LeanBean weight loss pills are said to have been created to support the needs of active women with the use of clinically proven ingredients like glucomannan and no harmful stimulants. The supplement also has its share of positive testimonials, which is great but the real question is does LeanBean really work? To help you decide if this female fat burner is legit or a scam, this review will cut through fancy words and online testimonials and focus on the ingredients, clinical research and pros, and cons of LeanBean. Leave your comments below. Affiliate Disclosure: This site may earn a small commission on purchases you make. See the affiliate disclosure page for more insights.
LeanBean Ingredients
The Supplement Facts label indicates that 6 capsules have the following ingredients.
Ingredient | Amount | Percent Daily Value |
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCL) | 1.7 mg | 100% DV |
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) | 2.4 mcg | 100% DV |
Chromium (nicotinate glycinate chelate) | 35 mcg | 100% DV |
Zinc (zinc oxide) | 11 mg | 100% DV |
Potassium (potassium chloride) | 10 mcg | < 1%DV |
Glucomannan (konjac root) | 3000 mg | N/A |
Choline (choline bitartrate) | 8.5 mg | N/A |
Garcinia Cambogia extract (50% Hydroxy citric acid) | 100 mg | N/A |
Green Coffee Bean Extract (50% chlorogenic acid) | 50 mg | N/A |
Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa) | 50 mg | N/A |
Acai Berry extract | 20 mg | N/A |
BioPerine | 5 mg | N/A |
N/A = no daily value established.
A bottle has 180 capsules. If you take 6 capsules a day, a bottle of 180 capsules will last you 1 month.
How Does LeanBean Work?
The supplement is said to work 3 different ways:
- reduce your cravings (including sugar cravings)
- improve fatigue
- regulate blood sugar and energy metabolism
Is there any proof? The B vitamins in the supplement are involved in energy production. However, are you deficient in B6 or vitamin B12? While it's possible some people might be, it's unlikely in generally healthy people. The mineral, chromium helps with insulin function and maybe cravings. In a study involving 42 overweight women, 1000 mg of chromium picolinate was found to reduce food intake although no weight loss occurred. Several studies have revealed chromium does not improve the odds of successful weight loss.
How Much Caffeine Does It Contain?
The company states Lean Bean has a small amount of “caffeine from natural sources.” The dosage of caffeine is not listed on the Supplement Facts label however the company states it is less than 10 mg. The caffeine may come from the green coffee bean ingredient.
LeanBean Research
Despite the positive online testimonials, there is no clinical research on LeanBean diet pills itself. There is research on the ingredients in the supplement. While this is good, research on the ingredients is not the same thing as research on the weight loss supplement. One ingredient in LeanBean lends credibility that it may work for some people. That ingredient is Glucomannan.
Glucomannan Research
Glucomannan -also called Konjac root extract – is a soluble fiber derived from the konjac plant. It expands in the stomach, making you feel full. Several studies have documented consuming glucomannan can assist with weight reduction. In one such investigation, 3000 mg of glucomannan was shown to be more effective for weight loss than a placebo, when it was given to overweight men and women for 2 months. Six capsules of LeanBean diet pills contain the same dosage as used in this study.
In a review of 14 previous glucomannan investigations, researchers concluded that the fiber was effective for weight loss when used at a dosage of 2000 mg to 4ooo mg a day. In addition, those researchers also noted glucomannan had the potential to reduce LDL bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar levels. While not all studies show this fiber works, there is enough of it to think it may work for some people.
You can buy glucomannan capsules and it is also available as a powder that you can add to smoothies.
Green Coffee Bean
Green coffee, a rich source of chlorogenic acids, that are thought to be at the heart of green coffee's weight loss effects. Chlorogenic acids are polyphenol antioxidant phytonutrients found mostly in coffee and in lesser amounts in apples, pears, eggplants, potatoes, and tomatoes.
A cup of coffee can contain 70 mg to 350 mg of chlorogenic acids, depending on how it was brewed. Roasting coffee beans destroys chlorogenic acids. While green coffee beans contain chlorogenic acids, coffee robusta contains the most.
