The 7 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss of 2024

There are plenty of perks that come with adding a top-tier pre-workout to your supplement regimen. Increased energy, boosted focus, and better endurance throughout your workouts are just a few that immediately come to mind. But have you ever thought about this popular powder’s influence on your weight loss journey? While a healthy diet and consistent exercise still reign supreme when it comes to dropping a few pounds or pants sizes, the best pre-workouts for weight loss can help you slim down to that desired physique, as well.

Naturally, however, these fat-burning benefits require a closer look at the actual structure of the supplement, and finding the ideal combination of ingredients, value and (of course) taste can be tricky. Despite the extra legwork, we still think pre-workouts are a worthwhile supplement for weight loss journeys, and we’ve had the pleasure of getting hands-on with a number of high-quality powders over our years in training. If your fitness goals are looking for an added spark to help your weigh-ins take a turn for the better, we’ve got you covered.

The 7 Best Pre-Workout Supplements for Weight Loss of 2024

• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss Overall: Transparent Labs LEAN 
• Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Women: KOS Bolt from the Blue
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout
• Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. 

How We Tested

The team here at BarBend is comprised of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, detail-oriented fitness enthusiasts, and more. In our years of training and monitoring our nutrition, we’ve touched plenty of pre-workout formulations, including many of the weight-loss-specific options featured in this round-up. For this article, we leaned on those experiences as well as additional background research to confirm our stances. We also consulted with other user reviews to curate well-rounded reasonings as to why these picks earned their monikers as top-performing weight loss pre-workouts.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss Overall: Transparent Labs LEAN

Specs

• Caffeine: 180mg
• Key Ingredients: 8,000mg of citrulline malate, 4,000mg of beta-alanine, and 300mg of alpha GPC
• Flavors: Watermelon, Sour Grape, Green Apple, Orange, Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Lemon Lime, Sour Peach
• Price Per Serving: $1.66

Pros

• Contains acetyl l-carnitine HCI, which may help transport fatty acids out of the mitochondria for better energy return and fat-burning qualities. (12)
• Plenty of flavors to choose from catering to a wide range of tastes.
• LEAN is free of any artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives.

Cons

• A lower caffeine dosage of 180mg per scoop may be too weak of a stimulation for some athletes
• Can be left with undissolved “floaties” if you don’t mix LEAN well enough.
• No stimulant-free option available.

If you’re looking for a one-two punch of energy and fat-burning components, Transparent Labs LEAN is tough to beat. Sure, you get 180mg of caffeine, 6,000mg of citrulline malate, and 2,000mg of beta-alanine for improved energy, endurance and power, but you also get decent doses of ingredients more commonly found in fat burners, including 1,000mg of acetyl l-carnitine HCI.

In addition to its interesting makeup targeting stubborn fat, LEAN is also available in a wide array of flavors, from staples like Blue Raspberry and Sour Grape, to more unique offerings such as Sour Peach and Strawberry Lemonade. Our tester found LEAN to be, “Slightly bitter, but not too sweet,” meaning the palette seems to match the flavor list without relying heavily on a sugar high for that jolt of responsiveness. Plus, LEAN is free of any artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives, making for a cleaner composition overall.

We did experience one downside as we were testing LEAN. When mixing this pre-workout, you really need to ensure you’re getting a proper shake. We were left with a reasonable amount of undissolved powder and the occasional “floatie” more often than not. It may not be the quickest pre-workout to prepare before a training session, but extra movement is extra caloric burn, no matter how you go about it.

As impressive as LEAN is, though, for its fat-burning and energy-boosting benefits, we do wish there was a stimulant-free option for athletes wanting the perks of a quality pre-workout without the extra juice. Transparent Labs does have a worthwhile Stim-Free Pre-Workout, but its composition is more attuned to muscle gain, not weight loss. 

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Review.

Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Specs

• Caffeine: 360mg
• Key Ingredients: 6,000mg of l-citrulline, 3.2g of beta alanine, 360mg of caffiene
• Flavors: Arctic While, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeage, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Natural Peach Mango, Pineapple, Rocket Pop, Sour Peach Rings, Strawberry Margarita, Swoleberry, Watermelon
• Price Per Serving: $1.00

Pros

• Contains no sugars or carbohydrates, great for keeping your intake as clean as possible for the sake of weight loss.
• $1.00 per serving is one of the best bargains you can find.
• Dissolves easily for quick supplementation before training.

