PhenQ vs PrimeShred (2024 Upd) My Personal Results

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: January 27, 2024
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

Here at Total Shape, our team of personal trainers and fitness coaches always gets excited when we hear of new fat burners. But the problem with many products in the weight loss industry is that so many of them spend more on advertising than on developing a great formula.

One of the more recent fat-burning supplements we heard people talk about is PrimeShred, and we decided to do some more research with a dietitian and a side-by-side test of our favorite diet pills from PhenQ.

Here’s what we found in our PhenQ vs PrimeShred comparison.

What Is the Main Difference Between PhenQ And PrimeShred?

PhenQ And PrimeShred side by side with a woman in the background running on a treadmill

The main difference between PhenQ and PrimeShred is in the choice of ingredients the companies have chosen to trigger the fat-burning process. Both rely on natural fat burners, but it looks like PrimeShred has green tea extract and more caffeine.

PhenQ, on the other hand, has taken the approach of targeting weight loss through fat burning and appetite suppression.

More on the ingredients shortly.

Both products come in capsules, but it’s important to note that PrimeShred will require three capsules per day, while PhenQ comes in one daily capsule. And in my experience, it's easier to take fewer capsules.

Let’s now take a closer look at how these products compare.

Our Testing Approach

Several of my clients, both men and women, expressed interest in evaluating the effectiveness of PrimeShred and PhenQ. To ensure a comprehensive review, we included both genders, given that both fat burners cater to a broader audience, unlike products specifically designed for one gender.

We divided our participants into two balanced groups, with each group trialing one of the products for a duration of four weeks.

Before embarking on this journey, we meticulously recorded their existing diet, workout routines, body fat percentages, and current weight loss rates to establish a clear starting point.

Both groups experienced commendable fat loss, as evidenced by their body metrics. However, one fat burner slightly outperformed the other in our experiment.

Features Head to Head

We took our standard approach of having a dietitian review the ingredients and show us reliable scientific evidence when available. And then, we took each weight loss supplement through a trial phase with 11 clients.

Let’s start with PhenQ.

PhenQ's Ingredient Blend

A woman working out on gym equipment with PhenQ in the foreground

The first thing we did was review PhenQ's fat-burning supplement formula, and here is the information we got from our dietitian.

1. Capsicum Blend

This is a cayenne pepper blend that my dietitian highlighted as one of the most effective ingredients to target fat cells.

Scientific studies from the Ohio University Heritage College of Medicine have shown a direct link to fat-burning metabolic processes that can help you better deal with body fat, with a low dose burning an extra 116 calories per day [1].

It may also help with weight loss by helping you feel full for longer after meals and avoid snacking on sugary treats.

2. Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine anhydrous is an extract from coffee, and it’s a very common ingredient found in top-selling diet pills because of the thermogenic effect it can provide. Studies have shown that it can help with obesity and directly targets body fat [2].

The other benefit is that you can get a great mental boost first thing in the morning if you take PhenQ before breakfast. That's when I take it during my cutting phases.

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3. Nopal

Nopal is an extract from a cactus plant, and it’s an increasingly popular type of fiber in the diet supplement industry.

The fiber turns into a gel-like substance in the stomach, and this makes you feel full for longer [3].

There is also some evidence that it may impact your digestive system by slowing down the processing of carbs, which could help you avoid blood sugar spikes [4].

4. L-Carnitine Fumarate

This is an interesting amino acid that scientists have shown to be linked to how fatty acids get from fat cells to muscles [5].

This can help speed up the process of transforming body fat into energy and help fuel the exercises to build lean muscle mass.

“L-carnitine/L-tartrate (LCLT) is found abundantly in skeletal and cardiac muscles. It is made from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It helps with fatty acid metabolism and has a very fast absorption rate”
- Dr. Jacquie Leone, N.M.D.

5. Chromium Picolinate

Here’s another interesting ingredient and my dietitian pointed out that multiple studies have linked this mineral to appetite suppression, even reducing food intake by 25% [6]. And as you’ll see in our test results next, our team did find that these diet pills helped with extending fasting periods.

PhenQ's Effectiveness

A woman in the gym lifting a dumbbell with PhenQ in the top left corner

To find out how well PhenQ works, we had a team of clients who volunteered to go through one week of training with no diet supplements. We measured the weight reduction and BMI at the start and end and then went through the same diet and exercise routine for another week with PhenQ.

Overall we saw an increase in weight loss with PhenQ during the second week. Our clients also noted faster reductions in BMI, which indicates that they lost body weight in the form of fat storage.

What’s just as important is that they all thought that they didn’t get as many hunger cravings with PhenQ. Taking it first thing in the morning allowed them to extend fasting times to reduce fat production in the first place.

PhenQ's Convenience

We all feel that PhenQ is a very convenient product. Rather than come in powder form that you need to mix, it’s a simple capsule to swallow. And you don’t need to spread out five pills throughout the day and set reminders.

This weight loss product is one capsule a day before breakfast, and you’re good to go. I personally find that's a hugely beneficial experience.

Check Out How PhenQ:

Pros
  • Capsimax powder helped boost calorie burn by upto 50 calories/day
  • Chromium picolinate dosage helped reduces sugar and carb cravings
  • Users reported improved mood and self-confidence after a week or two
  • Pea protein helped users get their protein in for the day
Cons
  • Only available on the official website and not in stores

Tailored For Men and Women

PhenQ

PhenQ

Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System

5.0
Effectiveness
4.9
Ingredients
4.8
Price

PrimeShred's Ingredient Formula

A woman doing a workout in the gym with PrimeShred in the foreground

Now let’s turn to the PrimeShred fat-burning supplement and see what it claims to do.

1. Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is an ingredient that you’ll find in many different supplements, and there is evidence that it can help burn fat more effectively [7]. Similarly to caffeine, it can trigger thermogenesis and help with releasing stored fatty acids.

It’s an effective fat burner, but my dietitian highlighted that a stronger dose than 500 mg would be better. I've taken green tea supplements for many years, and my personal experience has shown that you need about 1,000 mg for noticeable results.

2. L-Tyrosine

This is the first of the two amino acids In PrimeShred, and I’ve seen L-tyrosine in pre-workout supplements. There’s evidence that it can boost mental performance and lead to better focus, but there are no known benefits for weight loss [8].

3. L-Theanine

L-theanine has a similar effect to the previous amino acid on mental function [9]. However, the studies to find out if it can help reduce body weight were not conclusive enough to convince us that this is a good option for fat metabolism and calorie breakdown.

4. Green Coffee

Several clinical trials have analyzed data from green coffee extract intake and its impact on reducing body fat [10]. The results have been promising, but my dietitian doesn’t think it’s as effective as other ingredients to help lose fat.

5. Cayenne Pepper

PrimeShred also includes cayenne pepper in a similar dose to PhenQ.

There is good evidence to support the claim that it helps people lose weight [11].

There are indications that it may help boost the production of fat-burning hormones and fat-burning enzymes.

PrimeShred's Effectiveness

A woman working out in the gym with Prime Shred in the top left corner

To establish how effective PrimeShred is, we did the same test with a control week of training and dieting that involved no weight loss supplements.

Then we went through one of the same workouts and meal plans but added PrimeShred.

What our testing data revealed is that these fat-burning pills do work. We measured an increased rate of fat loss through BMI measurements.

However, it was significantly lower than what we measured with PhenQ. And we also didn’t experience suppressed hunger cravings with these weight loss pills.

PrimeShred's Convenience

Some of the folks on our team said that they found the PrimeShred capsules a bit difficult to swallow. And the fact that you have to take three of them at the same time makes them less convenient than the single capsule for PhenQ.

Pros
  • Positive reports from people who managed to get through weight loss plateaus
  • Provides a mental focus boost from amino acids and caffeine
  • Seems to help avoid weight gain to maintain your diet efforts
Cons
  • Not an effective solution as an appetite suppressant
  • You need to take three capsules a day, and some people find they are a bit large

Tailored For Men and Women

PrimeShred

PrimeShred

Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System

4.9
Effectiveness
4.8
Ingredients
4.7
Price

Stand Out Research Findings

A group of people in a gym discussing at a whiteboard

Now it’s time to highlight the most important findings about each fat burner.