Green coffee supplements have been been a popular weight loss aid for several years but do they really work? In one study 30 people were given a green coffee product (called Coffee Slender) for 3 months. Compared to those drinking regular instant coffee, the people lost about 5 pounds. The Slender Coffee promoted about 3.5 pounds more weight loss than those drinking an instant Norwegian blend of coffee.
While this is encouraging, in a review of 5 previous studies, researchers concluded that poor quality of research made it difficult to know if green coffee worked or not. In a more recent review of previous studies, researchers observed green coffee bean extract might only work in those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25. They also concluded that short-term use (less than 4 weeks) probably would not be effective.
Other researchers, concluded green coffee extract reduced body weight but did not change body fat percentage or waist circumference. What all this means is that better studies are required to fully understand how effective green coffee really is.
Choline
Choline is involved with the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Low levels of acetylcholine are thought to play a role in fatigue. But what about weight loss? In a study involving 22 female judo and taekwondo athletes were given 2000 mg of choline (or a placebo) 1 week prior to their competitions. Results showed choline caused a rapid 10% drop in body fat compared to those taking a placebo. Choline was also demonstrated to lower the hunger hormone leptin too.
The choline dosage used in this study is more than LeanBean contains (which is 8.5 mg). More research is needed to better determine how effective choline is for weight loss.
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia has been a popular weight loss aid for many years although it remains controversial. The Garcinia Cambogia plant contains hydroxy citric acid (HCA) which is thought to be key to its weight loss effects. Hydroxy citric acid is thought to inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. In other words, preventing fat storage.
In one of the studies, people taking 4.7 grams of garcinia Cambogia a day for 8 weeks in conjunction with daily exercise and a 2000 calorie diet had a 5.4% reduction in body weight and they ate significantly less food than those who did not take the herbal supplement. This study used a specific supplement called SuperCitrimax. While several studies have noted Garcinia Cambogia works, several other studies have found just the opposite.
On the downside, there have been at least 12 cases of liver failure and hepatitis associated with people using Garcinia Cambogia supplements. The reasons why this occurs are not understood. In many reports, people were taking supplements that contained several ingredients. In these cases, it's difficult to pin down the exact ingredient responsible. For the most part, liver problems improved when people stopped taking the supplements.
In at least one report, a person needed a liver transplant after taking a supplement that contained only garcinia Cambogia. That said, millions of people have used Garcinia Cambogia without issues. On the plus side 6 capsules of LeanBean only has 100 mg of garcinia Cambogia which is less than that used in most studies.
What Is BioPerine?
BioPerine is a proprietary form of black pepper (Piper nigrum) that is often used as an adjuvant in supplements because it increases the absorption of turmeric and curcumin. Black pepper and BioPerine are able to do this because they inhibit an important drug metabolism enzyme called cytochrome P450 (also called CYP3A4). The P450 enzyme is also involved in the breakdown of many medications.
Inhibiting the P450 enzyme may make some medications break down too quickly and other medications break down too slowly. Because of this, people who take medications should speak to their doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements containing BioPerine.
Ingredients With Evidence
Here are the ingredients in LeanBean that have mostly been studied for weight loss. This does not mean they are equally effective or that all studies show they work. Rather these ingredients have been investigated more than the others.
- Glucomannan
- Chromium
- Green coffee bean
- Garcinia cambogia
Ingredients With Less Evidence
Lesser amounts of weight loss evidence exist for these ingredients.
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Acai berry
- Zinc
- Choline
- Turmeric
- BioPerine
How Do You Take LeanBean?
The instructions to use are to take 2 capsules with at least 8 oz (250 ml) of water, 3 times a day. Take two capsules before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So, if you follow the directions you are taking 6 capsules a day. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. While the supplement appears primarily marketed to women, there are no “women-only” ingredients. So, if it really works, there's no reason to think it would not work in men too. Weight loss studies on the glucomannan (konjac root fiber) ingredient have involved both men and women.
Where Can You Buy LeanBean?
