Fat burners tend to have a bad rap in the fitness and weight loss community. Every company claims to have the best fat burner on the market. Some of them are competitive and their claims actually hold up, while others are straight-up bogus.
In this review, we put the magnifying glass on PhenQ, a hot-topic fat burner in the fat-loss community.
Does it live up to its reputation? Let’s find out!
What is PhenQ exactly?
PhenQ is a fat burner and weight-management supplement manufactured and sold by Wolfson Berg Ltd, a UK-based company. The company is renowned for inventing and producing some of the best quality health and wellness supplements on the market.
This product consists of 100% natural ingredients whose effectiveness in assisting with weight loss has been tested and proven by scientific research. On top of that, it’s produced in FDA and GMP-registered facilities. Here are a few ways PhenQ helps with reducing body fat:
What are fat burners used for?
Fat burners are nutrition supplements that are scientifically suggested to boost fat oxidation while exercising, encourage weight loss, disrupt fat accumulation, and improve fat metabolism and energy expenditure.
This definition is backed by a 2011 study published by the International Association for the Study of Obesity.
In short, they’re used by individuals looking to lose weight, specifically and preferably fat.
Are fat burners safe?
It depends. Fat burners can be safe if the dosage is correctly calculated and users stick to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, some individuals may go past the recommended dose thinking this would have a cumulative and acceleratory effect but end up with a negative outcome.
Fat burners are considered dietary supplements. The FDA states that it doesn’t have the authority to approve the safety and effectiveness of fat burners nor can it check the legitimacy of fat burner’s labels before being sold to the public.
Therefore, checking the ingredients list and looking up the safe dosage range is highly recommended to ensure safe consumption.
What makes PhenQ different from other options in its class?
PhenQ has the status of being a top-notch fat burner. The company prides itself on including more than just one or two active ingredients. This supplement has seven active ingredients aiming to provide users with a significant boost to their weight-losing efforts. The combined effect of these seven natural ingredients is what gives it its long list of benefits such as stopping fat cell production, targeting fat cells to use them for energy, improving mood and cognitive function, etc.
Here’s an explanation of why PhenQ is different from other options in its class:
Ingredients found in PhenQ
PhenQ contains seven active ingredients:
- 1Caffeine Anhydrous (150mg)
- 2Calcium Carbonate (625mg)
- 3L-carnitine Fumarate (142.5mg)
- 4Ɑ-Lacys Reset (25mg)
- 5Nopal (20mg)
- 6Capsicum Extract (8mg)
- 7Chromium Picolinate (80mcg)
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine is one of the most common ingredients in fat-loss pills, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On top of that, caffeine keeps us focused and energized as it is an active brain stimulant. This is the reason behind such widespread popularity of coffee-based beverages.
Caffeine anhydrous is extracted from coffee seeds and coffee leaves. We obtain it through the industrial process of dehydration, removing water, and a few other unnecessary chemicals. This concentrated version is more potent than the caffeine found in regular coffee, and PhenQ contains 150mg of it.
The regular and safe daily dose of caffeine (not to be confused with caffeine anhydrous) is 400mg. PhenQ recommends 2 pills a day; that's 300mg of caffeine anhydrous. Therefore, you shouldn't load up on coffee while taking PhenQ. One cup a day should be enough if you can't quit coffee.
In general, caffeine is considered a minor psychostimulant (i.e, slightly addictive) with both thermogenic and appetite-suppressant effects. It's also been reported to reduce fatigue and boost alertness. This popular substance is recommended for obesity management as well.
However, there are some studies that suggest caffeine can increase appetite while reducing anxiety.
A 2016 study, in particular, looked at these effects on mice who were subjected to caffeine withdrawal to measure their anxiety levels and then administered caffeine to check its effect on appetite and anxiety.
The study concludes: "we find that caffeine can both increase appetite and decrease anxiety-related behaviors in a dose-dependent fashion".
Another study looked at the metabolic effects of caffeine in humans to check if it helps with lipid oxidation (breaking down fat) in 8 healthy young men. The results showed that after an hour of ingesting caffeine, energy expenditure increased by 13%, and lipid oxidation doubled. This suggests that caffeine may reduce hunger by controlling ghrelin — the hunger hormone. Therefore, caffeine consumption can aid in weight loss because it suppresses appetite. Caffeine is your best buddy if you are struggling to keep a calorie deficit.
If you're supplementing your weight-loss efforts with exercise, rest assured that caffeine has been shown in numerous studies to enhance athletic performance, specifically endurance and power outputs. So, if you're doing any metabolic or conditioning activity, this supplement will increase your energy and boost your performance, which in turn will help you burn extra calories.
Ɑ-Lacys Reset
Ɑ-Lacys Reset is a blend of (ALA), cysteine base, and magnesium. Research has suggested that it assists in shedding excess weight and suppressing appetite while sustaining energy levels throughout the day.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA)
ALA is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that fight aging, which means they’re involved in protecting the skin, vision, heart health, metabolism, and anything remotely related to aging. They fight free radicals — harmful substances known to cause cell damage.
Since weight regulation is a component of our metabolism, ALA plays a role in weight loss. In a 2018 meta-analysis that looked at the effects of ALA on weight loss, it was suggested that ALA treatment shows small yet significant short-term weight loss effects.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies looked at the effect of ALA supplementation in obesity treatment. The results show that individuals who took the antioxidant supplement lost about 1.5 lbs more than the placebo group.
L-Cysteine
L-cysteine is an amino acid that is produced naturally by the body. It acts as a hunger suppressant and, therefore, is a great weight-management ingredient.
L-cysteine can decrease weight while also enhancing lean muscle mass (which means decreased body fat), according to the PhenQ website. Other independent studies seem to support PhenQ claims.
One particular study looked at the effect of L-cysteine on ghrelin levels in rodents and humans. Of all the tested amino acids, L-cysteine proved to be the most anorexigenic, making it the most potent appetite suppressant.
Magnesium
Magnesium, on the other hand, has been suggested to reduce appetite and helps with weight management in obese individuals. Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, says in an interview:
"A 2013 study found that taking higher amounts of magnesium helps better control insulin and glucose blood levels. This same study also showed magnesium helps with bloating and water retention."
L-Carnitine Fumarate
The amino acid L-carnitine, a non-essential amino acid produced naturally in your brain, liver, and kidneys, aids with the conversion of fat into energy. Additionally, red meat, almonds, and green vegetables all contain this substance.
It is often used as a supplement by athletes and serious gym-goers to boost performance and accelerate recovery.
The latter claim is based on a 2018- study that concluded L-carnitine lessens muscular discomfort, signs of cellular damage, and free radical production while also easing muscle injuries.
L-carnitine fumarate is essential for converting fat into energy. It facilitates the movement of free fatty acids into the cells, where they are metabolized for energy. Its primary function is in relation to the mitochondrial functions, the mitochondria being the engine that burns fat for energy.
When it comes to weight loss, L-carnitine fumarate research has mixed results. However, one particular systematic review of 9 studies of obese individuals found that they lost 2.9lbs on average, suggesting that it is crucial for lipid metabolism and cellular energy production.
Other benefits of L-carnitine fumarate include improved cardiovascular health, mental health, and exercise performance. This makes sense because an improvement to one system of the body carries over to the other nine systems.
Calcium Carbonate
It’s a known fact that calcium is essential for bone and teeth health. What’s less known about calcium is that it is essential for reducing blood clots, helping muscles contract, and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions.
Furthermore, calcium has been suggested to play a role in weight management and fat loss. Some reports correlate low calcium levels with high body fat percentages and high BMIs.
Calcium supplementation works best with vitamin D3 since the latter increases the absorption rate of calcium. In a randomized trial done on obese college students who consume low calcium, supplementing these individuals’ diets with 600mg of calcium and 125IUs of vitamin D3 showed an increase in fat loss when consuming a low-calories diet compared to those who didn’t take the supplements.
In a clinical trial, 32 obese patients were placed on balanced deficit diets for 24 weeks while receiving either a placebo or a regular diet with 400–500 mg of dietary calcium supplement daily. Additionally, there are high-calcium diets that include either a conventional diet plus 800 mg of calcium supplement daily or a high-dairy diet plus 1200–1300 mg of dietary calcium supplement daily with a placebo.
According to this study, individuals who followed a typical diet lost 2.5% of their body weight; this percentage rose to 26% with a high calcium diet and to 70% with a high dairy diet.
Additionally, the high-calcium diet enhanced fat loss by 38%, while the high-dairy diet raised it by 64%. On a low-calcium diet, fat loss from the trunk area accounted for 7.9% of overall fat loss. On the other hand, this went up by 3.0% on diets high in dairy and calcium.
According to this study, boosting your calcium intake greatly increases the amount of fat and weight you may lose after cutting calories. Additionally, it accelerated the fat reduction in the trunk area.
Capsimax Powder
Capsimax Powder is a substance that combines elements like capsicum, piperine, caffeine, and vitamin B3. For maximum efficacy, modest amounts (2 mg - 6 mg) of this powder are recommended. Capsimax powder, like the ingredients listed above, can increase your body's temperature and aid in increased calorie burning.
Together, piperine and cayenne pepper have a thermogenic effect. Numerous studies have shown that capsicum has numerous advantages, including the ability to burn fat that has been stored in the body with more ease. Your appetite could also grow if you lose weight more quickly. This is when appetite suppressants like caffeine and others come into play.
