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Weight loss isn't easy nor is it available in one-size-fits-all for most men. If it were, there wouldn't be so many different weight-loss diets and programs popping up every few years as the "Next Best Thing." You can achieve the greatest—and most sustainable—results through good old-fashioned nutrition (check out our list of foods that naturally burn fat) and consistent exercise. However, sometimes losing that last bit of belly fat in order to crush your transformation goals or participate in a bodybuilding competition can feel impossible.
That's where fat burners for men can potentially help. Fat burners aren't a magical pill, but the best ones do often feature ingredients that can help speed up your metabolism through thermogenesis, lipolysis, and increased testosterone production. Some fat burners can also act as an appetite suppressant or pre-workout if satiety and motivation are an issue.
Best Fat Burners for Men - Our Top Picks
- Best Fat Burner for Men Bodybuilding: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
- Best Belly Fat Burner for Men: Hunter Burn
- Best Fat Burner Pills for Men: PhenQ
- Best Natural Fat Burner for Men: Instant Knockout Cut
- Best Stim-Free Fat Burner for Men: Huge Supplements Exterminate
- Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men: Capsiplex Burn
- Best Fat Burner for Men Over 40: Transparent Labs Fat Burner
- Best Fat Burner for Men Over 50: Transparent Labs Stim Free
- Best Fat Burner Powder for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Best Fat Burner Stack for Men: Fat Burning Essentials Stack
With so many fat-burners for men available, how do you determine which one is the best for your needs? To help you along this journey, the experts at ACTIVE have done the research and compiled our own list of the best fat burners for men based on the brands we trust, ingredient quality, and user reviews. Read on to learn more about our top picks.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming fat burners, 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. More importantly, fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying 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 two pounds per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
Best Fat Burner for Bodybuilding - Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
SPECS
- Dosage: 3 veggie capsules
- Ingredients: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Iodine, Caffeine, Black Ginger, Grains of Paradise, Forskolin, Fucoxanthin, Caralluma Fimbriata, 5-HTP, L-DOPA,
- Form: Capsules
Legion Phoenix Fat Burner is our pick for best fat burner for bodybuilding because it offers everything you could possibly need for a powerlifting session: effective appetite suppression, enhanced fat loss, and a significant energy boost. All of that, without artificial fillers, dyes, or needless stimulants. In fact, these ingredients are all carefully vetted for quality and purity. (And if you’re really worried about getting the jitters, a caffeine-free version is available!)
Made with 100% natural ingredients and a totally transparent ingredient list, this is simply one of the most trustworthy products available for men who are serious about getting ripped.
Best For
- Those who value clean, transparent formulas
- Men looking to bulk up
Not Best For
- Bargain hunters
- Those who aren’t fairly active on a regular basis
BUY: Legion Phoenix Fat Burner
Best Belly Fat Burner for Men - Hunter Burn
SPECS
- Dosage: 6 capsules
- Ingredients: Vitamin D3, konjac root extract, white kidney bean extract, L-theanine, matcha green tea, cayenne pepper
- Form: Capsules
CHECK PRICEFor the best belly fat burner for men, our pick is Hunter Burn. What makes this such an outstanding option? For one thing, it’s made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients, without a single additive, filler, or sweetener in the mix. And those ingredients are ideal for helping you unlock the potential in each workout. Konjac root is one of the only FDA-approved appetite suppressants, while cayenne pepper and matcha green tea elevate your body’s fat-burning potential. And then there’s L-theanine and Vitamin D3, both present to provide a natural burst of energy.
It’s true that taking six capsules a day can be a bit much, but with a clean formula, a winning blend of ingredients, and rave customer reviews across the board, Hunter Burn is still a very easy product for us to recommend.
