
A variety of supplements are promoted for fat burning, each working through different mechanisms such as boosting metabolism, reducing appetite, supporting fat oxidation, or improving energy levels. Here is a list of some of the most notable and evidence-backed fat-burning supplements available in 2025:
Top Supplements to Accelerate Weight Loss
Here are some commonly used supplements for fat burning:
1. Caffeine
- How it helps: Boosts metabolism, increases fat oxidation, and improves exercise performance.
- Common form: Coffee, tea, pills, and pre-workout formulas.
2. Green Tea Extract
- How it helps: Contains catechins, particularly EGCG, that can increase fat oxidation and thermogenesis.
- Common form: Capsules, tea.
3. L-Carnitine
- How it helps: Helps the body use fat for energy by facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria.
- Common form: Pills, liquid.
4. CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
- How it helps: Can reduce body fat by influencing fat storage and metabolism.
- Common form: Capsules, soft gels.
5. Forskolin
- How it helps: Increases levels of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which can enhance fat loss.
- Common form: Pills, capsules.
6. Garcinia Cambogia
- How it helps: Contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which can block fat production and reduce appetite.
- Common form: Capsules, tablets.
7. Yohimbine
- How it helps: Stimulates fat loss by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that inhibit fat breakdown.
- Common form: Pills, capsules.
8. Green Coffee Bean Extract
- How it helps: Contains chlorogenic acid, which may help to reduce the absorption of carbohydrates and support fat loss.
- Common form: Capsules, powder.
9. Raspberry Ketones
- How it helps: May increase fat breakdown and the levels of adiponectin (a hormone involved in fat metabolism).
- Common form: Capsules, powder.
10. Glucomannan
- How it helps: A natural fiber that expands in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness and prevent overeating.
- Common form: Capsules, powder.
11. Beta-Alanine
- How it helps: Helps to improve exercise performance, allowing for longer and more intense workouts, which can indirectly help with fat loss.
- Common form: Powder, capsules.
12. Turmeric (Curcumin)
- How it helps: Contains anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in fat loss by improving metabolism.
- Common form: Capsules, tablets, powder.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
- How it helps: May help reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Common form: Liquid, tablets.
14. L-Theanine
- How it helps: Increases fat oxidation when combined with caffeine.
- Common form: Capsules, powder.
15. Bioperine (Black Pepper Extract)
- How it helps: Enhances the absorption of other fat-burning supplements, making them more effective.
- Common form: Capsules.
These supplements, when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, may enhance fat burning. Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Supplement | Primary Mechanism | Strength of Evidence (Fat Loss) | Common Considerations/Side Effects | Notes |
Caffeine | Metabolism boost, Fat oxidation, ↑Energy | Strong | Jitters, anxiety, insomnia, tolerance buildup, increased heart rate | Widely researched, dose-dependent effects. |
Green Tea Ext. (EGCG) | ↑Metabolism/Thermogenesis, Fat oxidation | Strong | Generally safe; high doses linked to rare liver issues; contains caffeine | Often works synergistically with caffeine. |
Glucomannan | Fiber → Satiety, Reduced calorie absorption | Strong (for Satiety) | Bloating, gas, choking risk if not taken with enough water | Effective for appetite control, indirectly aids fat loss. |
L-Carnitine | Transports fatty acids for energy | Mixed/Moderate | Generally safe; GI upset, fishy body odor possible | May be more effective in deficient individuals or specific contexts. |
Yohimbine | Blocks alpha-2 receptors → ↑Fat release | Moderate | High risk: Anxiety, ↑HR/BP, interactions, nausea, dizziness | Potentially effective but carries significant risks; use with caution or avoid. |
Beta-Alanine | ↑Muscle carnosine → ↑Exercise performance | Indirect | Tingling (paresthesia) | Boosts workout capacity, leading to more calorie burn indirectly. |
CLA | Influences fat storage/metabolism | Mixed/Weak | GI upset; long-term effects on liver/insulin need more study | Human studies show modest or inconsistent results. |
Green Coffee Bean Ext. | ↓Carb absorption, ?Fat metabolism (Chlorogenic acid) | Weak/Conflicted | Generally safe; contains caffeine; GI upset possible | Evidence often manufacturer-sponsored or limited quality. |
Forskolin | ↑cAMP levels | Weak/Limited Human Data | GI upset, potential drop in blood pressure | Needs more robust human trials. |
L-Theanine | Synergy w/ Caffeine (smooths effect) | Very Indirect/Synergistic | Very safe | Enhances caffeine’s benefits/tolerability, not a fat burner alone. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | Anti-inflammatory, potential metabolic effects | Emerging/Weak (Direct) | Very safe; high doses can cause GI upset | Primarily known for anti-inflammatory benefits; fat loss effect modest. |
Bioperine | Enhances absorption of other compounds | None (Directly) | Generally safe in small doses | Useful in combination with other supplements (like Curcumin). |
Apple Cider Vinegar | ?Satiety, ?Insulin sensitivity | Very Weak/Limited | Can erode tooth enamel; GI upset | Minimal evidence for significant fat loss. |
Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) | Claims to block fat, reduce appetite | Very Weak/Inconsistent | Potential liver concerns reported; GI upset | Most studies show little to no effect; safety concerns exist. |
Raspberry Ketones | Claims to ↑Fat breakdown/adiponectin | Very Weak (Lacks Human Data) | Limited safety data for supplement doses | Based mostly on animal/lab studies; lacks human evidence. |
Best Supplement for Fat Burning:
If you are looking for a combination of effectiveness and safety, Caffeine and Green Tea Extract are highly recommended. They both have well-researched benefits for metabolism, fat oxidation, and exercise performance. These two supplements are supported by a solid body of evidence and are widely used in fat-burning supplements.
If you’re seeking appetite suppression and digestive support, Glucomannan and Apple Cider Vinegar can be effective, especially for controlling food intake and supporting weight loss.
For targeted fat burning, Yohimbine and L-Carnitine are good options, but they work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Always remember to consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine.