The 11 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss of 2024, Medically Reviewed by an MD

Pre-workout supplements are one of the most popular supplements athletes take – and it’s no surprise why. They contain powerful ingredients like citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, which can help you increase your nitric oxide level for greater pumps and even improve your performance during high-intensity exercise. (1)(2)

But did you know that taking some of the best pre-workout supplements can also support your weight loss journey? While a nutrient dense diet and consistent exercise still reign supreme when it comes to weight loss, some pre-workouts are specifically designed to enhance fat-burning and boost your metabolism in conjunction with your balanced diet and workout routine. Check out our list of expert-tested and reviewed supplements, so you can find the best pre-workout for weight loss to fit your lifestyle.

The 11 Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss of 2024

• Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs LEAN
• Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Wick Mode
• Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X
• Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Gainful Pre-Workout (non-caffeinated)
• Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: XWERKS Ignite
• Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Legion Pulse
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Energy: Cellucor C4
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode
• Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Beginners: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout for Women’s Weight Loss: Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout
• Best Pre-Workout for Men’s Weight Loss: Transparent Labs BULK Black

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 healthcare provider before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.

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

Pros

Clinically dosed amount of citrulline

Contains ingredients that may support weight loss

8 delicious, fruity flavors

Contains essential vitamins and minerals

Cons

Slightly bitter aftertaste

Could be higher in beta-alanine content

Transparent Labs LEAN gets our vote for overall best pre-workout supplement for weight loss because of its weight loss-promoting ingredients, clean and effective formulation, and great taste. While this supplement contains a pretty long ingredient list, caffeine and L-carnitine are the ones to pay attention to for weight loss. Caffeine may support weight loss, fat loss, and overall reduction in body mass index (BMI). (3) 

This pick contains about the same amount of caffeine as two brewed cups of coffee to help support your weight loss goals. It also contains acetyl L-carnitine HCl, which may support fat loss by promoting fatty acid oxidation in our bodies, but further research is needed. (4)(5)(6)

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D., who is a Registered Dietitian, gave this product a 4 out of 5 for its formulation and states, “I love that each dose provides 6g of citrulline malate. Citrulline malate is a nitric oxide enhancer and 6g is a clinically proven dose.” Citrulline malate can support increasing reps to failure, although further studies are needed to understand this effect. (1) 

Some marks were deducted, however, for its lower beta-alanine content, since it’s below the 3.2 to 6.4 gram dose, which is shown to potentially improve athletic performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) “While I love the inclusion of beta-alanine, it’s on the lower end of what studies find to be the recommended dose in pre-workouts,” Bourgeois adds.

As far as taste goes, we gave Transparent Labs a score of 5 out of 5 – which makes it one of the best-tasting picks on our list. Our product tester states, “You might notice a very slightly bitter taste, but what I really like is that it’s not overly sweet.” Since this pick contains stevia extract, mild bitterness is expected, but it’s great to have an option that’s free from artificial sweeteners for those who prefer more natural ingredients. It also comes in eight fruity flavors, so if you don’t like a certain flavor, you’ll definitely find another flavor you’ll enjoy.

Read our full Transparent Labs LEAN Pre-Workout Review.

Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Jacked Factory Wick Mode

Pros

High doses of ingredients for tough workouts

Flexible dosing with one or two scoops

Mixes well, tastes great

Cons

Not for those who are sensitive to caffeine

Contains artificial sweetener sucralose

Not third-party tested

Ready to channel John Wick’s energy, focus, and determination during your training sessions? For your most intense workouts, you’ll want to give Jacked Factory Wick Mode a try since it’s one of the strongest pre-workouts for weight loss. While many pre-workouts out there skimp on clinically researched doses, Jacked Factory has you covered with the highest doses of caffeine, L-citrulline, and beta-alanine to support your workouts and your weight loss journey. 

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. gave this formulation a 4 out of 5 stars and states, “I like that it has research-backed doses of beta-alanine and L-citrulline to improve endurance and increase nitric oxide production.” First, caffeine may support weight loss in conjunction with a calorie deficit while fueling your workout. (3) Second, citrulline may help you get more reps into your workout. (1) Lastly, beta-alanine, at the 4-gram dose found in this pick, may boost your performance during high-intensity exercise. (2) While it’s not third-party tested and contains some proprietary blends, we appreciate the transparency around the amount and source of its clinically dosed ingredients.

