Fat burners are often used by bodybuilders to cut and define their lean muscle. The ingredients provide an edge that peels back the layers of bulking, to reveal a hard, chiseled physique. But what’s the best bodybuilding fat burner available today? Our team of researchers looked at the data to find out…
Article breakdown:
- What are fat burners?
- Do fat burners work?
- Benefits of fat burners for bodybuilders
- Top fat burner ingredients
- Best 5 top-rated fat burners for bodybuilders
- Are fat burners safe for bodybuilders?
Check out our bodybuilding fat burners here:
- Backed by sporting pros
- Natural, science-backed ingredients
- No proprietary blends
- Clean energy boost
- Premium quality ingredients
- Generous doses
- Potent, natural formula
- No proprietary blends
- Appetite control
- Supports muscle growth
- Stim-free
- Multi-buy discount
- Thermogenic formula
- Low-stim
- Plant based
- Science-backed
- Low stimulants
- Performance boosting
- Natural formula
- Vegan
What are fat burners?
As the name suggests, fat burners are supplements created to help reduce body fat. They do this by influencing the body in various ways. For a fat burner to be truly effective, bodybuilders should also be able to undertake exercise alongside eating in a slight calorie deficit.
Depending on how many ingredients are in the product, the effects of a fat burner will vary. These might include increasing fat metabolism, elevating energy, raising metabolic rate, impairing fat absorption, and suppressing appetite [1].
Many fat burners are created using multiple ingredients. These supplements are typically compositions of various fat burning compounds, supported by additional helpful ingredients.
For example, a high-quality belly fat burner pill might contain a thermogenic to increase metabolism, as well as an energy booster to counteract the tiring effects of calorie cutting. This multi-angle attack on body fat can be extremely beneficial for bodybuilders who need to train.
There are also single ingredient fat burners out there such a coffee, cayenne pepper, and green tea. These compounds are often backed up by numerous studies too, which we’ll take a look at later in this article.
By now you understand that not all fat burners were created equal. This is especially true when it comes to meeting the high demands of physique athletes such as yourself.
Here are our best five top rated fat burners for bodybuilders in 2021.
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Pros
- Works hard to cut fat quickly
- Helps to retain muscle and strength while cutting
- Powerful all-natural formula
- Ingredients backed by scientific research
- Used and trusted by professional UFC fighters and boxers
- Vegan and vegetarian friendly capsules
- Many testimonials online
- Buy 3 get 1 free offer available
Cons
Our score: 5/5
Introducing Instant Knockout CUT
Originally developed to help professional UFC fighters through hard weight cuts, Instant Knockout CUT is our number one choice. Today it’s used by athletes of all kinds due to its impressive all-natural, ingredient profile, which helps people burn fat without losing muscle.
Like any reputable fat burner, Instant Knockout CUT offers a powerful thermogenic effect. Green tea extract, caffeine and cayenne pepper seeds are all potent examples of this type of ingredient, which research shows should increase metabolism.
Inside each vegan capsuled serving you’ll also find the appetite suppressing glucomannan. This is teamed with an energizing amount of caffeine, which should also tackle hunger while driving your workouts forward.
According to the ISSN the form of caffeine anhydrous found within Instant Knockout CUT is superior to coffee for providing ergonomic aid [4]. Instant Knockout pulls no punches at an effective, yet safe 350 mg serving spread throughout the day. The added L-theanine also works well with caffeine to deliver a clean lift, with improved alertness, drive and energy while keeping negative side effects like ‘jitters’ at bay.[10]
A host of hormone-protecting vitamins and minerals are also present within this formula.
The combination of magnesium and vitamin D3 should help keep your testosterone healthy. This is especially important for physique athletes who want to preserve their hard-earned muscle structure.
[infobox]In short – Instant Knockout CUT should give bodybuilders everything necessary to support a cut. An intelligent, potent formula delivers on all fronts including in energy support, hormone balance, thermogenics and sustainable appetite control. [/infobox]
What makes Instant Knockout CUT the best fat burner for bodybuilders?
