Written by Kyle Hunt | BEXSci.
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau, ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
FACT CHECKED
If you've ever tried a weight loss supplement that left you feeling anxious and jittery, you know that stimulants aren't for everyone. Fortunately, there's another option: stimulant-free fat burners.
As the name suggests, these products support weight loss without relying on stimulants for effectiveness, which offers some unique advantages.
In this article, we'll dive into stimulant-free supplements, their benefits, how they compare to stimulant-based products, and most importantly, whether they actually work.
Whether you're sensitive to stimulants or just looking for an alternative approach to weight loss and burning fat, stimulant-free supplements may be the key to achieving your goals. Let's dive in!
Table of Contents:
- What Are Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
- Do Non-Stimulant Fat Burners Work?
- How Do Non-Stimulant Fat Burners Work?
- Why Take Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
- Stimulant Fat Burners vs. Non-Stimulant Fat Burners: Key Differences
- Best Non-Stimulant Fat-Burning Ingredients
- What Are The Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
**For full transparency, this post may contain affiliate links where we could earn a commission on a purchase you make at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products that we have thoroughly researched and think you will find valuable.**
What Are Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
The term non-stimulant fat burner describes nutritional supplements that are designed to increase fat metabolism or energy expenditure, reduce appetite, or affect nutrient partitioning in a way that boosts weight loss.
Often, these products contain several ingredients, each with its own suggested mechanism of action, and it is often argued that the combination of these substances will have additive results.
Non-stimulant fat burner supplements are designed to help individuals lose weight without stimulants like caffeine (think: green tea extract), synephrine, or yohimbine. These products are marketed toward people who are sensitive to stimulants or wish to avoid them for various reasons.
The most popular ingredients include capsicum, EGCG, Forskolin, 5-HTP, Caralluma Fimbriata, Chromium Picolinate, Berberine, and more.
Do Non-Stimulant Fat Burners Work?
The short answer is yes, non-stimulant fat burners work. The right ingredients, as seen in this list of best non-stimulant fat burners, can help you burn more calories and control your appetite. However, fat-burning supplements won't melt fat off your body by themselves.
Even stimulant-based products are not magic. You still need to do the work.
If you eat in a caloric deficit, follow a workout split, and do cardio, non-stimulant fat burners can be the icing on the cake.
There are a few different forms of non-stim weight loss products. Some work by increasing your metabolism, while others decrease appetite or affect nutrient partitioning.
How Do Non-Stimulant Fat Burners Work?
As mentioned, no category of fat burners will burn fat by themselves. However, they can assist the fat loss process in several ways.
The first way fat burners can work is by speeding up metabolic rate or increasing fat oxidation. Metabolic rate is how many calories your body uses throughout the day.
During weight loss, we use this number to help us calculate how many calories we need to reduce to create a calorie deficit. The higher the metabolic rate, the easier it is to lose weight.
Fat oxidation is the action in which fat is broken down and used for energy. One example of an ingredient that improves fat oxidation is capsaicin. During a calorie-restricted diet, supplementing with capsaicin has been shown to promote fat oxidation without significantly increasing blood pressure1.
Another way fat burners can help is by reducing your appetite and cravings. The biggest reason why most diets fail comes down to adherence. Any calorie-restricted diet can work, but only if followed long enough.
While some individuals have an easier time dieting than others, everyone will deal with hunger and cravings at some point. It's just part of the process of restricting calories.
Luckily, some natural ingredients are known to reduce hunger or increase the feeling of fullness you get from a meal. Taking advantage of these compounds is an excellent way to stick to your diet better and thus reach your weight loss goals faster.
One such ingredient is 5-HTP. Research shows supplementing with 5-HTP at mealtime decreases food intake and increases feelings of fullness2.
The last way non-stimulant fat burners work is by improving nutrient partitioning. Nutrient partitioning refers to how the body distributes the nutrients we consume for different functions. It's like a sorting system where our body decides where to send the nutrients we consume based on our needs and current metabolic state.
Some supplements can influence this process. One is chromium picolinate. Chromium regulates insulin and can improve insulin sensitivity in the body3.
Why Take Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
One of the main benefits of non-stimulant fat burners is that they are less likely to cause side effects compared to stimulant-based fat burners. Stimulants can cause jitters, nervousness, and other unpleasant side effects in some individuals.
Non-stimulant fat burners, on the other hand, are generally well-tolerated and can be used by anyone sensitive to stimulants or choosing to avoid them altogether.
