Why we like Nutricost as best natural

Some weight loss supplements are loaded down with a laundry list of artificial preservatives and other questionable ingredients—not Nutricost’s L-Carnitine Tartrate. Here, what you see is what you get. The supplement contains only one active ingredient, plus a handful of elements needed for encapsulation (like rice flour and magnesium stearate).

The ingredient for weight loss, L-carnitine tartrate, is an amino acid that helps transport fatty acids into cells, where they can be used for energy, rather than stored in your tissues. (

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)

Several studies have shown that L-carnitine tartrate may have benefits for weight loss. A large review of 37 studies concluded that supplementing with this amino acid had a modest effect on reducing body weight, BMI, and fat mass, especially among adults with overweight or obesity. (

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) In another systematic review, people who took L-carnitine supplements lost more weight than those who did not—though the effects of the supplement decreased over time. (

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)

Besides being a potentially good choice for weight loss, Nutricost’s product may provide some other benefits as well. Some research has shown that L-carnitine tartrate improves exercise recovery and reduces post-workout fatigue. (

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) Experts agree that exercise is a necessary, welcome addition to weight loss journeys, so this benefit is a welcome boost.

Another clear benefit to Nutricost’s product is its extremely low price. A per-serving cost of just $0.17 is among the lowest on our list. Plus, each bottle contains 120 servings, so a single order will last you three months. By subscribing on Amazon, you can also save an additional 5 or 10% per order.

The supplement is also third-party tested, meaning that it’s been vetted for its accuracy and purity of ingredients. Nutricost is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and manufactured in an FDA-registered facility.

It’s worth pointing out that if you’re looking for a weight loss supplement that will provide a mix of metabolism boosters or extra micronutrients, Nutricost’s product isn’t it. These capsules have no added vitamins or minerals, nor do they contain caffeine.

What customers are saying

According to over 2,600 Amazon reviewers, Nutricost’s strengths lie in its low price and its effectiveness, particularly for helping to budge belly fat. Some also report experiencing higher energy levels from taking the capsules. Amazon reviews average 4.5 stars, with glowing reviews like this one from an unnamed user: “I think I’ve found my miracle weight loss supplement. So far, so good. Slow but sure pounds coming off with some better eating habits.”

Though most reviewers are pleased with Nutricost’s L-creatine tartrate, some complain that the capsules have a strong fishy odor.

Others, such as Amazon reviewer Linwood Hoyt, say they experienced GI side effects from taking it. “Took it two different days and both days had severe diarrhea all night,” this reviewer writes.

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Why we like Hims and Hers as best for hormones

Hormonal semaglutide drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are not only endlessly popular in the news these days—they’re also highly effective

and

expensive. A landmark 2021 study found that people on once-weekly injections of semaglutide drugs lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. (

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)

These drugs come at a high price, however. According to Ozempic producer Novo Nordisk, the market price for a single injection pen is $968.52. (

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) (If taken once a week, the monthly cost totals over $3,800.) Hims and Hers offers a lower-cost option for people seeking weight loss from semaglutide medication. Their compounded semaglutide starts at $199/month.

By mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, drugs like Ozempic help regulate appetite, keep food in your stomach for longer, enhance the secretion of insulin, and suppress the production of glucagon, steadying blood sugar levels. (

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) Research shows that people on semaglutide drugs like these lose an average of 5.9% of their body weight after three months of use and 10.9% after six months. (

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)

Of course, the question arises: how do Hims and Hers’ products compare to the “real thing”? As a compounded medication, these supplements are custom-made by pharmacies that create a unique finished product. However, they are not FDA-approved. In fact, the FDA has warned that compounded semaglutides may be problematic for safety and efficacy, and may not include ingredients they say they do. (

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)

Additionally, Hims and Hers supplements differ from some prescription semaglutides in that they don’t come in an injection pen. Rather, you’ll self-administer the medication using a syringe and needle. There may be a learning curve to this method.

There are some safety guardrails built into the Hims and Hers experience, though. First, you’ll fill in a lengthy questionnaire to determine your eligibility and medication needs. Then, an in-house physician will review your information to determine whether Hims and Hers’ supplements are a good fit for you. If approved, you’ll have unlimited access to messaging with the brand’s doctors. Hims and Hers also provide custom tips for your specific eating, exercise, and sleep habits.

Expert opinion

We asked Angela Tran, DO, for her insights on Hims and Hers weight loss medications. She first and foremost expressed that the lengthy questionnaire to determine eligibility and medication needs is a positive sign.

“Oftentimes, there are too many companies selling these prescriptions online without screening,” she explains. “It is important to work with a company that takes the proper steps determine if you are an appropriate candidate as this medication is not meant to be freely prescribed to just anyone.”

