You can tell by the name that Lean and Fab is supposed to help you, get lean and look “fabulous” . But, does it work? The website sure gives the impression it does but what are the real facts? Is it a scam? Let’s now review Lean and Fab and its ingredients and potential side effects and try to help you see if it might be right for you.
Lean And Fab Website
When I went to the Lean and Fab website on 9/20/11 a few things jumped out at me. The first thing was that most of the pictures of the women on the Lean and Fab website were of Asian /Polynesian decent. This made me think that Lean and Fab might be made outside of the US, maybe the Philippines.
The other thing about the Lean and Fab website is that it’s very difficult to find the address for the company that makes this product. It’s only after I asked a Lean and Fab distributor that I learn that this product is made by a company called Global Fusion (GFI-Force.com) a company that markets several dietary supplements.
When I go to the GFI-Force website, I see that the address of the Global Fusion Company is “Unit 12, 2/F Madison Square Ortigas, Ortigas Ave., cor. Madison St., San Juan Metro Manila 1503 Philippines”
Lean and Fab Ingredients
Lean and Fab contains the following ingredients according to the product website:
- Forslean 100 mg
- Citrin 300 mg
- Fabenol 95 mg
- Bioperine 5 mg
There is also a “synergy of ingredients” picture on the website to give people an idea of what these ingredients are supposed to do. According to the picture:
- Forslean is a “fat breaker and lean body mass enhancer”
- Citrin is a “fat burner and appetite suppressant”
- Fabenol is a “carbohydrate and fat blocker”
- Bioperine “enhances thermogenic activity”
Let’s look at each ingredient and see if these statements have any proof.
Forslean
You may have seen Forslean listed in other supplements as forskolin or Coleus Forskohlii. Forskolin finds itself in many weight loss supplements despite much proof that it works.
One small study from 2005 (15 men got forskolin and 15 got a placebo) noted that 500 mg of coleus forskohlii reduced body fat after 3 months of use. There was also a non significant increase in testosterone levels also.
This is probably the study behind the claim that Forslean is a “lean body mass enhancer.”
This study used 500 mg of coleus forskohlii. Lean and Fab only has 100 mg.
Another study on forskolin from 2005 found that coleus forskohliii might reduce the re-gaining of weight but it had no effect on weight loss.
As for the claim that forslean is a fat blocker, I don’t know where they get this information from. I can’t find any proof that forslean blocks fat or carbs.
For more on Forslean also see my review of Forslean and weight loss.
Citrin
The word “citrin” is a very vague name. It’s only after I go to the Lean and Fab website that I discover that this ingredient is actually Garcinia Cambogia, a supplement that is found in many weight loss supplements. Here is my review of Garcinia Cambogia for more info
This is why citrin is also called “GarCitrin” on the Lean and Fab website. Another name for this ingredient is HCA or hydroxycitric acid.
I think they call this ingredient “Citrin” to try to make people think it’s different from other supplements that call it garcinia cambogia.
There are all sorts of scientific diagrams on the Lean and Fab website to show you how good GarCitrin is, but contrary to these claims, the research currently is mixed as to whether it works or not. Some research has noted that garcinia cambogia may reduce appetite.
Contrary to the Lean and Fab website, the claim about garcinia cambigia and fat oxidation (fat burning) does not seem to be based in good proof.
Citrin has actually been in used several other weight loss supplements that I’ve already looked at including HealtheTrim, SlimFuel and the diabetes supplement, DiabX.
There are many Garcina cambogia products on online. Here is Garcinia cambogia supplement on Amazon that has gotten several good reviews.
Fabenol
The Lean and Fab website says this is an “alpha amylase inhibitor” but that’s just fancy talk for a carb blocker that is derived from kidney beans (also called Phaseolus vulgaris). In other supplements this product is sometimes called “bean pod extract” or Phaseolium.
I think Fabenol is the ingredient behind the “Fab” in Lean and Fab. Either way, Fabenol is an invented name and is not scientifically valid.
Tip. Whenever you see the prefix “phas” or “phase” in a supplement name, it usually refers to a carbohydrate blocker supplement (Phaseolus vulgaris)
Alpha amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbs. If you inhibit this enzyme, in theory, you prevent carbs from being digested and stored as fat. At least that’s the theory behind carb blocker supplements.
When it comes to this carb blocker and weight loss, it’s a toss-up. some studies find it did help weight loss but others noted that it didn’t help.
A supplement that has shown up in weight loss research is a product called Phase 2. Here is Phase 2 on Amazon for those who want to compare prices.
The study finding that the carb blocker helped weight loss used over 400 mg – which is a LOT more than the 95 mg that Lean and Fab has.
Interestingly, the study that found Phaseolus vulgaris did not help weight loss used even more – 1500 mg!
Personally, I don’t think the tiny amount of Fabenol in Lean and Fab will have any effect on weight loss.
I’ve always found it funny / ironic that this carb blocker comes from beans – which are themselves a carbohydrate!
Bioperine
This is another name for an extract from Black Pepper (Piper longum) and is also called Indian Long Pepper. This extract is known to increase the absorption of other supplements as well as drugs.
