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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 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.
The Fat Burners for Men - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Fat Burner for Men: PhenQ
- Best Pre-workout Fat Burner for Men: Xwerks Ignite
- Best Premium Fat Burner for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Powder
- Best Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs Fat Burner
- Best Natural Fat Burner for Men: KOS Energy Gummies
- Best Belly Fat Burner for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Amped
- Best Stim-Free Fat Burner for Men: Transparent Labs Stim-Free
- Best Fat Burner Powder for Men: Kaged Clean Burn Powder
With so many fat burning supplements available, how do you determine which one is the best for your needs? To help you along this journey, the ACTIVE Reviews Team has 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 Overall Fat Burner 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 overall fat burner for men because of its 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.
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 Pre-Workout Fat Burner for Men - Xwerks Ignite
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 scoop
- Ingredients: Calcium, vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, caffeine, black pepper extract, L-citrulline malate, L-tyrosine, CarnoSyn® beta-alanine
- Form: Powder
Proper and healthy fat burning can't occur without consistent exercise. Whether training at home or in the gym, sometimes you need that extra boost of motivation that comes from a pre-workout supplement. A pre-workout that also acts as a fat burner can be twice as appealing to any man looking to cross the finish line for his fitness goals. Xwerks Ignite is our pick for best pre-workout fat burner because it has CarnoSyn® beta-alanine to help increase power and endurance, and caffeine, well-established as a thermogenic that can help aid in fat burning.(5)
Xwerks Ignite is sugar, gluten, and dairy-free, but does contain artificial flavoring and sucralose, which may be something to watch out for if you have a sensitive stomach. In its favor, it also contains the nootropics, or "smart drugs" like DMAE, rhodiola rosea, L-tyrosine, which may help improve focus, memory, and cognitive function.(6)
Best For
- Men who are looking for a pre-workout with fat-burning effects
- Those who want flavor options
- Users who want natural stimulant ingredients
Not Best For
- Those on a tight budget
- Those who want a product without artificial flavoring and sweeteners
Best Premium Fat Burner 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
Kaged is a premium, high-quality brand because they use 100% plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free ingredients in their formulas without artificial flavors or dyes. Kaged Clean Burn Powder combines ingredients for energy like caffeine and guayusa with fat-burning ingredients like L-carnitine and Capsimax that are well-researched and established for their thermogenic effects. This product is also Informed Sport Certified, meaning every batch has been thoroughly tested for banned substances before it goes to market. Clean Burn also contains apple cider vinegar, which has some appetite suppressant effects in addition to its overall effect on bolstering gut health.(7)
The recommended dosage is one 6.8 gram scoop per day, but Kaged suggests up to two scoops per day for the best results. Alternatively, if you experience any levels of discomfort try half a dose to assess your tolerance.
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 Thermogenic Fat Burner for Men - 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
We've touched on the fat-burning effects of thermogenesis, but you may still not know exactly what it is. In basic terms, thermogenesis is the production of heat, and thermogenic supplements are used to heat up and stimulate the metabolism. Ultimately, this process helps the body to burn more calories and body fat.(8) Transparent Labs Fat Burner gets it 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.(9) Green tea extract is thought to have antioxidant properties that help boost cognitive function and reduce inflammation.(10) 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 Natural Fat Burner for Men - KOS Energy Gummies
SPECS
- Dosage: 1 gummy per day
- Ingredients: Niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, organic green coffee beans, ashwagandha extract, rhodiola extract
- Form: Gummies
Not everyone can stomach capsules, tablets, or powders. That's why supplement brands also offer chewables in the form of gummies to make ingestion easier and more accessible. The KOS Energy Gummies are our choice for this category not just for their organic and artificial-free ingredients, but also for how practically effortless and convenient they are to take on a daily basis. These gummies are free of artificial colors and flavors, are gelatin and sugar-free (no erythritol!), and come in portable individually-wrapped packages.