Nopal
Nopal acts as an indirect appetite suppressor. How? It's a fiber extracted from a cactus plant, and fibers are well-known for filling the stomach without being considered calories. In fact, fibers help with digestion and alleviate constipation and bloating.
As previously indicated, the nopal's high fiber content aids in appetite suppression and aids in the body's ability to break down and eliminate extra fat. According to a study, the nopal's fiber has been shown to encourage the excretion of fecal fat. It binds to dietary fat and causes an increase in fat excretion. Overall, this helps with weight loss by lowering the amount of dietary fat accessible for fat absorption.
One study suggested that Nopal can help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Chromium Picolinate
Picolinic acid and chromium combine to form this chemical. This chemical compound is good at preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
Chromium picolinate, a component of the PhenQ recipe, can aid in reducing cravings for foods heavy in carbs and sugar. By reducing these cravings, you might find it easier to stick to a balanced diet and consume fewer calories overall. Additionally, it can assist you in controlling your blood sugar levels, which might make weight loss easier for you.
A study found that chromium supplements can help people lose weight by lowering calorie intake and minimizing food cravings and levels of hunger. Furthermore, chromium contributes to the metabolism of nutrients through its effects on insulin. It may have an impact on your eating habits as well.
Another study showed that taking 1000mg of chromium picolinate daily for eight weeks reduced appetite, food consumption, and food cravings in healthy overweight women.
How does one use PhenQ?
PhenQ is easy to use. It doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, just your willingness to take it and believe in its efficacy. The company’s website recommends taking one pill with breakfast and another one with lunch.
It’s advisable not to take PhenQ after 3 pm as it contains a high amount of caffeine that might interfere with your sleep. Caffeine intake should also be moderated, especially during the afternoon.
Does this fat burner actually work?
PhenQ boasts over 190,000 satisfied customers worldwide. You can find The before-and-after photos of happy customers on their landing page under the testimonials sections.
Here is what some of PhenQ customers have to say:
What benefits can I expect?
There are five main benefits that you can expect when taking PhenQ.
How much money do I have to spend?
PhenQ sports 3 offers that include free shipping worldwide. Check the following table to get the full pricing chart presented on their website:
Offer | Directly from company’s website | Retail |
|---|---|---|
One bottle | $69.99 | $79.99 |
Buy-two-get-one free | $139.99 | $239.99 |
Buy-three-get-two free | $209.99 | $399.99 |
The amount you have to spend will be determined by your weight-loss goal and the efficacy of PhenQ with your body. The company claims some customers see significant weight loss after 3 months of using their product.
Side-effects to look out for
PhenQ's official website states that there are no side effects to consuming the fat burner. However, some customer reviews say otherwise. Some of the reported side effects include dizziness, headaches, bloating, nausea, and upset stomach.
It is suggested that these side effects are uncommon and therefore affect a small percentage of consumers.
If you take more than is advised, the caffeine in PhenQ, which can cause jitters and insomnia, will be the main cause of any negative effects you experience.
The calcium carbonate might also cause some flatulence and gastrointestinal discomfort.
The natural ingredients of PhenQ make it so that the majority of users won't experience side effects.
Avoiding stimulants and caffeine-containing drinks while taking PhenQ is advisable.
Not everyone can use these pills
PhenQ lists pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and individuals under 18 as those who should not take PhenQ.
The company states that they have no knowledge if their product’s natural ingredients can interact with any active ingredients in meds. So, they advise individuals on prescription meds to consult with their doctors first.
Conclusion
Our verdict is that PhenQ passes the effectiveness test with flying colors. All the ingredients are natural, and their effects are backed by scientific research. The Manufacturing facilities are also FDA- and GMP-approved.
Additionally, the testimonials speak for themselves. They’ve got thousands of happy customers who swear by the product.
Therefore, if you’re looking for something potent to curb your cravings, boost your energy, shed stubborn fat, and keep your mental sanity, look no further than PhenQ.
Want To Try PhenQ?
PhenQ FAQ
One PhenQ bottle contains 60 pills marketed as a one-month supply. That means 2 pills/day for optimal efficacy.
The company’s FAQ page doesn’t specify how long it takes to see results. However, they do claim that some of their customers see results within their first 3 months, which is why they recommend either their buy-two-get-one-free offer or the multi-package offer (buy 3, get 2 for free).
PhenQ is intended to be taken for as long as needed until you see results. That could mean a month as well as six months.
The company claims that since its product is made of natural ingredients, it has no registered side effects and is, therefore, safe to be used for prolonged periods.
PhenQ offers a money-back guarantee within the first 60 days of receiving your order, shipping charges excluded. However, you are required to send back the bottle with any quantity of the remaining product.
You can place your order with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express debit/credit card. They also accept Skrill as a payment method. They claim they use the same 256-bit encrypted system that leading banks use to add an extra layer of privacy and security.