Best Weight Loss Supplements of 2024 (2024)

Most Popular

1

9.8

EXCELLENT

Kion Lean

  • All-natural plant-based ingredients supports metabolism, even after carb-heavy meals
  • Assists in weight management, cardiovascular health and glucose levels
  • A natural way to indulge in carbs without the crash

9.8

EXCELLENT

Learn More

On Kion's Website

2

9.7

EXCELLENT

Counter Cravings by HUM

  • Naturally supports blood sugar balance for reduced cravings
  • Supports healthy weight management and boosts metabolism
  • Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels already within normal levels

3

9.6

VERY GOOD

Skinny Bird by HUM

  • Helps curb appetite and feel fuller longer
  • 5-HTP helps balance mood to control stress eating
  • Supports healthy blood sugar levels already within normal ranges

9.6

VERY GOOD

Learn More

On Hum's Website

4

9.4

VERY GOOD

ColonBroom

  • Safe and effective way to relieve constipation, lose weight and cleanse your body
  • Boosts detoxification processes by cleansing your gut and eliminating accumulated toxins
  • Psyllium Husk improves gut microbiota, digestive system and cleanses your body

Learn More

On ColonBrooms's Website

5

9.2

GOOD

Fasting Nutrition Programs by ProLon

  • Induces metabolic benefits of prolonged fasting
  • Includes soups, bars, drinks, supplements and more
  • No. 1 fasting nutrition program recommended by doctors

9.2

GOOD

Learn More

On ProLon's Website

Weight loss is a common goal for many as increasingly sedentary lifestyles and highly palatable, calorie-dense foods can make maintaining a healthy weight challenging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that achieving healthy weight loss should encompass a lifestyle including wholesome, nutrient-dense foods, plenty of movement and stress management. Still, many people turn to supplements hoping for an extra weight loss boost.

Many over-the-counter weight loss supplements, however, lack high-quality, clinical studies on their efficacy, are ineffective and may even be unsafe, according to a 2022 review in the AMA Journal of Ethics[1].

The good news is that in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, there are several vitamins and nutrients that, when taken as a supplement, may support healthy weight loss. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Weight Loss Supplements?

Weight loss supplements are manufactured products, usually in pill, powder, capsule or liquid form, that are meant to be added to your diet to aid weight loss. Common ways that weight loss supplements may claim to work include improving carbohydrate metabolism, increasing fat-burning or energy expenditure and reducing feelings of hunger.

Other weight loss supplements include those that help indirectly by claiming to support your overall health and energy levels and warding off some common effects of dieting, such as fatigue, cravings and potential nutrient deficiencies. Some may include up to a dozen ingredients, ranging from herbs to minerals.

Keep in mind that over-the-counter weight loss supplements are not the same as prescription medications designed to treat people with obesity, known as anti-obesity medications. These medications can be part of the treatment plan for obesity, notes the Obesity Medicine Association, and their safety and efficacy is backed by randomized, clinical trials.

Are Weight Loss Supplements Regulated by the FDA?

Over-the-counter weight loss supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as drugs, and do not require premarket review or approval by the FDA, instead placing the responsibility on the supplement manufacturers to ensure that their products are safe and the claims made are truthful and not misleading.

Adarsh Gupta, D.O., director of Valley Forge Weight Management Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania notes that weight loss supplements—which may include over-the-counter medication, herbs and other products that claim weight loss— should be used cautiously. “It is very important for everyone to understand that these supplements are not approved by the FDA,” he says. “The only restrictions that are placed on the supplement is that the supplements cannot claim to cure a disease.”

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How Effective Are Supplements for Weight Loss?

While there have been studies and bodies of research that have looked into the efficacy of weight loss supplements, most are of low quality, notes a 2020 review in Nutrients[2]. The National Institutes of Health’s Office on Dietary Supplements also states that not only is there a lack of quality research on the efficacy of over-the-counter weight loss supplements, the research that is available on their efficacy often consists of limited data from animal laboratory studies (rather than human clinical trials).

“In almost all cases, additional research is needed to fully understand the safety and/or efficacy of a particular ingredient but some may include ingredients that interfere with certain medications,” states the organization on its website.

Building and maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be the core of any weight loss program, according to Dr. Gupta. “No one can achieve sustainable weight loss without breaking bad habits and developing healthy habits,” he says. There is also no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to dieting. This should be personalized to each individual based on their daily routine, eating habits and food preferences.”

What Types of Vitamins and Supplements Can Help With Weight Loss?

Many vitamins and minerals play a role in supporting a healthy weight. If you eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet, you likely get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need.

“However, in today’s busy life, most people end up eating similar kinds of food again and again and do not get a well-balanced nutritious meal,” says Dr. Gupta.

Here’s what to focus on, according to experts.

Multivitamins

For the general population, registered dietitian Maryann Walsh, owner of Nutrition Counseling in Palm Beach, Florida recommends a quality multivitamin, which can provide important minerals.

“A multivitamin will typically contain B-vitamins, which play an important role in energy metabolism,’” says Walsh.

Specifically, look for one with iron. “Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen to the cells in our body, many of which are involved in not only helping us to feel our best, but also to effectively support numerous metabolic processes, including building lean muscle mass,” she adds, recommending both Nature Made Multivitamin with Iron and Centrum Multivitamin and Multimineral as ideal supplements.