Cons

• Those wanting creatine in their pre-workout should look elsewhere.
• Available flavors can vary depending on your retail source.
• Ingredients list is simple, which may deter more experienced athletes wanting more from their pre-workout.

Nitro Surge makes for a solid pre-workout option during fat loss regimens thanks to its lack of sugars and carbohydrates. This can help you avoid any unforeseen caloric intake as you try to operate in a deficit for the sake of improved weight loss. (7)

Additionally, we appreciate how beginner-friendly this cost-effective pre-workout is. The price per serving falls just at $1.00, and the ingredients are listed for one-scoop and two-scoop dosages for added clarity. Granted, the simplified list of fewer ingredients may be more barren than worthwhile for experienced pre-workout users, but we appreciate the introductory makeup as it allows athletes the chance to ease into the supplement without any jolting, potentially unpleasant sensations.

There are also a slew of flavors to choose from when it comes to Nitro Surge, so there’s no shortage of opportunities to find the perfect taste for your palette. Our favorite is the Strawberry Margarita offering — our tester stated they wouldn’t hesitate to, “Drink it all day by the side of a pool over ice,” — but feel free to browse for a concoction that sounds enticing to your needs. We’d also recommend checking multiple retailers like Amazon, as we’ve found that different flavors can be available on different sites.

Finally, Nitro Surge can be great for athletes wanting to support their weight loss journey with added energy thanks to its quick-dissolving nature. We had no issues mixing one scoop with 500mL of water before training, allowing us to quickly transition into our calorie-burning regimens. Focus is kept on the sweat and progress — not shaking continuously before even hitting the weight room or treadmill.

Read our full Jacked Factory Nitro Surge Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite

Specs

• Caffeine: 388mg
• Key Ingredients: 10,000mg of l-citrulline, 2,500mg of l-tyrosine, 3,000mg of creatine monohydrate
• Flavors: Glacier Grape, Caribbean Sunrise, Orange Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Fruit Punch
• Price Per Serving: $2.40

Pros

• 388mg of caffeine per serving can provide an excellent jolt of added energy pre-training.
• Dosages of key ingredients are either at or above research-backed levels, making for a qualitatively potent blend.
• Mixture includes 3g of creatine monohydrate and 2g of creatine nitrate for an easy way to consume two supplements at once for added convenience.

Cons

• This is one of the more expensive pre-workouts per serving.
• Athletes more sensitive to caffeine may find the 388mg dosage overwhelming.
• Those with pickier tastes may not enjoy the limited flavor offerings.

Looking for a potent pre-workout to power up your weight loss goals? Consider Pre-Kaged Elite. We’re big fans of the exceptional attention to dosages showcased in this Kaged pre-workout, including an impressive 10,000mg of l-citrulline, which can help improve blood flow to your muscles. (4) This 10,000mg serving is well above the average dosage, hence its title of “Strongest Weight Loss Pre-Workout.” All that power and proper dosing can help you achieve those desired levels of focus, endurance and energy as you take part in your calorie-torching gym sessions.

The uptick in caffeine per serving is also a good indicator of this pre-workout’s potential effect on weight loss regimens. Studies have indicated that increased caffeine consumption can potentially promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction. (13) While this component may have you rushing for a tub of your own, be sure to take your caffeine tolerance into consideration. 388mg can be more than enough stimulation, and athletes more sensitive to the ingredient may be left with more unpleasant experiences than desired.

Speaking of caffeine, we also appreciate how balanced the energy results are with Pre-Kaged Elite. Our tester noted, “I feel like I have a constant amount of energy — not hyper, no spikes, no lows. Not tingly at all.” 

It’s important to note that each scoop of Pre-Kaged Elite comes in at rough 35g of powder, which equates to a similar scoop-size of many popular protein powders. If you prefer to have your weight loss pre-workout be a less hefty mixture, it may be wise to look elsewhere. This gargantuan scoop also gives merit to the heightened cost per serving — at $2.40, it’s one of the most expensive we’ve tested for this round-up.