Best For
- Users looking for clean, natural ingredients
- Men who want a fat burner with high thermogenic and appetite suppressant properties
- Athletes looking to push themselves a bit further
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with capsules or pills
- Those who don’t live a fairly active lifestyle
Best Fat Burner Pills for Men - PhenQ
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 tablets
- Ingredients: Capsimax powder, chromium picolinate, caffeine, nopal cactus, L-carnitine fumarate, magnesium stearate
- Form: Tablets
PhenQ is our pick for the best fat burner pills for men because of the five-pronged approach to weight loss—fat burning, reduction in fat accumulation, increased satiety to prevent food cravings, energy boosts, and balances in mood—all while using clean and natural ingredients in each tablet. PhenQ claims to burn fat and increase energy production through a-Lacys reset, a proprietary blend of ALA (alpha-lipoic acid), cysteine, and magnesium in combination with Capsimax powder for its thermogenic effect.(1) Additionally, the capsaicinoids found in Capsimax may help reduce fat accumulations by hindering the body's ability to produce excess fat cells.(2) Further, chromium picolinate, nopal cactus, and caffeine combine their powers to aid in satiety—or the feeling of fullness—by helping to reduce insulin resistance.(3) Lastly, PhenQ offers cognitive support in the form of l-Carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid that has been shown to help increase energy production and power motivation.(4)
PhenQ has many favorable reviews from its users, but if you aren't happy with your purchase, the company does offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. Also, if you have any sensitivity to caffeine, keep in mind that the two-tablet serving contains 300 milligrams of it, which is the equivalent of roughly three cups of drip coffee.
Best For
- Users looking for clean, natural ingredients
- Men who want a fat burner with high thermogenic and appetite suppressant properties
- Those looking to purchase a larger quantity, as PhenQ offers bundle discounts
Not Best For
- Those who don't want a proprietary blend
- Users on a budget
- Those with caffeine sensitivities
Best Natural Fat Burner for Men - Instant Knockout Cut
SPECS
- Dosage: 3 capsules
- Ingredients: Glucomannan, cayenne pepper seeds, green tea extract, black pepper extract, caffeine, L-theanine, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
- Form: Capsules
CHECK PRICEFor a men’s fat burner that relies on all-natural, clean ingredients, look no further than Instant Knockout Cut. It’s well-known for its three-pronged approach to fat burning: These capsules increase your metabolism, suppress your cravings, and boost your energy level, fueling you through intense workouts and helping you achieve a maximum fat-burning effect. All of that’s accomplished through a natural blend of vitamins, some cayenne and black pepper, and green tea extract. It should also be noted that there is some caffeine content in this supplement.
Instant Knockout Cut is recommended for anyone looking to get that thermogenic boost or to help keep their appetite under control any time they’re off the gym floor. The supplements come with rave reviews from customers and plenty of endorsements from trainers and nutrition pros.
Best For
- Users looking for clean, natural ingredients
- Men who want a fat burner with high thermogenic and appetite suppressant properties
- Athletes looking to push themselves a bit further
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with capsules or pills
- Budget-shoppers
Best Stim-Free Fat Burner for Men - Huge Supplements Exterminate
SPECS
- Dosage: 3 capsules
- Ingredients: Green Tea Extract, Naringin (from citrus fruit), Green Coffee Bean Extract, Caffeine Anhydrous, Forskolin, Advantra Z, Citrus Extract, Theobromine, Di-Caffeine Malate, Capsimax, Paradoxine Grains of Paradise, Black Pepper Fruit Extract, Rauwolscine (Rauwolfia Vomitoria Root Extract)
- Form: Capsules
CHECK PRICEWhat about the athletes who want to burn fat without dealing with stimulant-fueled jitters? Huge Supplements Exerminate is our top option for a stim-free fat burner. It allows you to unleash your natural energy and burn through unwanted flab via black pepper extract, green tea, citrus, and a proprietary cayenne pepper mix known as Capsimax.
These clinically backed ingredients are designed to function as a thermogenic and to boost metabolism the natural way. The product is manufactured in an FDA-approved facility and also happens to be one of the most cost-effective options on the market today.
