For a man, there is nothing worse than belly fat. Well, maybe annoying people at the gym who take up bench press units texting. That might be worse, but belly fat is pretty bad. Hopefully, my list of the best fat burner supplements for men can serve as a little light at the end of the pudgy tummy.
A fat burner alone might not get rid of excess fat. However, if you combine one of these top notch fat burners with a relatively healthy diet and some exercise, you can certainly make things a heck of a lot easier. In my opinion as a NASM Certified Nutrition Coach, below are the best thermogenic fat burners on the market right now.
Best fat burners comparison chart (top 10 highest rated)
Product | TSR Tested? (Y/N) | Best for | Rating | Pricing |
Prime Shred | Yes | Fat loss, reduced appetite, energy | 5.0/5.0 | |
PhenGold | Yes | Fat loss, energy | 4.4/5.0 | |
Instant Knockout | Yes | Fat loss, energy | 4.0/5.0 | |
CCut | No | Energy boost | 3.9/5.0 | |
Physique Series | No | Athletic performance | 3.8/5.0 | |
Trans4orm | No | Energy boost | 3.7/5.0 | |
Shred Matrix | No | Exercise performance | 3.7/5.0 | |
Super HD | No | Exercise performance | 3.6/5.0 | |
Shred Jym | No | Lean muscle mass | 3.4/5.0 | |
Vintage Burn | No | Fat loss | 3.3/5.0 |
What are the best fat burners? Here’s my top 10 list:
I used my unique Supplement Facts Panel (SFP) analysis formula developed by yours truly in order to come up with what I believe to be the best fat burner supplements on the market. When it comes to fat burning, it simply does not get any better than the top three options on this list…and I’m not just speaking based on my analysis of the nutrition facts. I have personally tested many thermogenic fat burner supplements over the years, and these are the ones that helped me burn the most fat. I still use Prime Shred to this day! Anyways, let’s get into it…
1. Prime Shred (best fat burner overall)
Prime Shred is the new top dog in the natural fat burner space for a lot of reasons, the most important of which is that it tops the charts in terms of overall potency at nearly 2,000 milligrams per serving. There are 10 active ingredients including Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean, DMAE, Cayenne Pepper, and more.
The balance of thermogenic ingredients, stimulants, and metabolism boosters makes for a very effective and all-encompassing approach to burning fat. When it comes to weight loss, the key is to decrease calorie intake and increase calorie expenditure…well, the Prime Shred formula does exactly that.
Plus, when I was taking Prime Shred during my personal weight loss journey (you can read more about it in my full review), I got amazing results in terms of weight loss. I was in a place where I needed to lose about 15-20 pounds in order to achieve the physique I really wanted, and I was able to accomplish that goal in only a month!
Prime Shred is best for:
- Metabolism boost
- Energy boost
- Increased focus
- Burning more calories
- Thermogenesis
- Improving exercise performance
- Decreasing cravings
2. PhenGold (best for thermogenic benefits)
PhenGold was an easy choice for our second best fat burner because of the amount of clinical data supporting the theory that the formula can produce results. On their website, they show clinical studies and testimonials backing their ingredients and formula as a whole.
The formula is very impressive and highly potent. PhenGold has an exceptionally high overall potency of about 1,600 milligrams per serving and contains 6 active fat burning ingredients including Green Tea, Green Coffee, Cayenne Pepper, and L-Tyrosine.
We also found that PhenGold has received a lot of positive customer reviews and user feedback, which can be important to take into account. The Supplement Facts Panel is highly impressive, user reviews are great, and the website presents clinical evidence of the supplement’s effects regarding its ability to reduce body fat. What more can you ask for?
PhenGold is best for:
- Increasing energy levels
- Burning stubborn fat
- Improving metabolism
- Reducing cravings
- Thermogenic effects
3. Instant Knockout (best for appetite suppression)
Instant Knockout is without question the most powerful fat burner on the market due to its extremely high potency, excellent ingredient selection, and multi-faceted approach to weight loss. Most fat burners are one dimensional and accomplish one goal, but not this one…
First of all, it provides over 1,500 milligrams worth of active fat burning nutrients per serving, which is the highest number in the industry. The 10 active ingredients include metabolism boosters, appetite suppressors, and energy boosters such as Green Coffee Bean extract. These are the three key components of fat burning, and Instant Knockout thoroughly addresses each one.
In order to burn fat and lose weight, your calorie expenditure must be greater than your calorie intake. So, in other words, you have to burn more calories than you consume. Instant Knockout is designed to both increase calorie expenditure AND decrease calorie intake, which is why we love it so much.
With 500 MG of Green Tea Extract (known to boost metabolism due to high EGCG levels) per serving, you can be confident it will help boost metabolism and ultimately calorie expenditure. On the flipped side, it also contains 500 MG of Glucomannan per serving, which is a very powerful and highly fibrous appetite suppressant. Therefore, it helps you feel less hungry less often, which means your calorie intake decreases.
Instant Knockout is best for:
- Boosting metabolism
- Reducing calorie intake
- Burning stubborn fat
- Inducing thermogenesis
- Suppressing appetite and cravings
4. CCut (best for bodybuilding benefits)
CCut was designed to function as a natural alternative to the illegal anabolic steroid called Clenbuterol. The steroid Clenbuterol is use by bodybuilders to help them cut weight and achieve a slimmer, more ripped physique as opposed to a bigger, bulkier physique.
Brutal Force, the makers of CCut, set out with the goal of creating a safer, healthier alternative that could produce those same bodybuilding benefits. Obviously, this supplement is not going to be as effective as an actual anabolic steroid. Hopefully that goes without saying.
However, the formula is pretty powerful, and we think they did a great job here. You get about 1,200 milligrams of nutrients in every serving, which is a very high potency level. It only contains three active fat burning ingredients, but all three are very high quality nutrients that have been shown to help produce fat loss, being Garcinia Cambogia, Bitter Orange Extract, and Guarana Extract.
CCut is best for:
- Bodybuilders
- Could help build lean muscle
- Enhancing exercise performance
- Inducing thermogenic benefits
5. Physique Series (best for men who are already fit)
The Physique Series fat burner was created by Transparent Labs, who is a pretty well known USA based company in the sports nutrition space. However, this fat burner is more designed for fit guys who already exercise daily and are just looking for an extra boost. We don’t see it as being great for out-of-shape guys who need to burn fat quickly.
With all that being said, let’s talk about the formula. With nutrients like Forslean, Green Tea Extract, and Cayenne Pepper, this is one of the more comprehensive formulas we’ve seen in the fat burner market place. Cayenne Pepper specifically is one of the strongest thermogenic nutrients out there.
Physique Series is a very well rounded and thoughtfully formulated thermogenic fat burner, but we don’t see it as being able to compete with the top three due to the fact that it lacks a couple of key nutrients and is not quite as potent as the top shelf options.
Physique Series is best for:
- Fit men
- Guys who lift weights regularly
- Helping induce thermogenesis
- Boosting athletic performance
6. Trans4orm (best for BCAAs)
Trans4orm made it onto this list despite its low overall potency because of its formula transparency and high quality ingredients. These weight loss pills contain proven fat burners such as Green Tea and L-Tyrosine in pretty high dosages, those being 500 MG and 200 MG respectively. That’s pretty impressive…
The problem is, the dosages really start to drop off and get much smaller from that point forward in this formula, which ultimately leads to an overall potency of just over 1,000 MG per serving. This is still solid, but at the end of the day, the fact is Trans4orm is 50% less potent than our top ranked best fat burner.
We simply can’t recommend this weight loss supplement as highly due to its comparative lack of potency and sort of one dimensional formula. It’s just not as comprehensive or powerful as our top choices.
Trans4orm is best for:
- High amino acid dosages
- Elevating energy levels
- Enhancing athletic performance
7. Shred Matrix (best for convenience)
Shred Matrix is a very solid Muscle Pharm fat burning supplement that would be higher up on this list if it didn’t use one giant proprietary blend. We love seeing that the overall potency per serving is as high as it is, but we need to see individual dosage sizes. It’s a big problem that all of the dosage sizes are hidden inside of this giant proprietary blend…it means we don’t know exactly what we are getting here.
Shred Matrix had a real shot at one of the top spots on this list, but a proprietary blend the size of this one is just too significant of a problem. We can’t comfortably recommend a supplement unless we know exactly what’s in it, and the blend prevents us from being able to know that.
Shred Matrix is best for:
- Fat burners that can be bought at GNC
- High stimulant dosages
- Significant amount of caffeine for boosting energy
8. Cellucor Super HD (best for energy boosting)
Cellucor Super HD just barely made it into this list. Would we classify it as one of the best fat burners overall? No, but the formula is solid enough that it earned one of the last spots on our list. The biggest issues here are proprietary blend use and lack of overall potency, but aside from that, Cellucor has a pretty decent formula here…
Super HD has Caffeine Anhydrous, L-Tyrosine, and a great blend of B Vitamins. The dosages of some ingredients are disclosed, which is good…we just wish ALL dosages were disclosed. Also, it packs under 1,000 MG per serving, which is pretty weak.