She also likes how Hims and Hers provides access to staff doctors. “Utilizing compounded medications can be safely prescribed as long as there is an expert medical care team alongside to help you navigate both administration and ensure the safety of managing the side effects.”

Lastly, she stressed that while Hims and Hers provides custom eating, exercise, and sleep habits, it is always important to make certain consumers are following a proper diet plan for adequate protein intake, otherwise, these medications can lead to loss of muscle mass and ultimate cause one’s metabolism to slow down. “As a result, this creates a false dependency of the medication,” she explains.

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Best supplements for weight loss and muscle gain:



Transparent Labs Recomp

Best supplements for weight loss and muscle gain

Transparent Labs Recomp is a hard-hitting mixture of multiple supplements that may boost metabolism.

Key product features

Subscription available


Yes

Artificial ingredients


No

Gluten-free


Yes

What you should know

Want a supplement to not only help you lose fat, but gain muscle? Transparent Labs Recomp might do the trick.

• 
  Each Recomp capsule offers a blend of forskolin, green tea extract, l-theanine, capsaicin, and black pepper extract.
  
• 
  Transparent Labs Recomp is middle of the road in terms of cost. Each two-capsule serving is $0.92.
  
• 
  If your weight loss journey involves hitting the gym for muscle gains, you may want to try Transparent Labs’ Recomp.
  

Why we like Transparent Labs Recomp as best for muscle gain

Losing weight isn’t always just about lowering the number on the scale. As you make changes to your body composition, increasing your muscle mass is a healthy goal to have. Having higher muscle mass is associated with benefits like healthier aging and reduced rates of mortality. (

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) Transparent Labs Recomp supplements may help with building up the muscles on your frame.

The capsules contain forskolin, an ingredient made from the root of a plant in the mint family. Preliminary research has linked this plant-based supplement with boosting lean body mass. A 2016 review of the supplement (which analyzed seven studies) concluded that it had a substantial effect on weight loss and was safe and effective in reducing body fat in overweight and obese people. (

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) More research is needed to draw firm conclusions about forskolin’s muscle-building effects, though. Note, too, that muscle won’t build itself—with any supplement, you’ll need to add physical exercise like weightlifting or other strength training to your routine to see results.

Other ingredients in Transparent Labs’ Recomp might contribute to weight loss, too. Included are green tea extract, caffeine, and capsaicin, all of which have some scientific backing for effectiveness. (

1

) We also like the minimal additives here. The supplements are encapsulated using rice flour, hypromellose (a vegan ingredient used to make their coating), and olive oil. They’re also third-party tested by an independent source. In other words, you can trust that they really do contain what they say.

As for price, Recomp is smack dab in the middle at just under $1 per serving. Since these capsules contain a blend of multiple ingredients that may promote weight loss, we feel it’s a fair price. However, these pills don’t feature any added vitamins or minerals. If your diet has gaps you’d like to fill nutritionally, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Expert opinion

“Both forskolin and capsaicin are the key players in this supplement as they promote thermogenesis to help burn more calories to lose weight,” Tran explains. “While forskolin is designed to preserve muscle, capsaicin suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism.”

“However, word of caution for those who are sensitive to any ingredients that have a stimulant effect,” she continues. ”The green tea extract can cause high blood pressure, so those individuals of have this underlying history will need to take this into consideration.”

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Best workout supplement for weight loss:


Legion Forge

Best workout supplement for weight loss

Legion Forge’s active ingredients—yohimbe and bitter orange—are intended to enhance exercise performance.

Key product features

Third-party tested


Yes

Subscription available


Yes

Artificial ingredients


No

What you should know

Legion offers quality assurance with both third-party testing and 17 research studies to back its ingredients’ effectiveness.

• 
  Yohimbe and bitter orange have some evidence-based links to physical performance, but the research isn’t considered strong. (
  
  
  
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• 
  This supplement comes in at a moderate cost of $1.11 per serving. A serving is four capsules.
  
• 
  Legion’s supplement may be good for athletes looking to boost performance while losing weight.
  

Why we like Legion Forge as best workout

Adding exercise to your routine is a sustainable, healthy way to contribute to weight loss. As you increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts, you might be looking for a supplement to support exercise performance. Legion Forge’s Pre-Workout Fat Burner is our top choice for this goal.

The active ingredients here include yohimbe, calcium, and bitter orange. Legion Forge provides access to 17 peer-reviewed scientific studies showing the effectiveness of these components.