Best For
- Men who want a fat burner with high thermogenic and metabolism-boosting properties
- Athletes looking to push themselves a bit further without reliance on caffeine
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with capsules or pills
- Those who don’t live a fairly active lifestyle
BUY: Huge Supplements Exterminate
Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men - Capsiplex Burn
SPECS
- Dosage: 3 capsules
- Ingredients: Cayenne pepper extract, innoslim, caffeine, B vitamins, iodine, chromium, tyrosine, arginine, black pepper
- Form: Capsules
A thermogenic supplement is one that burns fat through the production of internal heat. One of the best options for thermogenic fat-burning is Capsiplex Burn, which employs a unique cayenne pepper blend along with other all-natural ingredients that include caffeine, B Vitamins, black pepper, and iodine.
The ingredient list is clean, clear, and fairly simple, boasting an all-vegan makeup and full GMP certification. The product is gluten, dairy, and soy free, and designed to support metabolism while helping you stave off fatigue. It’s one of our favorite products for producing maximum fat-burning results through rigorous, consistent exercise.
Best For
- Users looking for clean, natural ingredients
- Men who want a fat burner with high thermogenic properties
- Vegans
Not Best For
- Anyone who struggles with capsules or pills
- Those who wish to avoid caffeine
Best Fat Burner for Men Over 40 - Transparent Labs Fat Burner
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily
- Ingredients: Forslean, green tea extract, 5-HTP, L-tyrosine, L-theanine, caffeine anhydrous, white willow, cayenne pepper, synephrine HCl
- Form: Capsules
For men over 40, we recommend a good balance of thermogenesis with improved mental focus, helping to facilitate healthy and productive workouts.(5) Transparent Labs Fat Burner gets its thermogenic effects from ingredients like cayenne pepper (capsaicin), caffeine anhydrous, and synephrine HCL, the latter being a non-stimulant thermogenic agent. This product also contains some unexpected ingredients in its fat-burning formula including forslean (forskolin) and green tea extract. Forslean, or forskolin, has been shown to have positive effects on decreasing body fat stores and increasing testosterone production in men.(6) Green tea extract is thought to have antioxidant properties that help boost cognitive function and reduce inflammation.(7)
Further, Transparent Labs is a solid brand known for transparent labeling and ingredients with an excellent track record when it comes to sports nutrition and supplements. They recommend that you begin with half the recommended dosage in order to give your body ample time to adjust.
Best For
- Men looking for a thermogenic fat burner with clean, transparent ingredients
- Those who want less caffeine content
- Users wanting a fat burner with ingredients that may also reduce inflammation
Not Best For
- Users who don't want to take up to 4 capsules per day
- Those who want more doses per bottle
BUY: Transparent Labs Fat Burner
Best Fat Burner for Men Over 50 - Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules, twice daily
- Ingredients: Acetyl l-carnitine, forslean, 5-HTP, rhodiola rosea, cayenne pepper extract, fucoxanthin
- Form: Capsules
As the majority of fat-burning supplements somewhat rely on stimulants to get the job done, it can be hard to find a quality, stimulant-free version. Luckily, Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free has all the potency of a stimulant-based fat burner without the high caffeine levels, making it an especially good choice for men who are past 50 and may not respond as favorably to highly stimulating formulas. This formula features 50 milligrams of cayenne pepper for a more natural approach to thermogenesis. It also uses acetyl L-carnitine and Forslean, potent ingredients that we have previously mentioned, both of which have been shown to help mobilize fat from fat cells and increase levels of satiety.(8) Lastly, the formula contains rhodiola rosea, a nootropic that has been shown to help combat fatigue and boost overall mood.
So, if you are caffeine-averse or prefer an evening training session, a stimulant-free fat burner like Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free could be an excellent option to help you meet your weight loss goals.
Best For
- Men looking for an efficient fat burner without stimulants
- Those who want natural thermogenic ingredients like cayenne
- Athletes who prioritize third-party tested products
Not Best For
- Those on a budget
- Users who don't want to take up to 4 pills daily
BUY: Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-Free
Best Fat Burner Powder for Men - Kaged Clean Burn Powder
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 scoop (6.8g)
- Ingredients: L-carnitine, coconut fruit water powder, apple cider vinegar, caffeine, capsicum extract
- Form: Powder
Our pick for best fat burner powder had to be Kaged Clean Burn Powder, a high-quality brand and supplement that has already made our list due to its premium and easy-to-mix powder formula. It is 100% plant-based, non-GMO, and gluten-free without the use of artificial flavors or dyes.
