Weight loss pills are designed to help you lose weight, though they accomplish this feat in many different ways. Sometimes, exercise and diet just aren’t enough to get you down to your desired weight. In these cases, weight loss pills can give you the boost you need to reach your goal.
Below you’ll find our review of the best weight loss pills currently available on the market:
Rankings
1. PhenQ
PhenQ is a weight loss supplement designed for both men and women. This supplement works in many different ways. It encourages stored fat to burn, suppresses your appetite, and blocks fat production. Plus, it can improve your mood and energy levels as well. All in one bottle!
Because of these effects, it is FitBug’s #1 choice for a weight loss pill.
2. LeanBean
We love LeanBean. However, it is only designed for females, which is why we ranked it #2. It is designed to suppress your appetite while also accelerating your metabolism. These two features together make it very effective.
All ingredients are natural, and there are no harmful stimulants. For women, this supplement is one of the best you can purchase.
3. Burn-XT Thermogenic Fat Burner
This fat burner is suitable for both men and women. It aims to burn fat, increase energy, suppress appetite, and boost your metabolism. It also works as an energy booster.
This company does offer a satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to return the product if you’re unhappy for any reason.
4. Nobi Nutrition Premium Fat Burner for Women
For women, this is another suitable fat burner. It works mostly as an appetite suppressant, though it also has some energy-boosting ingredients.
All ingredients are non-GMO and high-quality, so you can ensure that you’re only putting the best into your body.
5. Nobi Nutrition Green Tea Fat Burner
This is another Nobi Nutrition fat burner, though this one is suitable for both men and women. It is a digestive metabolism booster and curbs your appetite. It may also improve your cognitive function, including your memory.
Because this formula features Green Tea, it is also suitable for detoxes and supports a healthy liver.
6. Orphic Nutrition 100% Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract
Garcinia Cambogia is a well-known appetite suppressant that helps support weight loss. This all-natural supplement by Orphic Nutrition is one of the highest potencies on the market, and is, therefore, one of the most likely to produce results.
It is completely free of GMOs, gluten, additives, fillers, allergens, and artificial ingredients.
7. Dr. Emil PM Fat Burner
This supplement is designed to be taken at bedtime. It boosts your metabolism while you’re sleeping and encourages your body to burn fat. It is doctor-formulated and free of harsh stimulants, which can interfere with your sleep.
Instead, it also works as a calming sleep aid, which encourages your body to burn fat.
8. Nobi Nutrition Night Time Fat Burner
This Nobi Nutrition supplement is designed to be used at nighttime. It decreases your appetite and encourages a deeper night’s sleep. The BHB formula can also help you feel more relaxed, which can help you get to sleep faster as well.
All the ingredients used in this formula are premium and high-quality.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules for Weight Loss Support
Apple Cider vinegar is another supplement that is said to promote weight loss. If you want to give it a try, we recommend this supplement by Physician’s Choice.
It aims to boost your metabolism and help you burn more fat faster. It is also known for its detoxifying effects, which makes it suitable for use during detoxes as well.
10. RARI Nutrition Lean Genes
This supplement features a unique blend of ingredients that allow you to lose weight while still feeling great. It is free from many of the side effects that plague other weight loss supplements.
It is only created in GMP certified labs, which follow FDA guidelines. The company also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How We Ranked
The most crucial deciding factor when it comes to choosing a weight loss pill is the supplement’s effectiveness. When reviewing each pill, we put its effectiveness at the forefront. Because of this, you can rest assured that all the pills on our list do work. Many include scientifically-proven ingredients that have been shown to work in clinical trials and have very positive customer reviews with countless success stories.
Of course, each person is different, and each supplement will have a slightly different effect on each person. For example, one person might find apple vinegar extremely helpful on their weight loss journey, while someone else might not find it very helpful at all. You may have to try multiple supplements to find one that works best for you. However, we do recommend starting with the supplements at the top of our rankings section, like PhenQ and LeanBean, as these tend to work the best for most people.
