CritiCalorie's Top Diet Pill Pick
Do we ever rate a diet pill positively?. Yes (rarely). Why aren't we recommending Thermo Lean (LifeSource)? We're looking for clinically-researched ingredients, at the right (that means clinical) dosage. There are a few diet pills that have chosen this better route, and our favorite is Boda Extract No. 3. You can read our review or go to the official site.
Thermo Lean (LifeSource) Review
Thermo Lean from LifeSource is a fat burning diet pill which works through thermogenesis. This Thermo Lean review will explore the ingredients contained in Thermo Lean diet pills and help you decide if this is the product for you.
Hydroxycitric Acid Update
On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut-branded products. Over more than 7 years they have received 23 reports of health related issues with those taking Hydroxycut-branded products. The main health concern appears to be serious liver-related problems. Iovate Health Sciences Inc., the makers of Hydroxcut, have voluntarily recalled all of the products under question in the FDA’s report
Common symptoms of liver complications include:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- brown urine
- light colored stools
- unusual tiredness
- stomach pain
- itching
- loss of appetite
- weakness
- vomiting
In light of the recent FDA warning concerning the possible dangers of Hydroxycut-branded diet pills, many believe that the associated health risks are likely due to the inclusion of the commonly used ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. And while according to the FDA, “The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.” you can never be too cautious.
So, while further study and research is needed to confirm the link between HCA and the liver problems, until proven otherwise any products that contain HCA are no longer recommended on this website.
Thermo Lean ingredients
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings per Container: 90
Amount per Serving: DV%
Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate) 100 mcg 83%
Garcinia (fruit extract)
(standardized for 50% (-) hydroxy citric acid) 1200 mg *
Bitter orange & lunch)
(Citrus Aurantium) (fruit extract)
(standardized for 11% amines – synephrine,
N-methyltyramine, hordenine, octopamine
and tyramine) 133 mg *
Proprietary Blend 277 mg*
Guarana (seed extract)
(standardized for 22% caffeine)
Green Tea (leaf extract)
(standardized for polyphenols (catechins) including epigallocatechin (EGCG) and caffeine.
White Willow (bark extract)
(standardized for 15% salicin)
Other ingredients: gelatin, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate and magnesium stearate.
Chromium Picolinate (chromium + picolinic acid) is pushed by companies as an aid to losing weight. It is known that small quantities of chromium are “needed for glucose utilization by insulin in normal health, but deficiency is extremely rare in developed nations.”
Do you have a chromium deficiency? Probably not. However, some studies are finding that Chromium Picolinate reduces insulin resistance, thus leading to weight loss. Other studies claim to find the opposite. See our Chromium Picolinate Review for more detailed information on clinical studies and findings. Regardless of whether Chromium Picolinate does actually contribute to weight loss, there is not as much contained in Thermo Lean as was used in clinical studies, so it is highly unlikely that the Chromium Picolinate in Thermo Lean will bring about weight loss.
Garcinia Cambogia’s primary active compound is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The long and short of it is that HCA has research backing it as an effective weight loss ingredient. While it probably shouldn’t be the only ingredient in a diet pill, it’s a great player.
Citrus Aurantium contains synephrine. One study performed in December of 2007 looked at the lipolysis (fat loss) effects of Satsuma mandarin orange (Citrus unshu Mark) peel on the fat cells of rats (I know, it’s always rats). A high concentration of Synephrine was present in the peel and lipolysis effects were present.
The overall conclusion: These results suggest that the segment wall, an edible fraction, from Satsuma mandarin orange might be useful as a functional food, especially as a fat-reducing material ((J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2008 Dec;53(6):547-51.))
Guarana has been proven to contribute to weight loss but ONLY when combined with damiana and yerba mate. Thermo Lean does not contain either of these ingredients. There has been no research to determine the effectiveness of guarana by itself.
Green tea has been proven to contribute to weight loss; it increases metabolic function. However, this Thermo Lean review finds that since green tea is included in the “Proprietary Blend”, it is impossible to determine its effectiveness in Thermo Lean diet pills.
White willow bark is an anti-inflammatory/pain reliever similar to aspirin. It may enhance the thermogenic effect and increase the body’s ability to utilize fatty acids while preserving lean muscle tissue. Further research is needed to substantiate these claims.
Side effects of Thermo Lean
Side effects include jitters, headaches, and constipation.
How should Thermo Lean be taken?
You should take 2 capsules between meals. Thermo Lean also warns not to drink soda or coffee within one hour of taking a dose.
Price of Thermo Lean
Thermo Lean diet pills cost $13.99 for 90 capsules. If you take 4 capsules per day, one bottle will last about 22 days. This is relatively inexpensive for a diet pill.
Thermo Lean conclusion
This Thermo Lean review finds that Thermo Lean from LifeSource does include some good fat-burning ingredients. However, they fail to mention how much of each ingredient is included in the “Proprietary Blend”. This is important because green tea can be very effective, but ONLY if it is used in the correct amount. We suggest finding a diet pill that includes clinically proven ingredients in the correct amount.
Recommended alternatives to Thermo Lean (LifeSource):
- Best Diet Pill: Boda Extract No. 3
- Fastest Results: Fenphedra