▲Ephedrine is a potent stimulant extracted from the herb ephedra. It contains proven fat burning properties but its legal status varies depending on the country due to its potentially dangerous side effects.

▲One of the latest fads in fat loss: raspberry ketone. However, its efficiency as a fat burner is yet to be proven.

▲Caffeine is a stimulant with a thermogenic effect, which means that it will increase heat production and burn fat cells. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and pills.

▲This compound can be found in citrus fruit, with higher concentrations found in bitter orange. It's known to be a safer alternative to ephedrine.

▲Studies show that caffeine supplementation increases fat oxidation, as outlined on Examine.com.

▲These supplements work by increasing fat oxidation (using fat for energy), decreasing fat cell formation (known as adipogenesis), decreasing fat absorption, and decreasing appetite.

▲Fat burners aid fat loss through a number of processes. These include increasing body temperature (thermogenesis) and using fat cells for energy (lipolysis).

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Studies show that this supplement may induce fat loss in elderly people, according to Examine.com.

▲A study revealed significant fat loss in a group of athletes, according to NCBI.

▲Some studies indicate that Yerba mate can increase fat oxidation, as per Examine.com.

▲Studies (via Examine.com) show how unreliable this supplement is when it comes to fat loss.

▲A study (via the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)) found that this supplement is more effective on overweight people. A different study shows that it can reduce the risk factors of metabolic syndrome, as per NCBI.

▲The herb used to brew the traditional South American drink works as a thermogenic and promotes satiety.

▲Yohimbine is a stimulant that increases adrenaline levels and aids in fat loss. It is known to be effective in athletes and younger people. Due to its adverse side effects, some countries only sell it with a prescription while others have banned it completely.

▲Although its fat loss action is relatively small, green tea is a safe and heavily researched fat loss supplement. Green tea catechins can promote fat oxidation.

▲Although there have yet to be studies performed on humans, animal research has found the substance to have anti-obesity properties, according to NCBI.

▲Studies show that ephedrine can promote fat loss as well as weight loss in general, according to Examine.com.

▲Studies show that ALA can be an effective tool against obesity, as per Examine.com.

▲There was one study (via NCBI) done on mice but there is zero evidence of raspberry ketone fat loss with humans.

▲L-Carnitine has been a popular fat loss supplement for many years. But according to Examine.com, fat loss results from an increase in energy brought on by the supplement that in turn increases a person's desire to be physically active.

▲We strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor before trying any of the supplements on this list. Many compounds are known to cause severe side effects and can interact with medications, posing serious health risks to people with certain conditions.

▲An athlete supplementing with fat burners is likely to have a different experience when compared to a sedentary person. It’s important to understand that what works for one person might not have the desired effect on another individual.

▲In addition to being banned in many countries, ephedrine has also been banned by many sports agencies.

▲CLA is essentially a mixture of fatty acids. The supplement gained popularity for aiding fat loss but it’s a somewhat overhyped substance with negligible fat-burning effects.

▲This is one of the main compounds found in green tea. According to Supplements in Review, this supplement can suppress weight gain and fat accumulation in animals. L-Theanine also has nootropic properties (beneficial effects on cognitive functions in the brain).

▲Some evidence suggests that green tea can aid in fat loss. A number of studies show that green tea can increase fat oxidation, as per Examine.com.

▲Given GCE's rise in popularity over the last few years, it also deserves to be mentioned on this list. Although it’s been shown (via NCBI) to lower blood pressure quite efficiently, its fat loss effects are yet to be proven.

▲5-HTP improves serotonin signaling, which in addition to its antidepressant properties, can also reduce carb cravings. Plus, it helps your body produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

▲ALA is a fatty acid that acts on the brain, increasing metabolism and consequently promoting fat loss. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

▲More research is needed on its efficiency as a fat burner but one study showed that it increases the thermic effect of food in women, as described on NCBI.

▲As described on Examine.com, some studies indicate that supplementing with 5-HTP can suppress appetite.

▲Coleus forskohlii essentially enhances the effects of stimulants, such as caffeine, and increases their effectiveness.

▲One study (via NCBI) shows that GCE can impact glucose absorption and "may result in reduced body mass and body fat when compared with the use of normal instant coffee." But there is also a controversial study, published on Dove Medical Press, that has since been retracted because sponsors of the study could not assure validity of the data.

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Achieving a low body fat percentage is not an easy task. But what do you do when you already have a good exercise routine in place, a balanced diet regimen, but need a little boost to help you get rid of stubborn fat? Well, you might turn to supplements for help.

With so many "magic pills" on the market guaranteeing you'll shed pounds of fat, how do you know which ones work and which don’t?