So, the hope is that bioperine increases the absorption – and the effectiveness – of the other ingredients in Lean and Fab.
Bioperine is also included in the weight loss supplement, Apidexin that I've already reviewed, for the same reason.
The Thrive Patch, which is used for weight loss and energy also contains derivative of black pepper. See that review for a run down on its evidence.
Recommended Lean And Fab Intake
The website of Lean and Fab gives people an idea of how many Lean and Fab capsules to take depending on how much weight people want to lose. This ranges from 1-2 capsules a day for those who want to lose 5-10 pounds to 4-6 capsules for those needing to lose 30-40 pounds.
My question is how did they arrive at these dosages? Where is the proof that these dosages are correct?
Lean And Fab Side Effects
As far as I can tell Lean and Fab has never been tested clinically in a published study to see if it has any side effects. Therefore, we will have to look at its ingredients to get an idea. These are worse case scenarios based on what might happen with these ingredients. I don’t know if the same things would occur if you take Lean and Fab itself. For all I know, Lean and Fab is likely safe in healthy people.
Forslean might have a blood thinner effect so be careful if you take blood thinners. Forslean might also cause a drop in blood pressure which may be dangerous if people take drugs for heart disease or high blood pressure.
Citrin (garcinia cambogia). This supplement does concern me a little because of several case reports of liver failure associated with supplements that have contained garcinia cambogia.
In one case report from 2007, a 45 year old overweight woman died from liver failure after 1 week of using a supplement that contained garcinia cambogia. In the past HydroxyCut has also been associated with liver failure.
HydroxyCut was said to contain garcinia cambogia (also called hydroxy citric acid or HCA). I checked the HydroxyCut website just prior to posting this review and garcinia cambogia is no longer listed as an ingredient in HydroxyCut.
To be fair, because supplements contain many ingredients it’s hard to say what caused liver problems. Also, not all researchers think that hydroxycitric acid causes liver failure.
In my review of garcinia cambogia, I listed the research on liver failure and noted that they all have one thing in common. All the research mentions Hydroxycut specifically. So was it garcinia cambogia or Hydroxycut that caused the problems? See my review for more information
Fabenol. In healthy people Fabenol (bean pod extract, AKA Phaseolus vulgaris) is probably safe. Diabetics should keep a close eye on their blood sugar levels because in theory, Fabenol might lower blood sugar.
Bioperine. While not much is known about Bioperine side effects, this compound might – in theory – increase the absorption of medications you are taking. I’m guessing on this based on what they say about Bioperine enhancing the absorption of other supplements. I wish people would do more research Bioperine side effects.
Does Lean And Fab Work?
If you don’t reduce the amount of calories you eat, I don’t think Lean and Fab will work. On the other hand if you do reduce your calories, there may be something to the ingredient, Citrin –hydroxy citric acid. Even though the evidence on hydroxycitric acid is mixed and there are only a few studies, this ingredient does has more evidence than the other ingredients in Lean and Fab. I think Lean and Fab is a crab shoot at best but… Here it is on Amazon if you want to read the comments from others.
What do you think?
Ty for the review , i was considering trying lean n fab but i am surely the type to get dehydrated and get headaches , i do want to lose weight badly , my question to u is what diet pill do you recommend?
Sha, so far I have not found a product I had faith in. They all seem to be the same ingredients for the most part in different bottles. Here is my post on this at my other site http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
I have read the feedbacks here and it scares me a bit. However, I’m still buying 2 bottles today. I would like to try it and promise to share my review on my blog.
Hi Joe,
This was a very helpful review that you did! I wish i have read this prior to buying the product. It is actually deceiving to see all positive comments when you go to their website or the distributors website.
I just bought 1 bottle because i wanted to test the effect before i buy more because of the cost but from taking it for about 5 days it seems I’m even getting more weight.
The distributors where not even sure of when i should take it since i work at night. Now i was advised to take it before going to work that is night time.
Hi Joe, I would like to thank you for this review as it gives us a preview of what to expect in Lean and Fab as a weight management product. I could say that this food supplement is the best that I’ve taken so far (compared to other weight loss supplement from GNC). I am one of many Filipinos who don’t do physical workout, but glad to say that Lean and Fab works good on me and, as of this writing, lose 7lbs since I used it for the past 7 weeks.
Initially, I’ve experienced headache and excessive sweating and it was a relief to know that it was the “herxheimer reaction” or a reactions that occurs when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate (Guys, I suggest you google this herxheimer reaction to know the transformation happening in your body).
To have a better result, in taking Lean and Fab:
1) Know your BMI (Body Mass Index) to identified the excess weight you need to lose
2) Know how many capsules you should take based from your excess weight and how long would it take to have your NORMAL weight
3) Lean and Fab should be taken TWICE A DAY with WARM WATER, preferably 12 HOURS INTERVAL
4) If your excess weight is 20lbs or more, I don’t think that 1-2 capsules a day is enough, BE REALISTIC instead of wasting your hard earn money… Let me know though FB (Rene Dexter Tua) I could help you.
