Weight Loss Gummies: Do They Really Work?

Weight loss gummies may be tasty, but are they actually effective? Learn how they work and what to look for when buying weight-loss gummies.

Weight loss gummies
by
Rebecca Washuta
— Signos
MS, CNS, LDN
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Reviewed by

Rebecca Washuta
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Updated by

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Science-based and reviewed

Published:
September 19, 2024
September 5, 2024
— Updated:

Table of Contents

Approximately 74% of US adults are considered to be overweight or obese, so there is a large market for effective and easy weight loss solutions. While some people turn to prescription medications like Ozempic, others are looking for less expensive over-the-counter options like weight loss supplements. Dietary supplements that claim to help burn calories or fat have been around for decades, but one type in particular is gaining a lot of traction: weight loss gummies. Marketed as an effective way to get rid of excess pounds, weight loss gummies have been increasing in popularity over the last few years. These gummies are designed to be both convenient and tasty and come in various shapes, colors, and flavors. Weight loss gummies claim to have effects like reduced appetite and increased metabolism, but do they actually work? In this article, we’ll share the truth about these supplements and whether or not you.1

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What Are Weight Loss Gummies?

Weight loss gummies are a contemporary approach to weight management and are designed with a wide array of ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate over-the-counter supplements the same way it regulates pharmaceuticals, so the quality of the majority of these products is questionable at best. Supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and effective, but there is little to no proper regulatory oversight. Let’s look at how these gummies work and their typical key ingredients.2

Weight loss gummies incorporate various natural and synthetic compounds. Unlike traditional supplements, gummies tend to be more appealing due to their flavors and accessibility. Some of the most common active ingredients found in these gummies include caffeine, green tea extract, green coffee bean extract, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, carnitine, and vitamin B12. Many of these ingredients are believed to have fat-burning and appetite-suppressant effects on the body, and manufacturers claim their products can help people reach their weight loss goals. 

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=new-year-weight-loss-goals>How to Set Realistic Weight Loss Goals You Won’t Quit</a></a>.</div>

Types of Weight Loss Gummies

Keto weight loss gummies

Weight loss gummies can be grouped based on their key ingredients. Below are some of the most popular varieties:

  • Green Tea: Green tea is one of the most common beverages consumed worldwide and is associated with many health benefits. It’s believed to support weight loss by increasing energy expenditure, increasing fat breakdown, and decreasing fat absorption.3
  • Ketones: Ketones are naturally occurring compounds that your body produces when it burns fat (instead of glucose) for energy. By taking ketones orally, like in weight loss gummies, you may be able to keep your body in the “fat-burning mode,” resulting in advanced weight loss. 
  • Caffeine: Caffeine is widely known as a stimulant, and is consumed by many people via their morning coffee or tea. Used as an ingredient in weight loss gummies, caffeine is believed to increase thermogenesis and fat oxidation.2
  • Carnitine: Carnitine is an amino acid that plays an important role in energy production and is naturally found in many animal foods. As an ingredient in weight loss products, it’s thought to increase the rate of fat burn and help with weight management.

4 Best Gummies For Weight Loss

Choosing the best gummies for weight loss can be challenging, so it’s best to do your research. You ideally want to make sure the manufacturer has sound quality assurance practices. This means the supplement is produced under GMP conditions and is third-party tested for purity. With over-the-counter supplements, the amount of key ingredients listed on the label may not be what it’s in the bottle, so it’s crucial to do some digging to find reputable brands. As always, talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most popular weight loss gummies:

Organic Keto ACV Gummies 

These gummies may help people stay in ketosis (aka fat-burning mode). They can also help boost metabolism, and along with healthy lifestyle changes, they may help you lose that stubborn belly fat. 

Elm & Rye Slimming Gummies 

These gummies combine green tea extract, green coffee extract, and caffeine for a powerful weight-loss punch. Their medical advisory board includes a pharmacist and doctor of natural medicine, which helps improve their credibility.   

Olly Metabolism Gummy Rings 

These gummies contain vitamin B12 and apple cider vinegar. These are undoubtedly the safest ingredients and may help optimize metabolism when paired with regular exercise. Keep in mind that these gummies are not sugar-free.  

Green Tea Fat Burner Gummies For Weight Loss

Green Tea Fat Burner Gummies are made with green tea extract, ketones, and caffeine. Two gummies per day are purported to burn fat and boost metabolism. This product is inexpensive, with a sale price of around $20, and can be found at popular stores like Target. 

Weight Loss Gummies: Side Effects

Weight loss gummies side effects

As with any supplement, you need to be extremely careful when beginning a new regimen. Some weight loss gummies have active or inactive ingredients that cause an allergic reaction. Additionally, some of these ingredients may interact with other supplements or drugs, so make sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying gummies or any other weight-loss product. As many of the key ingredients act as stimulants, they can cause a slew of scary side effects. Here are some things to watch out for:2

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Heart palpitations
  • Liver damage

Weight Loss Gummies vs Other Supplements: How Do They Compare?

When compared to pills or capsules, gummies may have less consistency in the amount of key ingredients they contain. While gummies are more palatable and convenient, the overall quality can be questionable. Manufacturing processes for supplements in pill or capsule form are more robust and more likely to yield a quality product. If you’re set on gummies, make sure you do your research to understand how they are produced and what testing is performed to ensure quality.

Are Weight Loss Gummies Good for You?

The decision whether to try weight loss gummies is up to you and your healthcare provider. It’s important to remember that products containing natural ingredients aren't necessarily healthy and can even be dangerous. Before purchasing any type of weight loss gummy, you should do a substantial internet dive and discuss your findings with your doctor. The effectiveness of these gummies is not always supported by scientific evidence, and the claims about them might be misleading. 

While gummies may seem like an easy solution, long-term weight loss is often achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and other healthy lifestyle changes. Gummies may support your weight loss journey, but they are unlikely to give you the results you want on their own. 

Learn More About How to Improve Blood Sugar Health With Signos’ Expert Advice

Signos incorporates cutting-edge research and the proven power of continuous glucose monitoring to help you lose weight and reach your health goals. Not sure if Signos is right for you? Take this quiz to find out! Interested in learning more about nutrition and healthy eating habits? Check out more articles on our blog.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=powder-supplements>How to Choose a Powder Supplement (From an MD)</a>.</div>

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References

About the author

Rebecca Washuta is a licensed dietitian with degrees in neuroscience and nutrition and helped individuals develop long-term health habits and achieve various wellness goals.

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Please note: The Signos team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The Signos blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

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