Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
FACT CHECKED
We adhere to a strict methodology when reviewing products. We strive to deliver you an unbiased opinion on products and services so that you're able to make an informed decision. Learn More
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
The weight loss industry is big business. Regardless of how high inflation is or how much people are struggling, folks continue to spend billions of dollars on losing body fat. As a result, the diet market is overflowing with weight loss supplements, each one claiming to be the solution to your weight problems.
Most weight loss supplements get lost in the huddle. But some of them stand out to become best sellers. One of them is PhenQ, a capsule-form supplement brought out by the people behind CrazyBulk, the hugely popular muscle-building supplement. So is PhenQ's popularity simply due to slick marketing, or is this product the real deal?
To find out, we've spent more than 40 hours investigating PhenQ. In this article, we'll reveal the results, with an analysis of the ingredients that go into this weight loss supplement, an objective analysis of the claims made about the product, and a comparison with some prominent competitors.
Read on for the hype-free facts about PhenQ.
PhenQ is a unique and powerful new slimming formula that will help you achieve what others are just promising. With PhenQ weight loss pills, you’ll never need to worry about your weight again...
What is PhenQ?
PhenQ is a supplement for weight loss and diet that comes in tablet form. Unlike many other weight loss supplements that concentrate on one strategy to lose weight, PhenQ works through 5 distinct actions:
- Reduces fat
- Stops the storage of more fat
- Increases energy
- Curbs appetite
- Raises mood
PhenQ is a natural Phentermine substitute. It doesn't include Phentermine, which is not available without a prescription in the US. To mimic the effects of Phentermine and aid with weight loss, PhenQ weight loss pills use a combination of many entirely natural substances.
Phentermine is an appetite-suppressing prescription medication that decreases a person's appetite. One of the main effects of the PhenQ ingredients on the body is appetite suppression. This aids in maintaining a calorie deficit, which is essential for sustained weight loss.
Phentermine shares several chemical properties with the illicit drug amphetamine. Extremely obese persons are given phentermine prescriptions in order to assist them in reducing their caloric intake, and it also helps to boost their metabolism. In order to achieve fat loss, it employs two different mechanisms: reduced calorie intake through appetite suppression and greater calorie burn through metabolism elevation.
Three neurotransmitters that regulate hunger are produced by the body as a result of taking Phentermine:
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
- Serotonin
After using Phentermine for about a month, it has been discovered that our bodies begin to get resistant to its effects. That is why doctors cycle their patients' use of it.
It's difficult to ignore Phentermine when it comes to quick weight loss. As a result, a sizable illicit market for this incredibly potent appetite suppressant and metabolism booster has emerged in the bodybuilding world and among the general public. However, there are a number of legal steroid alternative weight reduction products on the market for those of us who don't want to take the illicit road.
Enter PhenQ.
WOLFSON BERG is the manufacturer of PhenQ weight loss pills. The company has two divisions, according to its official website:
- Nutraceuticals
- Consumer
The WOLFSON BERG company has been in business for more than 30 years, according to the company website. This is the same business that makes the well-known bodybuilding supplement Crazy Bulk.
PhenQ Review: Pass Or Fail?
Let's get straight to the point; PhenQ is a legitimate weight loss supplement with solid ingredients that are mostly dosed to bring results. To be honest, a lot of supplements that are sold from a website only are scams. They lock you into a subscription and fill their products with placebo ingredients and low dosages (usually hidden behind a proprietary blend).
PhenQ is different. While it won't allow you to strip off body fat overnight, it can boost your existing weight loss efforts by a pound or so per week as we've seen in our experience. Ok, let's dig into the ingredients, benefits, and overall value of PhenQ.
Overall Verdict: PASS
7 PhenQ Ingredients
PhenQ is a dietary supplement that's jam-packed with natural ingredients that offer numerous health benefits when it comes to weight loss. Below we cover the ingredients and the purpose they serve.
1. A Lacys Reset - 25 mg
A Lacys reset is a proprietary combination of alpha-lipoic acid and cysteine. As a result, we are unsure of the precise doses for these two substances. It is made by Nutraceuticals International Group, a New Jersey-based company with 35 years of experience.
The product's two components each have potent antioxidant and weight-loss properties on their own. They provide a stronger symbiotic effect when combined.
Let's drill down on each ingredient:
Alpha Lipoic Acid: Alpha lipoic acid aids in blood sugar regulation, especially after consuming foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. In addition, it lowers inflammation, enhances nerve function, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.1
Cysteine: N-acetyl cysteine is frequently included on the ingredients list of many weight loss products. This might simply be taken for cysteine. In reality, it is cysteine's precursor. Before you can benefit from it, the body must transform it into cysteine.
A-Lacy's Reset contains actual amino acid cysteine, so it will start working as soon as it reaches your system. Cysteine has potent antioxidant properties that enhance users' health in a variety of ways. Cysteine has also been demonstrated to enhance neurotransmitter pathways and aid in glutamatergic system regulation.
A 2014 study showed that cysteine supplementation could help with weight loss and boost the fat-burning process. It does this by reducing the levels of circulating ghrelin, which is known as the hunger hormone.2
2. Capsimax Powder - 8 mg
An extract of capsicum, or spicy peppers, is used to make Capsimax Powder. As a thermogenic enhancer, capsicum raises body temperature in an effort to speed up metabolism and burn more calories. Thermogenic effects of capsicum powder have been reported to increase daily calorie expenditure by 250 calories. Piperine and Vitamin B3 are also present in Capsimax Powder. Together, capsicum and piperine help you burn more calories by accelerating the metabolism.3
3. Nopal cactus - 20 mg
Nopal cactus is a cactus plant extract that is rich in fiber. Fiber is a potent tool for losing those extra pounds. It fills you up, helps regulate blood sugar levels, helps lower ghrelin production, and acts as a digestive system cleanser.4
Nopal cactus is an excellent source of amino acids that will help you keep your muscle mass while you burn fat. It has also been shown to help decrease sugar cravings.
4. Chromium Picolinate - 80 mcg
Chromium picolinate assists in controlling blood sugar levels.
When you ingest high glycemic index carbohydrates, sugar is pumped into your blood. Your body reacts by releasing insulin to remove it. Your blood sugar levels drop as a result, and you start to crave more sugar-laden foods. This leads to a cycle of eating that leads to continual fat accumulation.
Chromium Picolinate will help you to break this cycle by controlling insulin release and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Its inclusion in PhenQ will help you manage how your body reacts to carbohydrate consumption, thus supporting your efforts to lose weight.5
5. Caffeine - 150 mg
Caffeine is frequently included in pre-workout formulas to give users an energy boost and sharpen their focus during exercise. It is added to weight loss supplements as a thermogenic enhancer for fat loss. In order to help you burn more calories, it raises your body's core temperature and speeds up your metabolism.
Caffeine suppresses your appetite, causing you to feel fuller for longer. The bloodstream absorbs caffeine, reaching its peak concentration about 15 minutes after ingestion. As a stimulant of the central nervous system, it will start working right away. It instructs the brain to break down fat cells and promotes epinephrine release. This hormone causes adrenaline release. These hormones are referred to as "fight-or-flight" hormones. They energize your entire body by converting stored body fat into kinetic energy.
According to one study, fat burning increased by as much as 29% as a result of caffeine supplementation. These outcomes were seen in lean individuals. Average fat burning increased by 10% in the obese research participants, which is still a significant amount.6
The caffeine dosage in PhenQ weight loss capsules is 150 mg per day or 75 mg per capsule. That is a very low dose in comparison to most supplements. It is too low to give you enough of a metabolic boost to have any significant effect.
6. Calcium Carbonate - 625 mg
The carbonic salt made from calcium is called calcium carbonate. It naturally exists, has no taste or odor, and is frequently included in weight-loss products. We all require a sufficient amount of calcium each day to maintain the health of our nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs as well as to control how our hormones should work. Additionally, calcium plays a crucial role in the equation for fat loss.
Calcium works to decrease hunger, especially when paired with a diet high in protein. According to research, calcium accumulated in our fat cells controls how the body stores new fat. It has been demonstrated that fat cells with high calcium levels will burn fat more efficiently.
The body releases a hormone called calcitriol when you do not consume enough calcium. This hormone instructs fat cells to increase fat production. Fat oxidation is also slowed down by it. So it's obvious that you do not want calcitriol in your body. The body's production of calcitriol will drastically decrease as your calcium intake rises.7
7. L-Carnitine Furmarate - 142.5 mg
L-carnitine fumarate is believed to boost the metabolism. It consists of the two amino acids lysine and methionine, which are used by the body to create l-carnitine. Carnitine's function in the body is to carry long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria of the cell. There, they play a significant role in energy production.8
Benefits of PhenQ:
The manufacturers of PhenQ diet pills claim that this product will work through five mechanisms to lose weight. Let's see how they stack up.
1. Promotes Fat Loss
The key fat-burning ingredients in PhenQ diet pills are caffeine and pepper extract, through their ability to boost the metabolism. however, the dosage of caffeine, at just 75 mg per tablet, is not enough to have any serious impact. At a daily dose of two tablets, that's about the same as a single cup of coffee.