Our product tester raved about this pick’s effectiveness and dosing flexibility, stating, “I took this for weeks, and it’s easily one of my all-time favorite pre-workouts now. I used it in the mornings before jiu-jitsu, and in the evenings before lifting weights. I do one scoop for morning workouts and it’s just the right amount of stimulation. I do 1.5 scoops when I want all the energy for lifting weights.” However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to adjust the dose to fit your needs or look for a pick with lower caffeine content to avoid getting the jitters. While the touted effects of this pre-workout are based on a 2-scoop serving, you could take just 1 scoop based on your needs.

Aside from its high effectiveness, Jacked Factory Wick Mode scored 5 out of 5 stars for taste and 5 out of 5 stars for solubility. It’s sweetened with artificial sweetener sucralose, which some people choose to avoid if they prefer natural ingredients (check out our list of the best natural pre-workouts if that sounds like you). Lastly, despite being in a larger serving size (2 scoops), it surprisingly blends well with water in a shaker bottle. Overall, if you need a pre-workout that’s as intense as your workouts, try Jacked Factory Wick Mode.

Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Nutricost Pre-X

Pros

Best value for your money

Contains powerful ingredients

Easy to drink

Cons

Not clinically effective doses

GI symptoms if taken on an empty stomach

Artificial sweeteners and flavors

Everything related to achieving your fitness goals and weight loss can be expensive – from gym memberships to fitness apparel – especially if you’re already dishing out extra money for the best supplements for weight loss. For those on a tight budget, Nutricost Pre-X can cost as little as $0.57 per serving when buying the bulk 60-serving tub on Amazon, although even the 30-serving tub is also still an economical option with a cost of $0.83 per serving compared to other picks on the list.

While economical, this pre-workout formula isn’t too shabby. Overall, we gave Nutricost Pre-X a 3.75 out of 5 for its effective and simple formula. Our tester states, “Even two hours after taking it, I didn’t have a big drop in energy as I do with other pre-workouts.” However, while it contains powerful pre-workout ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine, the L-citrulline is not provided in a high enough dose to support muscle gain. (1) (13)

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “It contains powerful ingredients, but the doses of some miss the mark just a bit. For example, there’s no set standard amount of L-citrulline in a pre-workout, but most studies point to a need for at least 6 to 8g per serving.” Additionally, although it contains natural color (beetroot), it contains artificial flavors and colors, which some people may not want in their supplements.

Given the high caffeine content, you might also experience a slight laxative effect. Caffeine can stimulate colon motility and increase bowel movements. (14) Our product tester, who is a competitive weightlifter, states, “Make sure you don’t take this on an empty stomach. I did that, and it hit me really hard and fast.”  

Nutricost Pre-X is also easy to drink and comes in delicious flavors. Our testers tried it in cold water as well as room temperature and enjoyed it both ways. One of our testers gave this pick a 4 out of 5 for taste while another gave it a 5 out of 5. Despite being economically priced, this pick has a decent formula and comes in flavors that you might just swoon over.

Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Gainful Pre-Workout 

Pros

Stimulant-free option

Contains BCAAs

Low in carbs and sugar

Cons

Creatine may cause water retention

Not rated as highly on taste

Stim-free not too strong

If you’re sensitive to caffeine and other stimulants and want one of the best non-stim pre-workouts, we think Gainful Pre-Workout is a top choice. Gainful offers both a caffeinated and non-caffeinated option to meet your personalized needs – and this version is 100 percent stimulant-free.

As a registered dietitian, I love that this product uses a clinically studied ingredient (creatine), contains branched-chain amino acids, and is low in carbs and sugar. In the sports nutrition world, creatine monohydrate reigns supreme as the most researched form of creatine. (15) Taking creatine pre-workout can help increase energy to your muscle cells during workouts by generating creatine phosphate. (15)

“In addition to improving muscle function, studies suggest creatine may also enhance cognitive performance,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine.

Additionally, it contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) which are essential amino acids that your body needs, but can’t produce on its own, so you need to get them through food or supplements. Plus, BCAAs may help reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. (16) Now, that’s a win without even needing to stuff your body with stimulants.

Overall, I would rate the formula a 4.5 out of 5 with deductions due to the potential water weight gain from creatine. Although creatine is highly recommended for its athletic performance boost, it may not be the best pre-workout for weight loss if you weigh yourself often. Rest assured, the weight gain you may experience from creatine is due to water weight gain as a result of water being pulled in your muscle cells, though. (15)

Pro tip: Try to weigh yourself first thing in the morning or outside of your workout windows when the creatine is still in your system, and you’re not as overly hydrated.

