I’m obsessed with finding diet products that actually work. Let’s find out if this Phenocal review is one of them. We decided to put the spotlight on ingredients, side effects, clinical research and customer service quality. Furthermore, we picked apart hundreds of user comments and testimonials. Then, we refined and condensed to give you the info you need.
What is Phenocal?
To start, Phenocal is marketed as a pharmaceutical-grade weight control compound. The ingredients include green tea leaf, glucomannan, l-tyrosine, cocoa extract, hoodia gordonii, garcinia cambogia, yerba mate, coleus forskohlii, evodiamine, l-tryptophan, conjugated linoleic acid (cla), 5-htp (5-hydroxyptophan), fucoxanthin, chromium, biotin and Bioperine. It’s recommended that you take three capsules, twice per day; once in the morning and again in the afternoon. [1]
Phenocal has been available since at least 2010 and is manufactured by Pharmaxa Labs. The official website and trusted retailers sell the supplement. We like that it contains a few natural ingredients and that it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, but read on…
Phenocal Ingredients – “A Fad?”
The first concern was about the popularity of Phenocal ingredients, although some aren’t clinically supported. “Two parts of the formula, hoodia gordonii and garcinia cambogia, are often considered nothing more than a fad,” said our Research Editor. “There are mixed reviews across the board.” [2]
One user said, “I exercised and ate right and lost 2 lbs, which was probably from my own ex
ercise and diet. Nothing from this product.”
“I took this product for a month, and did not lose a pound. I didn’t feel energized either,” commented a user.
We did locate Phenocal reviews that painted a different picture of the supplement.
“Since I have received Phenocal, I have been using it daily. It’s been about 2 weeks now and I have lost approximately 9 lbs. You have to be dedicated in order for this product to work,” said a customer.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
Customer Reviews – “Not Always Positive”
We found negative reviews ranging from Phenocal side effects to lack of results. One dieter stated, “I’ve been taking it for 2 solid weeks, no change in appetite, no increase in energy.” [3]
Another said, “This product made me very tired, which is counterproductive when it comes to weight and energy management.”
On the other hand, we located comments that were more positive.
“I can tell you that it does work. It has curved my appetite and given me much energy. Also I can look in the mirror and tell that I have lost body fat,” stated a dieter.
“I have not lost a ton of weight, but I do not feel hungry constantly like I did when I was not taking this,” reported another.
According to our research, any part of a supplement deemed troublesome, like being linked to negative comments, long-term success could be limited. Therefore, if Phenocal does cause unhappy customers, this could be a major concern. [5]
The Science – “Backed by Research?”
There is some science out showing green tea extract boosts metabolism and possibly helps you lose weight. There are also studies showing the benefits of glucomannan, coleus forskohlii and Bioperine. While important, any findings don’t relate to this formula. At DietSpotlight, we like to see documented clinical research connecting a profile to weight-loss. When this is missing, we become concerned.
Also: read our Burn HD Weight-Loss Kit review »
The Bottom Line – Does Phenocal Work?
So, are you thinking where to buy Phenocal? We like that it contains a few natural ingredients and it’s sold with a money-back guarantee, but we have some concerns about this one because it’s not supported by clinical studies. We’re also a bit skeptical about the ingredients considered a fad and the negative user comments. [5]
If you’d like to drop more weight, we suggest going with a supplement containing ingredients backed by research, shown to work and supported by positive customer comments.
Among the best products we’ve seen this year is one called Dietspotlight Burn. The supplement uses four clinically-tested ingredients, which have been shown to help accelerate metabolism and ignite fat loss. There’s no chatter about harmful side effects and user reviews are showing that people are seeing great results.
The makers of Dietspotlight Burn are so confident in their supplement, that they’re offering a Special Trial Offer.
Previous Phenocal Review (Updated January 1, 1970):
What You Should Know about Phenocal
Phenocal is a weight loss formula backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. According to the makers of the supplement, if you are not satisfied in this time you can request a refund of the purchase price. One bottle of Phenocal retails for about $40, but you can purchase larger packs to get savings like free bottles of Phenocal and other free supplements. No matter the claims made by companies like the creators of Phenocal, if the ingredient list does not back up those claims the supplement is worthless. Unlike Phenocal, Lipozene helps decrease hunger by fighting constipation.
List of Phenocal Ingredients
Vitamin D3, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Chromium, Folic Acid, Fucoxanthin, Bioperine, Green Tea Leaf Powder, Glucomannan, L-Tyrosine, Cocoa Extract, Hoodia Gordonii, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Garcinia Cambogia, Yerba Mate, Coleus Forskohlii, Evodiamine, L-Tryptophan, CLA and 5-HTP. In addition to this supplement, Garcinia Cambogia which is found in most dietary supplements can help eliminate fat storage with its active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid. You can also find traces of bioperine which is thought to help decrease weight by stimulating the breakdown of fat cells within the liver.