Secondly, we also considered the safety of the supplement. While most weight loss supplements are not very dangerous when used correctly, some do have troublesome side effects. Some supplements might also not be compatible with specific health problems, which is something to keep in mind if you have an underlying health condition.
We ranked supplements with few to no side effects higher than those with lots of reported side effects. We also ranked pills higher if they were created in certified labs, as these labs must adhere to higher standards of safety.
Thirdly, we also kept in mind the quality and source of the ingredients. While this might not directly impact the effectiveness of the supplement, higher-quality ingredients are going to have fewer side effects and will likely work better. Plus, sustainably-sourced ingredients are better for the environment.
Finally, we preferred supplements that were designed for both genders. While using a supplement specifically designed for your gender may be helpful for you, taking one designed for the opposite gender likely won’t be. Because of this, we ensured that our #1 pick PhenQ worked equally well for both sexes.
Benefits
Weight loss pills are accessible, no matter our current BMI. Unlike some weight loss practices, weight loss pills are easy to take no matter what your current weight is. Depending on your current BMI, you may find difficulties exercising or taking part in other activities that promote weight loss. Luckily, weight loss pills can be utilized by almost anyone, and accessibility is not dependent on your current weight.
One study found that the use of weight loss pills went up as the participant’s BMI went up (1). This is likely because those with a higher BMI had difficulty participating in particular weight loss activities like exercise and felt the need to supplement with an appropriate weight loss pill.
Weight loss pills can be useful in the short term. A study found that a substantial number of those who reported trying to lose weight did achieve weight loss in the short term, including those who used diet pills (2). However, this was only true for prescription diet pills and those who worked with their doctors when selecting a diet pill. Still, this statistic sheds some light on the fast that diet pills can work – at least in the short term and when paired with other weight-loss strategies.
With that said, this benefit is tied in with a side effect of weight loss pills. Those who only rely on weight loss pills often regain their lost weight when they stop taking them. We will discuss this side effect more in our side effect section, but it is essential to be aware of this benefit’s potential downfall.
Weight loss pills are easy. Perhaps one of the biggest draws of weight loss pills is that they are straightforward. They don’t require any extra time and are easily fit into busy lifestyles. Unlike exercise and diet, they don’t require any significant life adjustments and changes. All you need to do is remember to take the pills and ensure that you don’t run out of them, which can be done quite easily these days by setting the alarm on your phone and setting up a subscription to the pill through Amazon.
Because of this, weight loss pills can be beneficial for those who can’t change their current lifestyle very much or as an add-on to other weight-loss strategies, like exercise and diet.
Weight loss pills may encourage you to take part in other weight-loss strategies. When you purchase weight loss pills and begin using them, you are reminded of your weight loss goal every day – even if you do not do anything else that day to achieve your goal. This subtle reminder might encourage you to make other lifestyle changes and make a healthy decision throughout the day. After all, if you are taking a weight loss pill, you’re already invested in your weight loss. Why not make healthier decisions to encourage it?
This increased motivation and use of other weight-loss strategies alongside weight loss pills were precisely what one study discovered (3). This particular study discovered that those who took weight loss pills were more active than those who did not. The exact reason for this is unknown.
Weight loss pills are safe in most circumstances. When they are used correctly, weight loss pills are safe for most users. Many have undergone rigorous testing and are made using scientifically-sound ingredients. Furthermore, most that we reviewed were made in FDA-certified labs, which are required to uphold specific safety protocols. All of these factors help ensure that weight loss pills are safe for general consumers.
Of course, this isn’t true of all weight loss pills necessarily. Some are related to health problems, which we will discuss in the next section. It is essential to choose a high-quality weight loss pill to ensure that it is as safe as possible. You should also discuss weight loss pills with your doctor before taking them, especially if you have any health conditions or are not currently obese.
