Transparent Labs Fat Burner Stim-FreevsPhenQ

It combines four plant-derived compounds that may nudge metabolism and appetite without stimulants. Green tea catechins (EGCG) and Capsimax (capsaicin) have been shown to modestly raise energy expenditure and fat oxidation; Paradoxine (grains of paradise, standardized to 6-paradol) is thought to activate brown adipose tissue to burn calories as heat; ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii, standardized to forskolin) raises cyclic AMP, which is linked to fat mobilization. Capsaicin and grains of paradise may also blunt appetite, which can make a calorie deficit easier to maintain. The formula contains no caffeine or other stimulants.

PhenQ stacks a handful of mechanisms in one capsule. Capsimax delivers capsaicinoids from chili pepper that can modestly raise thermogenesis; caffeine adds energy and slight appetite suppression; nopal cactus contributes soluble fiber for fullness; chromium picolinate is included for blood-sugar support; and the proprietary alpha-Lacys Reset (alpha-lipoic acid plus cysteine) is marketed for metabolic support. None of these is a powerful standalone weight-loss agent, and the combined effect in real users is best described as a small assist to diet and exercise.

No trial tests this exact blend, so evidence comes from each ingredient and several of the studies are small. A 2005 Obesity Research study (Godard et al.) found 250 mg of 10% forskolin twice daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced body fat percentage and fat mass in 15 overweight and obese men, though total body weight did not differ from placebo. A 2014 trial in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology found 30 mg/day of grains of paradise extract increased whole-body energy expenditure and reduced visceral fat versus placebo in a small group of women. Capsaicin and green tea catechins have been shown to modestly raise energy expenditure and fat oxidation, but a 2010 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition meta-analysis put green tea's weight effect at roughly 1 kg or less, which the authors call clinically modest at best. Net: real but small, deficit-dependent effects.

Evidence is ingredient-level rather than product-level. Meta-analyses show caffeine and capsaicinoids produce small thermogenic and appetite effects, and nopal fiber can increase satiety, but no peer-reviewed independent randomized trial has tested the actual PhenQ formula. The company cites studies on its alpha-Lacys Reset complex, but these are sponsor-funded and not independently replicated. Expect modest support at best, contingent on a calorie deficit.

Because it has no stimulants, most users report no jitters, anxiety, or sleep disruption. The most common complaint is mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, warmth, or a "hot" sensation from the Capsimax and Paradoxine pepper extracts, especially on an empty stomach; taking the capsules with food and water tends to reduce this. Rare but more serious concerns relate to the ingredients themselves: high-dose green tea extract has been associated with uncommon, idiosyncratic cases of liver injury (documented in the NIH LiverTox database), and forskolin can lower blood pressure and may interact with anticoagulants and antihypertensives. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or signs of very low blood pressure such as dizziness or fainting.

Most reported effects relate to its caffeine content: jitteriness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping if taken late in the day. Some users report mild nausea or digestive upset. Avoid combining with other caffeinated products or stimulant fat-burners. This is educational information, not medical advice.

As of 2026, Transparent Labs lists this product at about $54.99, often discounted to around $49.99, for a 120-capsule bottle that delivers 60 servings, or roughly a 30-day supply at the full 4-capsule daily dose. That works out to about $0.83-$0.92 per 2-capsule serving, or roughly $1.65-$1.83 per day. Third-party retailers sometimes price it lower (around $45) or higher. Subscribe-and-save and periodic sitewide promo codes can trim the price further. As a dietary supplement it is paid out of pocket and is generally not covered by insurance, and typically not HSA/FSA eligible without a documented medical need. It is occasionally out of stock or branded as "Body Recomp," so verify you are buying the stim-free version.

As of May 2026, a single 60-capsule bottle (one month) is $69.99 on the official site; bundles such as buy-two-get-one-free drop the effective price to roughly $46 per bottle. There is no insurance coverage. A 60-day money-back guarantee applies, minus a 5% handling fee and shipping.

Best for adults who want appetite and metabolic support but are caffeine-sensitive, train in the evening, or already use a separate stimulant pre-workout, and who already have a genuine diet and exercise plan and want a marginal edge. Avoid it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18; if you take blood pressure, blood thinner, or diabetes medications (forskolin can lower blood pressure and may interact with anticoagulants and antihypertensives, and green tea can affect some drugs); if you have liver disease (high-dose green tea extract has rare liver-injury reports); or if you have an active ulcer or significant reflux, since the pepper and ginger-family extracts can irritate the gut. This is general information, not medical advice; check with your doctor before starting any supplement.

Marketed to healthy adults seeking appetite and metabolism support. Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone under 18, or people sensitive to caffeine. Those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety, or who take other stimulants or medications should talk to a clinician first.