Thermogenic fat burners are increasingly being used by health enthusiasts and bodybuilders as they are a popular way to speed up weight loss.
Most thermogenic fat burners have natural ingredients that boost the body’s metabolism and burn fat. These supplements also offer other benefits such as improved focus or more energy, depending on their formula.
Common ingredients in such fat burners include caffeine, capsaicin, synephrine, garcinia cambogia, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
While there is evidence that some of the ingredients used in such supplements help us lose weight, there isn’t any concrete evidence that these products lead to sustainable and long-lasting results (1, 2, 3, 4).
Nonetheless, their usage has been on the rise and it warrants a closer look at the best thermogenic fat supplements, their dosage, and side effects.
Our Top Picks:
1. Best Fat Burner for Athletes: Instant Knockout Fat Burner
2. Best Gluten-Free Fat Burner: Transparent Labs Physiqueseries Fat Burner
3. Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burner: Performance Lab Sport Burn
4. Best Fat Burner With Matcha Tea: Hunter Burn
5. Best Keto-Friendly Fat Burner: Old School Labs Vintage Burn
6. Best Budget Fat Burner: Animal Cuts: All-in-one Complete Fat Burner Supplement
1. Best Fat Burner for Athletes: Instant Knockout Fat Burner
As we’ve learned, certain foods have natural fat-loss properties. But very few thermogenic fat burners in the market blend all-natural elements in the right proportion to produce an effective weight-loss solution especially for athletes.
About Instant Knockout Fat Burner
Instant Knockout is a UK-based firm that delivers its natural fat-burning solution from both the US and the UK. The fact that the company specializes in limited health products shows its focus and commitment to quality.
Though Knockout markets its product towards athletes, including the likes of MMA fighters, it is suitable for anyone who wants to burn fat using the natural ingredients without losing the lean muscle mass, including women.
Instant Knockout Fat Burning capsules come packed with ten natural ingredients, including three core ingredients: green tea, cayenne pepper seeds to speed up your metabolism, and glucomannan, a natural appetite suppressant.
What it Contains:
Each serving (4 capsules) of Instant Knockout Fat Burner contains:
- Glucomannan (konjac root): 1800 mg
- Green coffee extract (leaf): 500 mg
- Caffeine anhydrous: 300 mg
- Cayenne powder (fruit): 100 mg
- Green coffee extract (bean): 100 mg
- GTF chromium (as picolinate): 100 mg
A container of Instant Knockout Fat Burner contains 120 capsules or 30 servings of four capsules each that is enough to last an entire month.
The company offers a lucrative 90-day money-back guarantee if you happen to be unsatisfied with the product after this period. What’s more, on purchasing three units of the fat burner together, they offer one bottle free of cost.
The Pros:
- Natural and high-quality ingredients
- 90-days money-back guarantee
- Research-backed formula
- Manufactured in the USA
Summary: Instant Knockout is the best solution for athletes and bodybuilders and the many testimonials of its users on the company website attest to it. The product is made naturally from plant or other food extracts and is endorsed by many well-known athletes and bodybuilders as well, which lends it a great degree of credibility.
2. Best Gluten-Free Fat Burner: Transparent Labs Physiqueseries Fat Burner
With emerging awareness about gluten and its ill-effects on the body, many food supplement brands have begun to offer gluten-free versions of their popular products. This is one of the best fat burner supplements in the category.
About Transparent Labs’ Physiqueseries Fat Burner
Transparent Labs Physiqueseries Fat Burner is devoid of gluten and other harmful additives that may otherwise creep into your food supplements and corrupt your diet.
Its main ingredients are forslean (forskolin), green tea extracts, and synephrine to kickstart your metabolism and set off thermogenesis. Synephrine is a non-stimulant and less potent alternative to ephedrine (found in bitter orange). It is better as ephedrine is banned in the USA at present (5).
The product also includes HTP5, a naturally-occurring amino acid in the body, which acts as an intermediary in the synthesis of serotonin.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2 capsules) of Transparent Labs Physiqueseries Fat Burner contains:
- Forslean (10% forskolin): 250 mg
- Green tea (50% EGCG): 200 mg
- 5-HTP: 150 mg
- L-Tyrosine: 150 mg
- L-Theanine: 120 mg
- Caffeine anhydrous: 120 mg
- Salicin (white willow) bark extracts: 60 mg
- Cayenne pepper extract: 50 mg
- Synephrine HCl: 25 mg
You are required to take two capsules with about 8-10 ounces of water daily, twice a day, anywhere about 30-60 minutes before eating your meals. Each container of Physiqueseries Fat Burner carries 120 capsules, which will last you for 30 days.