Side Effects
Weight loss pills can be misused. These supplements should only be used if you are genuinely overweight from a scientific perspective. This can only be done by looking at your overall BMI. However, as many as a quarter of those on weight loss pills are not overweight, which means they should not be using the pills (4). If you are a healthy weight and take weight loss pills, it can lead to you becoming underweight, which comes with its own set of health problems.
This is even the case with prescription drugs, which studies have found are often overprescribed to those that are not currently an unhealthy weight. Some participants in the study were even underweight when using weight loss pills. This can cause serious health problems and should be rigorously avoided.
Weight loss pills can be overused. One study found that as many as 33.8% of women who took prescription weight loss pills also reported taking nonprescription weight loss pills (5). As you can imagine, taking too many weight loss pills can be a bad thing and create health problems. While you cannot overdose on the ingredients in most weight loss pills, this is not always the case.
You should tell your doctor about all the weight loss pills you are currently taking, especially if you also have a prescription. Certain pills do not mix well together and may lead to health problems when mixed.
Weight loss pills can cause ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia is an abnormal heart rate. It is often a symptom of another problem, not the underlying cause itself. While having an abnormal heart rate is not always a severe medical emergency, it can be. Sometimes, it can cause your heart to stop, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Individual weight loss pills have been connected with this problem. While it is not common, it has happened enough for quite a few studies to be published about it (6). The pills involved usually contain caffeine and ephedrine. It is believed the problem usually arises because of the ephedrine, not necessarily the caffeine. Alternatively, it may be a mixture of the chemicals that causes the heart problem.
For this reason, you may want to avoid weight loss pills that contain these two ingredients. Ephedrine-containing pills care currently banned from being manufactured in the US. However, you can often still purchase them online. Be careful when purchasing your weight loss pills to ensure that they are up to USA standards, especially if you purchase them online. The easiest way to do this is to choose pills that are from the USA.
Weight loss pills containing cayenne pepper might be dangerous. Some weight loss pills contain capsaicin, which is one of the main components of cayenne pepper. Some of these pills label this ingredient as “cayenne pepper,” and others label it as “capsaicin.” But, typically, they are the same thing.
Capsaicin may have some effect on weight loss, which is why many weight loss pills include it. While this ingredient is safe at normal, dietary levels, its effects in large amounts are mostly unknown. In other words, you’d have to try hard to eat too many cayenne peppers. However, when they come in supplement form, it is possible to accidentally take too much.
There is not currently a level of cayenne pepper that is considered unsafe. This is mostly because the effects of this additive in large amounts have not been studied extensively, so scientists just don’t know how much exactly is unsafe. However, there have been reports of those on weight loss pills containing cayenne pepper causing acute myocardial infarction, so some large amounts are unsafe at some level (7). We just don’t know exactly how much.
Because there is no limit on the amount of cayenne pepper companies can use in their weight loss supplements, the best way to avoid any problems is to not use supplements with cayenne pepper in them at all. If you do decide to use a pill with cayenne pepper in it, aim to get one with the lowest amount possible and be sure to inform your doctor that you’re on the supplement – just in case you develop any side effects.
Weight loss pills have been tied to cancer in some circumstances. Recently, a popular weight loss pill called Belviq was removed from the market by the FDA because it was associated with an increased risk of cancer (8). They discovered this by comparing the cancer rate of those on this supplement to the general population. The rate among those taking the supplement was higher, indicating that the pills likely increased their chance of cancer.
This does not mean that all weight loss pills cause cancer, of course. Each supplement is made out of different things. However, you do need to be careful with any supplement you do take. Not all pills are safe, and this recent development points that out clearly.
Recommended Dosage
You should always follow the direction on the pill package or your doctor’s instructions when determining the dosage to take. You can overdose on some weight loss pills, so it is vital that you only take the recommended amount.
Treat them like you would any medication. Keep them out of the reach of children and make sure they’re in a child-proof container. Set the alarm on your phone to remind you to take them and don’t take more than you’re supposed to at one time – even if you missed a dose.
Not all pills are created equal. Some are impossible to overdose on, while others may cause dangerous side effects even when you follow the dosing instructions correctly. You should never take more than the recommended amount on the pill bottle. However, you may find that a lower dose works for you and doesn’t cause you side effects. It is always best to start at a lower dose and work your way up to a full dose, especially if you had not had similar medications previously.
Monitor your health closely while on these pills, and be sure to report that you’re using them when you go to the doctor. Some can cause health effects in a small number of people, as we have previously discussed. Because all weight loss pills have different ingredients, it is essential to tell your doctor exactly what is in your supplement, especially if you’re having any sort of health problem. The easiest way to do this is to bring your pill bottle with you to your doctor’s appointment or take a picture of all sides of the bottle and save it on your phone.
FAQ
Do weight loss pills actually work?
Yes, some pills do work. However, the extent to which a particular pill works varies quite a bit. There are no requirements a supplement has to reach before it can call itself a “weight loss pill.” Because of this, literally any company can call their supplement a weight loss pill if they want to, as long as they have a disclaimer that the statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This fact makes it difficult to choose a weight loss pill that actually works.
Luckily, there are a few different things you can look for. Checking the ingredient list, reading customer reviews, and search for scientific evidence about the supplement are all possible ways to evaluate whether or not it might work.
Alternatively, you could just head to our rankings section, where we did all of the research for you.
Which weight loss pills actually work?
As we previously stated, some weight loss pills work better than others. We reviewed many different supplements for this article. Out of all those, we looked at PhenQ was by far one of the best ones. It features a unique formulation that is designed to help you burn fat, suppress your appetite, block fat production, and improve your overall mood. It is produced in the US and UK in FDA and GMP approved facilities, so you can ensure that it follows strict safety guidelines.
We also liked LeanBean. This supplement is only suitable for women, but if you are female, it works quite well. This supplement contains quite a few scientifically-proven ingredients, and they quote their sources throughout their website, allowing you to find the studies they used to formulate their weight loss pills if you’re so inclined.
LeanBean works mostly by suppressing your appetite using glucomannan, which is a fiber that expands quite rapidly in your stomach. It takes up lots of room in your stomach after it expands, making you feel fuller. It also contains various B-vitamins. These improve your metabolism and help your overall energy levels and mood. They’re a fantastic supplement even for those that aren’t trying to lose weight.
Are weight loss pills dangerous?
The vast majority of weight loss pills are not dangerous in any sense. Some do cause side effects, but many are minor and very rare. With that said, there are some ingredients and supplements that were proven to be dangerous. In almost all of these cases, the ingredient or supplement was pulled from the market by the FDA, and production in the USA was banned.
However, many of these supplements can still be created in other countries and may be available for purchase online. You should be very careful when purchasing any supplements online for this reason. It is in your best interest to choose a supplement that was made in the USA or UK, like PhenQ or LeanBean. Companies have to follow the safety guidelines of the country they manufacture in. Therefore, supplements made in the USA or UK will not contain substances banned in those countries.
What happens when you stop taking weight loss pills?
It depends on what was in the pills you were taking and how long you have been taking them. In many cases, nothing will happen at all. However, some weight loss pills are mildly addictive if taken for extended periods. If you stop your dosage suddenly or reduce your dosage, you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include weight gain, muscle aches, cravings for other drugs or certain foods, irritability, and low mood. Depression is possible in severe cases.
Luckily, weight loss pill addiction is quite rare and usually only occurs in cases with very extended use. Certain pills are more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms, but these pills are typically prescription-only.
Even in cases where withdrawal symptoms don’t occur, some may experience weight gain. This is especially true for those that did not enact lifestyle changes while on the pills and relied on them for the bulk of their weight loss. These supplements are best used on top of exercise and diet for a small boost to your weight loss. If they’re the only form of weight management you’re using, you will likely regain your lost weight when you stop taking them.