Decks, thanks,
Im glad its helping you but Id also point out that 7 lbs in 7 weeks is only 1 lb per week. Thats good but people should ask of 1 lb per week justifies the cost.
I looked up herxheimer reaction here is its wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herxheimer_reaction
Im not convinced that this was the cause of your symptoms but Im not an expert so I cant be sure
hi i just want to give you an idea about weight loss.. the normal weight loss is 2 lbs per week.. more than that is already abnormal.. so if your taking any supplements and with good diet 1-2 lbs loss per week is normal you dont have to worry if you loss less than 2 lbs.. and taking just supplements will not guarantee a person an instant weightloss, you should have a balanced diet and regular exercise too. (for those people saying that they have took 2 bottles or more and nothing happened.. look at your diet you may be taking more than what your body needs.) thanks I hope it helps 🙂
hello, Joe. Thanks for this write ups. Please connect w Sabinsa Corp for the ingredients of Lean&Fab since Sabinsa is the US co. that supplies to GFI
Albert, thanks for the heads up on Sabinsa Corp!
I’m using lean and fab over a month, and I can say is,it is effective to me. Maybe it depends and varies of your metabolism and with no side effects at all.
What I did is I just follow their recommendation of usage. bottom line,I am happy and satisfied
Hi Mr. Joe,can you make a review of USANA food supplement. I’m just curious about the credibility of this product.Thanks!
Kathleen, if I can get some of it I will.
what’s so different about this product? other products say the same thing: with proper diet and exercise, you’ll lose weight. nothing special about lean and fab.
hi. i started taking lean and fab June 1, 2012. I ordered two bottles. At first, I lost my appetite and no longer crave for the foods that I usually eat. But, that was for the 1st week only!
I’m on my 2nd bottle now, and thinks I am not losing any weight! It’s disappointing, especially each bottle costs PHP2500!
ive just ordered 2 bottles of lean & fab today, but after reading stories im a bit scared…
hi! its my 1st day of using lean and fab and giving me so much pain in my head so i decided to stop. :'(
To be fair, I guess no supplement can work if you yourself did not apply the right discipline on taking the food supplement, of course that must include the correct timing, correct dosage and balance it w/ proper diet, rest and exercise. I’ve heard that supplements like this must be taken on a regular/daily basis and you must follow same schedule of taking and of course, it must be done religiously. Of course, we can say this or that to the ingredient of whatever supplement that would harm or help you, but above that, let’s try to look with what we actually eat, food/liquor that would more probably be harmful than the supplements we take.
Hello Joe,
I tried the product too. After 3 bottles of taking it nothing happened. It’s really a rip off. To think it costs around P2,500 per bottle. The best way to loose weight is through a healthy lifestyle.
hello joe
im one in a million women luckily born with lots of unwanted fats 🙂 jst cant help to deside getting those fast and easy way losing wieght, since xercise and walking doesnt really work for me, so this lean and fab get my attention, but before buying any products i used to goggle til Y im here, just hope to read more article from this site thanks 😉
to answer all your questions, if you really want to satisfy your curiosity, its best if you just go to our office and ASK.
Andera, you didn’t tell me where your office was located? I guess the only question I have for you is this: is there any published peer reviewed research on lean and fab that proves a significant decrease in fat occurs in humans compared to a placebo? I was not aware of any when I reviewed Lean and Fab so if you have that information do share it and I will update my review to included that proof.
hi..sir joe i eat rice every afternon in the evening sometimes bread. corn i never drink cold water about sweets sometimes i eat. as of now i stop taking lean and fab. because i fell bigger and bigger i dont know what im gonna do. now. thank, have a good day!!!!
Joe, i’m interested in taking lean and fab. i might have one next week. that’s why i’m looking for blogs and statements in the web about it. just making sure it has no side effects or something. i’ll be observing my progress within a week, especially if i feel something unusual. i’ll make some notes about it.
Mao, thanks for keeping me posted. I’ll be interested in learning what happens 🙂
i already taken 4 bottles of lean and fab for more than one month but my figure is still the same.
Elizabeth, if lean and fab has not worked after a month, I dont think it will work. Can I suggest you start writing down what you eat and the times. I know it sounds odd but research finds that writing down what you eat can help some people lose weight.
since i started taking lean and fab im having difficulty to sleep and it doesn’t work for me.
That’s interesting do you take it close to bedtime or in the morning?
I’m from Manila, Philippines. I’ve tried Lean and Fab for just about 2 weeks then completely stopped. I began to feel a dull pain on my right side. On top of that, I did not lose any weight at all within those 2 weeks.
That dull pain on your right side may seem to be herxheimer reaction and DEFINITELY NOT A SIDE EFFECT of taking lean and fab. Moreover, if you are taking lean and fab, this won’t mean that you will automatically loose weight in JUST 2 WEEKS. Do understand that each person has it’s distinct hormone system and it really varies from one person to another. It is also possible that you are taking other medicines or supplements which interferes to the weight management program.
Anonymous, I’m not sure who you were directing your reply to. I didn’t see anyone else commenting say they had a dull pain on their side.