To get any serious weight loss, you need to combine your supplementation with a regular exercise program. Combine strength training with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) style cardio for the best calorie-burning effect.
2. Slows Fat Production
A Lacy's Reset shows promise in its ability to slow down the process of fat storage and production. The capsaicinoids found in capsimax powder have also been shown to limit the body's ability to store fat cells and may even stop fat cells from growing. The effects may not be as pronounced as advertised, but there will be some effect here.
3. Suppresses Appetite
A number of the ingredients in PhenQ have been shown to help you lose weight. The combination of chromium picolinate, nopal cactus, and natural caffeine will reducer your appetite, help you feel fuller, and improve your insulin sensitivity.
4. Improves Energy
The key ingredients that are designed to boost your energy levels are caffeine and capsimax powder. Caffeine is the world's most popular energy enhancer, but the dosage in PhenQ is not high enough to produce a real benefit. So, you will get an energy boost when you take this supplement, but it will not be as high as it could have been if the caffeine dosage were doubled to 300 mg per day.
5. Mood Enhancement
The makers of PhenQ weight loss supplements have included l-carnitine specifically to improve mental focus and help offset the lethargy that often accompanies a restricted calorie weight loss diet. This ingredient has plenty of research to support its ability to keep you zoned in.
PhenQ is a unique and powerful new slimming formula that will help you achieve what others are just promising. With PhenQ weight loss pills, you’ll never need to worry about your weight again...
Side Effects of PhenQ
Because it contains all natural ingredients in clinically recommended dosages there are no obvious side effects with PhenQ. To be sure, though, we decided to dig into the online reviews from verified purchasers. There we discovered a few quite common themes in terms of unwanted side effects. It was pretty clear, however, that these effects occurred either because the person took a much higher amount than recommended on the label or because they had an allergy to one of the ingredients.
PhenQ Customer Reviews
There is a massive amount of customer feedback online about PhenQ. Here is a sampling of the comments for this weight loss supplement...
Who Should take PhenQ?
PhenQ should be taken by people who are wanting to lose excess body fat. However, you should only take it as a weight loss supplement. That means that it should be an extra, or a supplement, to what you are already doing to lose weight.
If you are not regularly exercising and cutting back on your caloric intake, you will get very little benefit from PhenQ. By eating fewer calories than you take in every day, you will be forcing your body to rely on its stored energy reserves in the form of body fat to meet its energy requirements.
When & How to Take PhenQ?
It is recommended to take PhenQ weight loss pills twice daily. Take one capsule with breakfast and the other with lunch. If you take it later in the day, you may not be able to get to sleep.
PhenQ should be considered a supplement to your main weight loss efforts. These should consist of regular exercise and a calorie-reduced diet.
7 PhenQ Tips
- Combine your PhenQ supplementation with exercise 3-4 times per week. A great calorie-burning exercise that also works 85% of your muscles of rowing.
- Perform strength training exercises 2-3 times per week to preserve your muscle mass while you are losing body fat.
- Reduce your caloric intake by 250-500 calories per day below your daily caloric maintenance level. This will force your body to use stored body fat as energy.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Drink half a gallon of water each day.
- Have a glass of water before you eat each of your meals.
- Only trust PhenQ reviews that are from verified purchasers.
PhenQ Cost
PhenQ is only available from the official website.
When you buy PhenQ online, your purchase of PhenQ is backed by a 60-day no questions asked money-back guarantee. Wolfson-Berg offers generous multi-buy purchase options on their website.
The regular price of one bottle of PhenQ is $79.95. However, when you buy two bottles for $139.95, you get one bottle for free. Purchase three bottles for $189.95 and you will get two bottles for free plus an Advana cleanse.
3 PhenQ Alternatives
The weight loss supplement market is fiercely competitive. Let's break down three of the main competitors to PhenQ to see how they stack up.
1. Phen24
Phen 24 is a direct competitor to PhenQ that is another alternative to phentermine. Its unique selling point is that it comes as a nighttime and a daytime formula. Here is what you get in each capsule:
Daytime Formula:
- Caffeine
- Guarana Extract
- Cayenne Powder
- Phenylalanine
- Manganese
- Zinc Citrate
- Copper Sulphate
Nighttime Formula:
- Glucomannan
- Chromium Picolinate
- Biotin
- Choline Bitartrate
- Molybdenum (Sodium Molybdate)
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Green Tea Extract
- Vitamin C
- Griffonia Extract
- Hops Extract
Straight away we can see that there are a lot more ingredients in Phen24 than in PhenQ. Phen24 will effectively suppress the appetite, boost the metabolism and increase the body’s fat-burning capacity. The addition of nighttime craving reduction and better sleep makes this an effective fat-loss supplement. Remember, too, that the ability to get a great night’s sleep will also allow you to produce more human growth hormone (HGH) to build muscle and burn fat.
