Below we take an in-depth look to see just how effective GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite really is, and to investigate the claims that this diet pill can burn 6x more calories.
GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite is a thermogenic weight loss aid manufactured and sold by GNC, an American supplier of health and weight loss supplements.
The GNC website does not cite the clinical study that proves that Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite burns six times more calories. It appears that the study is unpublished, with the only information about the study being detailed on the product label.
In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 33 male and female subjects exercised on two occasions. On one occasion, the subjects took this blend 60 minutes before exercise, and on the other occasion, they took a placebo. When the subjects took this blend, they burned 6 times (619%) more calories pre-exercise, 5% more calories during exercise and over 3 times (373%) more calories post-exercise compared to when they took the placebo.
Ideally the company would provide access to the full study. This information is worded to make the product look highly effective, but the information fails to tell customers how many calories were actually burnt by the participants on average. The information also fails to note how long the ‘post-exercise’ period was, or how they collected this data on the amount of calories burnt over this time period. There is also no information available about how long the product affects the body for, or any information on the demographics of the 33 participants. Age, fitness and weight groupings would help to establish who this product is likely to be most effective for. The study looks at the short term effects of the diet pill, and so potential long term weight loss results are unknown.
GNC can be contacted using the information on their website. They also have a number of stores across the USA, where members of staff should be able to help customers with any queries they have.
This product is not suitable for vegetarians.
As a dietary supplement, take two fast-acting tablets 30 minutes prior to exercise.
Do not take near bedtime.
As individual tolerances may vary, you may begin by taking 1 fast-acting tablet daily for 5-7 days, and then increase to the suggested dose once your level of comfort has been assessed.
For best results, take the full suggested dose for at least 60 days in conjunction with a healthy diet & exercise program.
The product is described as a Fast-Acting Metabolism Supercharger with the following benefits:
The manufacturers claim that the product burns 6x more calories, but the clinical study shows that this is only the case during the first hour after consumption. As we have shown above, the manufacturers only provide limited information about this study, and so the product may not actually quite as effective as the manufacturers claim.
The ingredients used in GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite are listed below. The ingredient quantities listed are per two capsule serving, which is the total maximum daily serving.
6x Clinical Burn Blend
Botanical Rush Blend
Mind/Body Matrix
There is a huge list of ingredients that are used in GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite. Whilst some ingredients are effective weight loss aids, others are not directly related to weight loss.
Caffeine is known to increase the metabolism slightly for a few hours after consumption, burning more calories. Capsimax is a patented product derived from cayenne that increases thermogenesis, meaning that it raises the body’s temperature, burning more calories in the process. Cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels, which could reduce sugar cravings between meals.
Mucuna pruriens contains an active ingredient that theoretically should increase dopamine levels in the brain, but studies suggest that it needs to be combined with other ingredients to be effective. Lower levels of dopamine in the brain have been associated with binge eating and a lack of motivation (amongst many other traits), and so low dopamine levels could theoretically seriously hinder weight loss attempts. Ginger root is an appetite suppressant when drunk as a tea, but it is unclear whether it acts in the same way when taken as a supplement.
Green coffee bean is unlikely to contribute to weight loss, as shown by the lack of (authentic) clinical studies showing this.
Caffeine can lead to headaches, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, increased urination, dehydration, jitteriness, dizziness and insomnia. Piperine increases the absorption rate of many ingredients, including caffeine, and so may make the side effects of these ingredients more likely or worse. Consumers who are taking medication are also more at risk of overdose because of this higher absorption rate, and so should consult their doctor before taking any product that contains piperine or pepper extracts.
Mucuna Pruriens can cause a range of side effects; the most common side effects include nausea and a sensation of abdominal bloating. Less common side effects include vomiting, abnormal body movements, and insomnia. The ingredient can also cause side effects such as headache, pounding heartbeat, and symptoms of psychosis including confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and delusions.
Reishi Mushroom consumption can cause dryness of the mouth, throat, and nasal area along with itchiness, stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools. There are also concerns that consuming it in powdered form for longer than a month can cause toxic effects in the liver.
