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While things like weight-loss apps help us collect data and track progress and meal delivery services ensure that consistency is convenient, appetite suppressants help preserve our resolve. Findings from the American Psychological Society explain that willpower, the ability to maintain self-control in areas such as eating and exercise, erodes over time.(1) It's accelerated when the number of barriers and discomfort of what we are doing grows. This explanation sheds light on why so many people are unable to stick with their weight-loss goals.
Appetite suppressants play an integral role in helping remove common barriers to weight loss. When paired with healthy eating and fitness choices, appetite suppressants may help increase our odds of success.
The Best Appetite Suppressant Supplements - Our Top Picks
- Best Appetite Suppressant Pills: PhenQ
- Best Stimulant-Free Appetite Suppressant: Legion Stim-Free Fat Burner
- Best Appetite Suppressant for Women: Hourglass Fit
- Best Appetite Suppressant for Men: Hunter Burn
- Best Natural Appetite Suppressant: Instant Knockout Cut
- Best Over-the-Counter Appetite Suppressant: PhenQ
- Best Appetite Suppressant for Weight Loss: Huge Supplements Eliminate
- Best Appetite Suppressant for Night Time: Phen24
- Best Appetite Suppressant and Fat Burner: Capsiplex Burn
- Best Appetite Suppressant for Fasting: Instant Knockout Cut
Let's look at some of the best appetite suppressants currently on the market. We've arranged our roundup based on the specific goals and needs of our readers to help you select the product that is the best product for you.
Why Trust Us?
The health and safety of ACTIVE's readers is of the utmost importance to us. To ensure your well-being when consuming dietary supplements, the ACTIVE.com editorial team prioritizes products that are independently tested by a third party. We've consulted with a team of nutritionists and dieticians to ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. This helps us create the most accurate, authentic review content for our readers.
Disclaimer: Exercise caution when taking supplements. Always make sure to consult with your doctor before trying a new supplement or pill. Weight-loss supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Any supplements taken should be used in accordance with a healthy lifestyle. Any weight loss of more than one pound per week over a long period of time is unusual and should be monitored by a doctor.
Best Appetite Suppressant Pills - PhenQ
SPECS
- Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, chromium picolinate, L-carnitine fumarate, caffeine anhydrous, nopal cactus fiber, Capsimax™ Plus Blend, a-Lacys Reset
- Form: Tablet
- Dosage: 2 tablets
PhenQ's offering tops our list as the best overall appetite suppressant pill due to its clinical dosing of powerful ingredients and value per serving. In addition to being effective at reducing appetite and cravings, it includes additional ingredients that aid in boosting metabolism, reducing fat accumulation, and increasing energy.
This multifaceted formulation is one of the most well-rounded appetite suppressants we've found in 2023. It essentially packs four products into a single serving of two medium-sized tablets. If you deal with mood swings when trying to lose weight, including L-carnitine in this formulation may help. This naturally occurring amino acid has been documented as having rapid antidepressant effects.(2) Using natural ingredients, PhenQ excels as an over-the-counter product that can replicate several benefits normally only found in prescribed appetite suppressant solutions. We were impressed by their use of clinically tested ingredients like chromium picolinate and caffeine, which have data to back up their effectiveness as appetite regulators. It's also one hundred percent vegan. Based on many of the third-party reviews we poured over, it's hard to argue with the effectiveness of PhenQ in reducing hunger and cravings.
What We Like
- Includes L-carnitine for mood support
- Doesn't rely heavily on caffeine
- Natural ingredients at proper dosages
- 3-in-1 formulation also serves as a fat burner and mood enhancer
What We Don't Like
- Caffeine prevents use in late afternoons and evenings
- Can be pricey if you don't buy multiple bottles at a time
BUY: PhenQ Appetite Suppressant
Best Stimulant-Free Appetite Suppressant - Legion Stim-Free Fat Burner
SPECS
- Ingredients: Black ginger, grains of paradise, forskolin, fucoxanthin, caralluma fimbriata, 5-HTP, L-DOPA, iodine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 3 Capsules
One of the most common ingredients in appetite suppressants is caffeine. While this and other stimulants can often be very effective at keeping your cravings in check, some users experience unwanted side effects, such as jitteriness or sleep disruptions. If you’re looking for an effective appetite suppressant that doesn’t include any stimulants, we recommend the Legion Stim-Free Fat Burner.
Its ingredient list is devoid of any junk, artificial additives, or fillers. It’s lab-tested for purity and potency, and it’s formulated both to help you control your cravings and to burn more calories and fat. It’s a great addition to any fitness stack, especially if you’re looking for something with a clean and transparent ingredient list.
What We Like
- The ingredient list is transparent and clean
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- No need to worry about stim side effects
- Comes with a robust money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Can be pricey if you don't buy multiple bottles at a time
- Taking 3 capsules per day can be a pain
BUY: Legion Stim-Free Fat Burner
Best Appetite Suppressant for Women - Hourglass Fit
SPECS
- Ingredients: Glucommanan, 5-HTP, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, chromium, zinc, capsimax, BioPerine
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 4 Capsules
Men and women tend to have some slight physiological differences, both in terms of fat-burning and appetite control. One reason we picked Hourglass Fit as the best appetite suppressant for women is because it’s designed specifically to help women get the figure they desire, all through scientifically backed ingredients that align with female hormones and metabolic properties.
Hourglass Fit comes with a lineup of natural ingredients that are vegan-friendly, and include one of the most clinically venerated appetite suppressants of all, glucomannan. Meanwhile, zinc is included to provide an immune system boost, while 5-HTP is present for mood elevation. Together, these ingredients make it much easier to enact some healthy and lasting changes with regard to your diet and personal fitness routine.
What We Like
- The ingredient list is transparent and clean
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- Vegan-friendly
- Helps with cravings but also energy, mood, and immune health
What We Don't Like
- 4 capsules each day can be a lot
- Not suited for men
Best Appetite Suppressant for Men - Hunter Burn
SPECS
- Ingredients: Konjac root, white kidney bean, cayenne pepper, matcha green tea, L-theanine, vitamin D3
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 6 Capsules
Guys tend to work up an appetite, especially when they’re really physically active. Hunter Burn can help keep that appetite under control, thanks to an ingredient list that’s stacked with proven appetite-suppressing solutions. In particular, the supplement uses konjac root, a fiber that has well-documented properties for fat loss and craving control. There’s also white kidney bean extract, a noted carb-blocker.
While taking six capsules every day can be a little bit of a pain, Hunter Burn may be well worth the inconvenience thanks to its clean and natural ingredient list. It’s a premium-level fat burner and appetite suppressant that’s especially targeted toward men who want to get rid of stubborn fat and flab, especially around the abdominal area.
What We Like
- The ingredient list is transparent and clean
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- Designed to help men look and feel more fit
What We Don't Like
- 6 capsules each day can be a lot
- Not the cheapest option
Best Natural Appetite Suppressant - Instant Knockout Cut
SPECS
- Ingredients: Glucommanan, cayenne pepper seeds, green tea extract, black pepper extract, caffeine, L-theanine, vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 4 Capsules
As you shop for appetite suppressants, one thing to be aware of is the sheer number of products that are loaded up with artificial additives, sweeteners, preservatives, and other kinds of junk. If you want to ensure that you’re taking a supplement whose ingredients can all be found in nature, we recommend Instant Knockout Cut.
Scan the ingredient list and you’ll immediately notice that all the names are pretty familiar to you: cayenne pepper, black pepper, caffeine, and so on. Together these ingredients produce some highly desirable, natural effects: They may help aid in increased metabolism, appetite suppression, and natural energy level boosts. And it’s all put together in an FDA-approved facility, meaning you can take this supplement with a high level of confidence in its safety and purity.
What We Like
- The ingredient list is transparent and clean
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- Made in an FDA-approved facility
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you want something caffeine-free
- Not recommended if you aren’t fairly active and athletic
Best Over-the-Counter Appetite Suppressant - PhenQ
SPECS
- Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, chromium picolinate, L-carnitine fumarate, Caffeine anhydrous, Nopal cactus fiber, Capsimax™ Plus Blend, a-Lacys Reset
- Form: Tablet
- Dosage: 2 tablets
Looking for an over-the-counter appetite suppressant that’s as potent as anything a doctor could prescribe? As we’ve noted above, PhenQ is one of the very best options on the market today, providing natural ingredients to help you effectively manage your cravings.
PhenQ has a scientifically backed formula that’s designed to help you manage stress eating and to start realizing some of your weight loss goals. Its natural ingredients not only include appetite suppressants but also some fat burners. This is an all-around great option for athletes and non-athletes alike and can provide needed support for keto dieters, too.
What We Like
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- Works as an appetite suppressant and a fat burner
- Just 2 pills per day
What We Don't Like
- There is some caffeine content
- It’s not as cost-effective unless you buy multiple bottles at a time
BUY: PhenQ Appetite Suppressant
Best Appetite Suppressant for Weight Loss - Huge Supplements Eliminate
SPECS
- Ingredients: Green tea extract, naringin, green coffee bean extract, caffeine anhydrous, forskolin, Advantra Z, citrus extract, theobromine, di-caffeine malate, Capsimax, paradoxine grains of paradise, black pepper fruit extract, Rauwolscine
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 4 capsules
People seek appetite suppressants for different reasons. Sometimes the goal is simply to get better control over your cravings or to address a dangerous stress eating habit. Most of the time, it’s about losing weight and getting a better figure. If that’s the boat you’re in, consider Huge Supplements Eliminate, our pick for the best appetite suppressant for weight loss.
This formula is designed to attack weight loss from a few different angles, including appetite suppression but also metabolism enhancement, heightened energy, fat burning, and more. With more than a dozen ingredients, it’s a complex formula that’s made in FDA-approved facilities, and it also happens to be one of the more cost-effective options on the market today.
What We Like
- Made in FDA-approved facilities
- Relatively cost-effective
- Provides a number of healthy weight loss effects
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you’re seeking a cleaner, simpler ingredient list
- Not recommended if you’re caffeine-averse
BUY: Huge Supplements Eliminate
Best Appetite Suppressant for Night Time - Phen24
SPECS
- Ingredients: Varies between day and night formulas
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 1 capsule (day) 2 capsules (night)
All of the appetite suppressants in this roundup have multiple uses, including long-term weight management. However, there are times when you just need to lose fat as quickly and efficiently as possible. In situations like this, a supplement like Phen24 offers a day-and-night approach to better fat-burning results.
For many of us, losing weight means diving into the deep end of calorie restriction but this can have a major impact on mood and won't necessarily help your metabolism. Phen24's Day Formula contains ingredients such as caffeine, guarana, and cayenne powder to help trigger thermogenesis and boost your metabolism.(3) In terms of appetite suppression, Phen24 Day includes L-phenylalanine, which has been shown to have positive effects on reduced appetite and satiety.(4) Phen24 Night contains calcium D-pantothenate, glucomannan, choline, green tea extract, and hops extract.(5) These ingredients are formulated to help keep you from reaching for that midnight snack and support your metabolism while you sleep. Taken together, these formulas can be an effective weight loss tool.
What We Like
- Day and night formulas
- Supports both weight loss and food satiety
- Both formulas contain extra vitamins and minerals
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly
- 60-day money-back guarantee
What We Don't Like
- Night formula does contain green tea, which has caffeine
- Expensive
Best Appetite Suppressant and Fat Burner - Capsiplex Burn
SPECS
- Ingredients: Capsimax, Innoslim, caffeine, B vitamins, iodine, chromium, tyrosine, arginine, black pepper
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 3 capsules
For the best weight loss effects, it might make the most sense to combine your appetite suppressant with a fat burner, allowing you to curb your caloric intake while also burning off some of that stored-up fat and flab. Capsiplex Burn is one of the best options in this regard, providing a one-two punch to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
This vegan-friendly, gluten-free formula includes a lineup of all-natural ingredients (among them caffeine) to help you lose fat, power through feelings of fatigue, master your cravings, and preserve lean muscle. It’s a great asset to any athlete or active person looking to get a truly chiseled, sculpted physique.
What We Like
- Vegan-friendly, gluten- and soy-free ingredients
- Helps you attack fat and flab from multiple angles
What We Don't Like
- 3 capsules per day may be a little much for some
- Not recommended if you’re caffeine-averse
Best Appetite Suppressant for Fasting - Instant Knockout Cut
SPECS
- Ingredients: Glucommanan, cayenne pepper seeds, green tea extract, black pepper extract, caffeine, L-theanine, vitamin D3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
- Form: Capsules
- Dosage: 4 Capsules
Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular options for weight loss. Naturally, fasting is easier and more effective if you can have control over your cravings, something that Instant Knockout Cut can help you with.
