A Guide to the Top 8 Weight Loss Supplements and OTC Pills of 2023

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Weight loss can be a challenging process, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn for help. That’s where dietary supplements come in! These nutritional aids have been designed to assist you in your weight loss journey by complementing your existing diet and exercise efforts. In this article, we will delve into the top dietary supplements for weight loss, backed by scientific research and real-life choices.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and is rich in antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). It is believed to increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, which may help with weight loss ^[1] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, some studies have shown mixed results, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness ^[2] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include digestive issues, liver problems, and interactions with certain medications ^[3] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

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Nobi Nutrition’s Green Tea Extract “Fat Burner” is a vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free weight loss supplement designed to help both women and men reduce belly fat and manage their weight. Key ingredients include 200 mg of Green Tea with 45% EGCG, a proprietary blend of green coffee bean extract and garcinia cambogia, which work together to increase thermogenesis, suppress appetite, and support detox and healthy digestion. It’s manufactured in the U.S.A following GMP guidelines, and it’s keto- and paleo-friendly. Simply take two capsules each morning on an empty stomach.

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Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. Some studies have shown that CLA supplementation may help reduce body fat and increase lean body mass ^[4] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, the effect on weight loss is modest, and long-term safety is unclear ^[5] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include gastrointestinal issues, increased inflammation, and potential negative impacts on insulin sensitivity ^[6] Trusted Website NCBI, US National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a trusted source of biotechnology and biomedicine information. Open the link → .

NatureWise CLA 1250 - CLA Supplement with Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Women and Men, Non-Stimulating CLA, Supports Healthy Weight, Fitness... — $21.99 at Amazon

NatureWise CLA 1250 is a natural exercise enhancement supplement that supports lean muscle mass and promotes energy. It contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may encourage greater benefits from exercise by influencing the activity of certain enzymes that play a role in the metabolism of fatty acids. NatureWise CLA is made with clean, simple, natural ingredients that are non-stimulating, non-addictive, and safe for long-term use. It comes from pure, premium-quality, non-GMO safflower oil obtained from certified sources and standardized to a high potency of 80%. Each 1250 mg softgel contains 1000 mg of CLA.

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber derived from the roots of the konjac plant. It works by absorbing water in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness, which may help reduce food intake ^[7] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Some studies have shown moderate weight loss effects, but more research is needed ^[8] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include bloating, flatulence, and potential choking hazards if not taken with sufficient water ^[9] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

Nutricost Glucomannan is a high-quality dietary supplement that provides 1,800 mg of glucomannan per serving (600 mg per capsule, 3 capsules per day) and is derived from konjac root. This soluble, bulk-forming fiber has been shown to support healthy digestion and weight management when taken with water before meals. The capsules are non-GMO and gluten-free, and are made with only high-quality glucomannan. The product is manufactured in a GMP compliant, FDA registered facility. The recommended serving is three capsules daily with 8-12 oz of water.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and many other products. It may help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and enhancing fat oxidation ^[10] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, its effects on weight loss tend to be modest, and tolerance to its effects may develop over time ^[11] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and nervousness ^[12] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

Nutricost Caffeine Pills offer a high-quality source of caffeine without the added sugar or calories found in energy drinks. With 200 mg of caffeine per capsule, these pills are perfect for those who need an extra boost to power through their day, whether it be for athletic performance, workouts, or daily tasks. The pills are non-GMO and gluten-free, and are made in a GMP compliant, FDA registered facility. Nutricost is a U.S.-based company that produces premium quality nutritional supplements and vitamins.

Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia is a tropical fruit extract containing hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to block an enzyme that helps produce fat and increase serotonin levels, potentially reducing appetite ^[13] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Studies on its effectiveness for weight loss have shown mixed results, and more research is needed ^[14] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include liver toxicity, digestive issues, and potential interactions with medications ^[15] Trusted Website NCBI, US National Center for Biotechnology Information, is a trusted source of biotechnology and biomedicine information. Open the link → .

NatureWise Pure Garcinia Cambogia is a 100% natural and plant-based supplement that contains a concentrated extract of garcinia cambogia with 60% HCA to support metabolic processes and discourage cravings. This potent natural extract has been shown to block excess carbs and sugars from being stored as fat and increase serotonin levels to reduce emotional food cravings. Unlike other weight loss supplements, it is non-stimulating and contains no artificial additives or fillers. The recommended serving is one capsule three times daily, taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before meals with a full glass of water.

