With the new year comes new resolutions. And for many, a top goal is shedding unwanted pounds. This leads to the question – do fat burner supplements actually help with weight loss? Or are they all hype?

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. While no magic pill can replace proper diet and exercise, some fat-burning supplements can support your weight loss efforts. But you have to choose wisely, as not all are created equal.

Below we dive into the science behind fat burners and review the top-rated supplements on the market. We’ll cover how they work, key ingredients, safety, realistic expectations, and some of the best fat burners for men.  Let’s kick things off by exploring the benefits of these popular products.

How Can Fat Burner Supplements Help With Weight Loss?

Supplement companies market fat burners as your fast track to weight loss. Just take a few pills per day and watch the pounds melt away.

Do they actually work just like that? Of course, it’s not that simple. No fat burner pills will cause significant fat loss on their own. But when combined with diet, exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle, you can burn calories, and evidence shows certain fat burners can:

• Increase fat burning and boost metabolism
• Reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness
• Increase energy and workout performance
• Support the breakdown of fat

This one-two punch makes them useful additions to your regimen. But which ingredients make an effective fat burner? Let’s find out.

What Makes an Effective Fat Burning Supplement? Key Ingredients Backed by Science

With hundreds of products on the market, how can you determine which fat burner is best? Start by examining the ingredient label.

Effective supplements will contain a blend of science-backed compounds shown to aid weight loss. Key ingredients to look for include:

Caffeine

One of the most common and research-backed compounds in fat burners is caffeine. It is one of the best fat burners found in common home beverages, and as a stimulant has been shown to be an effective weight loss mediator by:

• Boosting metabolism by up to 11%
• Increasing fat burning by 10-29%
• Improving exercise performance by 11-12%

By revving your metabolism and energy levels, caffeine enables you to burn more calories and fat – especially during workouts. Just be mindful of your intake, as too much can cause jitters and sleep issues.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea can also help you lose weight because it contains beneficial antioxidants called catechins, including a powerful compound called EGCG. Studies show EGCG can:

• Increase fat burning, particularly around the stomach
• Boost metabolism by 4%
• Help inhibit new fat cell production

The combination of increased fat burn, boosted metabolism, and inhibition of new fat cell production can lead to a healthy weight.

Research suggests drinking green tea can support modest fat loss by burning stubborn belly fat, and green tea extract provides a more concentrated form. Most fat burners contain 270-500mg of green tea extract standardized to 45% EGCG.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

CLA is a popular supplement for weight loss and body composition. As a fatty acid, it helps transport stored fat into cells where it can be burned for energy. To prevent weight gain, studies show CLA can:

• Reduce body fat mass by 1-6%
• Limit fat accumulation after weight loss
• Preserve lean muscle mass when dieting

Aim for 3-6 grams of CLA per day to enhance fat loss. It appears especially effective at targeting belly fat.

Fucoxanthin

Fucoxanthin, a potent belly fat burner, is a carotenoid found in seaweed that supports weight loss in several ways. Research indicates fucoxanthin:

• Increases the expression of a protein that boosts fat burning
• Boosts metabolism by increasing heat production in fat tissue
• Supports abdominal fat loss

While more research is needed, early studies show promise for fucoxanthin-based fat burners.

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant. To help you burn fat, taking this fiber supplement helps you feel fuller and reduce calorie intake. Studies show glucomannan:

• Lowers levels of the “hunger hormone” ghrelin
• Reduces food intake by up to 275 calories per day
• Helps people eat less at meals

By curbing appetite and cravings, glucomannan enables easier calorie restriction for weight loss. It expands in the stomach to promote satiety.

This covers some of the top science-backed ingredients to look for in an effective fat burner. But there are many subpar products out there. Next, let’s review how to choose a quality supplement that delivers results.

How to Choose the Best Fat Burner Supplement

With enticing marketing and promises of dramatic fat loss, it’s easy to be swayed by the latest fat burning pills or prescription weight loss supplements. But picking an effective and safe product comes down to a few key factors:

1. Opt for Reputable Brands

With loose regulations in the supplement industry, it pays to choose brands known for quality. Look for those with:

• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification
• Third-party testing for purity and dosing
• No proprietary blends or misleading label claims

Established brands in business for years are typically a safer bet over fly-by-night companies.

2. Check for Clinical Doses of Key Ingredients

A fat-burning supplement is only as good as what’s inside. Be sure any fat burner contains optimal doses of proven ingredients like caffeine, green tea, CLA, etc.

Under dosed products won’t deliver the same benefits. And if a proprietary blend doesn’t list amounts per ingredient, proceed with caution.

3. Read Independent Reviews

Don’t rely solely on a company’s marketing. Check out impartial customer reviews on sites like Amazon or forums like Reddit. This helps give a realistic picture of other users’ experiences.

Choose supplements with largely positive feedback around fat loss results, how the products break down fat, energy boosts, how they reduce cravings and other benefits.

4. Consider Potential Side Effects

Even natural fat burners can cause issues like anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and headaches in sensitive individuals.

Start with smaller doses to assess tolerance and determine the appropriate dose to reduce fat. And avoid many fat burners with risky stimulants like synephrine or DMAA. Speak to your doctor if concerned about interactions with medications.

Following these tips helps narrow the field to find a quality fat burner suitable for your needs. Next up, we review 10 of the top-rated options on the market for 2023.

Top 10 Best Fat Burners for Weight Loss

After extensive research, we rounded up 2023’s top fat burners and how these supplements work based on ingredients, dosing, safety, reputation, and real customer results. Here are our 10 favorites:

1. Leanbean – Best Fat Burner For Women

Leanbean tops our list as the best fat burner for women. With over 500,000 satisfied global customers, this formula can help you achieve your weight loss goal if you’re female stemming from how it helps women burn excess fat fast in three ways:

• Burn fat – Contains green tea, glucomannan, garcinia, cambogia, and chromium
• Reduce hunger – High fiber doses curb cravings and promote satiety
• Increase energy – Choline and natural stimulants boost metabolism and workout performance

We love the high doses of glucomannan (3000mg) and chromium, which stimulates fat metabolism. This supplement is formulated just for female physiology. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, and hence, suitable for women who want to lose weight without indulging in products with additives. 

Leanbean offers a 90-day money back guarantee. With rave reviews around appetite suppression and energy levels, it provides complete weight loss support.

Highlights

• 500mg green tea extract (45% EGCG)
• 3000mg glucomannan
• Choline for fat metabolism
• No proprietary blends
• 90-day money back guarantee

2. PhenQ – Best Fat Burner Overall

PhenQ takes our top spot for the best overall fat burner. This fat loss supplement achieves fat breakdown and turns fat into energy from multiple angles:

• Burns body fat – With capsicum, piperine, caffeine, and niacin
• Blocks fat production – Thanks to chromium and capsicum
• Reduces appetite – Curb cravings and calories with nopal and chromium
• Boosts energy and mood – Caffeine and lemon balm provide a lift

It is one of the best fat-burning supplements because user reviews consistently report better energy levels, reduced hunger and cravings, and enhanced fat loss – especially around the stomach. PhenQ makes calorie cutting easy so your body can burn stored fat, even as you get the best results. The ton of reviews makes a popular weight loss supplement. 

The company offers a 60-day money back guarantee and free shipping worldwide. If you want an all-in-one supplement proven to accelerate weight loss, PhenQ is one of the top fat burners on our list. 

Highlights

• a-Lacys Reset® for thermogenesis
• Nopal fiber blunts appetite
• L-carnitine for stored fat
• No side effects
• 67-day money back guarantee

3. Burn Lab Pro – Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burner

Burn Lab Pro takes a unique approach by targeting the hormones regulating fat metabolism. This stim-free formula helps both men and women:

• Burn fat faster – With Forslean, atlas cedar bark extract, and more
• Build and protect muscle – Thanks to HMB and glucuronolactone
• Enhance workout performance – Beet root extract boosts blood flow and endurance

User reviews consistently cite fat loss and muscle gain simultaneously. The company offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Indeed, this dual effects of muscle gain and fat loss make Burn Lab Pro our best belly fat burner. 

If you want a product to help you burn fat without stimulants or side effects, Burn Lab Pro is one of the best pills on the market, and delivers excellent results. It can be taken anytime – even at night.

Highlights

• HMB for fat loss and muscle growth
• Beet root for increased exercise capacity
• No added caffeine or other stimulants
• Vegan-friendly and allergen-free
• 30-day money back guarantee

4. Powher Cut – Best Pre-Workout Fat Burner

Powher Cut offers a premium formula explicitly designed as a pre-workout fat burner for women. Three targeted blends provide complete workout support:

• Fat burning blend – Contains green tea, carnitine, and more
• Energy boosting blend – Natural caffeine from coconut water and guarana
• Focus enhancing blend – Tyrosine, rhodiola, and vitamins

Together this helps you power through tough training sessions while targeting fat burn. The company provides a money back guarantee if not fully satisfied.

User reviews cite excellent energy, focus, and reduced fatigue during workouts. It provides an ideal pre-workout advantage for weight loss.