Read our full Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite Review.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Men: Transparent Labs BULK Black

Specs

• Caffeine: 305mg
• Key Ingredients: 8,000mg of citrulline malate, 4,000mg of beta-alanine, 2,500mg of betaine, 1,300mg of taurine, and 300mg of alpha GPC
• Flavors: Cherry Kiwi, Blue Raspberry, Peach Mango, Sour Gummy, Black Cherry
• Price Per Serving: $1.83

Pros

• 1,000mg of l-tyrosine can help improve your focus and concentration.
• 305mg of caffeine is more suited for male athletes given the gender’s ability to better metabolize the ingredient. (3)
• Excellent taste that you’ll want to enjoy rather than down quickly before a workout, according to our tester.

Cons

• 4,000mg of beta-alanine may leave some athletes with uncomfortable skin tingles.
• While flavorful, the available options are more unique and limited.
• Not as all-encompassing as other pre-workout formulas.

Okay, so classifying a weight-loss pre-workout solely for male or female athletes is sort of unnecessary — the supplements can be a worthwhile addition to any regimen regardless of your identification. With that said, though, studies have indicated that male athletes can metabolize caffeine at a higher rate than women, which means they can consume the ingredient at higher doses with less adverse effects. (3) BULK Black’s 305mg of caffeine per scoop, then, can be prime for athletes wanting that jolt of energy equivalent to over three standard cups of coffee.

We also enjoyed the 1,000mg of l-tyrosine, which helped improve focus and concentration when honing in our workouts. “All I could think about was lifting heavy circles,” our tester noted. Studies have shown that l-tyrosine reduces the effects of stress and allows for greater mental focus and endurance, so having a worthwhile dose can be great when trying to push yourself for a higher caloric burn. (9)

Our tester also stated that despite the heavier presence of caffeine and other performance-based ingredients, BULK Black didn’t leave them with any dreaded crash or tiredness post-workout. This can be great for athletes that typically train in the evening hours, as there’s less fear of compromising your sleep schedule for the sake of better performance in the gym.

Lastly, while we experienced minimal side effects with BULK Black, we understand that this is subjective to each individual athlete. For example, we didn’t experience any uncomfortable tingles in relation to the 4,000mg dose of beta-alanine, but recognize that this is a hefty dose nonetheless.

If you’re not a fan of the skin-crawling sensations associated with beta-alanine, you may want to forgo this option from Transparent Labs. If you’re willing to deal with the experience, though, try thinking of that tingling sensation as your fat running away from your physique — it could be a solid mind game to help you reap the best results possible.

Read our full Transparent Labs BULK Black Review.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Women: KOS Bolt from the Blue

Specs

• Caffeine: 70mg
• Key Ingredients: Organic ashwagandha, ginseng, spirulina, and B-complex
• Flavors: Electric Boostberry
• Price Per Serving: $1.43

Pros

• Ingredients such as ashwagandha and rhodiola help support your mood.
• All-natural, organic, vegan composition.
• Inclusion of folate and a B-vitamin complex aligns with women-specific needs by supporting energy, as well as reproductive and post-menopausal health. (8)

Cons

• There’s just 70mg of caffeine, which may not be enough for some.
• 995mg of the Blue Energy and Focus proprietary blend doesn’t promote the best sense of transparency.
• Those wanting a more traditional pre-workout with the likes of citrulline, beta-alanine and other common ingredients should look elsewhere.

Again, you can experience the performance benefits of weight loss pre-workouts no matter your identification, but this unique offering from KOS has an interesting mixture of ingredients that can help support female athletes (whether they’re taking on a weight loss goal or not). Key ingredients such as 20mcg of folate and 995mg of a Blue Energy and Focus proprietary blend are interesting additions, as they can be especially important for women due to their potential support on energy levels, as well as reproductive and post-menopausal health. (8)

KOS’s Bolt from the Blue is also a worthwhile pre-workout for women — or any interested athlete, for that matter — thanks to its all-natural, organic, vegan make-up. This approach to supplementation can be great for those wanting a cleaner nutrition regimen or anyone looking to avoid synthetic ingredients.