- Works to help cut fat quickly and safely
- Helps to retain muscle and strength while cutting
- Potent all-natural formula
- Research backed ingredients
- Contains metabolism boosting thermogenic ingredients
- Physique protecting vitamins
- Testosterone supporting micronutrients
- All-day energy via superior servings of caffeine and calming L-theanine
- Appetite control through glucomannan
- Four servings per day for optimized distribution
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*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
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Pros
- High-dose formula for faster results
- High-quality natural ingredients
- Potent, streamlined ingredient profile
- Ingredients backed by scientific research
- Testosterone supporting
- High-safety score
- Contains only known carb blocker
- Multi-buy option presents good value
- Intelligently served throughout the day
Cons
- Premium-quality price tag
- Capsules non-vegan/non-vegetarian friendly
Our score: 4.5/5
Introducing Hunter Burn
Coming in at a close second is Hunter Burn. Formulated for the high-achieving male, Hunter Burn is a brand new fat burner currently making waves in the supplement market.
It’s potent, six ingredient formula is one of the most streamlined we’ve seen. Hunter’s aim is to provide their aspirational audience with the integral ingredients they need, at high doses and nothing more or less.
Within each capsule you can find a substantial serving of thermogenic compounds. Cayenne pepper and matcha green tea work cohesively together to provide a powerful fat burn via raised metabolic rate.
Matcha green tea should also supply a crash-free energy boost through its intelligent interaction with l-theanine. Experts have even named this combination ‘smart caffeine’, as it can allow users a sense of smooth, un-rushed focus. We feel this is extremely beneficial for bodybuilders, because of the mental grit necessary during a workout.
As with any reputable fat burner Hunter Burn doesn’t fail to supply appetite control. Konjac root, also known as glucomannan, is included in its formula at a substantial 3000mg to help stop cravings.
However, if you were to cheat on your diet, the damage may be reduced. This is due to the presence of carb-blocking white kidney bean extract [5].
To oversee each individual ingredient, visit Hunter here
[infobox]In short – Hunter Burn possesses a potent streamlined formula developed for high-achievers who demand results. It is one of the most powerful combinations our team has seen, which also includes the only known carb blocker. [/infobox]
Hunter Burn benefits for bodybuilders:
- All-natural ingredient profile
- Elevated energy and focus via ‘smart-caffeine’
- Testosterone supporting vitamin D3
- Contains only known carb blocker
- Appetite controlling
- No fillers
- Six capsule per day serving for even distribution
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*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
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Pros
- Streamlined formula
- Contains thermogenic ingredients
- Helps appetite control
- Supports anabolic muscle growth
- Stimulant free
- High-safety score
- Vegan friendly
- Optimized daily distribution
Cons
- Zero caffeine content may not appeal to some
- Less mental support
- Fewer physique protecting vitamins and minerals
- Very few customer reviews and testimonials
- Missing some common fat burner ingrdients
Our score: 4/5
Introducing Burn Lab Pro
Taking third place is the stimulant-free Burn Lab Pro Fat Burner. Not only does this supplement promise to burn fat, it also claims to support your muscle structure too.
An inclusion of HMB (ß-Hydroxy ß-Methylbutyrate) at 1000mg has been added to optimize fasted training results. Because training on an empty stomach has been linked to muscle degradation, this metabolite of the amino acid leucine should protect your physique by neutralizing muscle-damaging enzymes. Protein synthesis can also increase after taking HMB too.
Coleus forskohlii, also found within this mix, has been shown to optimize hormonal cell messengers to regulate thermogenesis and testosterone. Not only that, but it should also activate the enzyme protein kinase, which encourages lipase to enable the breakdown of triglycerides.
Another regulator of thermogenesis is cayenne pepper extract. Studies have shown this spicy powder triggers thermogenic reactions inside the body, thus raising resting metabolic rate. In addition to this, cayenne pepper can promote lipolysis and fat oxidation both before and after exercise.
The thermogenic efforts of Burn Lab Pro is also backed up by black pepper extract. This ingredient also limits adipogenesis, which is the generation of new fat cells.
However, we cannot offer a fair evaluation without talking about stimulants. As a stim free fat burner, this product might not offer the same levels of induced energy as others. We feel this is something to consider if you enjoy the ergonomic and cognitive effects of caffeine.