The Pros:
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- Free from artificial sweeteners, additives, and colorings
- Clinically-tested dosage
- Suitable for vegetarians
Summary: Transparent Labs offers a quality thermogenic fat burner devoid of gluten and artificial additives. The formula for the supplement is available on the website, which increases trust and reliability. Like its other famous products, Transparent Labs’ Physiqueseries Fat Burner capsules are the best-in-class.
3. Best Stimulant-Free Fat Burner: Performance Lab Sport Burn
Most weight-loss products contain caffeine, which may help in cutting down that extra fat, but can also contribute to spiking the heart rate and blood pressure (6). For those who want to avoid these side-effects, it’s best to go for a fat burner that carries no stimulants.
About Performance Lab’s Sport Burn
Performance Lab Sport Burn is a vegan fat burner that is also free of any stimulants. The formula contains HMB (Beta-hydroxy beta-methyl butyrate), which is described as an “ultramodern fat loss nutrient.” The nutrient helps exacerbate the effects of exercise’s fat-burning benefits and minimize muscle loss.
The capsules also contain Nutrigenesis GTF chromium, in other words, nutrients that are “bio-engineered” to be better than nutrients otherwise ordinarily extracted.
These caffeine-free fat burning capsules are also non-GMO, non-irradiated, and tested for banned substances.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2 capsules) of Performance Lab Sport Burn contains:
- HMB (β-Hydroxy β-Methyl butyrate) from Calcium HMB: 1000 mg
- Forslean (Coleus Forskohlii) (root): 250 mg
- Calcium: 175 mg
- NutriGenesis GTF Chromium: 60 mg
- Capsimax® Cayenne Pepper Extract (Capsicum annuum) (fruit) (2% capsaicinoids): 50 mg
- Black Pepper Extract: 2.5 mg
The capsule casing is made of pullulan (cultured tapioca), which is a natural prebiotic fiber and the capsules have rice concentrate.
Each bottle of Performance Lab Sport Burn contains 60 capsules or 30 servings of two capsules each. The manufacturers recommend taking one serving 30 minutes before your training session on an empty stomach.
The Pros:
- NutriGenesis of vitamins and minerals for enhanced performance
- Stimulant-free
- Free of artificial additives, colors, and flavors
- Vegan-friendly
Summary: Performance Lab Sport Burn is one of the few fat burners which come fortified with NutriGenesis, a scientific technique to isolate nutrients and minerals from food for more benefit. The stimulant-free capsules are ideal for those who don’t want the side effects of ingredients like caffeine.
4. Best Fat Burner With Matcha Tea: Hunter Burn
In the saturated market of food supplements, it isn’t easy to find that one product that gives you the assurance of good quality. However, Hunter Burn offers you a unique product with clinically dosed premium ingredients like matcha green tea.
About Hunter Burn
Hunter Burn is a fat burning supplement made by Roar Ambitions Ltd., the same company, which also produces Instant Knockout, mentioned earlier in the list.
Hunter Burn is made of all-natural ingredients and has matcha green tea, which, the company says is three times stronger than other common varieties as per research.
It is also one of the few fat-burning formulas to have white kidney beans as an ingredient, which the manufacturers say helps prevent breaking down complex carbs into simple carbs and storing them into the body as fats.
What it Contains:
Each serving (6 capsules) of Hunter burn contains:
- Vitamin D3: 3000 IU
- Konjac root extract: 3000 mg
- White kidney bean 20:1 extract: 500 mg
- L-Theanine: 200 mg
- Matcha green tea: 200 mg
- Cayenne pepper: 125 mg
One container of Hunter Burn contains 180 capsules (30 servings of six capsules each). On ordering three units of the container together, you also get one absolutely free of cost.
The best part about Hunter Burn is that it comes with a 90-days money-back guarantee, which means that if you’re not happy with the results after three months of usage, you can apply for a refund.
The Pros:
- Made in the USA
- No GMO, gluten, soy, or artificial additives
- Made from natural products
- 90-days money-back guarantee
Summary: Hunter Burn is a unique product that uses matcha green tea, which very few of the fat burn solutions use in their blend. Besides being a premium fat burning supplements, Hunter Burn comes with a 90-days money-back guarantee as well.
5. Best Keto-Friendly Fat Burner: Old School Labs Vintage Burn
Old School Labs is located in California, the birthplace of the golden era of bodybuilding in the USA. The company was established in 2013, has among its products an array of the best pre-workout formula, and has sold one million-plus bottles all included since its launch.
About Old School Labs’ Vintage Burn Fat Burner
Old School Labs Vintage Burn is an all-natural ketogenic and gluten-free formula that helps you shed stubborn belly fat. The product ingredients include green coffee and green tea leaf extracts, which curbs the absorption of fat in the body. The supplement also contains raspberry ketones, which the company says helps suppress the appetite.
The supplement claims to help you stay in shape with its muscle-preserving and appetite suppressing features. Vintage Burn contains no artificial additives, preservatives, and is 100 percent vegetarian.
One of the product ingredients is olive leaf extract which helps fire up your metabolism promoting fat burning. It is gluten-free and absolutely ketone friendly making it one of the most sought after fat-burner supplements.
What it Contains:
Each serving (2 capsules) of Old School Labs Vintage Burn contains:
- Green tea leaf extract: 330 mg
- Green coffee bean extract: 270 mg
- Raspberry ketones: 200 mg
- Olive leaf extract: 160 mg
- Caffeine: 150 mg
- Bacopa leaf extract: 130 mg
- Garcinia fruit extract: 100 mg
- Chrysin: 100 mg
- Forskohlii root extract: 60 mg
Each bottle of Old School Labs Vintage Burn contains 120 capsules (60 servings of two capsules each). You may contact the company for a refund if you feel any discomfort.
The Pros:
- Keto-friendly
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Muscle-preserving properties
- Third-party tested
Summary: Old School Labs is a serious and emerging contender in the food supplement business and has sold over one million products in its relatively short life span of only seven years. The popularity of its products is an indicator of the quality of their products, which are available at pocket-friendly prices online.
6. Best Budget Fat Burner: Animal Cuts – All-in-one Complete Fat Burner Supplement
Animal Cuts has a long legacy in the bodybuilding supplement business. Founded in 1983, the firm began with a ‘pack’ system to deliver wholesome dietary supplements and continues to be the first choice for many bodybuilders and trainers.
About Animal Cuts Fat Burner
Animal Cuts Fat Burner is a special ‘pack’ system formula consisting of seven different colored pills with each pill imparting a specific complex with a special purpose.
Animal Cuts capsules offer the most extensive range of nutrients impacting cognitive, metabolic, and other body functions favorably via its several blends indicated in different colors.
Each pack of Animal cuts fat burner contains several complexes, namely stimulant complex, metabolic complex, thyroid complex, water-shedding complex, nootropic complex, cortisol inhibiting complex, and CCK boosting complex, bioavailability complex.
All Animal products are made in New Jersey, which means that the company has complete control over the production process and its quality.
What it Contains:
Each serving (1 pack) of Animal Cuts fat burner contains:
- Stimulant complex (caffeine anhydrous, kola nut [seed], guarana [seed], yerba mate [leaf], raspberry ketones, coleus forskohlii extract [roots] evodiamine): 750 mg
- Metabolic complex (green tea leaf extract, oolong tea extracts, black tea leaf extracts, coffee bean extract, white tea leaf extracts): 750 mg
- Thyroid complex (L-Tyrosine, olive leaf extract, salvia officinalis): 350 mg
- Water shedding complex (dandelion root, uva ursi leaf, hydrangea root, buchu leaf, juniper berry fruit, celery seed): 800 mg
- Nootropic complex (DMAE [dimethylaminoethanol] cocoa powder, bacopa monniera leaf, huperzine A): 500 mg
- Cortisol inhibiting complex (ashwagandha root extracts [withanolides], eleutherococcus senticosus [root], phosphatidylserine, magnolia bark extract): 300 mg
- CCK boosting complex (cha-de-bugre [aerial parts], apple pectin, cinnamon [bark]): 300 mg
- Bioavailability complex (ginger root, cayenne fruit, grapefruit, quercetin, naringin [citrus], piper nigrum extract [fruit]): 500 mg
Each container of Animal Cuts carries 42 packs to last 21 days. The product guide recommends using two packs every day for three weeks straight, followed by one week off. And then continue for another three weeks, till you lose the fat.
The Pros:
- Pack system for a guided dosage
- Comprehensive nutritional support for best results
- Contains nootropic, water-shedding, and bioavailability complex
- Made in the USA
Summary: Animal Cuts Fat Burner is as extensive a nutritional supplement as they come. Each pack carries a powerful blend of all the crucial nutrients which are required to burn the sturdy fat and, at the same time, fend off against any detrimental effects. The guided dosage helps take the supplement in the right quantity, and it also has a pocket-friendly price.
The Dosage Instructions for Thermogenic Fat Burners
Like any other supplement, the FDA does not regulate thermogenic supplement products. Although they are made of mostly natural substances, it is essential to check the ingredients and strictly follow the recommended dosage.
Most of the supplement manufacturers recommend two servings per day, usually comprising one or several capsules per serving. The first dose is generally taken in the morning empty stomach and the second dose could either be taken before a workout or between meals, as suggested by the manufacturer.