Due to the low overall potency and lack of transparency with many of the ingredient dosages, we don’t see this fat burning supplement as being able to compete with the elite fat burners that are ranked more highly on this list. It’s just not quite at that top notch level.
Cellucor Super HD is best for:
- Beginners who prefer a mild formula
- People who don’t mind proprietary blends
- Boosting energy levels
- High stim formula
9. Shred Jym (best for L-Carnitine supplementation)
Shred Jym was created by the ultra popular company Jym Supplement Science, which is what initially brought it onto our radar. This supplement is a brand new addition to our best fat burners list and has the chance to work its way up into a higher spot, but for right now based on what we see, a bottom spot on the list is where we feel it belongs.
Shred Jym has a pretty high overall potency, but the problem is that 1,500 of the 2,000+ milligrams are just one ingredient: Acetyl-L-Carnitine. This is a great ingredient, but we would like to see the potency spread throughout the formula instead of so ultra concentrated in one spot.
Due to the supplement being too dependent on one single ingredient, we don’t feel comfortable recommending Shred Jym very highly on this list.
Shred Jym is best for:
- Believers in L-Carnitine
- High BCAA dosages
- Exercise performance enhancement
10. Vintage Burn (best for ketogenic dieters)
Vintage Burn is a decent option for people on the ketogenic diet because of the fact that it contains raspberry ketones, which can help if you are trying to get into ketosis. It’s not going to get the job done on it’s own, but it can certainly provide a little extra help.
Outside of that, the formula also contains Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Leaf, and Green Coffee Bean. These are all high quality ingredients that can increase metabolism and calorie expenditure, but a couple of the dosages are low.
The biggest problem with Vintage Burn is that it’s missing appetite suppressants, which as we mentioned before, are the key to decreasing calorie intake. Vintage Burn is missing too many key ingredients to be ranked any higher on this list.
Vintage Burn is best for:
- Increasing metabolism
- High Garcinia Cambogia dosage
- High levels of caffeine
How exactly do fat burners work?
Natural fat-burning supplements are often marketed as products that can enhance weight loss by increasing metabolism, promoting fat oxidation, or reducing appetite. While some natural ingredients may have properties that support these mechanisms, it’s essential to approach the topic with caution and be aware of the limitations and potential risks. Here are some considerations…
Common Ingredients in Natural Fat Burning Supplements
- Caffeine:
- Found in coffee, tea, and some supplements, caffeine is a stimulant that may temporarily increase metabolic rate and enhance fat burning. If you want to lose weight, you need to increase your metabolism. Sources of caffeine such as caffeine anhydrous are more potent than caffeine sources like coffee, which is why fat burners often contain anhydrous.
- Green Tea Extract:
- Green tea extract contains antioxidants and compounds like catechins that may have a modest impact on metabolism and fat oxidation. Green tea extract is an absolutely essential ingredient that the top thermogenic fat burner supplements ALWAYS contain because of how reliable it is for people who want to lose weight.,
- Capsaicin (from Chili Peppers):
- Some studies suggest that capsaicin can increase metabolism and promote fat burning.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA):
- A fatty acid found in meat and dairy products, CLA has been studied for its potential to reduce body fat.
- Garcinia Cambogia:
- Contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and has been promoted for weight loss, though evidence is limited.
- Green Coffee Bean Extract:
- Contains chlorogenic acid, which may affect metabolism and fat absorption.
Considerations and Limitations
- Limited Evidence:
- The effectiveness of many natural fat-burning supplements is often supported by limited scientific evidence, and results can vary among individuals.
- No Magic Solution:
- There is no magic solution for weight loss, and fat burners should be viewed as a complement to a healthy diet and regular exercise rather than a replacement for these fundamental lifestyle factors.
- Individual Variability:
- Individual responses to supplements can vary. What works for one person may not have the same effect for another.
- Potential Side Effects:
- Some supplements may cause side effects or interact with medications. For example, excessive caffeine intake can lead to jitteriness, increased heart rate, and insomnia.
- Regulation and Safety:
- The dietary supplement industry is not as rigorously regulated as pharmaceuticals, and the safety and efficacy of these products can vary. It’s crucial to choose reputable brands and consult with a healthcare professional before using supplements, especially for weight loss.
Belly Fat Specifics
- Spot Reduction Myth:
- Spot reduction, or the idea of losing fat from specific areas of the body through targeted exercises or supplements, is a myth. Weight loss generally occurs throughout the body, and reducing belly fat requires a holistic approach involving a calorie deficit, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. You simply can’t possibly target specific areas of excess fat such as belly fat. You can reduce belly fat with a good fat burner, but you can’t lose only belly fat. Weight loss comes from burning fat all over the body, and you really can’t target specific areas unfortunately.
