Nootropics have a well-established reputation for enhancing mental performance and optimizing brain health. They are also known to boost mood, improve focus, and assist with fatigue relief. 

However, there is a lesser-known side of nootropics which is their role as fat burners that promote weight loss and assist in healthy weight management. 

Since nootropic supplements boost cognitive performance, which allows for maximum productivity in any task, the same benefit can carry over into things such as losing weight. 

For instance, nootropics that assist in weight loss may improve your body composition by physically reducing appetite or by stimulating the production of hormones that cause weight loss. 

Many people also like to pair up the use of fat burner supplements with other dietary practices like paleo, keto, or intermittent fasting to get optimal results. You can work your way through some different techniques to see what gives you the best results.

best nootropics for weightloss

The Link Between Weight Loss And Cognitive Function 

It is not a hidden fact that obesity and weight gain are caused by a host of different factors and not just overeating. 

Yet, when the majority of people make the commitment to lose weight, the most straightforward way is simply to eat fewer calories than they burn during any given day.  

The one thing, however, that remains universal in everyone’s weight loss endeavors is their mindset. The human brain is closely involved in the weight loss process whether you are trying to build muscle, burn fat, or just trying to drop a few pounds.

It is your will and desire to succeed which is critical to your success and this is where nootropics for weight loss come into play.

Like other fat burners, these nootropics can act as appetite suppressants, muscle builders, or even pre-workout supplements to help you achieve your weight loss goals. 

As weight loss supplements, nootropic substances use different mechanisms that on the one hand offer cognitive health benefits, and on the other aid long-term weight loss.

For instance, some nootropics promote cerebral vasodilation which widens blood vessels in the brain to accommodate more blood. This increases oxygen supply to red blood cells and is seen as enhancing cognitive function. The same mechanism can also be beneficial for improving exercise endurance for instance. 

As neurotransmitter boosters, ingredients in nootropic supplements increase the level of certain chemicals in the brain to boost cognitive processes which can, in turn, enhance physical activity that promotes weight loss. 

Many nootropics also work as adaptogens and almost everything that improves cognitive function also improves mood and reduces stress levels to some degree. So, by managing stress effectively, nootropics for weight loss may be able to enhance physical performance. 

And so, while the belief stands that losing weight is a matter of eating fewer calories than you burn, there are other influences that make weight loss much more complicated. Simply focusing on calorie deficit alone may trigger some fat loss but you may also end up losing lean muscle mass as well. 

Based on these findings, here are some of the best nootropics for weight loss to include in your weight loss journey. 

Factors Influencing Weight Loss

Nootropics for weight loss regulate symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood, and sleep. Those that work as adaptogens assist the body to adjust or adapt to stress. 

In other words, nootropics for weight loss focus on the indirect triggers of weight issues such as low energy, inadequate or poor-quality sleep, lack of motivation or focus, and excess stress.

Low Energy Levels 

Running low on energy is one of the main reasons why people do not exercise. Drowsiness and fatigue are typically associated with chemical imbalances in the brain such as cortisol, melatonin, and dopamine. 

Once these imbalances are corrected, it can result in reviving energy levels that come with the benefits of enhanced mood, improved memory, and concentration that allow you to follow sensible dietary habits and fitness routines more productively. 

Nootropics for energy can give you the boost that you need to start exercising to support your weight loss goals. 

Poor Sleep Quality

Sleep is an important aspect of weight loss that often goes neglected. Getting enough hours of quality sleep ensures that you will have the energy to work out in the morning. With the correct nootropic support, you can get your sleep-wake cycle back in sync.

Lack Of Motivation  

Finding the motivation to work out and stick to weight loss goals is a significant struggle for many people. It is hard to accomplish what you set out to achieve without motivation.

Nootropics to boost motivation can help with weight loss by letting you overcome mental blocks that won’t let you comply. 

These nootropics play an important part in dopamine release which is what you need on occasions when you are feeling less motivated. 

Poor Focus 

To be successful in your weight loss efforts, you need to focus so you can stick to your goals. This essential cognitive element becomes even more important when you want to lose weight effectively and for the long term. 

However, a lack of focus can often result in cheating with meals, not working out regularly, and eventually giving up on progress altogether. Here, nootropics for focus can help so you can stay on the task at hand. 

Bad Mood 

Your gut also reflects how you feel emotionally so a state of a bad mood can make you eat without thinking and in larger amounts.

Research suggests that people in a good mood are more likely to eat nutritionally-dense foods while others who feel agitated, edgy, or even nervous will go in for comfort foods or tend to overeat.

Excessive Stress 

Stress causes hormones like cortisol to rise above normal ranges. When elevated chronically, these hormones lead to the accumulation of excess body fat and also affect the way you eat. In fact, stress actually triggers food cravings of the worst kind making it very hard for the body to burn fat effectively.   

Adaptogenic nootropics can help with stress management and keep you on track as you try to lose weight.