With that being said, the “clean” approach isn’t immediately understood when reading the entire ingredients list. The proprietary blend here leaves the exact doses for each ingredient in question. This could drive some customers seeking more transparency away from KOS. Additionally, those wanting a bigger energy boost than your average cup of coffee may be left wanting more after drinking this mixture, since a serving only includes 70mg of caffeine. Still, though, it can be a worthwhile option for beginner athletes or those looking for an alternative to more potent pre-workouts on the market today.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout

Specs

• Caffeine: 0mg
• Key Ingredients: 5g of citrulline malate, 3.2g of beta-alanine carnosyn, 2g of L-carnitine, 1.2mg of L-taurine, 500mg of pomegranate
• Flavors: Mango Lemonade, Strawberry Dragonfruit
• Price Per Serving: $2.11

Pros

• The lack of caffeine makes this a solid non-stimulant option for athletes who work out late at night or may just want to avoid stimulants altogether.
• Mixes fairly easily for added convenience before hitting the gym.
• 1,000mg of coconut water powder helps promote better intra-workout hydration.

Cons

• Other weight loss pre-workouts offer a more robust flavor selection.
• A higher dosage of beta-alanine can lead to more skin tingles than preferred.
• Athletes wanting a boost in energy may want to opt for a stimulant-based pre-workout.

Not every pre-workout needs to be this jitter-inducing concoction. There are plenty of stimulant-free options available, including this impressive supplement from Swolverine. PRE Pre-Workout contains zero caffeine yet still boasts a solid amount of other common pre-workout ingredients for improved endurance and blood flow during training.

Additionally, our tester noted that PRE delivered a heightened sense of focus, which can be partially attributed to the presence of Siberian ginseng in the makeup. Commonly used as a stand-in for caffeine in other stim-free pre-workouts, this “adaptogen” ginseng has been shown to improve athletic performance, reduce fatigue, and improve mental focus. (2)

Mixing Swolverine’s PRE Pre-Workout also proved to be a simple endeavor, as the powder had an efficient solubility in testing. To be on the cautious side, though, it may be best to give your mixture a quick jostle before each sip, as we’ve had experiences with settled powder clumps in previous training sessions (albeit not too often).

Another unique perk to this stimulant-free pre-workout is the inclusion of coconut water powder. This added ingredient can help promote better hydration during workouts, leading to more fulfilling sets and reps as you chase down that desired waistline. (6) Sure, we’d still recommend supplementing your exercise with a sports drink or water to help you stay replenished during your workouts, but this convenient perk can be a good foundation to start from.

Of course, there’s always an opposite side to the coin, though, and the main pitfall with PRE is its lack of variety in the flavor department. This pre-workout only lists two available flavors: Mango Lemonade and Strawberry Dragonfruit. If you opt for this pre-workout as an added cog to your weight loss nutrition plan, you could be left with flavor fatigue sooner rather than later. Plus, the listed tastes aren’t the most “basic” of the bunch, so the available options may not be the best fit for every athlete altogether.

Best Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Nitro Surge

Specs

• Caffeine: 360mg
• Key Ingredients: 6,000mg of l-citrulline, 3.2g of beta alanine, 360mg of caffiene
• Flavors: Arctic While, Black Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Blueberry Lemonade, Cherry Limeage, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Grape, Green Apple, Natural Peach Mango, Pineapple, Rocket Pop, Sour Peach Rings, Strawberry Margarita, Swoleberry, Watermelon
• Price Per Serving: $1.00

Pros

• There are 16 flavors to choose from, varying from the basic to the more eclectic.
• One two-scoop serving can deliver a caffeine dose equivalent to four standard cups of coffee.
• The 3,200mg of beta-alanine falls within the research-backed dosage recommendations. (10)

Cons

• The pre does not include creatine for other performance-laden benefits.
• It isn’t third-party tested, although the pre-workout is produced in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility.
• There are more ingredient-rich formulas from other competing options.

Who said that a weight loss journey needed to be lacking in flavor? This impressive Nitro Surge pre-workout from Jacked Factory offers up a ton of mouth-watering flavors, ranging from trusted options like Grape and Blue Raspberry to the more adventurous tastes of Rocket Pop, Sour Peach Rings, and more. From our tester’s perspective, though, Strawberry Margarita is the top-tasting pick thanks to its “wildly delicious” flavor profile. Plus, we enjoyed the ample amounts of energy in each serving thanks to the 180mg of caffeine per scoop.