Furthermore, you must combine the supplement with the right diet, exercises, and workout for the best results.
It is further advised to follow the dosage instructions carefully and only have these with the suggested food products. For example, some supplements should not be taken with alcohol but water or any other beverage, so it is best to take it with what is mentioned to avoid any complications.
Similarly, you must consult your doctor before taking the supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking other medicines, or have any other pre-existing medical condition.
Summary: The best approach for choosing the right supplement and the correct dosage is to conduct in-depth research on the ingredients and follow the dosage instruction instructions. For effective results, a person should maintain a healthy lifestyle, inculcate good eating habits, and exercise regularly.
The Side Effects of Thermogenic Fat Burners
Thermogenic Fat Burner Supplements, although are made of natural products they are said to cause some side effects. Most manufacturers list symptoms such as restlessness, headaches, anxiety, diarrhea, or issues with the stomach, sleeplessness, dizziness, nausea, as side effects of the supplement.
Some of the more severe complications that could result from consuming thermogenic supplements are described below. However, note that there are isolated cases without comprehensive trials or studies:
- Liver Failure: The case of a 23-year-old professional bodybuilder who suffered acute liver failure is often cited as a case highlighting the serious effects of thermogenic supplements (7). In the study, the female with no prior history of liver disease showed symptoms of fatigue, jaundice, etc.
The condition only improved once she was evaluated for liver transplant and received the treatment on the same lines to cure her condition. The damage to her liver was primarily attributed to thermogenic supplements, which had been consumed in higher doses for a month before falling sick.
- Caffeine Overdose: Most fat burner supplements contain high doses of caffeine in them. However, when consumed in quantities more than the daily recommended limit, it may cause caffeine overdose. This can lead to symptoms like insomnia, vomiting, nervousness, etc. (8, 9, 10).
An overdose of caffeine may also cause heart palpitations, increase in anxiety fear in those who already suffer from nervousness or anxiety (11).
- Chest Pain and Increase in Heart Rate: Certain substances like bitter orange (that is also the main constituent of some fat burning supplements) are known to cause serious effects like chest pain and could also lead to death (12).
This is due to the presence of synephrine, a chemical that is similar to ephedra. Ephedra was banned by the FDA as it is known to increase blood pressure and has also been linked to heart attacks and stroke.
Summary: Certain naturally-occurring substances, which are constituents of thermogenic supplements, are known to have adverse, and potentially fatal, effects in humans. Thus, it is advisable to take expert opinion and gather knowledge about the ingredients of these supplements to minimize or avoid the associated risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Should I Use Thermogenic Supplements?
There are no specific studies to determine the most effective duration for consuming thermogenic supplements. Some product packages and manufacturer websites suggest taking the supplements from four weeks to three months for the best results.
They say that many of these supplements contain stimulants that would give better results when consumed for a sustained period. On the contrary, prolonged consumption might cause an overdose leading to serious side effects.
Can I Increase the Dosage of Thermogenic Supplements to Lose Fat Quickly?
No, an increased dosage would cause more harm than benefits since they may result in potentially life-threatening conditions. You must always take the supplement exactly as per the manufacturer’s recommendation or after discussing with the doctor, and never take more than the suggested serving.
Is There any Evidence that Thermogenic Fat Burners are Effective?
Thermogenic Fat burners are said to improve metabolism and burn fat. The most commonly-used ingredients do show some benefit in reducing fat by boosting metabolism. However, there is a need for more studies to have better clarity on the actual impact that these products have on the body.
The effectiveness of a thermogenic supplement depends on the ingredients, their quality, and quantity. The fat burners might also fail to yield the desired results if not complemented with regular exercise and healthy eating habits. Finally, the supplement needs to be taken in the right dosage for it to work.
How Do I Select the Best Thermogenic Fat Burner?
As mentioned earlier, you must carefully examine the ingredients, their source, and their quantity. Similarly, be mindful of choosing the product that suits your specific requirements, for example being gluten-free or caffeine-free.
Check the basis of all the claims made by the manufacturer, and see the potential side effects as well. If you do not understand the purpose of certain ingredients, be sure to research its benefits before making the final call.
Start with lower doses, and if you experience any side effects, discontinue immediately and contact the seller or your physician.
The Final Note
Though emerging as a trend across the world for losing weight, thermogenic supplements need to be taken with caution. They must be combined with the right lifestyle changes for effective results.
The quality and quantity of the ingredients used in a thermogenic fat burning supplement and the dosage you take make a great impact on the final results.
You should check the ingredient list of each product, study the pros and cons, to determine the best choice for you.
Make sure to consult your physician before taking these supplements, especially if you are on any medication or have an underlying health condition.