Kos Energy Gummies get their metabolism and motivation-boosting powers from a blend of PurCaf®, ashwagandha, and rhodiola. PurCaf®, or organic green coffee beans, can give you a thermogenic lift without the jitters of a cup of coffee. Additionally, ashwagandha can have positive effects on the regulation of stress, and rhodiola may help maintain healthy brain function. Last but not least, the citrus flavor is lighter on the taste buds and may help with those cravings for sweets.
Best For
- Those who want a fat burner made with natural, organic ingredients
- Men who have difficulty swallowing pills or want a fat burner with flavor
- Users who want an energy boost with their fat burner
Not Best For
- Men who want more of a traditional fat burner ingredients, like testosterone boosters
- Those who don't enjoy the taste of citrus
Best Belly Fat Burner for Men - Kaged Clean Burn Amped
SPECS
- Dosage: 2 capsules, 2 times daily with meal
- Ingredients: Green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, grains of paradise seed extract, asparagus stem extract, juniper fruit extract, parsley leaf powder, uva ursi leaf extract, rice extract blend, gum arabic
- Form: Capsules
Kaged Clean Burn® Amped is our pick for best belly fat burner for men because it has a high caffeine content—248 milligrams of PurCaf® organic caffeine and Greenselect® Phytosome® green tea extract—that allows it to work well as an appetite suppressant along with aiding in the stimulation of the metabolism.(11) Clean Burn® Amped also contains unique ingredients like grains of paradise, which is ginger-like species of plant has been shown to help boost the metabolisms through thermogenesis.(12)
For the clean-formula-minded, Kaged Clean Burn® Amped is free from synthetic chemicals and uses a plant-based formula. Additionally, its extra ingredients like asparagus stem extract, juniper fruit extract, parsley leaf powder, and uva ursi leaf extract may help balance your body's water levels and possibly aid in the prevention of dehydration.(13)
Due to the higher-than-average caffeine content, Kaged suggests that you test your caffeine tolerance by beginning with one capsule taken with lunch for the first three to four days. Then you can increase to two capsules with breakfast and lunch for the full dosage.
Best For
- Men looking for a fat burner with high caffeine content for thermogenesis
- Those who value clean, transparent formulas
- Users looking for water balance support
Not Best For
- Men who have low caffeine tolerance
- Those who don't want to take 4 daily pills
Best Stim-Free Fat Burner for Men - 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. 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.(14) 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.
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
Benefits of Fat Burners
There are many benefits to taking a supplemental fat burner, 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.
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 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 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 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.
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/
- Maté-Muñoz, J.L., Lougedo, J.H., Garnacho-Castaño, M.V. et al. Effects of β-alanine supplementation during a 5-week strength training program: a randomized, controlled study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 19 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0224-0
- Malík, M., & Tlustoš, P. (2022). Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients, 14(16), 3367. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14163367
- 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
- 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
- Acheson, K. J., Gremaud, G., Meirim, I., Montigon, F., Krebs, Y., Fay, L. B., Gay, L. J., Schneiter, P., Schindler, C., & Tappy, L. (2004). Metabolic effects of caffeine in humans: lipid oxidation or futile cycling?. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 79(1), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/79.1.40
- Yoneshiro, T., Matsushita, M., Sugita, J., Aita, S., Kameya, T., Sugie, H., & Saito, M. (2021). Prolonged Treatment with Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta) Extract Recruits Adaptive Thermogenesis and Reduces Body Fat in Humans with Low Brown Fat Activity. Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology, 67(2), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.3177/jnsv.67.99
- Ho, K. T., Homma, K., Takanari, J., Bai, H., Kawahara, M., Nguyen, K. T. K., & Takahashi, M. (2021). A standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem improves HSP70-mediated redox balance and cell functions in bovine cumulus-granulosa cells. Scientific reports, 11(1), 18175. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-97632-6
- 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
About the Author
For the past 13 years, Erin Chancer has worked in digital publishing in the fitness and sports nutrition field. Erin has experience writing and editing workout-based, human interest, and advertorial stories within the fitness industry.
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