With stimulant-free options, it can be more difficult to “feel” the effects of the pre-workout supplement. Some customer reviews speak to the lack of effectiveness despite trying out this supplement for a prolonged period, while others rave about the clean energy they get without the caffeine jitters. One of the only other downsides we saw with this product was poor reviews on taste – some customers noted an artificial watermelon taste that they didn’t love. Try it for yourself, though – we think this pick checks all the boxes for a stellar stim-free pre-workout.

Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: XWERKS Ignite 

Pros

Five-star taste

Sustainable energy without crash

Mild caffeine content

Cons

May experience tingles

Expensive for lower doses of ingredients

Contains fillers and artificial ingredients

If taste is important to you, try XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout. From our testing, we rated it a 5 out of 5, putting it at the top of our list of picks when it comes to taste. Customers on the XWERKS website and Amazon agree, giving it an overall 4.6 out of 5 stars for taste, with the Green Apple flavor receiving raving reviews about it tasting like sour candy. Our tester states, “I really liked the Watermelon flavor, but you can definitely pick up on the artificial sweeteners.” This pick comes in four delicious, fruity flavors that our team and customers seem to love.

Aside from taste, this product contains key ingredients that are focused on sustainable energy so that you don’t crash mid-workout. “You will get the tingles from this, but I also felt very energized and very focused for my workout,” our tester notes. Ignite has a lower dose of caffeine than other products out there, which prevents you from crashing during or after your workout. With only 150mg of caffeine per serving, the caffeine content is well within the limit of under 400mg per day that the FDA recommends. (17) It’s still well within the range, though, to support your weight loss goals. (3)

The formula also contains dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), which is an antioxidant to fight off harmful free radicals in your body. (18) Moreover, it contains L-citrulline and beta-alanine, which are popular pre-workout ingredients to improve blood flow and delay muscle fatigue, respectively. (1)(2)(13)

However, Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. states, “Considering its cost per serving, I wish its ingredients were more clinically dosed.” Due to the lower doses of key ingredients and the inclusion of low-grade filler ingredients and artificial ingredients, Bourgeois rated this formula at 2.5 out of 5. While there are cleaner pre-workout supplements on our list, XWERKS Ignite is our recommended pick if you’re a taste and flavor enthusiast.

Read our full XWERKS Ignite Pre-Workout Review.

Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss: Legion Pulse

Pros

All-natural ingredients

Third-party tested

Research-backed ingredients

Available stim-free

Cons

Stevia may cause GI distress

Caffeine content may be too high

Unfortunately, many pre-workout supplements are loaded with artificial sugars, colors, or fillers. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with zero natural options. For those who want to prioritize a weight-loss pre-workout that’s natural, we recommend Legion Pulse.

Legion Pulse is a third-party tested formula that has research to back its ingredients. It’s also free of artificial sugars and fillers. We also love that you can buy this product with zero caffeine. As it is, this one packs 350 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which is on the high side.

“Legion Athletics Pulse gets a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN. “It has a hefty dose of sodium and caffeine in each serving, which isn’t ideal for all athletes. … I love that this product is tested by a third-party lab. And I love that there are no artificial sweeteners or dyes.”

Our testers loved the effects, too. According to them, it takes only about 15 minutes to kick in. “I feel my energy and focus boost when I take this pre-workout — it’s my go-to,” they said. “I feel more motivated to lift harder and improve my PRs.”

We loved the pink lemonade flavor, rating this category a 5 out of 5. However, our tester does prefer to water it down a bit. “There’s no settling at the bottom,” our tester said, giving the solubility a 5 out of 5, too. “I didn’t notice any clumping or grittiness.”

One side effect we want to highlight is the tingling. This product does have beta-alanine, so you may experience a little jitters or tingling, which not all athletes love.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Energy: Cellucor C4

Pros

This has 200mg of caffeine for energy

Budget-friendly

Subscription for discount available

Cons

Not third-party tested

Sweetened with sucralose

Other picks have higher caffeine

The whole point of a pre-workout formula is increased energy while training, right? Cellucor C4 comes with 200 milligrams of caffeine and two grams of beta-alanine to help promote more energy during your training session.

“C4 scores a 3.75 out of 5 for its formulation, with deductions for its low doses of evidence-based ingredients and artificial sweeteners,” according to Chelsea Rae Bourgeois. However, we do love the moderate caffeine dose, so you don’t need to totally forego coffee.