We do mention “per scoop” in this review because Jacked Factory was kind enough to break down dosages in both one-scoop and two-scoop columns across the tub. This can help you better understand how much of each ingredient you’re looking to ingest before your next fat-burning workout. The dual-columned nature can also make it easier for pre-workout novices to understand where the sensations at play are coming from.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Nitro Surge is not third-party tested, so athletes required to abide by governing organizations should expect to take a closer look at the full make-up. With that said, though, Jacked Factory does produce its supplements in a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)-certified and FDA-registered facility, so there is still some reassurance at play.

It’s worth reiterating, too, that Nitro Surge is one of the most budget-friendly pre-workouts you can add to your weight loss nutrition plan, as servings come in right at $1.00. Sure, you won’t get the robust composition present in other mixtures, but on taste alone, we’re willing to sacrifice a few rows on the ingredients list.

Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Swolverine PRE Pre-Workout

Specs

• Caffeine: 0mg
• Key Ingredients: 5g of citrulline malate, 3.2g of beta-alanine carnosyn, 2g of L-carnitine, 1.2mg of L-taurine, 500mg of pomegranate
• Flavors: Mango Lemonade, Strawberry Dragonfruit
• Price Per Serving: $2.11

Pros

• There are no artificial colors, preservatives, or ingredients present in the composition.
• This product includes beetroot and betaine to potentially help with more fulfilling pumps.
• Swolverine offers a monthly subscription service which can save you 15 percent per tub.

Cons

• This has a higher cost per serving than other pre-workouts listed in this guide.
• Athletes wanting a more fruitful flavor variety should look elsewhere.
• Swolverine does not include creatine, a valued ingredient by some pre-workout users.

Boosted energy and better fat-burning potential doesn’t need to require a slew of artificial sweeteners and other components. Case in point, this pre-workout from Swolverine forgoes the common additives, colors, and preservatives for a clean-burning concoction built from natural ingredients for boosted energy, endurance, and focus.

We appreciate PRE’s all-natural makeup as it contains less than one gram of sugar per serving with no added sugars. The non-stim makeup also eliminates any irritating jitters, but there’s still 1,000mg of Siberian ginseng for better focus. Customer reviews have also praised PRE for its digestible nature, as it rests easily on the stomach and can be suitable for athletes who work out without a hearty meal beforehand.

Yes, PRE does come in at a more expensive price tag per serving, but thankfully Swolverine offers a subscription-based service that allows you to keep your trusted pre-workout in stock for 15 percent less than market value. We do recommend thinking through this service before signing up, though, as there are fewer flavor options across this profile than you may find with other pre-workouts in this guide. You can choose between Strawberry Dragonfruit, or Mango Lemonade — the latter of which we found to be heavy on the mango but refreshing nonetheless.

How We Chose the Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss

Finding a solid pre-workout for weight loss routines is fairly similar to the art of finding a worthwhile pre-workout in general. Still, though, there are a few key items we considered when crafting this fat-targeting, energy-boosting roundup. 

Ingredients and Formulation

There are certain ingredients — like caffeine, creatine, citrulline, citrulline malate, and beta-alanine — that should be present in most high-quality pre-workouts. For this weight loss-specific roundup, we also looked for helpful fat-burning ingredients like l-carnitine, l-tyrosine, green tea extract, and more. Plus, we know that the presence of an ingredient is one thing, but the actual dosage is just as important. Most, if not all, of the pre-workouts for weight loss included in this guide contain key ingredients delivered in research-backed dosages for the most optimal effects possible.

Price Per Serving

You want to get your money’s worth when it comes to supplements, right? Most pre-workouts will fall anywhere between $1.00 and $2.00 per serving. There are more expensive blends out there, but oftentimes, the results don’t justify the higher cost. We took a close look at each pre-workout’s per serving price tag to ensure we listed well-performing supplements that aim to make an impact on your weight loss — not your wallet.

Brand Transparency

Proprietary blends are commonly used in pre-workouts and can be spotted by a list of ingredients without measured dosages. Now, because of the prominence of proprietary blends in pre-workouts, we don’t automatically discredit a supplement if it contains such components — but it doesn’t bode well for the brand’s transparency. Additionally, we’ve included a handful of picks below due in part to the brand’s crystal-clear dosing and measurements. After all, when it comes to the complex structure of pre-workout, the clearer and more approachable an ingredients list is, the better.

Third-Party Testing

Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there’s room for malpractice when it comes to the actual makeup of pre-workout supplements. This can be especially problematic for athletes that need to abide by rules set in place by the World Anti-Doping Agency, NCAA, and other regulating organizations. To help navigate this “wild west” environment, some companies will employ a third-party to test for substances banned by such entities, helping ensure that the ingredients listed on your pre-workout are actually present in the formula. Popular third-party testing companies include Informed Choice, Informed Sport, and NSF.

Taste

Sure, everyone has their own flavor palette, but if we deem a pre-workout to be undrinkable, odds are that others will feel the same way. While we haven’t taste tested the entire gamut of pre-workout flavors on the market, we have a solid understanding of which flavors are typically appealing (and how they should actually taste). As such, we like to include our personal notes on the taste wherever relevant in the hopes that your supplementation is a consistently enjoyable endeavor.

Benefits of Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss

While adding a pre-workout to your supplement regimen won’t inherently trigger a fat-burning state, there are still a few perks that come with these training additives that can make for a more worthwhile weight loss journey.

Better Caloric Burn

To best achieve that desired physique or reading on the scale, you’ll need to achieve a calorie deficit. (7) This means burning off more calories than you’re consuming. But to safely go about this discipline, you can’t forgo consuming calories altogether — you still need to eat a healthy diet to maintain your progress and efficiency. As such, going hard in the gym can help you maintain that caloric deficit, and these pre-workouts for weight loss can play a key role in those tough training sessions.

Additionally, eating fewer calories throughout the day can leave you feeling drained when it comes time to work out. Supplementing with a worthwhile pre-workout for weight loss can help you overcome this obstacle. Some employ potential fat-burning components like l-carnitine, while others may keep you burning through your training with higher caffeine servings.

And when pre-workouts don’t include these ingredients, they instead feature higher doses of other performance-enhancing components to help you really sweat it out in the gym. It’s all a matter of determining how much you want your pre-workout to work with your weight loss journey — as well as how tolerant your body is in regards to these added ingredients.

Improved Focus

In addition to energy perks, many pre-workouts can help you hone in your mental fitness when it comes to working out for the sake of weight loss. Ingredients including l-tyrosine, alpha-GPC, and others are designed to help you focus more throughout your exercises, minimizing any distractions you may have that can take away from your goal-chasing endeavors. (14)

Having a more focused approach when working out to burn fat can also keep your mind on moving weight or hitting PRs rather than your weakened energy levels or nagging hunger. After all, maintaining a caloric deficit can be taxing on the mind, and having any form of support system to help you achieve a better burn is always a convenient addition to your regimen.

Enhanced Energy Conversion

When speaking of energy conversion in pre-workouts, you’re looking for the presence of ingredients such as l-carnitine, which can help improve fat oxidation. (12) This is a fancy way of saying that fatty acids are transported into cells more efficiently to create energy more efficiently. As a result, burned fat for the sake of power can lead to a better caloric burn in the end.

Appetite Suppression

Studies have indicated that caffeine intake can have a loose effect on suppressing your appetite throughout the day. (11) While it’s not an absolute appetite suppressant, being less hungry throughout your training and daily habits can be a good way to promote an easier caloric deficit. Pre-workouts can be a tasty way to consume the powerful ingredient in an effective, efficient manner — especially when trying to get psyched up for a hard-hitting, sweat-inducing workout.

Common Ingredients in Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss

Pre-workouts for weight loss are similar in structure to most pre-workouts on the market. With that said, however, there are still a few key ingredients to look for when trying to find a powder more attuned to your fat-burning fitness goals.

Caffeine

This popular pre-workout ingredient has been linked to improved alertness, perceived exertion, power output, and other performance-based benefits. (1) Heightened caffeine intake has also been linked to better weight, BMI, and body fat reduction, hence its presence in most weight loss pre-workouts. (13) A natural, organic alkaloid, caffeine is found in dozens of plants, but most commonly connected to coffee beans.

In terms of dosages, an effective serving can equate to three to 6mg per kilogram of body weight. For reference, a standard cup of coffee contains roughly 95mg of caffeine, per the FDA.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is more common in worthwhile fat-burning supplements, but some pre-workouts also use the effective ingredient for weight loss-specific needs. Essentially, this compound can help deliver fatty acids into your mitochondria for improved energy conversion, making it great for targeting stubborn fat for the sake of improved caloric burn. (12)

Green Tea Extract

Like l-carnitine, green tea extract can also have a positive effect on your fat-burning potential by helping improve energy conversion within your body. Because of this, studies have indicated that green tea extract can have a positive effect on both weight loss and weight management. (5)

Green tea extract can also be a good source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and caffeine, creating a more robust mixture within your powerful pre-workout.