Kaged Clean Burn Powder combines caffeine and guayusa with fat-burning ingredients like L-carnitine and Capsimax. This product is also Informed-Sport Certified, meaning every batch has been thoroughly tested for banned substances before it goes to market. As previously mentioned, Clean Burn contains apple cider vinegar, an acetic acid that has appetite-suppressant effects in addition to its overall effect on bolstering gut and heart health.(9)
Best For
- Men who want a premium fat burner in an easily digestible powder form
- Those looking for a fat burner that is vegan-friendly
- Users who want a fat burner that is third-party tested
Not Best For
- Those with nut allergies as it contains tree nuts
- Men who train at night, due to the high caffeine content
Best Fat Burner Stack for Men - Fat Burning Essentials Stack
SPECS
- Dosage: Varies
- Ingredients: Varies
- Form: Capsules, powder
For comprehensive supplemental support, consider the Fat Burning Essentials Stack from Transparent Labs. This pre-selected package will provide you with four clinically backed options for boosting the potential of each workout, including whey protein isolate, a pre-workout supplement, creatine, and a fat burner.
As with all Transparent Labs products, these supplements each come with clean, clear, scientifically supported ingredient lists. For example, the protein supplement contains 100% grass-fed whey protein, and each of the products is certified as gluten- and GMO-free, with no additives, fillers, or artificial preservatives. This package offers considerable value, especially for experienced athletes who know how to use each of these supplements to help them achieve their optimal fitness potential.
Best For
- Experienced athletes
- Those seeking a comprehensive option for boosting their workout potential
Not Best For
- Those who are new to supplements and fat burners
- Casual athletes
BUY: Fat Burning Essentials Stack
Benefits of Fat Burners for Men
There are many benefits to taking a supplemental fat burner for men, as long as it's being taken in tandem with a balanced diet and consistent training program. Fat burners often contain ingredients that can help increase your metabolism through thermogenesis and use this generation of heat to stimulate weight loss. Additionally, fat-burning pills will also include an appetite suppressant, such as caffeine, to increase your satiety and help you feel fuller for longer; thus preventing overeating or unnecessary snacking.
It is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to weight loss pills. They don't have the ability to burn off excess calories or reduce body fat without a concerted effort on your part. They function more as an aid or a boost to an already active lifestyle. Fat burners may be able to help you lose those last few stubborn pounds of belly fat in order to meet your goal weight, but they aren't a long-term plan to keep the weight off.
How We Chose the Best Fat Burners for Men
The ACTIVE Reviews Team narrowed down our list of the best fat burners for men by researching products from brands that we trust—like Transparent Labs and Kaged—with transparent ingredients, certifications, and positive word-of-mouth from reviewers. We also give extra points to products that have excellent customer service and money-back guarantees.
How to Choose the Best Men’s Fat Burner
Ingredients
There are a lot of common ingredients in the majority of weight loss pills for men. You should expect to see forms of caffeine and capsaicin for their thermogenic and appetite-suppressing effects. That said, men should pay closer attention to the label as not all fat burners will contain testosterone-boosting ingredients, so if that is important to you, you'll want to double-check.
Additionally, because a lot of fat burners, like some pre-workouts, contain stimulants, they work best when cycled. This means that you'll want to cycle your fat burner by taking a one-to-two-week rest period after about four-to-six weeks of use for better efficacy.
Dosage
Some fat burners have much higher caffeine levels than others, so it's best to start with a lower dosage at first in order to gauge how your body will react. Starting at the full dosage—especially when it's four pills—when you aren't ready can have adverse effects that could make you want to discontinue use. You also don't want to feel like you've wasted your time or your money by not taking the correct dosage. As always, if you're concerned about the best dosage for your needs, consult with your physician before taking a fat-burning supplement.
Certifications
Product certifications can either make or break your decision when choosing a fat-burning supplement. Athletes especially will want to look for products with formulas that are third-party tested or Informed Sport Certified in order to reduce the possibility of testing positive for banned substances. Also, products that are certified vegan or non-GMO may be a better fit for men with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Our Final Takeaway
The bottom line is that, even with a rigorous diet and exercise regimen, it can still be tough to burn off those last few pounds. Sometimes, you need a little help to optimize performance and jumpstart your metabolism. We hope this guide helps you locate the product best suited to help you achieve the trim, streamlined appearance you desire.
FAQs About Fat Burners for Men
Are fat burners safe for men to use?
Fat burners, and the majority of weight loss pills, are not regulated by the FDA and should be treated with some initial caution. The ingredients and the amount taken is where a lot of supplements cross over into dangerous territory, so always pay attention to labels and recommended dosages. Some fat burners, including many on our list, do feature natural, searchable ingredients that are combined in pill or powder forms to increase their effectiveness. If you're at all concerned about how your body will react to any of the ingredients in a fat-burning formula, consult with your physician and start with a smaller dosage at first to test how your body will react.
What are the potential side effects of using fat burners?
Fat burners that have high levels of stimulants like caffeine may come with negative side effects such as headaches and nausea, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. If you work out in the evening, you'll especially want a stimulant-free fat burner in order to prevent the possibility of insomnia. Additionally, if you cycle your fat burner, which you should do every four-to-six weeks, you may experience the effects of caffeine withdrawal. This includes increases in fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.
While fat burners with clean, natural ingredients are mostly safe when taken at their recommended dosages, those with high blood pressure, liver problems, or over the age of 65 should probably either abstain from using these supplements or speak with a doctor beforehand.
Are fat burners effective for weight loss?
The short answer is that they can be effective due to ingredients chosen to increase your metabolism and satiety, but this will only be when used in conjunction with a well-balanced diet and exercise plan.
How long should men use fat burners before seeing results?
You should expect a trial period of two to three weeks before seeing results. According to the CDC, the safest—and most sustainable—rate for weight loss is about one to two pounds per week. If you find that you're losing more weight than the recommendation, consult with your physician.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- Namazi, N., Larijani, B., & Azadbakht, L. (2018). Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 37(2), 419–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2017.06.002
- Rogers, J., Urbina, S. L., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Purpura, M., Jäger, R., & Juturu, V. (2018). Capsaicinoids supplementation decreases percent body fat and fat mass: adjustment using covariates in a post hoc analysis. BMC obesity, 5, 22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40608-018-0197-1
- Havel P. J. (2004). A scientific review: the role of chromium in insulin resistance. The Diabetes educator, Suppl, 2–14.
- National Institutes of Health (2023). Carnitine - Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved March 133, 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/
- Belza, A., Frandsen, E., & Kondrup, J. (2007). Body fat loss achieved by stimulation of thermogenesis by a combination of bioactive food ingredients: a placebo-controlled, double-blind 8-week intervention in obese subjects. International journal of obesity (2005), 31(1), 121–130. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803351
- Godard, M. P., Johnson, B. A., & Richmond, S. R. (2005). Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obesity research, 13(8), 1335–1343. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2005.162
- Chacko, S. M., Thambi, P. T., Kuttan, R., & Nishigaki, I. (2010). Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review. Chinese medicine, 5, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-5-13
- Talenezhad, N., Mohammadi, M., Ramezani-Jolfaie, N., Mozaffari-Khosravi, H., & Salehi-Abargouei, A. (2020). Effects of l-carnitine supplementation on weight loss and body composition: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled clinical trials with dose-response analysis. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 37, 9–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.03.008
- Darzi, J., Frost, G. S., Montaser, R., Yap, J., & Robertson, M. D. (2014). Influence of the tolerability of vinegar as an oral source of short-chain fatty acids on appetite control and food intake. International journal of obesity (2005), 38(5), 675–681. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2013.157