Best Supplements for Reduced Body Weight
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 92 supplements across 120 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- Moderate evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies (all meta-analyses or systematic reviews), all reported statistically significant beneficial effects of African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) supplementation on reduced body weight. Effect sizes were mixed (small to large), with two studies reporting small effects and one reporting a large effect. The median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks), and the evidence primarily comes from overweight and obese adult populations.
- Low evidence3 studies
Across all 3 studies, L-carnitine supplementation showed beneficial effects on reduced body weight, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The most common dose range was 150–4000 mg/day, and the median study duration was 49 days, indicating effects typically observed at 6–8 weeks. Evidence primarily comes from clinical populations, including women with PCOS.
Dose: 150 to 4000 mg/day - Low evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Cissus quadrangularis on reduced body weight, with predominantly large effect sizes. Two studies show significant weight loss (e.g., -5.2% to -5.8% over 112 days in a 2025 RCT of 248 overweight/obese adults). Effects typically observed at 8-16 weeks; the most-studied population is overweight or obese adults.
Dose: 300 mg/day
- ModerateAfrican MangoAcross 3 studies (all meta-analyses or systematic reviews), all reported statistically significant beneficial effects of African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) supplementation on reduced body weight. Effect sizes were mixed (small to large), with two studies reporting small effects and one reporting a large effect. The median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks), and the evidence primarily comes from overweight and obese adult populations.3 beneficial3 studies
- LowL-CarnitineAcross all 3 studies, L-carnitine supplementation showed beneficial effects on reduced body weight, with effect sizes ranging from small to large. The most common dose range was 150–4000 mg/day, and the median study duration was 49 days, indicating effects typically observed at 6–8 weeks. Evidence primarily comes from clinical populations, including women with PCOS. · Dose: 150 to 4000 mg/day3 beneficial3 studies
- LowCissus quadrangularisAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Cissus quadrangularis on reduced body weight, with predominantly large effect sizes. Two studies show significant weight loss (e.g., -5.2% to -5.8% over 112 days in a 2025 RCT of 248 overweight/obese adults). Effects typically observed at 8-16 weeks; the most-studied population is overweight or obese adults. · Dose: 300 mg/day3 beneficial3 studies
- LowLactobacillus gasseri BNR17Across 3 studies of Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 for reduced body weight, 1 reported a small beneficial effect (a meta-analysis showing a significant reduction of 1.16 kg), while 2 randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant difference between groups. The predominant effect size was small, and the overall evidence suggests a modest, inconsistent effect on body weight, typically observed in obese adults.2 beneficial2 neutral4 studies
- LowSpirulinaAcross 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial small-sized effects on body weight reduction, while 1 neutral study found no statistically significant effect in children and adolescents. The two beneficial meta-analyses in adults showed small but significant reductions (e.g., −0.30 SMD and −1.78 kg). Evidence is based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with no consistent dose or form data reported.2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- LowBlack CuminBased on 3 meta-analyses, 2 reported beneficial small-to-moderate effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation on reduced body weight, with one large meta-analysis of 82 RCTs (n=5,026) showing significant improvement and another meta-analysis of 31 trials (n=2,145) reporting a mean weight reduction of -1.59 kg. However, one meta-analysis in type 2 diabetes patients found no significant effect on body weight. The median study duration across reporting studies was only 7 days, which is insufficient to assess weight loss outcomes. · Dose: 200 to 4600 mg/day2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies