What Are Thermogenic Fat Burners, and What Do They Do?

What if we told you there were compounds that may increase the number of calories your body burns while at rest? It might sound fake, but research shows it's very true.

We explore the science behind thermogenic supplements and point you to some powerful options to help you optimize your fitness journey. 

Key Takeaways

• Thermogenic fat burners are compounds believed to help boost metabolism.
• By increasing metabolism, these compounds may increase the calories your body burns. 
• Research has found that compounds like caffeine and green tea can help increase calorie burn and support weight loss. 
• Thermogenic fat burners are most effective when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. 

See More: The Best Home Gym Equipment, Tried and Tested

The Science Behind Thermogenic Fat Burner Supplements

Carriejune, founder of Minibeast, says:

"Thermogenic supplements are widely used to boost metabolism and help with fat loss. They're a great addition to a weight loss program centered on a healthy diet and regular exercise."

Dietary supplements for weight loss are extremely popular. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 15% of American adults have used one. And the market for thermogenic supplements specifically is worth a whopping $6 billion and is growing fast. 

Why all the hype? Well, thermogenic dietary supplements are believed to help you burn fat and lose weight. 

Unlike some weight loss supplements, thermogenic supplementation is actually backed by research. Several studies have confirmed that certain thermogenic compounds can increase metabolism and, therefore, caloric expenditure. 

That doesn't mean thermogenics are a magic bullet. As we'll discuss, their effect is real but relatively small. They work best when combined with diet and exercise. 

Still, thermogenic supplements can be an excellent part of a rounded weight management program. And, as we'll cover, they can be blended with other potent supplements to make powerful supportive supplement blends.

Before we get to that, we need to explore the science behind these compounds.

What Are Thermogenics?

The term "thermogenic" refers to the production of heat. And what's one example of heat production? Your body burning calories. 

Actually, that's why we refer to calorie expenditure as "burning." The process of burning calories specifically to generate heat is called thermogenesis. 

Metabolic Rate

You've probably heard the term "metabolism" before. It includes all of the chemical processes happening within your body that keep you alive and kicking.

All those processes require energy. The amount of energy, measured in calories, that your body expends in a specific period of time just to stay alive is called your basal metabolic rate.

In other words, metabolic rate describes your energy expenditure while at rest. Excess energy burn, like during exercise, isn't included. 

Between 60% and 70% of the energy your body uses goes toward these basic, life-sustaining processes. Another 10% goes toward processing food. The rest is for physical movement. 

This metabolic rate varies from person to person. Various things can affect it, like size, muscle mass, sex, age, and genetics. 

You might already be able to see the idea behind thermogenic supplements. If there were a way to boost metabolism, and therefore burn more calories, that might have an effect on body fat. After all, whether your body burns body fat or builds it depends on whether you are consuming more calories than you burn. 

But can thermogenic supplements really do this?

Research suggests that certain compounds stimulate your metabolism. For example, some induce your body to release adrenaline, which can boost metabolism. It may also reduce appetite, helping you consume fewer calories. 

For example, one 2024 study found that women who took a thermogenic supplement experienced increased metabolic rate and calorie expenditure. Another study from that year similarly found that overweight participants who took a thermogenic supplement burned roughly 200 more calories in two hours after ingestion compared to those given a placebo. 

An earlier study with athletic men found similar results. Participants given thermogenic supplements experienced an increase in metabolism of between 9% and 11.5%. A 2025 study gave men thermogenic supplements during a two-month resistance training program. Participants given the supplements experienced "significantly greater reductions in fat mass" compared to those given a placebo. 

So what are some examples of thermogenic supplements?

Bonus: How Long Does It Take to Lose Belly Fat?

Green Tea

Green tea extract is one example. Research suggests it may help the body burn fat. 

How? Well, as one review noted, green tea contains a specific catechin compound called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. This compound may block an enzyme that normally destroys a messenger your body produces to induce fat burning. In other words, green tea may support your body's natural fat-burning process. 