We love this all-natural, clean-ingredient formula for its myriad effects: Not only will it provide you with greater self-control, but it can also help fuel you through those periods when you’re not taking in calories. We highly recommend this option for anyone looking for a junk- and additive-free appetite suppressant.
What We Like
- The ingredient list is transparent and clean
- All-natural ingredients, with no junk or additives
- Made in an FDA-approved facility
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you want something caffeine-free
- Not recommended if you aren’t fairly active and athletic
How Appetite Suppressants Work
Appetite suppressants affect the hypothalamus, a portion of your brain responsible for regulating appetite. Suppressants work through a combination of active ingredients that alter the signals sent to this part of your brain to mimic the feeling of satiety.
You need to be in a caloric deficit when you're losing weight. Feelings of hunger will and should appear as a result. While it is a sign that your body is working correctly, continual feelings of hunger and increased cravings will deplete your willpower quickly. That's where an appetite suppressant comes in.
An appetite suppressant can be a powerful tool, especially when it's used to complement a healthy caloric deficit and some form of physical activity.
What to Look for in Appetite Suppressants
Active Ingredients
It's important to pay attention to the active ingredients of any product you are considering. Countless formulations utilize different pathways to reduce your appetite. It's best to check the active ingredients to make sure there isn't something you'd react negatively to.
Unfortunately, appetite suppressants can be most prone to marketing hype. Be wary of products that contain more than a few ingredients. This may indicate that the dosages are too small to be effective. Look out for labels that promote proprietary blends without divulging what they are made of.
The appetite suppressants we've included on this list have been vetted to ensure that the active ingredients contain an effective dose, the amount you need to reap its benefits. We've only included appetite suppressants that reveal what is contained in their proprietary blends.
Vetting Claimed Benefits
Research claims thoroughly when deciding on an appetite suppressant. While most manufacturers don't intend to deceive their customers, checking their claims is important. It doesn't need to be complicated but can go a long way in making sure your money is well spent.
A few things to keep in mind as you research appetite products:
- Pay attention to the active ingredients and do an online search
- Check to see if there is clinical data to back up their claims
- Ensure that the product contains the required dosage to be effective
Benefits of Appetite Suppressants
If you're trying to lose weight, appetite suppressants can be a useful tool to help you curb your cravings and resist everyday food temptations. If you're trying to eliminate certain foods from your diet—like sweets—an appetite suppressant can help you manage your snacking habits by keeping you fuller for longer. This doesn't necessarily mean that they're a quick fix. Proper diet and exercise should always be the first step, as they can help get you to where you want to be health-wise, but appetite suppressants can help boost you along the way.
Possible Side Effects of Appetite Suppressants
Side effects can vary from person to person based on the formula used in the supplement and whether or not you're taking the recommended dosage. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you're more likely to have side effects when taking an appetite suppressant that contains stimulants. Common side effects of appetite suppressants include:
- Constipation
- An increase in heart rate or blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Stomach issues such as nausea or vomiting
If you're interested in taking a fat burner but are concerned about potential side effects, consult your doctor before adding them to your nutritional routine.
How Much Do Appetite Suppressant Pills Cost?
The price point for appetite suppressants can vary depending on the ingredient list, but as a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay between $1 and $2 per serving. Once you find an appetite suppressant that you like, you can typically save money by stockpiling larger quantities. For example, buying a two-pack or a larger bundle will often generate some significant savings.
Our Final Takeaway
To get the fit, trim figure you dream of, it’s crucial to exercise regularly and to practice sound nutrition. A big part of that is controlling cravings, and reducing the size of the portions you eat. That’s where a good appetite suppressant can be invaluable. As you seek the best appetite suppressant, we hope our recommendations provide a useful starting point.
FAQs About Appetite Suppressants
What suppresses your appetite the most?
