Top 8 Best Nootropics for Weight Loss

A lot has happened in the world of nootropics in recent years. One trend that has caught our attention is the use of nootropics for weight loss. Is there a connection between cognition and weight loss? We investigate.

Top Nootropics For Weight Loss in 2024

Cognition and Weight – Establishing the Link between the Two

First off, we all have to appreciate the fact that losing weight is a mentally demanding process. To burn fat, you need to have the ability to control your hunger pangs. After all, the hormones that control appetite like serotonin are released in the brain!

And that’s not all, you need to be psyched up to stick to a demanding weight loss routine. Whether that be keto or intermittent fasting, you need a kick in your pants to stick with it even when things seem tough.

In other words, it’s quite difficult to lose weight when your brain isn’t into it. Indeed, issues related to fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration can only make the journey extremely draining.

And that’s where nootropics come in. They may not help you directly burn fat but they certainly can provide you with the fuel you need to make the most of your current weight loss plan.

Desirable Characteristics of Best Nootropics for Weight Loss

One thing you need to keep in mind is that there’s nothing like a one-size-fits-all “smart drug” for burning fat. You may need to take a combination of them to get the desired results.

For instance, taking a pill that improves your appetite control by boosting your serotonin levels might sound like a good idea. But if you’re fatigued, you’d still struggle with your workouts.

Likewise, even if you try to boost your motivation levels and are still stressed, chances are that your efforts would hit a snag. So, we’d recommend stacking these nootropics. Alternatively, you can simply go for one of the premium premade nootropic compounds available out there (more on those in a bit).

1. Adderall

Adderall is not only a good cognitive enhancer but it also does an incredible job of helping you burn fat. In a 2014 study, kids who were brought up using Adderall for ADHD management were observed to have a lower BMI than those who didn’t take Adderall.

One unique characteristic of this smart drug, and one that makes it ideal for weight loss is that it helps in appetite control. With it, you can take less food, have fewer cheat days and, therefore, reduce your calorie count.

And to top that up, Adderall is known to boost dopamine production. As you might be aware, dopamine is key to staying motivated.

A word of caution, though – Adderall is not approved by the FDA as a weight management drug. Also, if misused, its side effects can be lethal.

2. Modafinil

Another heavy-hitter often recommended for weight-management is none other than the good old “moda.” One thing with this nootropic compound is that it improves neuro-transmitter balance. In particular, it improves the balance and distribution of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

By improving your brain biochemistry, it helps you to stay motivated, focused and energized. On its own, it might not lead to weight loss like Adderall but from our research, it works best when combined with a healthy weight management routine.

However, just like Adderall, Modafinil is quite controversial. In fact, most stores that used to sell it have been closing down in recent years e.g. Modafinilcat and Duckdose. Fortunately, our recommended source Afinil Express is still going strong.

3. Adrafinil

Adrafinil is a precursor of Modafinil. Unlike moda which is thought to be controversial, Adrafinil is readily available even in mainstream outlets like NootropicDepot and Pure Nootropic.

When you take Adrafinil pills, they get converted into modafinil once in your body. And, therefore, this particular nootropic plays the same role as moda in promoting weight loss.

That is – it regulates your neurotransmitter levels. And as we’ve already mentioned, these are the brain chemicals that determine who you are and the choices you make in day-to-day life. Needless to say, Adrafinil provides you with that much-needed support when the going gets tough.

On the flip side, though, you have to take it in large doses to achieve the effects that would otherwise be derived from tiny quantities of Moda. In particular, the 300mg is the best-recommended one for healthy cognitive function and weight loss.

That said, the fact that you have to take it in large quantities means that it’ll pile quite a bit of pressure on your liver. And that, in some cases leads to the production of smelly pee. To avoid such side effects, be sure to take lots of water when following an Adrafinil supplementation regime.

