Update 3/9/20. Leptigen is a weight loss supplement that contains an interesting ingredient called MeraTrim. Does Leptigen work? Does It have any side effects? Who makes Leptigen? These will be some of the questions I'll try to answer in this review. Leptigen is not the same thing as Lipothin which is another weight loss supplement. See the DietSpotLight Burn review for more information.
What Does The Name Mean?
The name Leptigen is interesting because it reminds me of “Leptin” a hormone, made inside fat cells that play a role in hunger. The idea behind the name is a subtle reference that it might influence leptin levels and in doing, curb appetite and promote weight loss.
That said evidence the Lepigen alters leptin levels could not be located.
Leptigen Research
On the FAQ page of Leptigen.com it's stated that:
“we referenced 284 published scientific studies to verify the claims that we make about the ingredients in Leptigen.”
Understand that while research exists on the ingredients of the supplement, that is not the same thing as research on the supplement itself. To best understand the supplement its necessary to look at its ingredients.
Let's do that next.
Leptigen Ingredients
Each capsule of Leptigen has these ingredients:
Decaffeinated green tea extract | 200 mg |
Chromium polynicotinate (Chromate) | 100 mcg (83% DV) |
Meratrim | 400 mg |
Caffeine | 75 mg |
The label lists these 2 ingredients as well:
- MeraTrim
- Green Select EGCG
See the Research Section below.
Other Ingredients
Leptigen also contains these “other ingredients”
- Gelatin
- Cellulose
- Silicon dioxide
- Magnesium stearate (vegetable source)
- Lecithin phospholipids
These other ingredients play no role in the effects or benefits of the supplement.
Chromium Polynicotinate
This is another name for chromium. It's a combination of chromium and niacin (a B vitamin). Supplements often contain chromium bonded to vitamins to increase absorption. Chromium has been used in weight loss supplements for many years, although most research shows it does not work. See the review of chromium and weight loss .
Chromium polynicotinate is sometimes found in weight loss supplements, likely due to a study from the 1990s noting that it helped women lose weight (woman taking chromium picolinate actually gained weight).
See the review of chromium polynicotinate for more information.
Leptigen uses a trademarked brand of chromium polynicotinate called “ChromeMate” made by a company called InterHealth Nutraceuticals (now part of Lonza company). To support its effects this study noted it helped people lose weight more than a
Leptigen contains 100 micrograms of ChromeMate which is more than the above study used, so that is good.
More good news is Chromate is not expensive
Caffeine
Many weight loss supplements contain caffeine. The idea is probably twofold:
1. caffeine appears to have a small fat burning effect
2. people who are more awake might burn more calories through doing more physical activity
Leptigen has 75 mg of caffeine per capsule. That's about what is in a cup of coffee.
Green Select EGCG
This is a trademarked version of green tea found in Leptigen. This form is supposed to be better absorbed than “regular” green tea. Another name for this ingredient is Green Select Phytosome. One study showing Green Select Phytosome helped people lose weight.
MeraTrim
MeraTrim is another ingredient in Leptigen. It's composed of two separate ingredients:
- Sphaeranthus indicus
- Garcinia mangostana
There is some weight loss research on MeraTrim.
The research notes that Meratrim works when people take 800 mg per day. I'll assume Leptigen has this amount but I'm not sure as I could not determine the amount from the label.
See the MeraTrim Review
Who Makes Leptigen?
The company that makes the supplement is called Green Bracket LLC. According to the Better Business Bureau, they are located at:
7320 NW 12th St STE 110 Miami, FL 33126-1913. This address corrosponds to a supplement review website called DietSpotLight.com
The Better Business Bureau gives Green Bracket LLC a rating of “F.” See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Previoulsy the BBB used to list another website for the company – “Avesil.com.” Before Leptigen, there was another weight loss supplement called Avesil. Their ingredients looked very much alike.
Leptigen and Avesil have both been promoted on DietSpotlight website. Another supplement promoted on the website is
called DietSpotlight Burn.
See the DietSpotlight Burn review
How To Contact Leptigen
The BBB lists this contact number for Green Bracket LLC 800-555-3951.
In Australia, call: 1800-112-947
In the UK, call: 0800-148-8251
Does Leptigen Contain Soy?
Yes, the label indicates that the product contains soy. The soy may come from the Green Select EGCG extract which has a little bit of soy. Generally soy is not a problem for most people.
How To Return Leptigen
The supplement came with a 120-day money-back guarantee. Before returning Leptigen call their customer service department at 800-555-3951. You need to get a return merchandise number (RMA number) and this needs to accompany anything that is returned. The product website says you have 120 days -from the time they order the supplement- to return it.
To get a refund, you have to include a copy of your sales receipt too (or a note with your order number, name address email address phone number) and a reason why you are returning it.
The FAQ page of Leptigen.com also lists this address for returns:
Leptigen
Attention: Returns
4135 Laguna St.
Coral Gables, FL 33146
It's best to call the company first. Their number is: 800-555-3951.
Oddly, The product return page stated: “We cannot accept returns on overly used products.” What does “overly used products” mean?
How Much Does It Cost?
The supplement was about $110 for a bottle containing 60 capsules. Update, the product website also listed 3 options for buying
- Option 1: “Best Value.” $89.95 for a 90 day supply plus 5 free gifts.
- Option 2: “Most Popular.” $99.95 for a 60 day supply plus 5 free gifts.
- Option 3: ” Getting Started.” $109.95 plus 5 free gifts.
Customer service said the free gifts consisted of:
- A meal planner
- Pedometer
- Capsule carrier
- Cheatsheet
- Tape measure
Leptigen Side Effects
The supplement is likly safe in most healthy people. For those not healthy here are some things to consider. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than suggested for the first weekS
- Stop taking the product – and other supplements – at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Don't take the product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Speak to your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, thyroid issues, have had a stroke/ blood pressure problems or are diabetic, have depression, emotional/psychiatric issues.
- Don't take Leptigen close to bedtime due to its caffeine content
- If you take any medications, show the ingredients to your doctor/pharmacist first.
Does Leptigen Work?
Leptigen has no clinical studies to know if it works or not. However, there are a few studies on Meratrim which is an ingredient as well as Green Select Phytosome.