For further insight into the complete ingredient profile of Burn Lab Pro click here
[infobox]In short –Burn Lab Pro Fat Burner is an intelligently constructed product perfectly suited for bodybuilders. Its smart formula has been developed to not only reduce fat, but to protect the physique by increasing protein synthesis too. This is our number one stimulant-free pick. [/infobox]
Benefits of Burn Lab Pro Fat Burner for bodybuilders:
- Multi-compound thermogenic approach
- Increased fat oxidation
- Heightened protein synthesis
- Stimulant free
- Testosterone supporting
- Vegan friendly
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*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
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Pros
- Natural ingredient choice
- Additional support or mental stress
- Alternative approach to appetite control
- Three-pronged thermogenic approach
- High-safety score
- Lower stimulant rating
- Allows for stead distribution
Cons
- Premium-quality price tag
- Capsules non-vegan/non-vegetarian friendly
- Newer product so not as many testimonials
Our score: 4.5/5
Introducing PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner
Securing fourth position is Transparent Lab’s own PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner. Featuring a nine-ingredient profile, it looks to support fat burning with a three-pronged structure.
Thermogenic compounds forslean, green tea extract, and synephrine should increase resting metabolism. This trident of heat inducing compounds should help bodybuilders raise their calorie burn more than diet alone.
Next, the not-so-obvious inclusion of HTP-5 is designed to combat hunger cravings. Whereas most fat burners look toward caffeine and glucomannan, PhysiqueSeries thinks outside the box. In fact, the caffeine content of each serving is only 120 mg, which may appeal to stimulant sensitive individuals.
PhysiqueSeries also offers additional mental support for bodybuilders. They foresaw the stress sometimes caused by dieting and tried to counteract it with numerous ingredients. For example, you’ll find l-tyrosine, l-theanine, synephrine and salicin inside ever capsule.
Our team found this mental support to be an intelligent avenue to go down. Bodybuilders in the deep stages of cut face pressure and stress not only from their restricted diet, but the rigors of training and competition prep too.
To inspect the entire ingredient profile of PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner click here
[infobox]In short – PhysiqueSeries Fat Burner is a less stimulant dominant approach that offers cutting-edge, mental support. Some bodybuilders may find the additional mental support beneficial for longer cuts. [/infobox]
PhysiqueSeries benefits for bodybuilders:
- Intelligent mental support
- Three-pronged thermogenic approach
- 5-HTP appetite control
- Lower serving of caffeine
- Less stimulant dominant
- Steady increase in serving sizes for sensitive individuals
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*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
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Pros
- Streamlined formula
- Contains a thermogenic ingredient
- Offers appetite control
- Supports energy and performance
- Stimulant free
- High-safety score
- Powder and capsule options
Cons
- Lower caffeine content may not appeal to some
- Capsules non-vegan/non-vegetarian friendly
- Less mental support
Our score: 3.5/5
Introducing LeanMode
Following in fifth is LeanMode by EVLution Nutrition. As a mainstay on top fat burner lists across the industry, LeanMode has continued to impress for years despite a very narrow formula.
With only five ingredients, LeanMode holds the shortest ingredient list in our top choices. However, each element of the profile aligns with recent research, making for a high-level of potential effectiveness.
Taking a one-track thermogenic approach to raising metabolism, this supplement contains green tea extract, which also boosts antioxidant levels. Yet, it doesn’t support fat burning alone.
The intelligent choice of CLA at 500mg offers an opportunity for optimized fat loss. Numerous studies have shown CLA to help reduce body fat mass in humans [6] [7].
Energy for exercise should be delivered by the 500mg serving of acetyl-l-carnitine. Although our team would have preferred to see the powerful caffeine anhydrous, research does suggest this amino acid should be effective for supporting energy levels in trained athletes [8]. It may also help move fatty acids into the cells where they can be utilized as fuel.
LeanMode also attacks appetite and fat storage via Hydroxycitric Acid. Studies have shown that short term supplementation of this ingredient can support weight loss, though more trials are needed to solidify its effectiveness [9].
[infobox] To summarize – LeanMode supports fat burning through a narrow, five ingredient formula featuring lower doses of caffeine. This approach means it may not offer as much energy, physique or mental support as higher-tier alternatives. [/infobox]
LeanMode benefits for bodybuilders:
- Streamlined formula
- Low stimulant content
- Boosts antioxidant levels
- Appetite control
- Powder and capsule options
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*Individual results may vary. Please speak with your doctor or physician before undertaking any new weight reduction, supplement, or exercise regime.
Do fat burners work?
Fat burners are supplements designed to support a calorie restricted diet. Bodybuilders therefore use them to help cut back body fat during the “cutting” phase of their training.
During this process, athletes eat in a calorie deficit, meaning they take in less food energy than they burn through training. A high-quality fat burner should support this process not only by encouraging better metabolism, but in other ways too. But, do fat burners actually work?