While more research is needed to determine yohimbe’s definitive health benefits, some studies have found that it could enhance sports performance. In a small 2021 study, researchers concluded that yohimbe supplementation might lower lactic acid, decreasing fatigue. The same study revealed that, in female athletes, yohimbe increased epinephrine, a hormone that helps the heart pump faster. (

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) Study subjects who took the supplement were better able to maintain their energetic output during sprints.

Bitter orange also may have something to offer for exercise recovery. According to a small 2022 study, adult men who supplemented with bitter orange were better able to return to baseline heart rate after exercise. (

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) This is not only an indicator of athleticism, it’s often used as a measure of overall cardiovascular fitness. (

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)

Calcium, meanwhile, may not enhance weight loss or exercise performance, but it’s well established that this mineral is critical for bone health. (

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) Women need more calcium than men, so Legion’s product could also be a smart choice if you’re female. (

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)

Legion Forge’s Pre-Workout has multiple indicators of quality control like third-party testing and production in the USA. (Products that are third-party tested have been vetted by an outside agency that verifies their ingredients and effectiveness.) The product also contains no artificial fillers or food dyes. Each bottle contains 45 servings, so you can go up to a month and a half before needing to restock. When you’re ready to do so, a subscription can save you 10%.

The ingredients in Legion Forge aren’t without some downsides, though. Yohimbe may cause gastrointestinal side effects, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. (

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)  A four-capsule serving is also rather large, especially compared to other products that require just one pill per day. That said, if you’re not satisfied with Legion Forge’s product, the brand offers a money-back guarantee.

What customers are saying

Amazon’s average review for Legion Forge’s Pre-Workout Fat Burner is a solid 4 out of 5 (with 900 reviews)–but not everyone is a fan. Those who don’t love the product mention that it makes them nauseous or causes gastrointestinal upset. “It knocked me out sick for nearly 7 hours and I just managed to get up to write this review,” writes reviewer Young Choi.

Still, many users are highly satisfied. Nearly 60% on Amazon give the product five stars, with many saying it helps them get rid of unwanted belly fat.

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Why we like Promix Unflavored Collagen Peptides as best collagen

If you’re looking for a collagen product for anti-aging, weight loss, or other purposes, we recommend Promix Unflavored Collagen Peptides. Collagen is best known for its plumping, smoothing effects on skin, but it could also promote weight loss.

As a protein, collagen may boost feelings of satiety. (

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) Some research has also shown that collagen supplements could help the body burn fat more efficiently. A 2019 study revealed that people who took a collagen supplement for 12 weeks had significant reductions in body fat mass and body fat percentage than people who took a placebo. (

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)

With 20 grams of protein, two scoops of this powder supply 40% of the 50-gram daily value (DV) for protein. Added to a smoothie or oatmeal, the supplement is part meal replacement, part weight loss boost—which is one reason we don’t mind the product’s relatively high cost of $1.31 per serving. Another justification of its cost: the fact that the collagen in Promix comes from grass-fed cows is a sign of ethical, sustainable sourcing. Start your day by sprinkling some of the powder into your breakfast protein shake or morning oats.

Each serving of Promix collagen peptides contains 80 calories. This certainly isn’t high, but might not work for you if you’d rather not get calories from your weight loss supplement. A serving also provides a small amount of calcium (4% of the DV), but does not include any other weight loss ingredients, nor does it supply any further vitamins or minerals. It’s also free of gluten, soy, GMOs, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and refined sugars. Third-party testing indicates that an external agency has tested Promix’s products for quality and purity. It’s an excellent sign that their supplements actually contain what they list on their labels.

While we’re fans of Promix’s unflavored collagen peptides, you can also choose from chocolate and vanilla flavors. However, these versions have more calories and contain added sugars.

What customers are saying

On Amazon, Promix’s Collagen Peptides score an average of 4.2 stars, with nearly 250 reviews. Many say they’ve noticed muscle growth from using the product, and are impressed with how easily the unflavored variety blends into foods.

Several reviewers have the opposite feelings about the product’s taste. “The collagen tastes like I was licking the feet of a cow,” writes Amazon user Yvonne.

Specs

Best supplement for gut health and weight loss:


Kaged Clean Burn Elite

Best supplement for gut health and weight loss

Kaged contains probiotics from apple cider vinegar, plus l-carnitine to promote healthy digestion.

Key product features

Flavors


2 options

Third-party tested


Yes

Subscription available


Yes

Gluten-free


Yes

Vegan


Yes

What you should know

The l-carnitine in Kaged may play a role in helping gut bacteria ferment dietary fiber. (



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)

• 
  Because Kaged contains 166 milligrams of caffeine, you may prefer to take it earlier in the day if you’re caffeine-sensitive.
  