Highlights

• 100mg caffeine for improved exercise performance
• Enhanced energy, focus and mood
• Targeted support for female physiology
• Money back guarantee
• No proprietary blends

5. LeanBean Cut – Stimulant-Free Fat Burner and Metabolism Booster

LeanBean Cut is a stimulant-free fat burner catered to both men and women. It contains research-backed natural ingredients shown to:

• Ignite fat metabolism – a potent thermogenic fat burner supplement
• Control hunger – Glucomannan fiber suppresses appetite
• Increase lipolysis – Breakdown fat stores with ingredients like chromium

Expect better body composition, reduced cravings, and enhanced energy. User reviews cite significant appetite control and fat loss around the stomach and hips.

LeanBean Cut is also vegan-friendly. And the company provides free shipping and a 90-day money back guarantee.

Highlights

• 1500mg glucomannan to curb hunger
• Green coffee bean extract for fat burning
• Chromium for healthy blood sugar control
• Vegan and allergen free
• 90-day money back guarantee

6. Trimtone – Best Fat Burner for Women Over 40

Trimtone taps the power of nature to target stubborn fat and cellular energy production. This formula is uniquely designed for women over 40 who often struggle losing weight.

Key active ingredients include:

• Green coffee bean extract – Boosts metabolism
• Green tea – Provides antioxidant EGCG for fat burning
• Glucomannan – Expands in the stomach to suppress appetite
• B vitamins – Support energy levels

Together this formula ignites fat metabolism to torch stored fat – especially around the midsection. It also controls hunger while fighting fatigue.

Trimtone comes with a 100-day money back guarantee, making it a smart choice for women over 40. It produces real weight loss results when paired with proper nutrition.

Highlights

• 100mg caffeine for increased thermogenesis
• Glucomannan fills stomach to reduce calories
• B vitamins prevent energy crashes
• 100-day money back guarantee
• Premium formula for women over 40

7. Instant Knockout Cut – Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men

Instant Knockout Cut is a thermogenic fat burner catered to men wanting next-level results. It’s formulated by MMA fighters and professional bodybuilders needing shredded physique and performance.

Four science-backed blends target:

• Fat burning – Green tea, cayenne pepper, caffeine, and more
• Energy – Vitamins, zinc, and natural caffeine sources
• Metabolism – GTF chromium and thyroid support
• Appetite suppression – Glucomannan fiber expands in the stomach

Expect enhanced calorie and fat burn, driven workouts, and reduced hunger. Instant Knockout Cut also contains electrolytes for hydration.

The company offers free worldwide shipping and a 90-day money back guarantee. User reviews confirm it delivers amazing fat shredding effects.

Highlights

• 300mg green tea standardized for 45% EGCG
• 3g glucomannan to curb appetite
• Natural caffeine sources for clean energy
• Designed for men’s bodies
• 90-day money back guarantee

8. LeanBean – Best Fat Burner for Active Women

LeanBean is another stellar formula designed just for active women and athletes. Alongside fat burning, it provides energy, focus, and performance for demanding training.

Key ingredients and benefits include:

• Glucomannan – Suppresses appetite between meals
• Choline – Fat metabolism support and lipid transportation
• Chromium – Helps stabilize blood sugar
• Green coffee – Contains antioxidant chlorogenic acid
• B vitamins – Prevents workout energy crashes

Expect better body composition with reduced body fat and lean mass retention. The company offers a 90-day money back guarantee.

LeanBean is a premium choice for active women seeking fat loss with workout support.

Highlights

• 500mg green coffee to stimulate thermogenesis
• Choline and B vitamins for energy and focus
• 3000mg glucomannan to control hunger
• 90-day money back guarantee

9. Shred Her by NLA for Women – Best Fat Burner for Exercise Support

Shred Her offers a premium thermogenic fat burner formulated for women. It provides complete workout support by targeting:

• Fat burning before, during, and after exercise
• Increased energy and endurance
• Accelerated recovery between sessions

Key active ingredients include green tea extract, capsaicin, and acetyl-L-carnitine for enhanced lipolysis and thermogenesis.

Shred Her is designed to complement an active lifestyle and challenging workouts. User reviews cite excellent energy, stamina, and focus during exercise, leading to better fat burning.

Highlights

• 500mg green tea standardized to 45% EGCG
• Capsaicin and L-carnitine for fat metabolism
• Faster recovery and decreased soreness
• Increased mental focus during workouts
• Money back guarantee offered

10. Zotrim – Herbal Weight Loss Pill With Fat Burning Effects

Zotrim sets itself apart as an herbal weight loss supplement. This fat burner contains natural plant extracts shown to support normal fat metabolism and weight management:

• Yerba mate leaf – Natural caffeine for energy and thermogenesis
• Damiana leaf – Suppresses appetite and limits cravings
• Guarana seed – Additional caffeine source to target fat cells
• Vitamin B3 and B6 – Speeds up metabolism

Clinical studies on Zotrim found users eating 112-365 fewer calories per day and losing over 5% of their body weight in 45 days.

The herbal formula is vegetarian and gluten-free. Given its clinically backed weight loss effects, Zotrim is a smart choice alongside diet and activity.

Highlights

• Herbal extract formula
• 112-365 fewer calories consumed
• 5% body weight loss in 45 days
• Increased energy and metabolism
• Vegetarian and gluten-free

What to Expect When Taking a Fat Burner Supplement?

Now that you know what fat burners are and which products rank as the best, what results can you realistically expect? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Modest fat loss – Most people lose just 2-5 pounds per month on these supplements. Significant fat reduction still requires diet and exercise. Don’t believe claims of “fast weight loss” or “fat melting”.
• Appetite suppression – This is one of the more noticeable effects. Taking glucomannan fiber or other hunger-blunting compounds makes calorie cutting easier.
• Increased energy – Stimulant ingredients like caffeine provide a welcome energy boost. This often translates into better workouts and calorie burn.
• Enhanced fat metabolism – Thermogenic fat burner ingredients raise your resting metabolism and help your body better utilize fat for fuel.
• Reduced cravings – This goes hand-in-hand with appetite suppression. Easier adherence to your diet supports consistent fat loss over time.
• Improved exercise performance – Some pre-workout fat burners also provide increased endurance, stamina, and mental focus during demanding training sessions.

When combined with proper nutrition and training, these benefits contribute to incremental but meaningful fat loss over weeks and months. Patience is critical.

Are Fat Burners Safe? Potential Side Effects and Precautions

When used as directed by healthy adults, many of the best fat burners are generally safe if prepared with high quality.  But certain side effects are possible:

• Insomnia – Those containing stimulants can disrupt sleep if taken late in the day.
• Anxiety or jitters – Excess intake of caffeine or similar compounds can cause this effect. Start with smaller doses to assess tolerance.
• Digestive upset – Ingredients like glucomannan may cause temporary bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
• Headaches – Dehydration resulting from thermogenic fat burners can trigger headaches in some.

Key Takeaways on Fat Burner Supplements

• Fat burners can support weight loss combined with diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. They are not magic pills that cause dramatic fat loss.
• Effective supplements contain proven ingredients like caffeine, green tea, CLA, and glucomannan fiber. These compounds help boost metabolism, increase fat burning, reduce appetite, and aid workout performance.
• Choose reputable brands with good manufacturing practices, clinical doses of ingredients, and positive customer reviews. Avoid products with risky stimulants or proprietary blends.
• Realistic effects include modest fat loss, suppressed appetite, increased energy, and better exercise endurance/focus. Patience is key as incremental results build over weeks and months.
• Higher-quality fat burners are generally safe when used as directed. But some users may experience side effects like insomnia, anxiety, headache, or digestive upset. Assess tolerance carefully.
• Top-rated fat burners provide additional support for your healthy diet and active lifestyle. But nutrition and training remain the foundation for meaningful weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best fat burner?

The best fat burner is a supplement that helps burn fat and promote fat loss. It typically contains ingredients that increase fat metabolism and help the body lose fat more efficiently.

2. How does a fat burner work?

A Fat burner works by increasing the body’s metabolism, thermogenesis, and fat oxidation. This allows you to burn fat, especially stored fat for energy and can also suppress appetite to aid in weight loss.

3. Are fat burners safe to use?

Most fat burner supplements are safe to use when taken as directed. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new weight loss or fat-burning supplement to ensure it suits your individual needs and health condition. Some fat burners contain natural ingredients which is an option for began-friendly folks. 

4. Can a fat burner help with weight loss?

Yes, a fat burner can help with weight loss. It can assist in promoting fat loss and may accelerate your weight loss journey. However, it is important to combine it with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best results.

5. What are the benefits of using a fat burner?

Using a fat burner can offer several benefits, including helping you to burn fat and lose weight, increased fat metabolism, enhanced energy levels, appetite suppression, improved focus and concentration, and support for weight loss goals.

6. Are there any side effects of fat burners?

While most fat burners are safe to use, they may have some potential side effects. These can include nausea, headaches, insomnia, increased heart rate, and digestive issues. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and seek medical advice