Pros
- Appetite Suppression
- Fat Burn
- Reduces night time cravings
- Helps you sleep
Cons
- Expensive
While other products assist you during the day or the night — PHEN24 doubles your fat burning power by flooding your body with metabolism boosting, appetite shrinking ingredients every hour of every day...
Here's a thorough review of Phen24 that we did to see if it really works. If you don't feel like reading it, in short, it does.
2. Instant Knockout
Instant Knockout is the flagship fat burner from Roar Ambition. This is the company behind the very popular pre-workout 4Gauge. Instant Knockout was first created to help MMA fighters to lose fat in order to achieve competition weight. It uses three mechanisms to achieve weight loss:
- Increased metabolism
- Appetite suppression
- Boosted energy
Nine active compounds make up Instant Knockout, providing both thermogenic and non-thermogenic advantages. A thermogenic substance boosts metabolism and curbs appetite by causing the body to produce heat. Caffeine, green tea extract, and cayenne pepper seeds are the key thermogenic components of Instant Knockout. Glucomannan, a known appetite suppressor, is the principal non-thermogenic ingredient. Key B vitamins B6 and B12 hold things together and give you that additional energy boost.
Here are the dosages on the key ingredients:
- Caffeine Anhydrous - 300 mg
- Green Tea Extract - 500 mg
- Cayenne Pepper Seeds - 100 mg
- Glucomannan - 1800 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 5 mg
- Vitamin B12 - 10 mcg
As we see from the above, the dose of Instant Knockout contains 300 mg. That is twice as much as you get from PhenQ. It may be too much for some people, especially those who are intolerant to stimulants, so you will have to experiment to see how your body responds.
Instant Knockout will cost you between $55 and $65 per 120-capsule container, depending on where buy it from. The daily dosage is four capsules per day.
MMA star Diego Sanchez is a major endorser of Instant Knockout, claiming that it helps him achieve a 55 lb weight loss for Featherweight competition. This is a potent fat burner that is has a higher stimulant basis than PhenQ.
Pros
- Strong formula
- High in stimulants
- Great for boosting metabolism and energy levels
Cons
- Some people might have issues with high levels of stimulants
Leading up to the big fight, professional MMA fighters and boxers often need to shed tens of pounds of excess fat. So, what is their secret? Instant Knockout...
For a closer look check out our full Instant Knockout Review. It's another one that passed our test, which is why we are listing it here as a PhenQ alternative.
3. LeanBean
LeanBean is a fat loss supplement that has been made specifically for females. So, before getting into the specifics of this product, we need to ask the question 'do women really need a separate fat burner?'
On their website, the lean bean folks claim that women struggle more than men do to manage their appetite and control cravings. The secret to losing weight is to eat fewer calories each day than you expend as energy. So they claim that a women's fat burner should emphasize hunger suppression more than a men's fat burner
Women undoubtedly have a hard time controlling their appetite. But guys also do. Furthermore, the marketing team at LeanBean doesn't actually cite any studies to back up their claim that women struggle more than males do. But there it is: the main distinction between a women's fat burner and a man's is greater hunger control. This helps regulate unwanted weight gain.
LeanBean's formulation makes use of three ways to lose weight:
- Suppression of appetite
- Fat metabolism
- Increased concentration
Glucomannan, a water-absorbing substance that expands in your stomach to give you an immediate feeling of fullness, is the main appetite-suppressing component of Lean Bean. Lean Bean has a whopping 3 grams of glucomannan, which is much higher than the majority of men's fat burners on the market.
The composition of LeanBean's ingredients and their dosages determine how effective they are at enhancing the fat burning process. Ten of the eleven ingredients have research to support them. Acai berry is the only one that may be in doubt. The majority of the doses are pretty solid. I was particularly pleased with the 3 grams of glucomannan dose. However, there are a few notable outliers.
At 50 mg, turmeric seems to be significantly underdosed. It should have been four or even five times that amount. At 50 mg, green coffee bean extract also seems to be very low. It could be boosted to 200 mg to provide a greater thermogenic boost.
The recommended dosage of Leanbean is 1-2 capsules, three times daily. That means that you may be taking six capsules every day. Some people will not be able to handle so many capsules in one day.
A one-month supply of Leanbean retails for $59.95. At a daily dosage of two capsules per day, that works out to just under $2.00 per day.