“This pre-workout only took about 15 minutes to kick in,” our tester said. “I felt really energized and focused during my workout — the weights were definitely moving. And the effects lasted about an hour and 15 minutes, without any crashing feeling.”

Our testers were impressed with the flavor, too, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. “The Icy Blue Razz flavor is delicious,” they said. “It’s sweet but not overly so. It’s exactly like blue raspberry.”

When it comes to solubility, we had to dock the product a few points, giving this category a 3.5 out of 5. The product didn’t fully dissolve, according to our testers. After mixing the product in a shaker cup, we did notice a layer of white residue floating on the top.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain: Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode

Pros

Contains creatine for muscle gain

Many flavor options

Info for one and two scoops

Cons

Not third-party tested

Sweetened with sucralose

Very sweet flavor

Buying a ton of individual supplements can fill up your pantry (and drain your bank account) really quickly. So, it’s wise to take advantage of multipurpose products as often as possible. This pre-workout supplement also contains 2,500 milligrams of creatine monohydrate per scoop, ideal for those looking to build muscle and strength.

“I’ve taken a lot of pre-workout over time and I liked how focused I felt with this one,” according to our tester, giving it an overall 4 out of 5 for effects. “I also noticed a nice pump relatively shortly after drinking the product.”

When it comes to taste, though, we had to dock this product a few points, rating it a 2 out of 5 in this category. Our team tried the fruit punch and found the taste a little underwhelming. “It was really sweet and I could definitely taste the artificial sweetener,” our tester said.

We also weren’t too pleased with the solubility. Our tester said the product texture was incredibly gritty, finding it difficult to dissolve all the product. They mixed the powder in a standard shaker cup for several minutes and still weren’t able to get the clumps to dissolve, earning this category a 2 out of 5.

Our tester didn’t notice any tingles with this product, which some athletes may actually prefer. That being said, those who are a little more sensitive to stimulants may notice a little bit of this side effect — just something to keep in mind.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Beginners: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout

Pros

Moderate ingredient doses

Contains creatine

Dissolves smoothly

Cons

Not third-party tested

Sweetened with sucralose

Causes mild tingles

For those who haven’t used a pre-workout powder in the past, starting with a moderate formula is crucial. Cellucor’s C4 pre-workout powder packs a moderate dose of caffeine, beta-alanine, and citrulline, among other ingredients, making it ideal for beginners. Plus, you get three grams of creatine monohydrate per serving, ideal for those starting out who want to gain strength.

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN also highlighted the micronutrients in the formula, but its formulation earned a 3 out of 5. “Gold Standard’s creatine content and vitamin and mineral profile are definitely added bonuses to a standard pre-workout formula,” she says. “However, it’s tough not to deduct points for the several artificial ingredients and the low doses of some of the formula’s influential compounds.”

“I got great energy and focus from this product,” our tester said, giving the effects a 4 out of 5. “I didn’t have an overly strong pump and felt a little tingly but nothing crazy. It’s an excellent, staple pre-workout.”

Our testers were impressed with the flavor, giving it a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. “There are testers on our team who have been using this product for years and love the flavor,” one tester noted. “I tried the Watermelon and loved the sweetness level. It’s not overly sweet at all.”

This product dissolves pretty smoothly, too, in just eight ounces of water. Our testers rated this category a 5 out of 5, too, as it tasted perfectly smooth after mixing in just a plain shaker cup.

Another pro for beginners? This product is pretty affordable. Spending tons of cash on your first pre-workout formula isn’t the wisest choice — after all, you may not even like the supplement. $1.09 per serving is pretty doable for most and won’t take a serious hit to your wallet.

Best Pre-Workout for Women’s Weight Loss: Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout

Pros

Moderate caffeine dose

Third-party tested

No artificial colors or preservatives

Cons

One flavor option

Some may want higher stimulants

There’s no one pre-workout supplement that’s better for one gender than another. That being said, athletes with smaller bodies may prefer a more moderate caffeine dose, which is why we recommend Pre Lab Pro.

This product packs only 80 milligrams of caffeine per serving, which can offer a little energy jolt without producing any jitters. Whereas one of our testers (who identifies as male) didn’t notice much energy or focus, another tester (who identifies as female) felt plenty of effects.

“I’m pretty sensitive to stimulants, so this product was perfect for me,” she said, giving the side effects a 5 out of 5 rating. “I felt energized and focused without feeling jittery or having any kind of crash.”

Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN highlighted the ingredients behind that energy and focus when she scored its formula 4.25 out of 5. “While the caffeine content may be low, research indicates that combining caffeine with theanine and tyrosine may support cognitive function and mental focus,” she says.