Product Features
If you’ve taken a weight loss supplement in the last 12 months, there is a good chance at least one of the ingredients in Phenocal can be found in that supplement. The company clearly tried to touch all bases to ensure the dieter would gain some benefit from taking the supplement. The green tea leaf extract and powder are two of the more important ingredients. Both are proven to increase metabolism and come with a wealth of other potential health benefits. Other ingredients with some clinical support include garcinia cambogia and glucomannan. Hoodia gordonii is the least effective weight loss ingredient in Phenocal. Aside from these working ingredients, Nutripex promotes healthy heart function, digestive health all the while reducing hunger.
We are concerned about a few of the ingredients in Phenocal, like L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP. These supplements are commonly used in anti-anxiety supplements. Stress can cause weight gain, but if you are taking prescription medication to alter mood or treat anxiety it may not be safe to take Phenocal.
Advantages of Phenocal
- The ingredient list is published on the official website.
- You have 60 days to try out Phenocal.
- The price is lower than some other weight loss supplements.
Disadvantages of Phenocal
- There are some ingredients that may interact with select prescription medications.
- One bottle lasts only 25 days.
Conclusion
If you are in the mood to try out a few proven ingredient packed with a few ineffective ingredient you can give Phenocal a try. There are no outrageous stimulants in the formula and most of the ingredients are considered safe for dieters over the age of 18. It may not be the best formula on the market, but you could do worse than Phenocal.
Phenocal is a "Weight Control Compound" with four main ingredients. Each is quite popular in the weight-loss market, but the research we'd like to see isn't available and we found no official website.
Phenocal Ingredients and Supplement Facts
Serving Per Container: 50
| Amount per Serving | % DV | |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin D3 | 1000IU | 250% |
| Vitamin B3 | 25mg | 125% |
| Vitamin B1 | 10mg | 666.6% |
| Vitamin B5 | 10mg | 100% |
| Vitamin B6 | 6mg | 300% |
| Vitamin B2 | 5mg | 294.1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 50mcg | 833.3% |
| Biotin | 50mcg | 17% |
| Chromium | 100mcg | 83% |
| Folic Acid | 50mcg | 12.5% |
| Fucoxanthin | 100mg | * |
| BioPerine | 2.5mg | * |
| Proprietary Blend | 2230mg | * |
| - Green Tea Leaf Powder | * | * |
| - Glucomannan | * | * |
| - L-Tyrosine | * | * |
| - Cocoa Extract | * | * |
| - Garcinia Cambogia | * | * |
| - Yerba Mate | * | * |
| - Coleus Forskohlii | * | * |
| - Evodiamine | * | * |
| - L-Tryptophan | * | * |
| - CLA | * | * |
| - 5-HTP | * | * |
Other Ingredients: Magnesium stearate, gelatin
We dug deep into the Phenocal side effects and ingredients to give you the facts and details you really need.
Green Tea Leaf Powder
Unlike black and oolong[1] varieties, green tea is unfermented. It’s commonly consumed as a beverage in countries such as Japan and China. This herb is a key component in dozens of weight-loss supplements.
What is it Supposed to Do?
Green tea extract contains both caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Caffeine is a stimulant and EGCG is a form of antioxidant. This herb is intended to help boost metabolism and combat harmful free radicals.
Clinical Research
As stated on WebMD, “One study, in humans, concluded green tea had heat-producing and calorie-burning properties beyond what can be explained by caffeine. When 31 healthy young men and women were given three servings of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine, and calcium for three days, their 24-hour energy expenditure increased by 4.6%, according to the research from Lausanne University in Switzerland.”
Glucomannan
Dietary fiber is crucial for overall health and regular bowel movements. Glucomannan is essentially a type of sugar that is made from konjac plants (roots). It’s a bulking fiber that is used in a number of diet supplements, powders and capsules.
What is it Supposed to Do?
The purpose of glucomannan is to swell in the stomach and intestines. This causes a feeling of satiety. It absorbs water and forms a bulky fiber, which in turn aids with regularity. It may also lower cholesterol levels and help treat constipation.
Clinical Research
According to NCBI.gov, “Glucomannan supplements administered over 8 weeks were well tolerated but did not promote weight-loss or significantly alter body composition, hunger/fullness, or lipid and glucose parameters.” On the other hand, this fiber ingredient has been shown to help treat constipation.
L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid. These are basically the building blocks of protein. Foods that provide this substance include nuts, wheat, milk, oats, eggs, fish, beans and various meats.
What is it Supposed to Do?
Often l-tyrosine[2] is included in protein shakes and diet supplements to help improve lean body composition, boost mental performance, and minimize the effects of stress. This amino acid may also help with appetite suppression and weight reduction.