Can a doctor prescribe weight loss pills?
Yes. Various FDA-approved drugs can be prescribed by your doctor. These are typically not available without a prescription and are particularly strong. These pills include Cantrave, Saxenda, Xenical, and Qsymia. Most of these work by controlling your appetite and making you feel fuller than you are. However, some do interfere with the absorption of fat instead. Many of these medications are also used to treat other conditions, like depression and nicotine addiction. Almost all of these drugs come with side effects, though some are more serious than others.
There are strict criteria you must meet before your doctor and prescribe you a weight loss pill, however. It is not something you can just ask for. The FDA has only approved these drugs in specific circumstances, which usually involve meeting a particular BMI requirement or having a particular obesity-related health condition. However, doctors do not always follow these guidelines, as we discussed in the side effects section.
Do you gain weight after stopping weight loss pills?
This varies from pill to pill and person to person. There is no guarantee that you will regain your weight after you stop taking the pills. However, it is certainly possible.
If you used weight loss pills as your only weight management tool, there is a high chance you will regain your weight. Weight loss supplements work best when they help you lose weight to improve the amount you can exercise, and then slowly wean off of them as you begin to exercise more.
Other lifestyle changes are required for long-term weight management, especially since taking weight loss pills for an extended period is not encouraged. Most of the more severe side effects from weight loss pills crop up after extended use.
How long do diet pills last?
How long it takes a pill to work depends on the pill. Many prescription weight loss pills are only prescribed for a few weeks at a time because they are very high potency. Pills you can purchase on the internet without a prescription can typically be taken for much longer because they are not as high potency.
Weight loss pills will stop working almost as soon as you stop taking them. Some effects may linger for a week or so, but weight loss pills are not designed to be long-lasting by any means.
What is the most successful weight loss pill?
The pill that we liked the most was PhenQ. This supplement works for both men and women. It is designed with a unique formulation that attacks your weight from a variety of angles. It suppresses your appetite and helps you actively burn fat. Plus, it is crafted in the USA and UK in certified laboratories, so you can rest assured that it is safe.
Do weight loss pills suppress your appetite?
Weight loss pills can work in many different ways. There are no criteria a supplement has to fulfill to be called a “weight loss pill,” allowing nearly any supplement to be called a “weight loss pill.” With that said, many of them do work as an appetite suppressant. Even those that function in other ways often include an appetite suppressant as well.
This is likely because there are a variety of scientifically-ingredients that can suppress appetite, and many of these ingredients are considered safe. Most are not regulated by the FDA, which means the supplement companies can use them freely. They are often inexpensive as well, so the companies don’t have to charge much for their product.
Do weight loss pills work without exercise?
Weight loss pills often work by suppressing your appetite or decreasing the amount of fat your body absorbs. Both of these effects will happen whether you exercise or not.
However, weight loss is reliant on using more calories than you consume. If you exercise, you will burn more calories, which will, in turn, make you lose more weight. If you exercise while on a weight loss pill, you will lose more than you would otherwise. Still, the pill will likely work at least somewhat without any exercise.
It is important to note, though, that once you stop taking the weight loss pills, you will likely regain your lost weight if they were the only weight management strategy you were using. They are not designed to be taken forever, nor do they stick around to help you manage your weight after you stop taking them. This is why weight loss supplements work best when they are used alongside other weight management strategies, like exercise and diet.
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Recap
Weight loss pills can provide that little boost you need to reach your goal weight. Many of these supplements suppress your appetite and prevent your body from absorbing as much fat as it normally would, leading to weight loss. While there are many weight loss pills on the market, it is vital to choose one that is made in the USA, UK, or Australia to ensure that it meets these countries’ strict safety requirements.
For FitBug’s #1 recommended weight loss pill, click here.