Adjustments to meal timing, frequency, and macronutrient composition will go a long way to preventing blood sugar levels from spiking. It also increases insulin sensitivity and gives your body time to signal to the hypothalamus portion of your brain that you are full.
A strong nutritional foundation will enhance anything else you utilize. Hunger pain and intensified appetite are major challenges when it comes to maintaining a caloric deficit. This is where appetite suppressants will be highly effective and help you maintain consistency.
If you are looking for a short-term solution with powerful ingredients, using appetite suppressants like PhenQ may be a great option. Although it contains caffeine as a stimulant, it's used sparingly to reap its benefits while minimizing the risk of adrenal fatigue.
Have a lot of weight to lose? You'll want to select a product that is approved for long-term use. This means you'll need to omit stimulant-centered formulations in favor of natural ones that use alternative methods to suppress your appetite.
Regardless of your route, the most effective appetite suppressant will be a combination of lifestyle changes and supplementation that matches your specific goals.
What is the difference between over-the-counter and prescription appetite suppressants?
Over-the-counter (OTC) appetite suppressants can be purchased both online and in stores. There are a host of non-prescription solutions you can leverage in order to help control your appetite. The most effective method will vary based on a number of individual factors, including your age, gender, and how much weight you have to lose. You should always consult with your doctor when taking a new supplement, but purchasing over-the-counter doesn't require a doctor's permission. It's up to you to discontinue use if you do run into any of the possible side effects of appetite suppressant supplements.
Your doctor may prescribe you an appetite suppressant so that they can monitor the side effects and results. If you have an underlying health issue, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, an appetite suppressant that can be used safely under your doctor's supervision is your best bet.
What are the best appetite suppressant ingredients?
Ingredients that are backed by research and shown to help aid in weight loss and appetite suppression are what you'll want to look for when selecting an appetite suppressant. If you're ever in doubt about a certain ingredient, it doesn't hurt to look it up. Here are a few of the more common ingredients used in appetite suppressants:
- Caffeine
- Capsicum
- Garcinia Cambogia
- Green Tea Extract
- L-carnitine
- Chromium
- Choline
- Glucomannan
- L-theanine
- Vitamin B Complex
Keep in mind, not every product you look at is going to feature all of these ingredients. That doesn't necessarily mean that it won't be as effective.
Are appetite suppressants safe to take?
In general, appetite suppressants are safe to take as long as they are consumed in an intended way. It's not just about diminishing returns. Overdosing can pose a risk to your health. This is important, especially for suppressants that utilize stimulants like caffeine, guarana, or ephedra. The combination can result in severe consequences if you supplement with stimulants from other sources like coffee or energy drinks.
If you want to lean on the side of caution while still reaping the benefits of an appetite suppressant, consider choosing one that is stimulant free and based on natural ingredients. These are often more forgiving and just as effective.
Who should use appetite suppressants?
Appetite suppressants are especially helpful for those looking to lose weight or reach a specific body composition goal. For those new to losing weight and exercise, getting an appetite suppressant that also helps address some of the barriers associated with starting out with weight loss would be a great option.
Appetite suppressants aren't just for weight loss. A growing number of individuals are adding these products into their daily rotation to help with weight management, healthy food choices, and an overall sense of well-being.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2012, December 1). What you need to know about willpower: The psychological science of self-control. https://www.apa.org/topics/personality/willpower
- Nasca, C., Xenos, D., Barone, Y., Caruso, A., Scaccianoce, S., Matrisciano, F., ... & Nicoletti, F. (2013). L-acetylcarnitine causes rapid antidepressant effects through the epigenetic induction of mGlu2 receptors. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(12), 4804-4809.
- Torres, E. A., Pinaffi‐Langley, A. C. D. C., Figueira, M. D. S., Cordeiro, K. S., Negrão, L. D., Soares, M. J., ... & de Camargo, A. C. (2022). Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 21(1), 272-295.
- Fitzgerald, P. C., Manoliu, B., Herbillon, B., Steinert, R. E., Horowitz, M., & Feinle-Bisset, C. (2020). Effects of L-phenylalanine on energy intake and glycaemia—impacts on appetite perceptions, gastrointestinal hormones and gastric emptying in healthy males. Nutrients, 12(6), 1788.
- Keithley, J. K., & Swanson, B. (2005). Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 11(6), 30-35.