Unfortunately, both testers were pretty disappointed with the flavor, giving it a 2 out of 5 rating. “The taste was incredibly sour and acidic,” one tester said. “I definitely had to force it down. It’s all natural, though, so I guess that makes sense.”

Neither of our testers felt any tingling, which we liked for beginners. This side effect can draw focus away from the workout, which isn’t what you want as you’re first starting out.

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

Pros

Clinically dosed ingredients to support men’s workouts

Natural testosterone-boosting ingredients

Highly rated for taste 

Mixes well

Cons

Inclusion of proprietary blends

Bitter aftertaste to some individuals

While there are many ingredients in Transparent Labs BULK Black, several ingredients stand out that make this product one of the best pre-workouts for men for weight loss: vitamin D, zinc, L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine. While further research is needed, studies show a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and lower testosterone levels, as well as  zinc levels and testosterone levels. (11)(12) Whether you have a testosterone deficiency or are looking to boost your levels, this pick has you covered with natural testosterone boosters.

This formula also contains two important amino acids. It contains 8 grams of citrulline, which is an amino acid that is known for its ability to raise nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow during even the toughest workouts for men. (1) Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, M.S., R.D.N., L.D. agrees and states, “This is a clinically effective dose of citrulline malate to improve strength, muscle endurance, and aerobic performance.” It also contains a clinically effective dose of 4g of beta-alanine, an amino acid that helps delay muscle fatigue without feeling tired. (2)(13) This means men can go harder on workouts with more reps, resulting in more lean muscle growth.

Lastly, caffeine is known for its fat-burning properties, to help men achieve that chiseled look and a lower body fat percentage. (3) With 275mg of caffeine, this product is a high-stim formula that is ideal for caffeine lovers but may not be a fit for those sensitive to caffeine. Overall, we scored this formula a 4.25 out of 5 with minor deductions based on the inclusion of proprietary blends, although all ingredients are third-party tested for purity, safety, quality, and efficacy.

We know that many pre-workouts can taste bitter or overly sweet. Our product testers gave this product a 5 out of 5 stars for taste and think the sweetness is just right. “The Peach Mango flavor is a tropical paradise. I could drink this all day just for the taste,” our tester tastes. With a 4.5-star average rating on the Transparent Labs website and raving reviews on Amazon, customers who have tried this product also agree. However, some Amazon reviews note a bitter aftertaste from the stevia sweetener.

Read our full Transparent Labs Bulk Black Pre-Workout Review.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best pre-workout for weight loss, we’ve tested nearly 100 different supplements from some of the industry’s most trusted brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, read the BarBend Supplement Testing Methodology page.   

• Effectiveness: Pre-workouts aren’t just for show — they need to deliver on what they promise. We’ve extensively tested all products to see if they helped increase our energy levels and pump during workouts while supporting weight loss goals.
• Side Effects: While some people are more sensitive to side effects than others, we’ve had several of our testers evaluate each product to see if they get jitters, tingles, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We’ve also included lower caffeine and stimulant-free options for those who are highly sensitive to stimulants.
• Formulation Quality: We’ve vetted supplement facts tables and ingredient lists to bring you the best pre-workout supplements with high-quality ingredients and without harmful additives or low-grade fillers that could negatively impact your health.
• Taste: Taste matters because nobody wants to drink a yucky pre-workout drink. A pre-workout that tastes good is easier to incorporate into your routine and helps you stay consistent with use. From blueberry lemonade to cherry limeade, we’ve searched far and wide for the tastiest pre-workout supplements to include on our list.
• Solubility: While clumpiness is less of an issue with pre-workout supplements compared to protein powders, we’ve tested these picks in room temperature and cold water to make sure they mix well.
• Value: From economical picks starting from $0.57 per serving to more premium selections that cost up to $3.00 per serving for those with more specific dietary needs and fitness goals, we’ve got a range of products that deliver the best value. 
• Third-Party Testing: Third-party testing is important because pre-workout supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA. Pre-workout supplements verified by third-party testing organizations are more likely to be free from contaminants and accurately labeled, providing peace of mind that you’re consuming a product that is safe, effective, and stands for quality. We’ve done the research for you on whether each pick has gone through third-party testing or not.

Benefits of the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss

Pre-workouts can help you lose weight and fat and help you perform more reps so that you can accelerate your progress. Additionally, certain ingredients can help with building muscle mass, while others can support faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of the best pre-workouts for weight loss.