Here is a look at some of the best nootropics for weight loss that will work via mechanisms of appetite control, energy expenditure, and fat oxidation to promote weight loss, enhance lean muscle mass, and deliver goal-related outcomes.  

Best Weight Loss Nootropics

Caffeine

Caffeine is considered one of the best fat burners around. Alongside its nootropic benefits, it is believed to support weight loss in a few different ways. 

Caffeine is a well-known and well-studied stimulant that has been linked to burning fat and improving exercise performance in various studies and randomized controlled trials. [*]

It is an important compound of green tea and drinking a cup of green tea regularly has also been associated with increasing the number of antioxidants in the blood. Of these, one in particular known as EGCG can boost metabolism.  

As a weight loss supplement, green tea’s main antioxidant, EGCG, helps inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine. This mechanism results in increasing the amount of norepinephrine which promotes fat breakdown and hence promotes fat loss. 

Research indicates that both caffeine and EGCG may have a synergistic effect that may aid in effective weight loss. [*]

In addition, several studies have looked at the effect of green tea extract to burn fat, especially during exercise. One study involved participants taking green tea extract before exercise. Those who took the extract before exercising burned 17% more fat than others who did not take the supplement. [*]  

Another study confirmed that the catechin content in camellia sinensis boosted burning fat not only during exercise but also during periods of rest. [*]

Drinking green tea in moderation is considered safe without any serious concerns. On the other side, caffeine can cause some side effects. 

These typically include anxiety, irritability, tremors, and some sleeping problems. You may be more likely to experience these if you are sensitive to caffeine or take large doses. 

That being said, caffeine-related side effects are less common when drinking green tea as compared to other caffeinated drinks. 

L-Theanine 

L-theanine is a fat-soluble amino acid commonly found in green tea, matcha tea, black tea, and some mushrooms. Also considered effective among nootropics for weight loss, L-theanine is said to boost serotonin levels which can help regulate mood and boost overall feelings of well-being. 

Scientific research that has looked into L-theanine’s effect on weight loss has observed the combined effect of L-theanine and caffeine to reduce triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels and assist in lowering cellular fat accumulation. [*]  

On another level, L-theanine smooths out brain wave activity, relaxing the body and calming the mind but without causing drowsiness. 

According to one study, 200 mg of L-theanine administration daily improved sleep in participants in the study. [*] Results showed that the quality of sleep along with recovery from exhaustion was improved by L-theanine supplementation. 

While appetite can diminish under acute stress, chronic stress has the opposite effect of amplifying appetite to an excessive degree. This is where the stress-relieving benefits of L-theanine have been associated with appetite regulation.  

Animal research shows that the anti-obesity effect of three major green tea components including catechins, caffeine, and theanine could have suppressive effects on body weight increase and abdominal fat distribution.

L-theanine is generally considered safe without presenting any severe side effects. However, this nootropic may present some drug interactions when used alongside blood pressure medication or stimulants, so it is recommended to avoid it if taking this kind of medication or substance. 

Some minor side effects resulting from using L-theanine weight loss pills include complaints of headaches, nausea, and irritability. 

L-Tyrosine 

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor for brain chemicals like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. When people take tyrosine supplements, the common goal is often to boost energy, alertness, productivity, and mental focus under stress or chronic fatigue. 

In the capacity of a weight loss supplement, research indicates that L-tyrosine may lower the effect of stress on the body’s physical and mental performance. Since elevated stress can cause people to put on excess weight, it may be theorized that if L-tyrosine supplementation can support stress management, it may also help avert specific kinds of weight gain. [*]

Research also links the effect of L-tyrosine on dopamine to a possible boost in mood and happiness, whereas other research finds that tyrosine may increase metabolism.

L-tyrosine supplementation is believed to assist in weight loss given its effect on metabolism.

As such, it may be considered a good supplement for anyone trying to lose weight because, theoretically, it may help speed up metabolism. 

In addition, L-tyrosine is believed to improve exercise tolerance letting individuals push on through a strenuous workout with a lower degree of fatigue. [*

L-tyrosine is generally safe to use but may interact when taken along with certain medications. It is not recommended to use L-tyrosine if already taking thyroid hormones monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or levodopa. 

Typical side effects of L-tyrosine use can include insomnia, restlessness, headaches, nausea, or heartburn. 

If you are thinking about using L-tyrosine weight loss pills alongside other medication or weight loss supplements, then talk to your healthcare advisor before starting. 

Mushroom Supplements 

The brain-boosting benefits of mushrooms for improving cognitive performance are well-known and well-studied. 

Using mushroom supplements as part of a healthy diet for weight loss and pairing them up with regular exercise and other health interventions such as intermittent fasting or an occasional detox may help shed some of that unwanted weight. 

Most mushrooms are chock full of B vitamins and zinc which are substances needed to activate and boost metabolism and possibly fight fatigue associated with losing weight. Mushrooms are also full of antioxidants and other components that can alter bacteria in the digestive system and improve the way that the body processes food and fat.  

