: Nutramode Premium Green Tea Extract Supplement
Best for Energy - Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner
SPECS
- Cost: $
- Flavor options: N/A
- Sweetener: N/A
- Serving size: 1-2 caps depending on tolerance
- Dose recommendations: 1 cap per day with a meal to start then increase to 2 per day
- Type: Stimulant fat burner
Anyone who regularly exercises can attest that it can leave you drained of energy on occasion. While this can be alleviated by eating your biggest meals at times when you’re most active, some people may still feel sluggish. To counteract this, you might opt to take supplements that contain stimulants such as caffeine for a jolt of energy.
Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner contains 135 milligrams of caffeine per one capsule serving to help maintain energy levels and boost calorie burning. Other active ingredients include acetyl-L-carnitine, green tea leaf extract, and cayenne pepper extract, all of which have been shown to help promote fat loss.
This product is designed to be taken in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program. So, if you aren't exercising you might not experience the full effect. The manufacturer suggests taking it once per day to start out, though more experienced users can take one capsule twice daily for an additional energy boost.
PROS
- Contains 135mg of caffeine per serving to boost energy levels
- Provides common ingredients known to promote fat loss and control appetite
- Transparent labeling
- Affordable price point
CONS
- May contain too much caffeine for those who are sensitive
- Not third-party tested
BUY: Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner
FAQs About Weight Loss Supplements
What is the best supplement for weight loss?
Ordinarily, the most commonly used supplements for weight loss are stimulants of various types. These work to boost thermogenesis, or the process through which calories are burned in the body.
Do weight loss supplements actually work?
While it will largely depend on the specific weight loss supplement you choose, some of them might help assist with weight loss to a certain extent. That said, there are a number of other more important factors that impact your success like whether you’re following a balanced, nutritious diet (and eating in a caloric deficit), as well as exercising regularly.
Are supplements good for losing weight?
In general, supplements serve to enhance your weight loss progress alongside a healthy diet and exercise by increasing your energy expenditure or suppressing your appetite. While they certainly aren't necessary to lose weight, they might help in some situations.
How can I speed up my weight loss?
You'll first want to ensure you're following an appropriate diet and exercise program as these provide you with the most bang for your buck in terms of weight loss. From there you may want to quantify your calories by using a meal tracking app to ensure you’re in an appropriate calorie deficit. It's usually only after you've nailed down your diet and exercise regimen that you should consider weight loss supplements.
How to Lose Weight Fast | Workouts to Lose Weight | How to Lose Weight Without Exercise | How to Eat to Lose Weight | How to Burn Belly Fat | Best Weight Loss Apps | Fat-Burning Foods | Best Fat Burners | Best Weight-Loss Supplements