As public health experts warn about the dangers of things like sitting, more and more people are adopting healthy workplace habits such as taking walking breaks (perhaps on a walking pad kept at their desk), using standing desks, or even just standing up periodically to reduce sit time.
It’s easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle if you have a desk job, and some people may gain weight as a result. While it’s possible to take action, as noted above, to combat the health risks of sitting too much, some people are also curious about whether supplements can help. So, we looked at some weight loss supplements available today.
While we’re not suggesting a supplement is the sole answer or any kind of quick fix, especially as weight loss supplements often need to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise—we know people will purchase them regardless. We wanted to analyze them for ourselves so that if someone is set on taking one, they can make an informed decision. Here’s what we learned.
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Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
Best Weight Loss Pills of 2026
- Best Weight Loss Pill Overall: Noom Med
- Best Stim-Free Weight Loss Pill: Transparent Labs Body Recomp Non-Stim
- Best Weight Loss Pill with Sleep Support: Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
- Best Third-Party Tested Weight Loss Pill: Nutricost Berberine
- Best Thermogenic Weight Loss Pill: Jacked Factory Burn XT
Best Weight Loss Pill Comparison Table
Best Weight Loss Pill Overall: Noom Med
Noom Med
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Noom
- Our thoughts: A research-backed medication that delivers results
- Who it’s for: Those who want a strong research-supported option and medical guidance
- Key ingredients: Metformin
- What makes it different: It’s a prescription medication that requires meeting with a clinician first.
Pros
- Noticeable effects
- Clear usage instructions
- Medication plan reviewed by a healthcare professional
Cons
- Requires a prescription
- Eventually need to take four pills per day
- Bottle is not travel-friendly
Our Thoughts on Noom Med
Noom Med offers a variety of prescription weight-loss medications, including Metformin—an oral medication that can help suppress appetite, reduce the amount of glucose your liver makes, and help your body’s insulin work better. It’s worth noting that Metformin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for helping improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 2 diabetes, but as the Noom Med website notes, it’s not actually FDA-approved for weight loss. That said, many people who use Metformin experience weight loss, so that’s oftentimes an expected outcome.
Here’s a quick overview of how Noom Med works: First, you take a brief intake survey and then receive a personalized clinical plan. Next, you’ll connect with a clinician who will review your results and provide a prescription if clinically appropriate. This all typically happens virtually, not at an in-person appointment. The medication is then shipped directly to you.
Our tester, Meredith, tried Noom and shared her experience. After she completed the preliminary steps, she received the medication. She noted, “The packaging itself feels very medical—it’s your standard orange bottle.” She did say it was fairly large, though, and likely not ideal for traveling.
Meredith said, “Instructions were very easy to follow,” adding that Noom Med recommends taking the medication with a meal to reduce any negative side effects like nausea or vomiting. She rated the instructions a 5 out of 5. She did say that the dosing is “a little complicated during the first month as you ease into the product,” explaining it as follows:
Week 1: Take 1 pill in morning
Week 2: Take 1 pill in morning, 1 pill in the evening
Week 3: Take 1 pill in morning, 2 pills in the evening
Week 4 and onward: Take 2 pills in the morning, 2 pills in the evening
Meredith said, “It’s a lot of pills per day and sometimes it’s easy to forget, at least for me.”
She found the pill—which was white, oval-shaped, and an average size—fairly easy to swallow, rating it a 3 out of 5 for that aspect of the experience. She rated it a 5 out of 5 for taste, reporting that there was also no aftertaste.
Meredith paid about $325 for a three-month supply, which came to about $1.80 for two pills (a full serving). As for results so far, Meredith said, “After taking it for a few weeks I have noticed that I feel fuller faster. I do still get hungry, it’s just that the hunger doesn’t take over my thoughts which allows for me to make some smarter meal decisions and has helped me to lower my portion sizes during each meal.” She continued, “It’s been easy to integrate into my lifestyle and doesn’t require injections, which I do like. I wish it wasn’t four pills per day that I must take, but it’s not a huge dealbreaker for me.”
To get some expert insight, we also turned to Dr. Mahtab Jafari, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at The University of California, Irvine, and Founding Director of the UC Irvine Center for Healthspan Sciences. She also wrote The Truth About Dietary Supplements: An Evidence-Based Guide to a Safer Medicine Cabinet. Dr. Jafari reviewed this medication and said this is the only option in the lineup with strong research evidence, but added that, “Consumers need to keep in mind that Noom uses a compounded GLP-1 drug that is not FDA-approved.” Additionally, she noted that anyone who is taking a GLP-1 drug should be monitored closely by a physician and should combine the medication with diet and exercise.
Specs:
- Serving Size: Varies
- Servings per Bottle: Varies
- Frequency: Once or twice daily
- Long Term or Short-Term Use: Long term
Best Non-Stim Weight Loss Pill: Transparent Labs Body Recomp Non-Stim
Transparent Labs Body Recomp Non-Stim
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Transparent Labs
- Our thoughts: A stimulant-free option available over the counter
- Who it’s for: People who prefer to avoid caffeine
- Key ingredients: Green tea leaf extract, ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii extract), Paradoxine (Grains of Paradise extract), Capsimax (red pepper extract)
- What makes it different: This is a caffeine-free option with no additional stimulants.
Pros
- Caffeine free
- Flavorless
- Travel-friendly container
Cons
- Somewhat complicated instructions
- Requires four capsules per day
- $99 free shipping minimum
Our Thoughts on Transparent Labs Body Recomp Stim-Free Fat Burner
Transparent Labs Body Recomp Stim-Free Fat Burner is marketed as a “stimulant-free weight management formula” that includes various extracts like green tea leaf extract, grains of paradise extract, red pepper extract, and more. The company says this product enhances metabolic rate, suppresses appetite, promotes calorie burning, and supports body composition improvements. (We’ve also previously reviewed fat burner supplements.)
Our tester and nutrition coach, Pete, tried this product and shared feedback. For starters, he reported that the container seemed travel-friendly, and said the instructions were to take two capsules with 8 to 10 ounces of water, twice daily, 30 to 60 minutes before meals. However, the directions were to start with one capsule, twice daily, for the first three days to increase tolerance, then gradually increase dosage. The instructions were somewhat complicated, with caveats about not consuming more than two capsules in a four-hour period, and not taking within four hours of bedtime, so Pete rated them a 3 out of 5 overall.
The capsules themselves were “normal in size,” according to Pete, and had no taste. He rated this product a 3 out of 5 for how easy it was to swallow, and a 3 out of 5 for how it tasted.
Pete said he experienced no negative side effects, and in his assessment of product efficacy he said, “The ingredients may help with fat metabolism.”
Dr. Jafari reviewed the ingredients as well, noting that they have weak evidence for small thermogenic effects and that it’s unlikely this product could result in meaningful weight loss without diet and exercise.
Specs:
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 60
- Frequency: Daily
- Long Term or Short-Term Use: Not specified
Best Weight Loss Pill with Sleep Support: Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Juvenon
- Our thoughts: A weight-loss pill that also supports sleep
- Who it’s for: Those interested not only in fat loss, but help falling asleep
- Key ingredients: Vitamin B6, magnesium, chromium, AfperFit grains of paradise extract, Perluxan hops extract, melatonin
- What makes it different: The formula includes melatonin, making this a sleep aid as well.
Pros
- Includes melatonin for sleep support
- Caffeine free
- Travel-friendly bottle
Cons
- Not third-party tested
- No robust research to support fat-burning claims
- Instructions could have been more detailed
Our Thoughts on Juvenon Dream Away the Fat
This weight-loss product from Juvenon is designed not only to burn fat but also enhance sleep. As such, the ingredient list includes a mix of nutrients like vitamin B6 and magnesium, extracts, and melatonin—a popular sleep aid. The company says taking this product helps improve sleep quality, burn fat while you sleep, enhance mood, and support healthy weight.
Our tester Pete tried it. He appreciated the travel-friendly container and found the instructions pretty straightforward: Take two capsules before bedtime. However, Pete said, “The instructions are clear, but a more specific timing recommendation before bed would be helpful.” He rated this product’s instructions a 3 out of 5.
Pete said the capsules were clear with a light-yellow powder inside and were of average size. When he actually took the capsules, he reported they were “tasteless,” rating them a 3 out of 5 for flavor. He gave them a 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow.
While Pete didn’t have any digestive issues or negative side effects when using this product, he did say, “I only used it once so I can’t really comment on the fat-burning effects—but I did fall asleep quickly, within 30 minutes of taking the supplement.” He said the two-capsule serving size contained 6 milligrams of melatonin and “is a strong dose.”
Pete found the “dreaming away the fat” claim to be less credible, calling it “marketing language” as opposed to being based on proven clinical outcomes. He explained, “The two ‘weight loss’ ingredients are the AfperFit grains of paradise extract and the Perluxan hops extract, and neither of these ingredients are strongly backed by science or shown to have any real metabolism boost or fat-loss benefits.”
Dr. Jafari seconded this, explaining, “The direct fat-burning claims are not supported by strong clinical evidence.”
Specs:
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 15
- Frequency: Daily
- Long Term or Short-Term Use: Not specified
Best Third-Party Tested Weight Loss Pill: Nutricost Berberine
Nutricost Berberine
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Nutricost
- Our thoughts: A streamlined, simple formula with some evidence behind it
- Who it’s for: People who prioritize third-party testing and want a no-frills supplement with few ingredients
- Key ingredients: Berberine HCI
- What makes it different: This includes berberine HCI, which may help support metabolic health.
Pros
- Third-party tested
- Travel-friendly container
- Flavorless
Cons
- Website isn’t overly informative
- Some online reviews mention GI distress
- Instructions don’t recommend splitting into two doses even though our tester reported that might help reduce stomach upset
Our Thoughts on Nutricost Berberine
Nutricost’s berberine supplement is described as having 600 milligrams of berberine HCl in every capsule, with the capsules being vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten free. However, there isn’t much additional information on the company’s website explaining what the supplement is actually designed to do. Research into this supplement shows it being described as “nature’s Ozempic” because it’s thought to help with weight loss.
Pete, our tester, shared his thoughts with us after trying it. For starters, he was pleased that, “Despite being a tiny, travel-friendly container, the label text is large enough so that it’s easy to read.” He rated the product instructions a 5 out of 5.
The instructions were to take two capsules daily with 8 to 12 ounces of water or as directed by a healthcare professional. The capsules had a bright yellow powder inside and were average size. After taking them with water, Pete reported, “The capsules were tasteless.” He rated them a 3 out of 5 for how they tasted, and a 3 out of 5 for how easy they were to swallow.
Pete didn’t notice any negative side effects or digestive issues from using this product, and he looked into the active ingredient, berberine, reporting, “Berberine is a naturally occurring plant compound that may play a role in blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and overall cardiovascular health.”
Our tester said that with this product, if you take the recommended two capsules daily, you’re hitting 1,200 milligrams—”which falls within the clinically studied range for effectiveness.” Pete also explained, “To get the most out of it, it’s worth splitting that daily dose across meals rather than taking both capsules at once, as berberine has a short half-life and smaller divided doses help maintain steadier levels and reduce the chance of GI discomfort, which is a known side effect of this supplement.”
According to Dr. Jafari, this option—which delivers 1,200 milligrams per day of berberine HCl, “has some evidence among the supplements on this list.” However, she noted, berberine offers only weak to modest weight loss, though it may help improve metabolic health.
Specs:
- Serving Size: 2 capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30
- Frequency: Daily
- Long Term or Short-Term Use: Not specified
Best Thermogenic Weight Loss Pill: Jacked Factory Burn XT
Jacked Factory Burn XT
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Jacked Factory
- Our thoughts: This product’s formulation may offer a metabolic boost
- Who it’s for: People with a solid diet and exercise routine looking to increase metabolism
- Key ingredients: Acetyl-L Carnitine HCI, green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, Capsimax (cayenne pepper extract), Bioperine (black pepper extract)
- What makes it different: It contains stimulants, including caffeine.
Pros
- Travel-friendly container
- Company clearly states that it needs to be paired with diet and exercise
- Flavorless
Cons
- Not third-party tested
- Somewhat complicated instructions
- Contains strong dose of caffeine
Our Thoughts on Jacked Factory Burn XT
Jacked Factory Burn XT claims to boost energy and metabolism and help with fat loss. The company describes it as a “thermogenic fat burner” that has a clinical study supporting its efficacy. Ingredients include acetyl L-carnitine HCI, green tea extract, caffeine anhydrous, cayenne pepper extract, and black pepper extract. Importantly, the company does state that getting lean isn’t as easy as simply taking two pills, and that you have to focus on diet and exercise as well. But the company does say that if you’ve got those things dialed in, Burn XT “will add major fuel to the fire and significantly amplify results.”
Our tester, Pete, tried the Burn XT Thermogenic Fat Burner. He noted that the label was easy to read and clearly shows what’s inside the product, and that the bottle itself is small and travel-friendly.
Pete shared the instructions, which include three different levels of instruction: for first-time users, regular users, and experienced users. Instructions say to consume one capsule with a meal and glass of water for a minimum of one week, and then for regular use people should consume one capsule two times per day—still with a meal and glass of water. Experienced users are instructed to consume two capsules two times per day with a meal and a glass of water. He rated the product a 3 out of 5 for its instructions, and a 3 out of 5 for how easy it was to swallow.
This supplement is a capsule, and Pete said it was tasteless—rating it a 3 out of 5 for taste.
As for the formulation, Pete said, “A two-capsule serving contains 270 milligrams of caffeine, which is a strong dose and could elicit side effects.” He did note that there are clear instructions on the label warning people not to take the supplement on an empty stomach, and to avoid taking it within six hours of going to sleep. The company also warns that intake should not exceed four capsules in a 24-hour period.
Dr. Jafari said, “This is another dietary supplement that contains several stimulants such as caffeine, green tea extract (EGCG), acetyl L-carnitine, and capsaicin and marketed as a fat burner. Caffeine and EGCG can provide metabolic boost, but they offer no meaningful weight loss.” She also noted that individuals are at risk of consuming more than the recommended upper limit of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day if they take the recommended dose of this product and have a couple of cups of coffee or energy drinks throughout the day.
Specs:
- Serving Size: 1 or 2 capsules
- Servings per Bottle: 30 to 60 depending on serving size
- Frequency: Daily
- Long Term or Short-Term Use: Not specified
How We Tested and Selected the Best Weight Loss Pills
There are many different variables when it comes to examining supplements, but these are the factors we paid closest attention to during testing.
Formula
We partnered with a registered dietitian and professor of pharmaceutical sciences to assess product formulas, and to find out whether product dosages are clinically supported and in line with recommended daily values.
Serving Size
We make sure our testers use the product as advised by the company, paying attention to dosage and carefully reading and following instructions. We also take note of the serving size itself, and whether it feels average, larger than average, or smaller than average—and how comfortable it was to take that dosage.
Side Effects
We paid close attention to reported side effects, including our own testers’ experiences.
Third-Party Testing
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t approve dietary supplements for safety or efficacy, so ingredients and their amounts may differ from what’s on the label. For that reason, we look for products that have been third-party tested to confirm safety and accuracy.
Value
Here’s what we looked at to help determine overall value:
The Best Weight Loss Pills for You
With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the best one for you. Here are some things to think about.
Your Fitness Goals
Consider your health and wellness goals and think about what you might need from a weight loss pill. And as always, make sure to discuss your health goals with a healthcare provider who can offer guidance on the best weight loss pill for you.
Formula
Key ingredients vary from product to product, so make sure you choose a product with ingredients that support your health goals. We also recommend discussing any new supplements with a healthcare provider.
Expectations
Make sure your expectations are realistic and supported by clinical research if available, or by carefully reading the company’s product description. You should also read customer reviews if available. Essentially, do as much research as possible to determine the product’s efficacy so that your goals are realistic and you set yourself up for success. You don’t want to begin taking a weight loss pill with unrealistic expectations, as that could lead to disappointment and frustration.
Cost
Prices range, so take time to consider your budget before starting a new weight loss pill. While cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, you want to make sure that if you start a new weight loss pill, you’ll be able to cover its costs for the foreseeable future.
Types of Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications come in a variety of forms, notably pills and injectables. The most obvious difference is that one is taken orally while the other is injected directly into the body. Injectables are typically administered less frequently as well, for example, weekly, whereas pills are often taken on a daily basis.
Each weight loss medication is unique, so it’s difficult to generalize what all the differences entail. Key ingredients, side effects, frequency of use, efficacy, availability, cost, insurance coverage, and more can all vary depending on the exact medication.
What to Ask Your Doctor About the Best Weight Loss Pills
We recommend discussing any weight concerns with a healthcare provider and asking about the best options for you. Share your specific health goals and ask for recommendations based on those goals. You also want to make sure to ask about possible side effects including withdrawal symptoms should you discontinue the weight loss pill.
Potential Benefits of Weight Loss Pills
As a recap, here are the ingredients for which there is some evidence, according to Dr. Jafari, including what she had to say about each:
- Metformin is an FDA-approved drug that is used to manage diabetes. It can cause modest weight loss but requires a prescription.
- There is a weak to modest weight loss effect with green tea extract because it can increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation. In terms of safety, green tea in high doses can cause insomnia, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
- There is a weak to modest weight loss effect with berberine as reported in small and short duration studies. It can also have potential drug interactions, for example, berberine can inhibit the metabolism of blood thinners like Warfarin and increase risk for bleeding in patients who are taking these drugs.
The scientific evidence for the other key ingredients mentioned is very weak. The studies are typically very small, often industry sponsored, and short in duration.
Another important point for those considering taking a weight loss pill: They’re not magical pills that will suddenly transform your body. Diet and exercise also play crucial roles. As Dr. Jafari said, “There is no quick fix when it comes to weight loss. Even for people who use GLP-1 agonists, unless they adopt a healthy lifestyle while taking these drugs, when they stop taking the drugs they gain the weight back.”
What to Avoid in Weight Loss Pills
Weight loss pills have historically been fraught with issues. Past formulations were often unsafe, and even though modern formulations arguably offer improvements on those older formulations, there are still risks. While choosing options that are third-party tested can be helpful, supplements are simply not regulated in the same way as medications—and consumers should be aware of that before purchasing.
Dr. Jafari advised exercising caution in using dietary supplements for weight loss, saying she does not recommend them because they’re unregulated, unproven, and could be harmful. She said, “The most powerful tools to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight are eating a balanced diet, moving and exercising, sleeping well, and managing stress. I also recommend that people who are obese consult with a physician with a specialty in obesity medicine.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the most effective weight loss pill?
Everybody’s different, and what works best for one person may not work as well for someone else. We recommend talking to your healthcare provider to discuss your individual needs, including things like any existing health issues or medications and how those might be impacted by adding a weight loss pill to the mix. Your doctor can help you choose the best weight loss pill for your unique needs.
Are weight loss pills covered by insurance?
It depends. Most over-the-counter supplements, like vitamins, wouldn’t be covered by insurance, but some prescription weight-loss medications might be covered. It’s difficult to generalize because insurance coverage varies and coverage for weight-loss medications often depends on the insurance plan, employer, and medical necessity, with people sometimes needing to meet specific criteria (like a certain body mass index) to qualify.
Are there natural alternatives to Ozempic?
In 2017, Ozempic was approved by the FDA for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s an injectable medication that helps lower blood sugar, and while it’s not officially approved for weight loss, that’s often a common side effect. Ozempic mimics a naturally occurring hormone that tells your body you’re full, and it slows digestion by delaying gastric emptying.
Berberine is a supplement sometimes referred to as “nature’s Ozempic,” according to some sources, but there isn’t any conclusive evidence to support this idea.