[infobox]The truthful answer is – it depends on quality and your accountability.[/infobox]
There’s only one way to find out if a fat burner works and that’s to cross-check it with cutting-edge science. Some of the fat burners bodybuilders use might be garbage, while others are worth double their weight in gold. It’s all down to the individual ingredient profile.
A high-quality, premium fat burner featuring multiple ingredients can work to accelerate body goals. Similarly, a pure, natural single ingredient backed by scientific studies should too. It’s when you combine these tested ingredients you have a fat burner set for bodybuilding success.
That’s assuming you have realistic expectations anyway…
Safe and realistic fat reduction can vary between one to three pounds per week. Any more than this is not usually considered healthy.
If you’re a real big guy or girl, this amount might also go up to four pounds. But you’ll struggle to sustain these efforts for long as your body composition changes. Eventually you’re going to become over-trained, undernourished, and lose precious muscle.
Being realistic with your fat loss goals
Having unrealistic expectations can rule out results from even the best supplements. For a fat burner to work as you want it to, you must put in the effort.
It’s all about setting reasonable goals, sticking to the plan, and getting your lifestyle in order too.
Fat burners and bodybuilding get along for two reasons:
Bodybuilders love to work out, which increases calorie burn, and they’re usually on point with their nutrition. Without these two things in check, your fat burner will struggle to do get you in the shape you desire.
Unless you eat in a slight calorie deficit, the only fat you’ll burn is the food coming in. Failure to cut calories wipes out the point of taking a fat burning supplement in the first place.
However, get it right, and accelerated fat loss progress could be yours. The research-backed compounds found within the best fat burners for bodybuilders should offer all-round fat reducing support.
[infobox]In short – a high-quality fat burner will work but only if you let it.[/infobox]
Benefits of fat burners for bodybuilders
The biggest benefit fat burners possess for bodybuilders is letting them cut without necessarily risking muscle, whereas crash diets nearly always result in wastage, leaving you looking thin, lifeless, and skinny.
An intelligent fat burner can help boost the results of a less-intense, figure friendly calorie deficit.
With the right ingredients it can protect your hard-earned physique too. Many of today’s top fat burners also contain certain vitamins and minerals, specifically included to support muscle.
Key benefits of fat burners for bodybuilding:
- Increased metabolic rate aka calorie burn
- Better fat oxidation during exercise
- Elevated energy for exercise
- Appetite control
- Impaired fat absorption
- Muscle and hormone protection
- Additional mental support
Disclaimer – the above benefits are always down to the quality of a supplement. Cheaper, lower-tier choices might not offer the same experience as reputable, premium-quality supplements.
As you can see, bodybuilders may benefit from a fat burner in many ways. It’s not always about directly increasing the way your body burns through fat. Sometimes, by increasing energy, a fat burner gives you the drive to power through workouts and use up the last few food calories in the tank.
One key point to mention is appetite control. This is considered one of the best aspects of a modern fat burner, because as they say, abs are made in the kitchen.
Being able to control appetite allows bodybuilders to stay in a calorie deficit, so their workouts continue to wipe out belly fat. Plus, is there anything more off putting than sugar cravings when you’re chasing gainz? No there isn’t.
Top bodybuilding fat burner ingredients
By now you know enough to understand everything relies on ingredients. After all, it’s what’s inside that counts, right?
It’s the contents which separates the top selling fat burners that work, from the cheap, nasty imitations.
What you might find in a bodybuilding fat burner:
- Thermogenic compounds
- Energy booster
- Muscle and hormone promoters
- Appetite suppressants
- Mental support ingredients
- Carb blockers
Thermogenic ingredients
Almost all fat burners contain a thermogenic compound or two. These are ingredients that acutely boosts calorie usage, which in turn creates heat. Hence why we call it calorie burning…
According to recent research, a study group that took thermogenic supplement saw greater elevations in resting metabolic rate than baseline, even up to three hours after ingestion [2]. Essentially, the test subject’s showed signs of increased metabolism.
Scientists also say supplementing with thermogenic ingredients up to 28-days at a time is safe[3]. At the time of writing, no studies have explored long-term effects of thermogenic supplements.
Our top thermogenic ingredients:
- Capsaicin
- Caffeine
- Green tea
- Garcinia cambogia
Energy boosters
Bodybuilders might also want to look out for energy-inducing ingredients. A fat burner that contains an stimulant like caffeine can help users feel energized enough to hit the gym.