Magnesium

Another critical nutrient that plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight is magnesium, according to Ashley Kitchens, owner and registered dietitian nutritionist at Plant Centered Nutrition in Durham, North Carolina. “Magnesium deficiency can weaken your body’s ability to utilize sugar (glucose) for energy,” she says.

A systematic review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found a reduction in body mass index (BMI) after magnesium supplementation, as well as a reduction in body weight and waist circumference for certain subgroups, including people with insulin resistance related disorders, hypertension, obesity and magnesium deficiency[3].

Many U.S. adults do not get the recommended amounts of magnesium through food and beverages, according to the National Institutes of Health. “If you’re low in one nutrient, this may affect other nutrients,” says Kitchens. “For example, low magnesium levels may inhibit vitamin D’s ability to function properly.” Magnesium is also essential for protein synthesis and energy production. Speak with your doctor about whether you may benefit from a magnesium supplement.

B Vitamins

B vitamins can support a healthy weight balance due to their role in energy production. “Vitamin B3 (niacin) can play an important role in helping the body break down carbohydrates and convert them into energy,” says Kitchens.

Some research suggests a link between low vitamin B12 levels and extra weight and obesity, while other findings are mixed[4][5]. High doses of vitamin B3 and vitamin B1, however, have also been linked to insulin resistance, so be cautious in your consumption—and always talk with your doctor first.

Protein Powder

Protein helps promote weight loss in a few ways: you burn more calories digesting it, it helps you stay full for longer and it supports metabolically active lean muscle. “Because proteins are complex, it takes your body longer to break them down,” says Kitchens. This means that your body uses more energy to break down protein than it does for fat or carbs. Increasing the protein ratio in your diet may add a slight extra calorie burn to your day.

Protein shakes may also help with weight loss because they can reduce hunger and keep you satisfied for longer. “Including protein at every meal and snack can help you feel full and satiated,” says Kitchens.

Lastly, lean muscle mass is more metabolically active than fat mass, so aside from strength training, you want to take in adequate nutrients for lean muscle growth to help burn calories, even at rest.

“If you struggle to incorporate enough protein into your diet through food, this is where supplementing with a protein powder could come in handy, to again, help nourish our muscles and maintain that metabolically active lean muscle mass,” says Walsh.

Fiber

Fiber provides numerous health benefits, including supporting a healthy weight. “Focusing on eating 30 grams of fiber per day can help support weight loss and help improve your body’s response to insulin,” explains Kitchens. “This can work just as effectively as popular, complex diets that restrict certain foods, food groups or have you follow a strict set of rules,” she adds.

Fiber may help you feel full for longer, meaning you might be more likely to resist snacking—and the extra calories that can come with it. While fiber is available in many foods, you can also opt for a fiber supplement.

When to See a Doctor

If after implementing healthy lifestyle habits, you still aren’t seeing the weight loss results you’re hoping for, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before prescribing to any weight loss program, plan or diet. They can help develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you.

Prescription anti-obesity medications may be prescribed as an adjunct treatment, depending on your health and body composition for those with extra weight and obesity if certain criteria is met.

We earn a commission from partner links displayed on this page, which impacts how and where their offers appear.

Never turn down bread again

Kion Lean – Enjoy Carbs Without the Guilt

Shop Now & Save 20%

On Kion's Website

Sources

Footnotes

  1. Manore MM, Patton-Lopez M. Should Clinicians Ever Recommend Supplements to Patients Trying to Lose Weight?. AMA J Ethics. 2022;24(5):E345-E352.
  2. Watanabe M, Risi R, Masi D, et al. Current evidence to propose different food supplements for weight loss: a comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2020;12(9):2873. Accessed 01/16/2023.
  3. Askari M, Mozaffari H, Jafari A, Ghanbari M, Darooghegi Mofrad M. The effects of magnesium supplementation on obesity measures in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2021;61(17):2921-2937.
  4. Baltaci D, Kutlucan A, Turker Y, et al. Association of vitamin B12 with obesity, overweight, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, and body fat composition; primary care-based studyMed Glas (Zenica). 2013;10(2):203-210. 5 liai Araghi S, Braun KVE, van der Velde N, et al. B-vitamins and body composition: integrating observational and experimental evidence from the B-PROOF study. Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(3):1253-1262.. Med Glas (Zenica). 2013;10(2):203-210.
  5. liai Araghi S, Braun KVE, van der Velde N, et al. B-vitamins and body composition: integrating observational and experimental evidence from the B-PROOF study. Eur J Nutr. 2020;59(3):1253-1262.

References

  • Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: a narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):228. Accessed 01/16/2023.
  • Heemskerk MM, van den Berg SAA, Pronk ACM, et al. Long-term niacin treatment induces insulin resistance and adrenergic responsiveness in adipocytes by adaptive downregulation of phosphodiesterase 3B. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;306(7):E808-E813. Accessed 01/16/2023.
  • Ravn AM, Gregersen NT, Christensen R, et al. Thermic effect of a meal and appetite in adults: An individual participant data meta-analysis of meal-test trials. Food Nutr Res. 2013;57:10.3402/fnr.v57i0.19676. Published 2013 Dec 23. Accessed 01/16/2023.
  • West DWD, Abou Sawan S, Mazzulla M, Williamson E, Moore DR. Whey protein supplementation enhances whole body protein metabolism and performance recovery after resistance exercise: A double-blind crossover study. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):735. Accessed 01/16/2023.
  • Magnesium Fact Sheet for Professionals. National Institutes of Health. Accessed 01/16/2023.

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