There are many types of dietary supplements for weight loss, most of which contain multiple ingredients, such as caffeine and choline. However, there is a lack of evidence to support their efficacy.

A heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity are typically the most sustainable ways to lose weight.

However, a person may find it difficult to make certain lifestyle changes and may consider taking dietary supplements for extra support.

It is important for people to contact a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements for weight loss.

This article discusses some of the more typical ingredients for weight loss supplements, the research surrounding them, and some other weight management tips.

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Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance that stimulates the nervous system. Caffeine commonly appears in dietary supplements for weight loss due to its potential to stimulate certain hormones that may, in turn, reduce body fat and overall body weight.

There are several ways a person can consume caffeine as a dietary supplement for weight loss, including:

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)Trusted Source, several studies suggest there may be a link between caffeine and weight loss. However, most of these studies involved multiple products, making it difficult to confirm if caffeine alone affects weight loss.

A 2019 studyTrusted Source suggests that caffeine may reduce body weight, fat, and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, 2024 research suggests that caffeine may reduce appetite and increase metabolism. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings.

Choline is an essential nutrientTrusted Source that helps regulate the immune system, promote brain development, form membranes of cells, regulate mood, and support memory function. Choline is naturally present in some foods and in dietary supplement form.

There are several older studies into the effects of choline as a dietary supplement for weight loss. Some 2014 research suggests there is a link between choline and how the body breaks down fatty acids, concluding that choline may increase metabolism and help reduce body fat.

However, 2022 research suggests that there is a limit to the amount of evidence and reliable research into choline and weight management. Therefore, it is not clear whether choline is a suitable dietary supplement for weight loss.

A person can take choline in supplement form or can increase intake of certain foods that are high in choline, including:

Glucomannan is a type of dietary fiber. The type of glucomannan a person can safely consume mainly derives from the konjac yam and is available as a dietary supplement.

A 2018 studyTrusted Source suggests that this sticky fiber absorbs excess liquid in the gastrointestinal tract, swells in the stomach, and provides a feeling of fullness. This can, therefore, reduce appetite. The same research suggests that glucomannan can help the body digest nutrients and boost metabolism.

An older 2015 studyTrusted Source concluded that glucomannan may reduce body fat and body weight in a person with obesity, while maintaining muscle mass and bone density.

However, more recent 2022 research suggests that further high quality research about glucomannan is needed to confirm previous research findings.

Therefore, it is not clear whether glucomannan is an adequate dietary supplement for weight loss.

Green tea extract is a natural substance derived from the green leaf tips of the Camellia sinensis shrub. It contains polyphenols, which some experts believe have weight-loss properties.

The extract from green coffee beans is a rich, natural source of chlorogenic acid (CGA). Health benefits of CGA may includeTrusted Source reducing inflammation, regulating glucose, and reducing the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

Older 2017 researchTrusted Source suggests that the CGA and caffeine in green coffee bean extract can help the body break down fatty acids. This may, in turn, reduce overall body fat.

A 2020 studyTrusted Source suggests that consuming green coffee bean extract may help reduce body weight and BMI. However, further research is necessary to confirm the full efficacy of green coffee bean extract as a dietary supplement for weight loss.

Green tea extract is a natural substance from the green leaf tips of the Camellia sinensis shrub. Green tea extract contains polyphenols, which are natural compounds that some experts believe have weight-loss properties.

Research from 2023 suggests that the polyphenols and caffeine in green tea may have certain health benefits, such as weight loss, when consumed alongside a heart-healthy diet.

According to a 2022 review of multiple studies, consuming green tea extract may have a positive effect on weight loss.

Research from 2021 suggests that green tea extract may be able to suppress appetite. However, there is limited evidence to confirm this finding.

A person can consume green tea extract by drinking cups of green tea or taking supplements in capsule or powder form.

Overall, most studies suggest that consuming green tea extract as a dietary supplement for weight loss may have a small effect on weight loss. However, more research is necessary in this area.

Other ways a person can help manage their weight includeTrusted Source:

A healthcare professional can provide advice and support for losing weight safely and effectively.

Weight management resources

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for weight management, visit our dedicated hub.

Various dietary supplements are available for weight loss. Typical ingredients include caffeine, green tea extract, and green coffee beans.

Several studies support the idea that some of these ingredients can reduce body fat, lower body weight, suppress appetite, and boost metabolism.

However, the evidence is inconclusive overall, and further research is necessary to support these findings.