Clinical Research
There does not appear to be a clear link between l-tyrosine and weight-loss. However, according to WebMD, “People with PKU (Phenylketonuria) are not able to process the amino acid phenylalanine, which is used by the body to make tyrosine. Because of this, people with PKU can have low levels of tyrosine in the body. People with PKU are advised to consume 6 grams of tyrosine per 100 grams of protein to improve tyrosine levels in the body.”
One that’s caught our attention is one called Dietspotlight Burn. It contains clinically-tested ingredients and is supported by positive customer comments. Click above to learn more.
- References
- 1. OOLONG TEA (Not listed). WebMD. December 8, 2016.
- 2. L-Tyrosine (Not listed). Examine.com. December 8, 2016.
Phenocal Side Effects:
While a natural weight-loss supplement may seem less risky, it’s not guaranteed to be 100% safe. Any formula, even one made of all-natural ingredients, may cause a harmful reaction. Though Phenocal side effects are only experienced in a small percentage of users, they are real.
Weight Gain
Any increase in body weight is known as weight gain. It may be due to gaining muscle mass, excess fluids or fat deposits. Typically, weight gain happens when you take in more calories than you expend. [1]
What causes weight gain?
While overeating and under exercising may be responsible for weight gain, there are many other potential causes. Hormonal changes, increased stress, some medications, depression and other medical issues may also cause weight gain.
Cramping
Cramping or dysmenorrhea happens when muscles tighten up. It can be very painful and women often experience cramping during their menstrual cycle. Cramping may also be experienced when exercising or performing as an athlete.
What causes cramping?
Overusing a muscle may cause it to cramp. Muscle cramps are also caused by dehydration or exercising in very hot conditions. Cramps can also be a side effect of medications and supplements.
Bloating
When your body retains fluid or air in the stomach, it may cause a feeling of bloating. Abdominal bloating is often uncomfortable and you feel very full. It may feel like your belly is swollen or you have excessive gas built up in your system.
What causes bloating?
Gas is one of the most common causes of bloating and it’s usually temporary if caused by gas. Bloating may also be caused by bacteria, illness or something you ate. In many cases, abdominal bloating is a side effect of medication or a supplement you’ve started taking.
Severe Headaches
A migraine is a type of severe headache, along with cluster headaches and a few other types. Usually a severe headache causes incredible pain and may be very debilitating. You may not be able to get out of bed and you may even suffer from sensitivity to light, temperature and sound.
What causes severe headaches?
Severe headaches may be caused by something simple, such as something you ate, medication or a supplement. They can even be caused by alcohol, a weather change or an injury to your head. However, severe headaches may also be a sign of something more serious, such as a stroke. They can also be a sign of HIV or cancer. [2]
Phenocal side effects are not guaranteed, but users have reported weight gain, cramping, bloating, severe headaches and other reactions. Before taking any new supplement, consult with your physician to ensure your safety, especially if you’re under 18 years of age, pregnant, nursing, suffering from a medical condition or taking any type of medication.
- References
- 1. Weight Gain: How Food Actually Puts on Pounds (2016). Live Science. November 1, 2016.
- 2. Is Your Headache a Sign of Something Else? (2016). Everyday Health. November 1, 2016.
Summer Banks, Director of Content at Dietspotlight, has researched over 5000 weight-loss programs, pills, shakes and diet plans. Previously, she managed 15 supplement brands, worked with doctors specializing in weight loss and completed coursework in nutrition at Stanford University. full bio.
Leave a comment or review
Has anyone taking phenocal on blood pressure meds?
Hi Linda. It’s not recommended to combine medications. Please consult with your doctor about this.
Has anyone with high blood pressure used Phenocal successfully?
Hi! Because of possible interactions with blood pressure, please make sure to consult with your physician before taking this product.
Question, after having my daughter I gained all if more of the weight i lost approx. two years ago before the pregnancy. I am now in pressure pills. Would I be able to use phenocal safely?
Hi Keshela! It may not be safe to combine with other medications. Please make sure to consult with your physician before taking this product. You may also want to consider using another supplement, like Dietspotlight Burn.
I ordered a few days ago. I really hope Phenocal help me to lose weight. I’m 5’6 and 250 pounds. It’s an emergency
I am on 20 mg of a bp pill, plavix, 40 mg of lipitor and 60 mg of cymbalta. Is it safe to take Phenocal?
Hi Howard! Combining medications it not a good idea, please make sure to consult with your physician before taking this product.
Just recieved my order of Phenocal today.
I hope it works for me, I am tired of trying. I am 5’3″ and weigh 185 pounds. Large size clothes are expensive.
Has it worked?