PhenQ

Proven Ingredients

Based on our research and the feedback from our dietitian, we have concluded that all the ingredients in the PhenQ fat burner have reliable scientific support and are relevant to weight loss.

We also didn’t have any reports of side effects like bloating, cramps, or stomach upset. And I have never had any stomach issues since I first started taking them in the morning.

Suitability

My test results compared to PrimeShred and, actually, all other supplements I've tested make PhenQ stand out as the best fat burner. If you’re trying to lose weight for general health reasons or as part of a cutting phase, this is the product to go with.

PrimeShred

Limited Effectiveness

While PrimeShred did result in some measured fat reduction, it didn’t come close to the results we had with PhenQ. One of our clients mentioned it helped them get through a weight loss plateau but at a slower overall rate.

It is based on all-natural ingredients, but some of them are more relevant to mental energy and focus rather than burning fat more effectively. I liked the focus boost from caffeine, but it just lacked on the fat burning side.

Suitability

If you’re trying to lose weight fast, then PrimeShred is not going to be the best option to choose. But we did get some positive feedback about the improved focus and mental energy levels.

This can be helpful for people who exercise in the morning after taking this supplement, as it might help you keep your motivation up throughout the workout.

Impact of Stress on Weight Loss: A Personal Reflection

Stress has a sneaky way of influencing our health, especially when it comes to weight loss. I remember a time when, despite rigorous workouts and a balanced diet, the scale wouldn't budge.

It was baffling until I considered the chronic stress I was under.

Late nights at work, looming deadlines, and personal challenges took a toll on my sleep and eating patterns. My body was in constant "fight or flight" mode, releasing cortisol, a hormone known to promote fat storage [12].

Only when I incorporated mindfulness practices and prioritized self-care did I notice a positive shift. It was a stark reminder that mental well-being is crucial for physical health.

Nighttime Fat Burning

I've always been intrigued by the body's ability to function differently at various times of the day. After reading about PhenQ PM, I was reminded of a period when I struggled with sleep.

Despite maintaining a consistent workout routine, I wasn't seeing the results I hoped for. Curious, I delved into the science of nighttime fat burning. I learned that our metabolism doesn't just "shut down" at night; it shifts gears.

With the aid of nighttime supplements like PhenQ PM, I began to optimize this natural process. The difference was palpable. Not only did I sleep better, but I also woke up feeling leaner and more refreshed. The night, it seems, holds its own weight loss secrets.

The Role of Amino Acids in Fat Burning

A few years ago, I hit a plateau in my fitness journey. Despite consistent workouts, the results were stagnant. That's when I stumbled upon the significance of amino acids in fat burning.

I knew how important different proteins were for recovery and muscle gains, but it was surprising how important they are for your metabolism [13].

Once I started focusing on my amino acid intake by taking supplements like PhenQ, the change was almost immediate. My energy levels soared, workouts felt more productive, and I began to shed those stubborn pounds.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Start Losing Weight on PhenQ?

It may take two weeks to start losing weight on PhenQ. PhenQ PM also claims that some people see changes in their metabolism and appetites within the first seven days of administration.

How Long Does Primeshred Last?

Each bottle of PrimeShred is intended to last one month and includes a total of 90 capsules.

When Should I Take Primeshred?

You should take Primeshred 20 minutes before breakfast on training and non-training days.

Our Verdict on PhenQ vs PrimeShred

If you’re trying to deal with weight gain from a bulking phase or have weight loss goals for health reasons, then I would recommend that you try PhenQ.

Out of all the weight loss supplements I have tested in the past year, it still provides me with the best results for dealing with excess fat, boosting energy levels, and suppressing those hunger cravings.

Tailored For Men and Women

PhenQ

PhenQ

Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System

5.0
Effectiveness
4.9
Ingredients
4.8
Price
Pros
  • Suppresses your appetite
  • Blocks body fat production to stop weight gain
  • Improves your mood and energy levels
  • High-quality, all-natural formula
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
Cons
  • Can be only purchased through the company website
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About The Author

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health and is the owner of Taylor Made Fitness. Her philosophy centers on cutting through the hype and misinformation surrounding dietary supplements, focusing instead on practical, science-backed strategies for health and weight loss.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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