You can purchase directly from the official Lean Bean website or from Ultimate Life LTD, the maker of the supplement. Currently, LeanBean is not sold in local stores like Wallgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Food Lion, Vitamin Shopp, GNC, Vitamin World or Amazon, or eBay.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices listed on the official Lean Bean website are as follows:
- 1 month supply (180 capsules): $59
- 2 months supply: $118
- Body Bundle: $185
The Body Bundle comes with 3 bottles of LeanBean, 1 free bottle, as well as free worldwide delivery and a free workout ebook.
Is it Keto Friendly?
Since the supplement does not contain carbohydrates, it could be considered ketogenic diet “friendly.” That said, there are no clinical studies proving LeanBean helps a ketogenic diet be more effective. The supplement is also non-GMO and does not contain soy or gluten.
Who Makes It?
Ultimate Life Limited is the name of the company. Ultimate Life Limited is also the company behind the Powher brand of preworkout, fat burner, and nootropic supplements. The company address is 21 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2EX, UK. Company No. 09846112, VAT No. GB 298622457. The supplement company is located in Great Britain, United Kingdom.
Countries Shipped To
The company ships supplements from within the US and UK to avoid customs charges. This includes Mexico too. If you are located in other countries, the company states that in the unlikely event that there is a custom charge, it is your responsibility to pay that amount. The Terms and Conditions page of the website also states that there are no refunds if a parcel is seized by customs. Refunds are only issued when the company receives a return shipment.
The company does not ship to the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Morocco, Mozambique, North Korea, Norway, Palestinian Territories, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Turkey.
Return Policy and Money Back Guarantee
To make a return you have to reach out to the company within 7 days of receiving your supplements. The company only accepts returns on unused supplements that have their product seal still intact. Refunds are issued minus $30 shipping, processing, and handling fees.
Those who purchase the Complete Bundle have a 90-day money-back guarantee. To get a refund, contact the company no later than the 4th month of your purchase at this email address: info AT Lean Bean Offical dot com. In your email, provide the following information:
- the reasons why you are returning the supplements
- your name, address, phone number, and order number
Remember to use tracking that includes a signature when returning Lean Bean to ensure the company receives it. Also, remember the 90-day money-back guarantee only applies to the Complete Bundle. It does not apply if you only purchased 1, 2, or 3 bottles at a time.
LeanBean Testimonials
The official website contains many positive testimonials of women who say they successfully used the supplement. Testimonials come from all over the world including the US and UK as well as Germany, Australia, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
Do You Need To Exercise?
The company stipulates that you have to do your part too. This means watching what you eat and regularly exercising.
LeanBean vs The Competition
Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is one of the most popular weight loss supplements in history. The name “hydroxy” is a reference to hydroxy citric acid (garcinia cambogia). No clinical studies comparing Hydroxycut to LeanBean can be located. There are many Hydroxycut supplements. Some of those have ingredients in common with LeanBean although none are identical. Hydroxycut may contain more caffeine. Despite its name, Hydroxycut no longer contains Garcinia Cambogia.
Lipozene
Lipozene has been around for many years and remains popular. Lipozene is a glucomannan supplement. Two capsules of Lipozene have 1500 mg of glucomannan, an amount that has been used in some clinical studies. There are no studies comparing Lipozene vs. Lean Bean to each other.
Metamucil
Metamucil, mostly known as a popular laxative contains a fiber called psyllium. Psyllium has been studied for its weight loss effects. In one investigation 14 grams of psyllium fiber caused people to eat fewer calories and lose almost 5 pounds after 4 months of daily use. In one study, glucomannan was found to reduce body weight and body fat more than to psyllium after 1 year of use. More comparison studies are needed.
Goli ACV Gummies
Goli apple cider vinegar gummies have been around for a few years and have their share of happy customers. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which has been studied for weight loss benefits. In one such study, 150 people taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day lost 2-4 pounds more than people taking a placebo. Lean Bean does not contain apple cider vinegar and no studies compare how well it stacks up against Goli gummies or apple cider vinegar itself.