- You should be weary of supplements that market themselves as a “belly fat burner” because that simply is not a promise that any manufacture can make. Can a good fat burner help you get rid of belly fat? Absolutely it can help. However, there is no simply no such thing as a “belly fat burner.” I was able to lose belly fat on my weight loss journey, but that’s because I was combining my fat burner with cardiovascular and abdominal exercises that helped me shed excess body fat.
- Healthy Lifestyle Habits:
- Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in whole foods, and sufficient sleep, is crucial for overall health and weight management, including the reduction of abdominal fat. A really high quality fat burner can do a LOT for you and your body, but it can’t carry all of the weight (pun intended). You need to help your weight loss supplement work more effectively by combining it with exercise and dieting if you really want to shed excess fat such as belly fat or love handles.
Bottom Line: Can a fat burner help you achieve weight loss?
Yes, when combined with exercise and dieting, a truly top shelf fat burner CAN help you achieve weight loss in my experience. here’s how…at the end of the day, weight loss is not as complicated as you might think it is. If we simplify it down to its core, it quite literally simply means burning more calories than you take in on a daily basis. In other words, in order to achieve weight loss, your daily calorie expenditure just has to be higher than your daily calorie intake. So, what role can a weight loss supplement such as a fat burner play in that?
Well, a good weight loss supplement like the top ranked Prime Shred can play a HUGE role in that…it’s actually quite simple. It contains appetite suppressant ingredients, which make you less hungry less often, which can thereby reduce your calorie intake. That’s step one. Step two is the fact that it contains ingredients that can help support healthy metabolism as well as stimulants, which can potentially help increase your calorie expenditure…as we just talked about, the weight loss formula is Calorie Expenditure > Calorie Intake.
So if a fat burner like Prime Shred can help with both of those things, then yes, of course it could help you lose weight. It’s simple science. The part that many people look over is that they think the supplement is going to burn fat magically…that’s not how it works. It can be a tremendous help, but in order to burn fat, you have to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If you combine a good fat burner with exercise and a healthy diet, you can potentially get amazing results (speaking from personal experience).
What’s the best thermogenic fat burner on the market? My conclusion
PRIME SHRED easily takes the top spot as the most effective fat burner supplement due to its high concentration of appetite suppressants, large dosages of metabolism boosters, and all around multidimensional approach to weight loss. I also personally tested this supplement (you can read about my experience in the full review), and I got amazing weight loss results after only 30 days of taking it.
There is just no other supplement like it. No other fat burner supplement contains 500 milligrams of appetite suppressants, and no other fat burner has such an equally balanced focus on decreasing calorie intake while increasing calorie expenditure, which is the most effective weight management strategy.
It is the most potent formula and the most well rounded formula, and the transparency and lack of a proprietary blend is much appreciated. It’s not often you get that kind of transparency in sports nutrition. The cherry on top is my amazing personal experience with it. As a Nutrition Coach, I always feel way more comfortable recommending a supplement that I have personally had a good experience with, and Prime Shred certainly is on that list.
VISIT OFFICIAL PRIME SHRED WEBSITE
FAQs on thermogenics/fat burners
Do thermogenic fat burners work?
Yes, thermogenic fat burners have worked for a lot of people. The process of thermogenesis significantly increases the number of calories you burn throughout the day, which then helps burn fat. In my opinion, losing weight is a lot simpler than most people make it out to be. A fat burner can’t do all of the work for you, but if you combine with reduced calorie intake and more exercise, it’s really not as daunting as a task as most make it out to be.
Are fat burners safe?
While you should always consult your doctor, fat burners are generally safe for most people since they only contain natural ingredients. Thermogenic fat burner supplements are natural, and none of the supplements on this list contain any “red flag” ingredients. However, again, when it comes to something as serious as losing weight, you should always consult your primary health care physician before starting a weight loss supplement.
Do fat burners burn muscle?
No, fat burners don’t burn muscle as long as they utilize the correct ingredients. Illegal anabolic steroids tend to burn muscle, and so do prescription drugs. However, natural fat burners typically do not have that side effect. A good thermogenic fat burner can help you lose fat without losing muscle mass, speaking from personal experience.
Do fat burners upset your stomach?
Fat burners typically do not cause upset stomach. If you have a particularly sensitive stomach, then you may experience discomfort due to the appetite suppressants, but most people don’t notice.
I’m not just a supplement analyst. I’m an extremely qualified one! I am a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) and actually received my certification directly from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I am also a Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, certified by the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).