Here are a few specific reasons it makes sense to take a non-stimulant fat burner.
1) No Energy Crash:
Caffeine and other stimulants are fantastic. There is a reason why so many people drink coffee and pre-workout. However, the caffeine energy rush is often followed by an energy crash. If you want to take a fat-burning supplement without experiencing a drop in energy, a non-stimulant-based product is a great option.
2) Allows Caffeine at Other Points in the Day:
Speaking of coffee and pre-workout, many people want to keep that up while on a fat-loss diet. However, adding a stimulant-based fat burner would be a bad idea if you already consume a lot of caffeine throughout the day.
Opting for a stim-free version gives you the best of both worlds. You get a fat burner without needing to give up caffeine at other times of the day.
3) Doesn't Prevent You From Sleeping:
Sleep is essential to weight loss. A recent narrative review concluded that disturbed sleeping patterns lead to an increase in calorie intake, mainly from excessive snacking4.
Caffeine and other stimulants are notorious for cutting into quality sleep. The half-life of caffeine is roughly five hours, meaning if you consume 200mg at 5pm, you will still have 100mg circulating in your blood five hours later at 10pm.
Non-stimulant fat burners, like these nighttime fat burners, give you a two-for-one benefit: increased fat-burning and better sleep.
Stimulant Fat Burners vs. Non-Stimulant Fat Burners: Key Differences
The difference between stimulant and non-stimulant fat burners comes down to ingredients.
As the name suggests, stimulant-based fat burners rely on caffeine, yohimbine, and synephrine, all of which are stimulants. These ingredients increase metabolism and energy levels, leading to greater calorie burning. You can read more about these ingredients in our article: What is a Fat Burner Supplement?
On the other hand, non-stimulant fat burners contain ingredients like capsicum, 5-HTP, and Chromium Picolinate.
The most significant way to tell the difference between a stimulant and a non-stimulant-based fat burner is the presence of caffeine. If caffeine is on the label, it is a stimulant-based product.
What Are The Best Non-Stimulant Fat-Burning Ingredients?
Be wary of using non-stimulant fat-burning ingredients that lack strong scientific evidence. Instead, look for the following ingredients, which have been shown to work.
Best Metabolism/Fat Oxidation Ingredients:
Here's a look at the best ingredients for boosting metabolism and oxidizing fat.
- Capsaicin: Capsaicin is the active component of hot peppers. Have you ever grabbed a hot pepper and then touched your face? That burning sensation is caused by capsaicin. As a supplement, research shows it can improve fat oxidation1.
- EGCG: Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is the primary green tea catechin and is responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea. It has antioxidant properties but also has the potential to increase fat oxidation. It's well established that EGCG works synergistically with caffeine, but there is some evidence that EGCG can increase fat oxidation when used alone5.
- Forskolin: Forskolin is used for multiple reasons, including as a natural testosterone booster, a protector against inflammation, and to enhance fat loss. Forskolin activates an enzyme responsible for raising cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Elevated cAMP is associated with increased rates of fat loss. A 12-week study on overweight men found Forskolin favorably improved body composition6.
Best Appetite Suppressant Ingredients:
Curious as to which ingredients are best for suppressing your appetite? Here's a look!
- 5-HTP: As a precursor to serotonin, 5-HTP is often used to help people with depression or sleep. As a fat loss product, its primary benefit is increasing satiety. Research shows supplementing with 5-HTP increases your feeling of fullness after eating2.
- Caralluma Fimbriata: Caralluma Fimbriata, also known as the brand name Slimaluma, is another appetite suppressant. Caralluma Fimbriata is an edible cactus and has a long history of being a food to eat during a famine. It's not all a wives' tale either. Research shows supplementing with Caralluma Fimbriata reliably suppresses appetite over a two-month period7.
- Glucomannan: We all know fiber is critical to a healthy diet. But certain fibers, like Glucomannan, also absorb water in the stomach and intestines, taking up space and promoting a feeling of fullness. Glucomannan differs from most soluble fibers. It absorbs so much liquid that even a tiny amount added to water turns it into a gel. It's not all theory, either. A study with 176 men and women found Glucomannan caused body weight reduction in overweight subjects8.
Best Glucose Disposal Agents:
There are even some great ingredients for regulating glucose and insulin sensitivity found in a stimulant free fat burner supplement. Take a look at the best research-backed ones to look for!
- Chromium Picolinate: Chromium is a supplement that has been around for a long time. Chromium is an essential mineral that regulates glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The evidence could be more substantial, but many users have experienced positive results. That said, there is some research behind it. One study, in particular, showed it did improve insulin sensitivity in people with type two diabetes3.