LeanBean Side Effects & Precautions
Lean Bean is advertised as being safe and the supplement has no known side effects. Here is a short list of things to consider. This list is not complete. Because everyone is different, start with less than recommended for the first week. Do not take all 6 capsules at the same time. Also speak to your doctor if you:
- are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking birth control pills
- are having surgery
- have any medical issues such as diabetes, liver problems, high blood pressure, or psychiatric issues
- take any prescription or over the counter medications
Be sure to drink adequate water when taking LeanBean. Konjac fiber pills may swell in the throat. This can cause a choking hazard. This side effect is probably rare but significant if it happens to you.
What Do I Suggest?
If you are looking to save money on LeanBean, I suggest glucomannan, also known as konjac root extract. This ingredient, which – Lean Bean contains- is widely available and costs less. Glucomannan is available in both pill and powder form. I prefer glucomannan powder that you can mix in liquids or smoothies.
LeanBean Pros and Cons
Here are my opinions on the pros and cons of this supplement. Your opinions may be different.
Pros | Cons |
Contains an effective dose of glucomannan | Expensive |
Low amounts of caffeine | No research on LeanBean itself |
Ships to many countries | Return policy could be better |
Not found in local stores | |
Garcinia Cambogia |
Does Lean Bean Really Work?
LeanBean looks like an expensive glucomannan fiber supplement with added ingredients. The supplement contains an effective dose of glucomannan (konjac fiber) which has been shown to foster weight loss in some clinical studies. While it's possible the unique blend of ingredients LeanBean makes it more effective, it will take clinical proof to know for sure.
Jen says
Thank you for this review! I’m trying to shed my covid weight and was looking for a little assistance. I’m going to try glucomannan and see what happens. Thank you for saving me a lot of money!
Joe Cannon says
Jen I’m happy to help. I hope the glucomannan helps. I like the powder versions more than the capsules.
Janet says
So you have only 7 days to return and they keep $30 even if they are unopened? AND, you will have to pay to send it back to them. What kind of a refund is that?
Ingrid says
Dear Joe,
Just a quick but huge thank you for generously sharing your research.
As always, I find you to-the-point, thorough, and well-balanced.
It would be most interesting to know what you think about stem-cell rejuvenation methods used in Mexico, Germany, and Thailand, to name a few countries that are legally allowed clinics. My mother is elderly, and I wonder if it is worth trying (as long as they use one’s own cells!)? There is a compelling video of Mel Gibson taking his father to one in Mexico, with startling and positive results.
Kind regards,
Ingrid
Joe Cannon says
Hi Ingrid, I’ve heard of stem cell clinics but from what I know -which isn’t much – I don’t think it’s ready for prime time. There’s a lot we do not know about stem cells and what happens when we inject them, even if we are using our own. A few years ago I heard a story of a woman who got stem cells injected into her eye to help her vision. She ended up going blind from the stem cell treatment. Here is the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/10/stem-cell-eye/541299/
I can’t speak about what Mel Gibson is saying. I can only say to ask about the side effects, ask if there are “peer-reviewed clinical studies on humans” that prove the stem cells help the condition your mom has – and ask to see those studies (I’d like to see them too).
I know you want to help your mom. You are a good daughter. I just wonder if there are better ways to help.
Ingrid says
You are so kind to answer so quickly and clearly. I will do just that, and see what I can cross-reference, try to find peer-reviewed clinical studies on humans, and also will pay attention to whom is funding the research!
If I find out something (positively) useful, I will of course let you know!
Best regards,
Ingrid
Joe Cannon says
Thanks, Ingrid, Ill be interested in learning whatever you turn up about it. 🙂
ingrid says
Dear Joe,
I tried to thank you, but the server said I was being redundant and wouldn’t send the message! Anyway, I will also see what I can sleuth out, and if there is any positively useful reporting– cross-referenced, peer-reviewed good stuff, I will be sure and return the favour.
Kind regards,
Ingrid
Joe Cannon says
Really that’s odd. I’ve never heard anyone say that before. I did see your last comment and just posted it. I’ll post this one too 🙂