• 
  Kaged’s high price of $1.67 per serving gets its justification from its multiple ingredients for weight loss.
  
• 
  If you want to come at weight loss with a multi-pronged approach, Kaged’s numerous ingredients have you covered.
  

Why we like Kaged as best for gut health

The gut microbiome is inextricably linked to weight management. (

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) Kaged’s Clean Burn Elite contains a host of potentially helpful ingredients for both weight loss and gut health, including l-carnitine, apple cider vinegar, capsicum, guayusa, and a proprietary product called InnoSlim, made from two plant root extracts.

In general, research backs these ingredients for their ability to increase metabolism. (

1

,

3

) And besides their links to elevated metabolism, some of these elements might also have benefits for gut health. Raw apple cider vinegar can contain probiotics, the healthy bacteria your microbiome needs to stay thriving. (

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) (However, it’s not clear whether Kaged’s powdered apple cider vinegar has probiotics, or if so, which strains.)  L-carnitine, meanwhile, has been linked with boosting the gut’s ability to ferment dietary fiber. (

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) While the brand doesn’t advertise gut health as an upside of its product, improvements in digestive health while taking it are possible.

Though Kaged’s Clean Burn Elite has a relatively high price tag of $1.67 per serving, this cost reflects its multiple high-quality ingredients. Its blend of nine supplements is third-party tested, so you can rest assured it’s been vetted for quality by an independent testing agency. You can also take the price down a notch by subscribing on the brand’s website. Signing up for delivery every four, six, or eight weeks saves 10%. Orders over $79 come with free shipping.

Since it’s a powder, Kaged’s dietary supplement is best swirled into a smoothie or simply stirred into water. It contains just 10 calories per 1-scoop serving, which certainly won’t break the calorie bank, even if you’re prioritizing a weight loss diet. Of course, if you prefer to take pills or capsules, this one may not be your ideal choice.

Clean Burn Elite also shines for its two flavor options: Lemon Drop and Strawberry Lemonade. If you like a supplement beverage to have a little flavor, you may enjoy choosing from this duo of fruity tastes. We’ll point out, though, that both flavors contain the artificial sugar sucralose. Though sucralose is considered “generally recognized as safe” by the Food and Drug Administration, some people prefer to avoid it. (

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) Vegans and those on a gluten-free diet are also able to enjoy Kaged’s product, since it’s free of animal products and gluten.

Expert opinion

Tran explains that Kaged’s combination of apple cider vinegar, L-carnitine, and its proprietary product Innoslim, all facilitate fatty acid breakdown and promote blood sugar regulation. “With its focus on gut health, this is ideal for those who struggle with sugar cravings and have GI issues, and these ingredients together will aid in those symptoms along with enhancing weight loss,” she says.

“The major concern with this supplement is that it does have 166mg of caffeine,” Tran continues. “Guayusa is also rich in caffeine. A typical 8oz of instant coffee has 35-55mg of caffeine. Those with high blood pressure, have a sensitivity to caffeine and other stimulants, and those individuals who suffer from insomnia may need steer clear as this supplement would have a high potential of causing stimulating adverse side effects.”

Specs

Best supplement for bloating and weight loss:


Hunter Burn

Best supplement for bloating and weight loss

Key product features

Artificial flavors


No

Bulk orders


Available

Gluten-free


Yes

What you should know

Hunter Burn’s matcha green tea may positively impact gut microbiota, leading to fewer GI symptoms and increased metabolism. (



35



,



36



)

• 
  Some of our testers experienced decreased bloating from Hunter Burn—but some of its ingredients could cause GI distress in some people.
  
• 
  At $3 per serving, Hunter Burn is one of the highest-priced weight loss supplements on our list. To make sure you like the product, you may want to purchase a one-month supply before opting for a bulk order (1-4 month supply).
  
• Calming l-theanine could give you a calmer mood, so it may be a good choice for people who experience anxiety. (
  
  6
  
  )

Why we like Hunter Burn as best for bloating

Hunter Burn is a popular player in the weight loss supplement space. Due to its matcha green tea, it may enhance gut microbiota, potentially reducing gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating. (

35

)

Some of our testers reported a decrease in bloating, which is promising, but ingredients like konjac root could actually cause GI distress in some people. (

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) If you have concerns about how Hunter Burn will affect your GI tract, it’s best to ask a trusted healthcare professional before you begin taking it.

Among Hunter Burn’s standout features is its inclusion of 750% of the DV for vitamin D. This nutrient supports immune health, bone health, and more. (

38

) Vitamin D may even be indicated in the prevention of some autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and diabetes. (

38

) Additionally, Hunter Burn’s product supplies l-theanine from green tea, an ingredient that may promote a calmer mood. When you feel calm and relaxed, weight loss can be a smoother, less stressful process. Your body produces less cortisol when less stressed, potentially decreasing appetite. (

8

) Plus, green tea is known for helping increase metabolism. (

1

)

Hunter Burn avoids artificial flavors and is gluten-free, offering plenty of appeal to those with dietary restrictions. However, at $3 per serving, it’s one of the most expensive options on the market. You may want to gauge its effectiveness by starting with a one-month supply. From there, you can commit to larger orders, if you like.

Hunter Burn offers studies on its website to support the product’s effectiveness, but many of the studies are over a decade old. There’s also no indication of third-party testing to verify its claims, which we consider to be a red flag. Lastly, the requirement of six capsules per serving could also be cumbersome if you’re not a fan of taking pills.

What customers are saying

Hunter Burn’s online reviews are a mixed bag, indicated by an average Amazon star rating of 3.5 out of 5 in its 18 reviews. Some say the product’s ingredients have what it takes to achieve weight loss. “I took it for a few weeks combined with some fasting and I had fantastic results…I almost lost 10kg!!!” writes a reviewer with the username Metalhead.

Others, however, say its claims are overblown and that Hunter Burn doesn’t move the number on the scale, even with increased exercise.

“Do not waste your money. It does not work. Yes, I followed the instructions correctly. I managed to somehow gain weight while using this product. (2lbs / 1kg per month). I was actively skiing almost everyday as well,” says Amazon reviewer Paul.

Specs

Best weight loss supplement for women:



Hourglass Fit

Best weight loss supplement for women

With B vitamins, zinc, and a blend of weight loss-friendly supplements, Hourglass Fit could help women meet nutrition needs and weight loss goals.

Key product features

Vegan


Yes

Bulk orders


Available

Made in USA


Yes

What you should know

Vitamins like vitamin B6 are included in Hourglass Fit to support women’s health issues like premenstrual syndrome and morning sickness during pregnancy. (



39



)

• 
  This supplement combines multiple micronutrients (like zinc, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) with metabolic stimulants like glucomannan and capsaicin.
  
• 
  The $2-per-serving cost of Hourglass Fit is moderately high.
  
• 
  Hourglass Fit’s extra dose of B vitamins and zinc may help fill in nutritional gaps your diet isn’t meeting.
  

Why we like Hourglass Fit as best for women

As a weight loss supplement for women, Hourglass Fit combines nutritional support with potential weight loss benefits. You can think of it as a women’s multivitamin plus a little something extra.

Besides minerals like chromium and zinc and vitamins B2, B6, and B12, Hourglass Fit supplies glucomannan, cayenne pepper, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (a naturally occurring amino acid that goes by the nickname 5-HTP), and black pepper extract. The inclusion of vitamins like B6 is particularly noteworthy for women, as it supports female health issues such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and morning sickness during pregnancy. (

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) Glucomannan and cayenne, meanwhile, have demonstrated links to increased metabolism. (

1

)

If you have special dietary needs, Hourglass Fit’s formulation might be ideal for you. It’s free of gluten and top allergens like soy, fish, shellfish, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat. It also contains no artificial preservatives and is suitable for vegans, made with a vegetable-derived cellulose encapsulation. There’s no caffeine here, either, so you don’t need to worry about taking this supplement too close to bedtime or experiencing jitters after your dose.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. At $2 per 4-capsule serving, Hourglass Fit is definitely a high-cost option, especially compared to some other supplements that offer multiple ingredients in one pill. Still, the more you buy, the more you save. Three different pricing options bring the cost per serving down significantly. The largest package available supplies 480 capsules (120 servings) for $180, or $1.50 per serving. Even so, the four capsules in each serving isn’t terribly convenient. People who don’t do well taking lots of pills may balk at downing four capsules each day.

Most concerning, the product doesn’t provide any proof of third-party testing. An outside agency can verify purity and integrity of a product’s ingredients. Without it, it’s impossible to be sure of a supplement’s true contents.

What customers are saying

Amazon’s reviews for Hourglass Fit aren’t overwhelmingly positive, but aren’t all negative, either. At just under 80 reviews, the product gets an average of just 3.4 stars out of 5, with multiple reviewers saying they had hoped for better weight loss results.

Reviewer Shopaholic Queen writes, “I took them for a full month and comparing to my weight loss from the month when I didn’t take this fat burner, I only lost an additional 0.5kg, so the result is not impressive.” Some also note that the pills are large and hard to swallow.

Some have had more encouraging results.

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