A 2023 review of multiple studies concluded that green tea may also help the body convert white fat cells to brown fat, which is thermogenic.

Animal studies using green tea supplements have produced quite striking results. For example, one study that gave obese mice green tea extract found they lost up to 30% of their body weight. 

The effects in humans are almost certainly less extreme. But it's not negligible. For example, one 2023 review of 59 studies concluded that green tea extract supplementation caused body mass, body fat percentage, BMI, and oxidative stress to "significantly" reduce. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is another thermogenic fat burner that is thought to help boost resting energy expenditure. In fact, as one study described, caffeine can not only boost energy expenditure but also muscle performance. 

For example, one 2024 study found that caffeine-based supplements increased resting energy expenditure. It also found that this change was maintained over several weeks. 

Other studies have associated caffeine intake with weight loss. For example, one review of 13 studies concluded that higher caffeine intake was associated with greater reductions in weight and fat mass. 

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is most famous as the compound that gives chilies their spice. But capsaicin stimulates the release of adrenaline, which may help boost metabolism.

Capsaicin supplements have therefore been used as thermogenic fat burners. 

One review of 20 studies concluded that capsaicin supplements may increase caloric expenditure by roughly 50 calories per day. One study found that participants following a diet who took capsaicin with their meals burned 10% more fat in the preceding 24 hours compared to those given a placebo. 

Lyzme 5

Lyzme 5 is a newer thermogenic supplement on the block. It's a patented supplement designed to support fat metabolism. The idea is to target stored fat.

In one pre-clinical study, three people were given Lyzme 5. No changes were made to their diets, exercise routines, or lifestyles in general.

By the end of the six-week program, each participant had lost body fat and body weight. Subjects also reported "having more energy", "feeling leaner", and "much better all around." 

Where to Get Thermogenic Blends and Fat Burning Supplements

We've established the science behind thermogenic supplements. But where can you get them?

As we mentioned, it's common to combine multiple thermogenic compounds together in supplement blends. 

One potent blend is Minibeast's Shreds 2.0. It includes Lyzme 5 and caffeine. These are blended with several other powerful ingredients, like L-Carnitine tartrate and raspberry ketones, to help increase caloric burn and fat oxidation. 

Not strong enough? No worries. Minibeast's Shreds Extreme takes that blend and turns it up to 11. 

And what about nighttime? You likely don't want to take a caffeinated supplement before bed. After all, rest and sleep are absolutely vital for muscle-building, fat loss, and overall health. 

We've got you covered. Minibeast's Overnight Shredzzz Extreme is your nighttime fat-burning reset button. It turns your downtime into fat-burning overtime with Lyzme 5, plus a blend of sleep-supporting compounds like GABA and melatonin. 

Remember, thermogenic supplements are most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Conclusion

Thermogenic supplements are those believed to boost metabolism, increase caloric expenditure, and therefore increase fat burning. Research suggests they can provide a small but significant boost to metabolism and calorie burn. 

They work best when combined with diet and exercise. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Thermogenic Fat Burners Work?

Yes. Research shows that thermogenic compounds, like caffeine, green tea, and Lyzme 5, can help boost metabolism and increase calorie burn. For effective weight loss and fat burn, they should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise. 

What's the Difference Between Fat Burners and Thermogenic Supplements?

Fat burners and thermogenic supplements are often used interchangeably. Thermogenic supplements refer to those that work by boosting metabolism, body temperature, and calorie burn. 

For example, thermogenic creams for fat burning can also count as thermogenic supplements. Fat burners are a more general marketing term used to refer to any supplement that claims to support fat loss. Even waist trainers during workouts may help with weight loss!

When Should You Take a Thermogenic?

It's generally considered best to take thermogenic supplements in the hour before exercising. Try to avoid taking them at night if they are caffeinated, because that might interfere with your sleep. (Or choose a non-caffeinated option.) 

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