Tips for Finding the Best Weight Loss Supplements for Men

Published: 2025-05-04

Updated: 2025-05-05

4 mins

Weight loss supplements and the rise in weight loss medications have become a phenomenon. Around 15% of adults in the U.S. have used a weight loss supplement at some point in their lives. If you have the goal of losing a certain amount of weight, you may have considered some over-the-counter weight loss supplements in passing. 

Weight loss supplements are not always reviewed by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) before going on the shelf, so choosing the right supplement is important to ensure long-term results. Quality ingredients, brand, and price are important factors to consider before committing to a weight loss supplement.

How Do Weight Loss Supplements Work?

Keep in mind that the best way to lose weight is to incorporate healthy habits like a well-balanced diet, staying consistent with physical activity, and reducing how many calories you consume daily. Weight loss supplements can help with weight loss efforts, but they will not solve them alone. 

Weight loss supplements help you lose weight by increasing your metabolic rate, suppressing your appetite, or preventing the body from absorbing carbohydrates as calories. A higher metabolic rate helps your body burn calories faster.

What are the ingredients in weight loss supplements?

Generally, each weight loss supplement has different ingredients to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Common ingredients you may come across in weight loss supplements include the following:

• Beta-glucans (dietary fiber)

• Calcium

• Probiotics

• Vitamin D

• Chromium

• Pyruvate

• Carnitine

What are the Different Types of Weight Loss Supplements for Men?

The following types of supplements primarily promote weight loss:

• Thermogenics: Typically available as a pill, thermogenics increase body temperature to help the body burn more calories.

• Appetite suppressants: These pills target chemicals in the brain that affect the appetite by reducing your appetite or making you feel fuller.

• Carb blockers: Carb blockers prevent the body from absorbing carbohydrates as calories.

• CLA (conjugated linoleic acid): A group of fatty acids that help reduce body fat and may improve immune function.

• Pre-workout: Adding pre-workout powder or supplements to your gym routine may help you feel more energetic and lose more weight during your workout. This weight loss supplement is often used to build muscle faster.

• Glucomannan: A dietary fiber promoting satiety to keep you full for longer.

What are Effective Weight Loss Supplements?

The best way to know if a weight loss supplement may be right for you is to consult a licensed healthcare provider. The effectiveness of weight loss supplements varies depending on how much weight you want to lose and other lifestyle factors that may contribute to weight gain.

Health experts have found evidence that the following supplements aid in weight loss:

Chitosan: Researchers have found that chitosan can help the body absorb less fat and reduce high cholesterol levels. However, health experts need more research to verify the effectiveness of chitosan supplements.

Green tea supplements: Health experts have found that green tea extract increases metabolism and energy to produce weight loss benefits.

Berberine: Berberine supplements can improve cholesterol levels and promote weight loss in those who take them. Still, there is a risk of gastrointestinal symptoms while taking these supplements.

Yohimbine: Yohimbine blocks alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to encourage fat-burning effects and increase adrenaline.

Caffeine: Caffeine supplements increase your metabolism to help the body burn more fat.

What are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Supplements?

Similar to weight loss medications, weight loss supplements can cause mild to severe side effects. If possible, be sure to consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting a supplement.

While taking weight loss supplements, you may experience the following side effects:

• High blood pressure

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)

• Heart palpitations

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Kidney complications

Many of the side effects you may experience with weight loss supplements can occur with weight loss medications like GLP-1s. Some weight loss supplements may worsen the symptoms of existing health conditions you may be living with. If you experience side effects, be sure to reach out to your primary healthcare provider about other options.

Tips for Choosing the Right Weight Loss Supplements

The first step should always be to speak with a licensed healthcare provider before starting a weight loss supplement. They can help you determine whether a weight loss supplement is safe for you based on your health history and current health profile. Natural supplements often have fewer side effects, but may not be as effective as synthetic supplements.

Consider the following before starting a weight loss supplement:

Safety: While some supplements may not be FDA-approved, supplements with a third-party tested seal are often safer than others without FDA approval.

Ingredients: The FDA has banned some ingredients, like ephedra and sibutramine, that have been removed from OTC natural supplements because of health risks. Your primary healthcare provider can help you evaluate the ingredients in a supplement.

Personal goals: Some supplements may be better for building muscles rather than losing weight. Do your research on the main benefits of certain supplements and follow directions for how to take them safely.

What are Alternative Options for Weight Loss Treatment?

GLP-1 medications may be a viable alternative for weight loss treatment if weight loss supplements aren’t enough. GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are prescribed to treat those with obesity or type 2 diabetes. They reduce blood sugar levels and increase satiety (how full you feel) to help control appetite. 

You can speak with your healthcare provider about whether GLP-1 medications are a good fit for you. Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) are a few of the most commonly prescribed brand-name GLP-1 medications.  

How Can Rex MD Help?

If you’re looking to start your weight loss journey, Rex MD can help you take the first step. With the Rex MD Weight Management Program, qualifying patients can connect with licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe brand-name GLP-1 medications for weight loss online, if medically appropriate. 

Get started today by completing a free consultation with Rex MD. Just answer a few questions about your health history, current health status, and weight loss goals to find a treatment that is right for you.