Raspberry Ketones

Raspberry ketones are natural compounds found in red raspberries that are believed to increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that may help regulate metabolism and break down fat ^[16] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, the evidence for weight loss in humans is limited, and most studies have been conducted on animals ^[17] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Possible side effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and potential interactions with medications ^[18] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

Keto BHB Exogenous Ketones for Men & Women - Keto Supplements for Mental Clarity & Focus - Keto Burn - Keto Fat Burner - Keto Pills... — 20,846 Reviews

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Nutriana’s Keto BHB Pills is a supplement designed to help people achieve ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. The product contains beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) which is a natural energy produced during ketosis. It can help your keep a low-carb keto diet and potentially experience benefits such as reduced hunger, improved mental clarity, and sustained energy throughout the day. Made in the U.S. with ISO-accredited laboratories. Recommended 2 capsules per day, taken with water before a meal.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to serotonin, which is associated with mood regulation and appetite control ^[19] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Some studies have shown that 5-HTP supplementation may help reduce appetite and promote weight loss ^[20] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal issues, drowsiness, and interactions with antidepressant medications.

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Dr. Emil Nutrition’s 200 mg 5-HTP Plus Formula is a natural, vegan supplement. It contains a combination of 200 mg pure 5-HTP, 20 mg SAMe, 20 mg L Tryptophan, and vitamin B6 to optimize 5-HTP conversion. Vitamin B6 aids 5-HTP conversion, and studies have shown that a slight deficiency of B6 can greatly inhibit the efficacy of 5-HTP. Recommended 2 capsules per day. Each bottle has 60 capsules, providing 30 days of support.

Forskolin

Forskolin is an extract from the root of the coleus forskohlii plant, which has been studied for its potential effects on fat metabolism and weight loss ^[21] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . Some studies have suggested that forskolin may help promote fat loss and increase lean body mass ^[22] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → . However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Possible side effects include low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and interactions with medications ^[23] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

Vitamin Bounty Forskolin Max Strength is a plant-based supplement that contains forskolin extract, derived from the coleus forskohlii plant. This supplement is designed to help support a healthy lifestyle by reducing excessive cravings and potentially aiding in the regulation of metabolism. Forskolin is believed to stimulate an increase in cAMP levels in the body, which may help break down sugars and fat. This supplement is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and made in the U.S. in a GMP facility.

Bonus: Alli (OTC Medicine)

Alli is a widely used over-the-counter weight loss aid developed by GlaxoSmithKline. It is the only FDA-approved non-prescription weight loss product available in the United States. Its active ingredient, orlistat, has been clinically proven to help individuals lose weight effectively and safely.

Alli works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats in the body, which in turn reduces the number of calories consumed. The main component, orlistat, inhibits the action of lipase enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the breakdown and absorption of fat from food. As a result, the unabsorbed fat is excreted through the digestive system, leading to weight loss ^[24] Trusted Website PubMed is a data base from US National Institutes of Health. It’s a trusted source of health and medical information. Open the link → .

alli Weight Loss Diet Pills, Orlistat 60 mg Capsules, Non Prescription Weight Loss Aid, 120 Count Refill Pack — $75.98 at Amazon

The FDA approved Alli for over-the-counter use in 2007. Customer reviews of Alli have been generally positive, with many users experiencing significant weight loss over time. Alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise, Alli has helped countless people reach their weight loss goals. However, it is essential to note that results may vary, and some users may experience side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

24 references

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[11]. Astrup, A., Toubro, S., Cannon, S., Hein, P., Breum, L., & Madsen, J. (1990). Caffeine: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of its thermogenic, metabolic, and cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 51(5), 759-767.

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[15]. Lunsford, K. E., Bodzin, A. S., Reino, D. C., Wang, H. L., & Busuttil, R. W. (2016). Dangerous dietary supplements: Garcinia cambogia-associated hepatic failure requiring transplantation. World journal of gastroenterology, 22(45), 10071.

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Derek Yang

I'm an immigrant living with my family in a small town on the East Coast. I love classical music, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and have a soft spot for BMWs. I believe in lifelong learning and look forward to connecting with you to share our life experiences. Twitter @mrderekyang.

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