DO NOT BUY! please save your money and your bodies from this crap. Has not helped me one bit and I actually experienced awful side effect. Bloating, cramping and feeling like I wanted to jump of the building. Do yourself a favor and go with something safe or just eat less.
Hi Belinda. Sorry to hear that this product didn’t work for you and gave you these side-effects. If you’re still looking to lose weight with less risk, we recommend sampling Dietspotlight Burn.
I’m not into diet pills of any sort, but I decided to try out Phenocal. I previously lost 20 lbs and went from 36% fat to 20% fat by changing my diet and doing intense workout 6 times a week. I started using phenocal to help me reduced more fat, but it did nothing for me. It didn’t decreased my appepite, didn’t boost any energy or reduced any more weight. It was as of taking nothing at all. I guess, I’ll just continue to eat well and exercise to burn the reminder fat. Should’ve known, I would not have purchased this product nor I recommend it to anyone.
Didn’t work for me so I did the logical thing. I eat a well balanced diet, NO sugar and NO salt and I’ve dropped all the weight I need to. You need to eat every two hours but eat a diet low in fat/carbs. Exercise 3 x a week for a minimum of 30 minutes… even it it’s just with a toning band. You have to move to lose and retrain your mind and body.
Phenocal is an amazing weight loss product. I have used Phenocal tow times a day and loved the fat burning. The good part is, I did not experience adverse effects of it. yet shed 5 pounds in 10 days. It enhanced my level and helps to keep me away from being craving. this is what I required because I don t over eat and Iwalk every day. phenocal is worth buying
Belinda, it’s absolutely possible to lose 5 pounds in 10 days. You don’t know anything about this person’s history… from experience, I’ve eaten a horrible diet for weeks or even months, then after just two weeks on a low carb and no sugar diet, I lost 10 pounds. Water weight, excess waste, whatever it was, the scale said 10 less and it motivated me to keep going. Good for you, Kenneth! Haters gonna hate.
i started 5 days ago. i was 184 and now im 179…cant wait to see how i’ll look next month! Works for me. No side effects.
It worked really great for me! I’ve tried a lot of weight lose pills and the best thing about phenocal is that it did not make me shaky or make me run to the bathroom every 30 minutes. It does take a lot of dedication, my friend wasn’t very strict on her diet or working out and did not see the same results as I did. I’ve been using phenocal for two month and I’ve lost 30 pounds!
Didn’t work for me … 0 lbs…
I have been using phenocal for 2weeks now with diet and exercise and I must edmit my appitite have decreased and theres no side effects but I have not lost any weight I seriouly feel like I gained, but i still have my hopes up
Hello Ke Ke! If you want to lose weight, you may want to consider another supplement, like Dietspotlight Burn.
My friend suggest me to try phenocal, And I am thankful to this product that it gives very good result without any side effects.
Hello. I am using Phenocal for 10 days as directed and… lost half pound only. I just need to lose just 10 pounds total to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. Every day I hope: today is THE day when my weight would move down. Never less, I do not feel decreasing in appetite! Like an empty pill not bad but also not good effect. Too expensive for nothing…
I have lost 18 1/2 lbs using Phenocal the last 2 months very happy with it
You shoul ask your doctor first.
used phenocal for 2 weeks now with diet – zero pounds lost. such a bad choice. ((((
Used phenocal for 2 weeks now with diet, did not work for me – lost zero pounds so far – such a bad choice.
has anyone ever experienced severe headache while taking phenocal??
Hi Andy, other users have reported having headaches while using this product. Please consult your physician if this continues.
I had horrible headaches too, lost nothing, just my money.
I guess I have. This is only my fourth day taking Phenocal. My head does hurt. I don’t know if I have lost anything, I think it helps my appetite. But I still go for 2 or three cookies : ) I was searching online to see what side affects there since my head does hurt, but no where did it list ANY.
One of my friend suggested me about Phenocal and thought to give it a try. I have lost 10lbs in one month. I am greatful that this Product worked for me.
How u do it
I gained over 100 lbs while pregnant because of my sons heart. I’ve been trying to get back into shape for years now. Im 5’8” and was130 lbs and very active and healthy. This past June I weighed 197lbs, I started taking Phenocal in July and am now weighing in at 172lbs. I do exercise as well but I’ve always been active. I have slowly lost weight over the last few years but with Phenocal its just been melting off! Love this product!
The same happened to be during my first pregnancy. I’ve had 3 other children and was able to lose the weight I gained with each of those. However, I seem to still be battling the initial 100 lbs. Is there a special diet or excerise routine you used? How much were you able to lose in the end?
I brought the phenocal about 31/2 weeks ago, and I lose 11 pounds with diet and exercise. the product did not make me jiggly. I believed it works,but you have to combined a sensible diet, and exercise.