• Lose weight and fat: Pre-workout supplements often contain ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract, which can help you lose weight and fat while boosting your metabolism. (3) “Green tea extract may be a good alternative for athletes who are looking for a metabolic boost but who can’t tolerate the stimulant effects of caffeine,” says Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a dual board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine. This helps you burn more calories during your workout, resulting in a calorie deficit. When paired with a reduced-calorie diet, these pre-workouts may help you drop the pounds.
• More reps to failure and better pumps: Ingredients like L-citrulline and beta-alanine may enhance blood flow and athletic performance, which can help you push through more reps and achieve better muscle pumps. (1)(2)
• Build muscle mass: Muscle growth alongside weight loss can help you achieve that “lean” aesthetic. While pre-workout supplements don’t directly help with building muscle, ingredients like creatine can help raise levels of creatine phosphate in your muscles to help build mass over time and more efficiently. (15)
• Faster recovery: Ingredients such as BCAAs and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) in pre-workout supplements can help with faster muscle recovery time by reducing muscle soreness and replenishing lost nutrients. (16)(19)

How Much Do The Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss Cost?

Costs for the best pre-workouts for weight loss can vary widely based on individual needs and preferences. They can range from $0.57 to $2.95 per serving. Whether you’re looking for basic energy boosters or comprehensive blends with multiple benefits, understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice on the shelf.

Pro Tip: When evaluating different pre-workout supplements, be sure to look at price comparisons per serving and not just per scoop, since supplements can have varying serving sizes. 

Best Overall Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Transparent Labs LEAN	$1.50 to $1.67 per serving
Strongest Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Jacked Factory Wick Mode	$2.00 per serving
Best Budget Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Nutricost Pre-X	$0.57 to $0.83 per serving
Best Stim-Free Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Gainful Pre-Workout (non-caffeinated)	$1.86 per serving
Best-Tasting Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	XWERKS Ignite	$1.55 to $1.63 per serving
Best Natural Pre-Workout for Weight Loss	Legion Pulse	$2.25 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Energy	Cellucor C4	$0.87 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain	Gorilla Mind Gorilla Mode	$1.49 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss for Beginners	Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Pre-Workout	$0.83 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Women’s Weight Loss	Pre Lab Pro Pre-Workout	$2.95 per serving
Best Pre-Workout for Men’s Weight Loss	Transparent Labs BULK Black	$1.80 to $2.00 per serving

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss

If you’re wondering where to start, we have got you covered. Here are the main considerations to keep in mind before choosing a pre-workout for weight loss.

Dosage

Any pre-workout supplement can contain powerful ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, but the dosage needs to be clinically backed for the pre-workout to be effective. As a registered dietitian, I recommend keeping caffeine intake around the equivalent of two cups of coffee per day for its fat-burning effects. (3) Additionally, for L-citrulline (or citrulline malate) and beta-alanine, studies recommend 6 to 8g and 3 to 6g, respectively. (1)(2)(13)Check the supplement facts table to see what the doses of these ingredients are before buying.

Side Effects 

There are typically two ingredients to look out for when assessing for potential side effects: caffeine and beta-alanine. While caffeine can help you lose weight and fat, the FDA recommends limiting it to under 400mg per day to avoid its negative effects such as gastrointestinal symptoms and jitters. (17) 

If you have felt these symptoms from drinking a cup of joe before, you may want to start with a lower caffeine content pre-workout or choose a product that has a natural caffeine source like green tea extract. As for beta-alanine, this ingredient may cause “tingles”, otherwise known as paresthesia. (21) While this isn’t dangerous, it can be undesirable to many, especially if you’re not used to it.

Fitness Goals

Your dietary needs may vary depending on your specific fitness goals. For example, if you want to feel less sore and speed up recovery after your workouts, you’ll want to look for a supplement that contains BCAAs. (16) If you’re looking for greater pumps to push through a bodybuilding workout or long cardio sessions, you’ll want to find a product that contains a clinically dosed level of citrulline to increase your nitric oxide levels.  (1) Start with the outcome you’re looking to achieve and the ingredient(s) that’ll help you achieve that.

Ingredient Transparency

Look for high-quality ingredients that are third-party tested and fully disclosed. As a registered dietitian, I typically don’t recommend products that are full of proprietary blends since you don’t know the source of the ingredient or how much of it goes into the product. 

Since supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, ingredient transparency is important so that you’re not putting your health in harm’s way.

Best Pre-Workout for Weight Loss FAQs

References

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