L-Tyrosine

While research is limited when it comes to l-tyrosine, the data suggests that supplementation can help you improve your focus mid-training by increasing production of adrenaline and dopamine. (9) Athletes should consider a proper dose to fall between 100 and 150mg per kilogram of body weight taken an hour before exercise — although some may experience GI distress with heavier servings.

Which Ingredients Should You Avoid with Weight Loss Pre-Workouts?

In general, you should avoid any ingredients that you know you’re sensitive to when searching for a proper weight loss-specific pre-workout. Items like excess doses of caffeine or beta-alanine can leave you with unpleasant sensations and uneasiness during training, so there’s no point in consuming a product that will leave you worse for wear — your calorie deficit can do just fine on its own in those cases.

Speaking of calories, when choosing a pre-workout for your weight loss journey, aim for a mixture that doesn’t use excess carbohydrates, like dextrose or maltodextrin, as a source of energy. These may linger in your system and not burn off as effectively during exercise, leaving you with unforeseen caloric intake that could throw off your nutritional goals.

How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Pre-Workout for You

Yes, pre-workouts are legal supplements and there are plenty of athletes utilizing them to their full advantage day in and day out. With that said, you still have some homework when trying to decide on a supplement for your personal fat-burning regimen. Below are just a few things to remember when trying to pick between powders.

Caffeine Per Serving

Caffeine is, after all, considered a drug, and everyone’s tolerance is different. The range of caffeine per serving from pre-workout to pre-workout can vary greatly between brands, so always look to ensure your personal powder falls in-line with your needs and wants.

It can also be a good idea to abstain from caffeine usage now and again so as to help defend against building up a heightened tolerance. Excessive caffeine consumption can make it difficult for your nervous system to relax post-workout, leading to more sleepless evenings and physical states not conducive to proper recovery. If you’re continually needing more and more caffeine to charge up for the day or a given training session, take a week without it to let your body wean off the drug for a while.

Fat-Burning Ingredients

Ingredients like l-carnitine and green tea extract can be excellent additions to your pre-workout formula if your main goal is to lose weight. These ingredients can help you target those stubborn areas for improved energy conversion, potentially leading to a better caloric burn in the end. While not every weight loss pre-workout will include these components, they are a definite plus that can add some robustness to your supplementation.

Flavors

Keeping a consistent routine with supplementation is key to reaping the desired results, and how can you expect to energize your training with pre-workout you don’t find tasty? Be sure to search for a pre-workout that aligns with your palette from the start. Many of the top-performing options, like those included in this roundup, offer multiple flavors across their respective rosters, too, so there’s a little room for exploration if you feel so inclined.

Cost

Most pre-workouts will vary between $1.00 and $2.00 per serving. This price can be influenced by the number of ingredients included in the concoction, as well as the doses of said components. Other inclusions such as fat-burning ingredients or creatine can also hike up the cost, since your formula is devised to be more performance-laden.

When considering which pre-workout is right for your weight loss regimen, it’s important to look at the price of a singular tub in relation to the amount of servings you’re receiving. This can give you a solid indication as to whether or not the supplement fits into your training budget.

Final Word

If you’re looking to make your weight loss journey run more smoothly, a well-to-do pre-workout supplement can be a good addition to your regimen. While some formulas cater specifically to this fat-burning style of training, others can provide secondary assistance to help ensure your workouts are powered up from start to finish.

When thinking of a pre-workout for weight loss endeavors, be sure to consider your tolerance to ingredients such as caffeine, beta-alanine, and other common components. Additionally, it helps to opt for a supplement that fits your taste buds and budget, so there’s less of a chance for buyer’s remorse mid-way through a tub. We’ve done a good bit of legwork already to help identify some positive picks for fat-burning, sweat-riddled training, so if a pre-workout can help you make the most of your fitness for the sake of better weigh-ins, odds are we’ve gotten hands-on with it. 

FAQs

References

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