Pros
- Effective appetite suppressant
- High in glucomannan to fill up the stomach
- Mostly well dosed
Cons
- Low doses of green caffeine and turmeric
- Requires taking 6 capsules per day
The powerful supplement for women helps curb appetite and reduce food cravings. Cutting edge ingredients – no harmful stimulants...
For a more complete look at LeanBean, check out our LeanBean Review. Also, here's a comparison we did on PhenQ Vs Leanbean.
PhenQ FAQ
How much weight can you lose in a month with PhenQ?
The average reported weight loss by users of PhenQ is 5-10 pounds per month. The majority of those users combined their use of the supplement with workouts at least three times per week and by maintaining a daily caloric deficit where they are burning more calories than they take in. This combination will aid you in dropping the excess weight in a shorter time. Other means of reducing the stored fat on your frame include low carb diets and intermittent fasting.
How long does it take for PhenQ to start working?
PhenQ will start to work within a week of taking the supplement. Over that first week, you will notice that your appetite is reduced and that you have more energy. This will help you to begin losing excess body fat at the rate of 1-2 lbs per week.
What are the side effects of taking PhenQ?
There are no direct side effects of taking PhenQ. That is because all the ingredients are natural. If you exceed the recommended dosage or are allergic to one of the ingredients, however, you may experience side effects such as gas, diarrhea, or headaches. Overall, PhenQ is a safe way to help speed up the weight loss process.
PhenQ is a unique and powerful new slimming formula that will help you achieve what others are just promising. With PhenQ weight loss pills, you’ll never need to worry about your weight again...
SUMMARY
PhenQ is a very popular fat loss supplement that makes use of a range of clinically attested ingredients. It works through five different mechanisms to boost the fat burning process, The dosages are generally high enough to get significant results, except for caffeine which is too low for any serious impact.
PhenQ is priced pretty high in comparison to the competition of other dietary supplements. It's also only available from the official website, so you can't just run down to your local GNC if you run out. Overall, though, this is a supplement that will help you to lose weight so long as it is accompanied by a regular workout program and you stray on top of your food intake.
Just remember your weight loss journey isn't a race but rather a marathon that takes proper dedication and consistency to see long lasting results.
More Fat Burner Supplements That We've Reviewed:
- PhenGold Review
- Burn Evolved Review
- Hourglass Fit Review
- Phenocal Review
- Burn Lab Pro Review
- Hunter Burn Review
You can also check out our "best of lists" on the Best Fat Burners For Women and the Best Fat Burners For Men.
References
- Namazi N, Larijani B, Azadbakht L. Alpha-lipoic acid supplement in obesity treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Clin Nutr. 2018 Apr;37(2):419-428. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2017.06.002. Epub 2017 Jun 8. PMID: 28629898.
- McGavigan AK, O'Hara HC, Amin A, Kinsey-Jones J, Spreckley E, Alamshah A, Agahi A, Banks K, France R, Hyberg G, Wong C, Bewick GA, Gardiner JV, Lehmann A, Martin NM, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR, Murphy KG. L-cysteine suppresses ghrelin and reduces appetite in rodents and humans. Int J Obes (Lond). 2015 Mar;39(3):447-55. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2014.172. Epub 2014 Sep 15. PMID: 25219528; PMCID: PMC4276721.
- Srinivasan K. Biological Activities of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and Its Pungent Principle Capsaicin: A Review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1488-500. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.772090. PMID: 25675368.
- El-Mostafa K, El Kharrassi Y, Badreddine A, Andreoletti P, Vamecq J, El Kebbaj MS, Latruffe N, Lizard G, Nasser B, Cherkaoui-Malki M. Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease. Molecules. 2014 Sep 17;19(9):14879-901. doi: 10.3390/molecules190914879. PMID: 25232708; PMCID: PMC6270776.
- Balk EM, Tatsioni A, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care. 2007 Aug;30(8):2154-63. doi: 10.2337/dc06-0996. Epub 2007 May 22. PMID: 17519436.
- https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpendo.1995.268.6.e1192
- Jones KW, Eller LK, Parnell JA, Doyle-Baker PK, Edwards AL, Reimer RA. Effect of a dairy- and calcium-rich diet on weight loss and appetite during energy restriction in overweight and obese adults: a randomized trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013 Apr;67(4):371-6. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.52. Epub 2013 Mar 6. PMID: 23462943; PMCID: PMC3948984.
- Czeczot H, Scibior D. Rola L-karnityny w przemianach, zywieniu i terapii [Role of L-carnitine in metabolism, nutrition and therapy]. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2005;59:9-19. Polish. PMID: 15761381.
Steve Theunissen
Author