4. Mucuna Pruriens

Away from the controversies of Adderall and Modafinil, Mucuna Pruriens stands tall as an all-natural and safe weight loss nootropic compound. This velvet bean extract is believed to be a rich source of L-dopa also known as levodopa. Levodopa is an extremely powerful brain chemical especially in the regulation of mood, alertness, and sexuality.

If you’ve been having mood issues of late and you think that this experience is working against your weight loss ambitions, Mucuna might just be all you need.

And that’s not all. This legume-sourced nootropic compound can help improve your muscle mass. It does this by enhancing your dopamine supplies. As we’ve already mentioned, dopamine is also a good feel-good-hormone that can also help in keeping you motivated to work toward your health goals.

However, the old rule of “no pain, no gain” still applies to Mucuna Pruriens usage. If taken in abnormally high dosages in can raise your blood pressure and leave you with nausea. So, we’d recommend taking it in moderation.

5. L-Theanine

Another highly safe bet as far as fitness is concerned is L-theanine. To stay active and fit, you need to be highly focused. Unfortunately, with so many things competing for your attention, it’s easy to get distracted.

If distractions have something to do with your current state of affairs, you’ve got a friend you can trust in this natural nootropic compound. L-theanine is harvested from green tea leaves and its main role is to improve your brainwave stability.

When your alpha and beta brainwaves are out of sync, you’re bound to struggle with focus. And you really don’t want that to happen when you’ve got some weight loss targets to meet.

L-theanine can also be highly beneficial for meditation routines and yoga. As you know, these are important stress-management and weight-management tools.

6. Citicoline

Well known for its brain-energy and memory-enhancing effects, Citicoline is a weight-loss powerhouse that’s yet to get the recognition it deserves.

Did you know that improving your memory can actually help you lose weight? Yup, the two might seem unrelated but if you look at them closely, you’re bound to notice that they have quite a lot in common.

Not only does good memory help you keep track of goal-related outcomes, but it can also impact your competency as well. You need to be competent to undertake any major task or process in life and succeed. For example, competency is key when it comes to sticking to a strict weight loss diet.

On its own, Citicoline might not do much to promote weight loss. But if combined with a good weight loss plan, it can help you accomplish things that exceed your expectations.

7. Bacopa Monnieri

Ranked among the most useful, natural adaptogens, Bacopa has pretty much all it takes to give your fat loss efforts a boost. The secret behind its immense success is stress management.

Numerous studies have so far confirmed that stress is one of the culprits behind “unexplained weight gain.” That’s because when you’re stressed, your body tends to accumulate high quantities of a hormone known as cortisol.

In this particular study, researchers from the Department of Psychology at Yale University reported that high levels of cortisol in the body can particularly lead to an increase in abdominal fat distribution.

And on top of that, stress can disrupt your sleep patterns. Poor quality of sleep can further make it difficult to lose weight and lower your quality of life.

So, you really can’t underestimate the potential Bacopa Monnieri has in promoting your weight loss ambitions.

8. Phosphatidylserine (PS)

This is a fat-soluble amino acid. The fact that it’s fat-soluble means it can work quite well when combined with MCT oils. You know, MCT oils are highly recommended for paleo, keto and intermittent fasting diet programs – don’t you?

PS plays a vital role in reducing stress symptoms. And in particular, it helps lower the levels of cortisol which typically rise after intensive workouts.

Another thing, this natural nootropic compound boosts metabolism. A slackened metabolism is to blame for symptoms like:

• Sluggishness throughout the day
• Low productivity
• Unexplained fatigue
• Lack of motivation

So, if you can nail that with a bit of Phosphatidylserine every day, your weight loss ambitions would be 99% accomplished. Of course, the remaining 1% has everything to do with leading a healthy lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

At the beginning of this run-down of the best weight loss smart drugs, we mentioned the fact that stacking can help you hit two birds with one stone. Two of the high-quality pre-made stacks we’d recommend are Mind Lab Pro and Alpha Brain. They both good combinations of nootropics like PS, L-theanine, Citicoline, and Bacopa all which feature highly on the list above.