As an appetite suppressant, mushrooms contain fewer calories than meat but can deliver a comparable level of hunger satisfaction. They are packed with fiber and have a low carb content which helps with feeling satiated longer.

Some of the best mushroom supplements to consider for effective weight loss can include the following suggestions.

Reishi Mushrooms

Reishi mushrooms alter the way the body absorbs and processes fats. These nootropic mushrooms contain beta-glucans, ganoderic acids, and other compounds that promote cardiovascular health, support better sleep and improve immune functioning. 

One study looked at reishi mushroom extract and how it could help reduce body weight and prevent gain and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Study findings showed a decrease in body weight of approximately 16% with a decrease in fat deposition of about 20 to 29% and a decrease in fat deposited beneath the skin by 44 to 59%. 

Study findings also indicated a decrease in liver weight of about 17% and a reduction in the size and fat content of adipocytes, which are cells that produce and store fats. [*]

Maitake Mushrooms

Maitake mushrooms also contain an impressive beta-glucan content which makes them highly suitable for improving the immune system. Maitake mushrooms are also very adept at lowering blood sugar levels and can help fight diabetes. They can also help users lose weight by curbing hunger pangs and assisting appetite control.

Cordyceps Mushrooms

Cordyceps mushrooms have stimulating properties which work well for delivering an instant energy boost. When you are looking for the motivation to exercise and drop some weight, cordyceps can help.

Cordyceps mushrooms boost oxygen use and improve blood flow for improving physical performance.  

In all, given their powerful nutrient profile, antioxidant, and vitamin content, almost all kinds of mushrooms can be a helpful addition to the diet and an effective strategy for long-term weight management. 

Anyone suffering from weight gain issues can look at mushrooms as an effective way to regulate fat storage, satiation, and other aspects affecting their weight. If you don’t like the taste of mushrooms, then they are also available in the form of weight loss pills, powders, and liquid extracts to choose from.

For the most part, most mushroom varieties are tolerated fairly well by healthy adults. However, some weight loss pills containing mushrooms may have contraindications with certain drugs so it’s important to check with your health care provider before using any mushroom supplements. 

Certain mushroom varieties such as reishi or the cordyceps should not be used by hypotensive or diabetic individuals unless medically supervised. These mushroom supplements may interact with medication for these conditions making your blood pressure or blood sugar drop too low. 

Rhodiola Rosea  

Rhodiola rosea is an herbal supplement that offers certain benefits for effective weight loss. Its primary mechanism of action is to provide users with an instant energy boost which is what people who are trying to lose weight need.

It targets both cornerstones of physical fatigue and low mental energy. Studies show that people who take rhodiola as part of their treatment for fighting fatigue show significant improvements in different key measures of mental energy. [*]

This energizing fat burner increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine the body produces which are natural feel-good chemicals created when you exercise. This helps promote a positive mindset which is helpful when you’re trying to lose weight.

Rhodiola can also create more endorphins and clings on to them longer which means that you can start to enjoy exercise and look forward to it. 

And even though research is not sure about how exactly rhodiola does this, it is thought to be associated with its well-established potential to fight anxiety and depression. 

Based on this, it is believed that rhodiola can help people work out for longer. They can also attain more mental benefits from their exercise while burning fat better during sessions.

One study presented significant improvements in oxygen uptake and various markers of workout performance. [*]  

Research also indicates that rhodiola produces more red blood cells that help the body utilize energy more effectively. 

Alongside creating more endorphins, rhodiola also promises to target visceral fat. One animal study found that rats who took rhodiola lost significantly more weight than others in the controlled placebo. Although both groups were following a diet and exercise protocol, the rhodiola group showed better results.

Plus, being an adaptogen, rhodiola helps the body adapt to all kinds of stressors. This fat burner contains the compound rosavin which assists the body in reducing stress levels and improving its ability to deal with new stressors. [*]

As a weight loss supplement, rhodiola rosea is generally considered safe to use and tolerated well by most people. 

However, there is a caution for people with certain autoimmune disorders as rhodiola can stimulate the immune system and present some adverse side effects. 

It should also not be used by people with hypotension or diabetes without medical supervision or for anyone already taking medication for those or other medical conditions.

Nootropic Safety 

Most of the nootropics mentioned on our list are fairly well tolerated by most healthy adults. From a weight loss perspective, it is best to consult with your doctor before starting any kind of supplementation, especially if there is a medical condition or you take medications regularly. 

Verdict

Because nootropics can not only help improve cognitive function and enhance overall brain health but also be instrumental in helping you lose weight, they should be a part of the structured weight loss regimen. 

Studies show certain nootropics to act as effective appetite suppressants and can also control appetite. Others can help achieve weight loss goals by cutting down body fat, shrinking the size of fat cells, and improving body mass. 

When used as dietary supplements, the best nootropics for weight loss can promote a healthy lifestyle by improving brainwave stability, correcting chemical imbalances in the brain, boosting focus, and even addressing sleep disorders. They can also boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and improve mood along the way to help you lose weight.