- Berberine: Berberine is found naturally in many plants, and research shows it reduces blood sugar levels significantly9. A 2020 meta-analysis also found supplementing with berberine can help reduce body weight, BMI, and waist circumference10.
- Banaba Leaf: Banaba leaf is part of a crape myrtle tree and has numerous benefits. Regarding weight loss, stim free fat burners with Banaba leaf can inhibit the uptake and absorption of carbohydrates and aid in depositing them into cells from the bloodstream, resulting in reduced blood sugar.
What Are The Best Non-Stimulant Fat Burners?
If you are looking for a great non stim fat burner, here are my top two picks.
Transparent Labs Stim-Free Fat Burner
Transparent Labs Stim-Free fat burner has Forskolin, cayenne pepper extract (which contains capsicum), and 5-HTP.
Its ingredients will help boost fat oxidation, and 5-HTP helps suppress your appetite, leading to reduced body fat. It also contains Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Rhodiola Rosea, and Fucoxanthin.
L carnitine is a great ingredient for boosting weight loss efforts, which you can learn more about in our article: Is L Carnitine Good For Weight Loss? (Spoiler alert: It is!)
With a unique combination of clean and natural fat burning ingredients, PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner Stim-Free is perfect for anyone intolerant to stimulants looking...
Kaged Clean Burn
Kaged Muscle Clean Burn offers a simple but effective formula with Chromium, EGCG, and capsicum. The mix of fat oxidation plus glucose control is a potent combo.
Beyond the formula, Kaged Clean Burn is third-party tested and an excellent value for torching stored fat cells.
Non-Stimulant Fat Burners: A Safe And Effective Weight Loss Approach
Incorporating non-stimulant fat-burning products into your weight loss journey can be a safe and effective approach. While stimulant-based products are great for some, non-stimulant options are an excellent alternative for those who want to avoid stimulants.
As with any weight loss supplements, it's vital to remember they are only one part of the big picture. Diet and exercise will always be the most important factors for weight loss success.
But, once you have your diet and exercise routine dialed in, the right non-stimulant fat burner can put your results over the top.
Now that you know non-stimulant fat burners work, you can pick which of these Non Stimulant Fat Burners is best for you!
References:
- Janssens PL, Hursel R, Martens EA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Acute effects of capsaicin on energy expenditure and fat oxidation in negative energy balance. PLoS One. 2013 Jul 2;8(7):e67786. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067786. PMID: 23844093; PMCID: PMC3699483.
- Ceci F, Cangiano C, Cairella M, Cascino A, Del Ben M, Muscaritoli M, Sibilia L, Rossi Fanelli F. The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects. J Neural Transm. 1989. doi: 10.1007/BF01578751. PMID: 2468734.
- Martin J, Wang ZQ, Zhang XH, Wachtel D, Volaufova J, Matthews DE, Cefalu WT. Chromium picolinate supplementation attenuates body weight gain and increases insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2006 Aug. doi: 10.2337/dc06-0254. PMID: 16873787.
- Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients. 2022 Apr 8;14(8):1549. doi: 10.3390/nu14081549. PMID: 35458110; PMCID: PMC9031614.
- Boschmann M, Thielecke F. The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on thermogenesis and fat oxidation in obese men: a pilot study. J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Aug;26(4). doi: 10.1080/07315724.2007.10719627. PMID: 17906192.
- Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1335-43. doi: 10.1038/oby.2005.162. PMID: 16129715.
- Kuriyan R, Raj T, Srinivas SK, Vaz M, Rajendran R, Kurpad AV. Effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women. Appetite. 2007 May. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2006.09.013. Epub 2006 Nov 13. PMID: 17097761.
- Birketvedt GS, Shimshi M, Erling T, Florholmen J. Experiences with three different fiber supplements in weight reduction. Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):PI5-8. PMID: 15614200.
- Guo J, Chen H, Zhang X, Lou W, Zhang P, Qiu Y, Zhang C, Wang Y, Liu WJ. The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2021 Dec 15;2021:2074610. doi: 10.1155/2021/2074610. PMID: 34956436; PMCID: PMC8696197.
- Asbaghi O, Ghanbari N, Shekari M, Reiner Ž, Amirani E, Hallajzadeh J, Mirsafaei L, Asemi Z. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation, and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020 Aug. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32690176.
Kyle Hunt
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