The diet pill also contains a laxative and diuretic ingredients. These can cause dehydration and are unsuitable for regular use. Other possible side effects include increased urination, increased bowel movements, diarrhoea, loose stools, constipation and stomach aches. Using laxatives for more than a fortnight can cause dependency and lowered electrolyte levels, which can lead to other, more serious side effects.
Below is the only available customer review for GNC Metabolic Elite.
I’m just a normal dude who has been looking for a thermo that gives me clean energy and does not make me crazy. I take 2 at 6 in the morning and I still have a decent amount of energy around 8 pm. It really helps you power through your work outs and stay mentally focused. I do HIIT (high intensity interval training) with a strict whole food non processed way of eating and take in 1500 calories a day. Along with a strict diet and exercise 4 to 5 day a week, this product will help you meet your goals. Don’t fall into the trap that you can continue to eat fast food and processed food with no exercise and think you’ll get results because you won’t.
Whilst there is a clinical trial associated with GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite, it has numerous flaws. As it studies a short time period, there is no indication of how much weight could be lost using this product in the long term. The study has not been published in its entirety, and so we have no information about how many calories were actually burnt by participants, with the results only stating that there was a 619% increase in calorie burn in the first hour of use.
However, this is still promising. The ingredients list also shows that there are some ingredients that could aid weight loss, including metabolism boosting ingredients such as caffeine, appetite suppressing ingredients such as ginger, and ingredients that boost thermogenesis, such as capsimax. There is also the possibility that this diet pill could help to improve endurance, increase energy levels and reduce inflammation, which would help consumers who are regularly exercising.
There are some ingredients that may not contribute to weight loss at all. These include green coffee bean, mucuna pruriens and Reishi mushroom powder, although they may have other health benefits.
GNS Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite can be purchased from the GNC official website or any GNC retail store. A single bottle of 60 tablets costs $49.99. Customers who are GNC members will pay a reduced price of $39.99.
Members are people who have purchased an annual GNC gold membership card at a price of $15.00 per year, which grants them additional discounts on many of the products available at GNC. This may be a good investment for those who shop at GNC regularly, but for many the cost of the membership would outweigh savings made on just a few purchases over the course of the year. Shipping costs on all deliveries is a flat rate of $3.99.
GNC offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on unopened and unused products, minus the cost of shipping. This is valid from the date of the order.
Overall, it appears that GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite could help consumers to lose some weight. However, the claim that the product burns six times more calories is misleading, as this effect was only noted in the hour after consumption. It appears that initially, the product has a significant impact upon calorie burn, but that this will tail off quickly over the course of the next few hours.
No clinical research has been conducted investigating how the diet pill affects the rate of weight loss in the long run.
The ingredients list is a real mix of relevant and effective ingredients, ineffective ingredients, and ingredients that are completely unrelated to weight loss. Capsimax and Caffeine appear to be the most effective weight loss ingredients used in this product.
The product is quite expensive, and because it is a GNC exclusive product there is no price competition. GNC members can get a $10 discount, but they still have to pay for the annual membership card. The manufacturers offer a 30 day money back guarantee. Customers who purchase their product in store do need to retain their original receipt.
Overall, we do not think that GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite is actually as good as the manufacturers claim in their sales pitch. They have used a very specific fact from their clinical research, and simplified its implications to sell the product in a misleading way. Customers should remember that this is not a miracle weight loss aid. There are also various side effects associated with the ingredients used in the product, and there are numerous limitations on who should not use this product, many of which are not mentioned by the manufacturers.
We do not recommend GNC Total Lean Advanced Metabolic Elite to our readers.
Thousands of customers have cut the fat with this fast and powerful thermogenic fat burner. Can suppress appetite, boost energy levels and elevate mood without the jitters.
Disclaimer: Our reviews and investigations are based on extensive research from the information publicly available to us and consumers at the time of first publishing the post. Information is based on our personal opinion and whilst we endeavour to ensure information is up-to-date, manufacturers do from time to time change their products and future research may disagree with our findings. If you feel any of the information is inaccurate, please contact us and we will review the information provided.
My name is Noah I have been using usn products them a salesman at clicks said i should try metabolic elite i have been using it for 20 days but I see no weight loss results .If you use it as a preworkout its very weak it last less thenan hour I train for 3 yrs a day 5 days a week I am highly disappointed in this product and would really want my money back as it is very expensive with no results