You might find this in the safe forms of:
- Caffeine
- Caffeine anhydrous
- Green tea extract
- Coffee
As a bodybuilder, you’ll undoubtedly know how it feels training on a calorie cut. A stimulant can make all the difference when it comes to your last set or finding motivation to train.
Physique protection
Once these two bases are covered, it’s worthwhile looking for physique protection. These might take form in vitamins and minerals, appetite controllers, or carb blockers.
Certain vitamins should supply your body with essential nutrients to stay healthy. Zinc and magnesium for example help to keep testosterone firing on all cylinders. Furthermore, B vitamins offer out optimum energy maintenance, helping bodybuilders achieve better sessions while cutting.
One thing to note is that not all fat burners contain beneficial micronutrients. These are often only found in higher-grade supplements.
Additionally, an appetite suppressant or carb blocker should stop the potential damage of caving into cravings – one acts as a preventative measure by shutting down hunger pangs quickly, while the other acts as a line of defense respectively.
If you do decide to eat that donut you said you wouldn’t, a carb blocker may be able to cut back some of the sugars absorbed. Alternatively, an appetite suppressant can help you to feel full, so you don’t experience the urge to eat food that will reverse your progress.
Note that not all fat burner supplements contain physique protecting ingredients. Yet, all our best picks do.
Our best physique supporting additions include:
- B vitamins
- Vitamin D3
- Vitamin K2
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Konjac root – Glucomannan
- White kidney bean
- HMB (ß-Hydroxy ß-Methylbutyrate)
Final rep on best fat burners for bodybuilders
Bodybuilders are physique athletes that demand very specific supplements, and only the best will do. Therefore, the best fat burners for bodybuilders are the ones that protect their physique while also giving them energy.
During the cutting phase bodybuilders need to be able to train, so the best fat burner should energize. This allows their muscles to maintain their size and progress in definition as body fat reduces.
Not only that, but the best fat burner should also help conquer cravings. Bodybuilders who’re cutting will undoubtedly feel cravings and falling for sugary foods can ruin hard work. Therefore, the best fat burner for a bodybuilder is the one that helps them master their own appetite too.
Remember, the power of a fat burner lies explicitly in its formula. By inspecting each individual ingredient against up-to-date, cutting edge research, you can find its potential effectiveness. Once you have this information, you can choose the best fat burner for your bodybuilding goals.
Buy Instant Knockout – Our Best Bodybuilding Fat Burner
References
- Jeukendrup A, Randell R. Fat burners: nutrition supplements that increase fat metabolism. Obesity Reviews. 2011;12(10):841-851. doi:10.1111/j.1467-789x.2011.00908.x
- Campbell BI, Zito G, Colquhoun R, et al. The effects of a single-dose thermogenic supplement on resting metabolic rate and hemodynamic variables in healthy females–a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2016;13:13. Published 2016 Mar 31. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0123-1
- Vogel RM, Joy JM, Falcone PH, Mosman MM, Kim MP, Moon JR. Consuming a multi-ingredient thermogenic supplement for 28 days is apparently safe in healthy adults. Food Nutr Res. 2015;59:27999. Published 2015 Jul 22. doi:10.3402/fnr.v59.27999
- Goldstein E, Ziegenfuss T, Kalman D et al. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010;7(1):5. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-5
- Celleno L, Tolaini MV, D’Amore A, Perricone NV, Preuss HG. A Dietary supplement containing standardized Phaseolus vulgaris extract influences body composition of overweight men and women. Int J Med Sci. 2007;4(1):45-52. Published 2007 Jan 24.
- Blankson H, Stakkestad J, Fagertun H, Thom E, Wadstein J, Gudmundsen O. Conjugated Linoleic Acid Reduces Body Fat Mass in Overweight and Obese Humans. J Nutr. 2000;130(12):2943-2948. doi:10.1093/jn/130.12.2943
- Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat and prevents holiday weight gain in overweight individuals,. Inpharma Weekly. 2007;&NA;(1585):6. doi:10.2165/00128413-200715850-00013
- The effects of acute L-carnitine supplementation on endurance performance of athletes.
- Onakpoya I, Hung SK, Perry R, Wider B, Ernst E. The Use of Garcinia Extract (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Weight loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials. J Obes. 2010;2011:509038.
- Giesbrecht T, Rycroft JA, Rowson MJ, De Bruin EA. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutr Neurosci. 2010;13(6):283-290. doi:10.1179/147683010X12611460764840
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