A common question we get asked is “does Contrave work by boosting my metabolism?”. This is an understandable question, since many weight loss drugs do indeed work by increasing metabolic rate (i.e. the rate at which your body burns calories for energy, just to maintain homeostasis). However, not all weight loss medications work that way. In this article, we’re going to look at whether Contrave is a metabolism booster or a different kind of fat burner.
What Is Contrave & How Does It Work?
Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that is used to treat obesity and overweight individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher. The medication is a combination of two drugs – bupropion and naltrexone – that work together to help individuals lose weight. While Contrave does not directly speed up the metabolism, it does work in various ways to help promote weight loss.
Bupropion is a medication that is commonly used to treat depression and is also used as a smoking cessation aid. It is thought to help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. It works by affecting the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that affect mood and appetite.
Naltrexone, on the other hand, is a medication that is commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. It works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain, which reduces the feelings of pleasure associated with eating. This, in turn, can help to reduce cravings for food and prevent overeating.
The combination of these two drugs in Contrave works in multiple ways to help promote weight loss. Below are some of the ways in which Contrave can help individuals lose weight:
- Reduces Appetite: Bupropion, one of the drugs in Contrave, is thought to reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. This can help to reduce the number of calories that individuals consume and promote weight loss.
- Decreases Cravings: Naltrexone, the other drug in Contrave, works by blocking the effects of opioids in the brain. This can help to reduce cravings for food, particularly those high in sugar and fat, which can lead to overeating and weight gain.
- Increases Energy: Contrave may also help to increase energy levels, which can lead to individuals being more physically active. This can help to burn more calories and promote weight loss.
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Studies have shown that Contrave can also help to improve insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in the body, and improved insulin sensitivity can help to prevent weight gain.
While Contrave does not directly speed up the metabolism, it does work in various ways to help promote weight loss. One of the ways in which it does this is by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness, which can lead to individuals consuming fewer calories. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss. Additionally, Contrave can help to decrease cravings for food, increase energy levels, and improve insulin sensitivity, all of which can contribute to weight loss.
While Contrave can be an effective weight loss medication for many individuals, it does have some potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects of Contrave include nausea, constipation, headaches, dizziness, and dry mouth. It is important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and they are often mild and temporary.
In rare cases, more serious side effects of Contrave can occur. These can include seizures, increased blood pressure, and suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to discuss any concerns or questions about potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Contrave.
In conclusion, Contrave is a prescription weight loss medication that can help individuals lose weight. While it does not directly speed up the metabolism, it does work in various ways to promote weight loss by reducing appetite, decreasing cravings, increasing energy, and improving insulin sensitivity. As with any medication, it is important to discuss potential side effects and any concerns with a healthcare provider before starting treatment with Contrave.
Which Weight Loss Pill Does Boost Metabolism?
PhenQ is one of the most popular fat burners on the market that has been helping people achieve their weight loss goals for years. One of the reasons that PhenQ stands out from other weight loss supplements is its ability to boost metabolism.
Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy. The faster the metabolism, the more calories the body burns at rest. In other words, a faster metabolism helps the body burn more calories, even when the person is not exercising or engaged in other physical activities.
PhenQ contains a unique blend of natural ingredients that work together to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Here are some of the key ingredients in PhenQ that contribute to its metabolism-boosting properties:
- Capsimax powder: Capsimax powder is a blend of capsicum, piperine, caffeine, and niacin (vitamin B3). These ingredients work together to increase body heat and thermogenesis, which is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat.
- Chromium picolinate: Chromium is an essential mineral that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels. It also helps the body metabolize macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which can lead to increased energy levels and weight loss.
- Nopal: Nopal is a cactus extract that is high in fiber and has been shown to help suppress appetite and reduce food cravings. This can help people consume fewer calories and stay on track with their weight loss goals.
- L-carnitine fumarate: L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps the body produce energy by transporting fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they are burned for fuel. This can help people burn more calories and lose weight.
PhenQ also contains other natural ingredients that can help boost metabolism, such as a-Lacys Reset, caffeine, and green tea extract.
One of the benefits of PhenQ is that it not only boosts metabolism, but it also suppresses appetite, blocks fat production, and improves mood and energy levels. This makes it a comprehensive weight loss supplement that can help people achieve their weight loss goals more quickly and easily.
In summary, PhenQ is a powerful fat burner that is packed with natural ingredients that work together to boost metabolism and promote weight loss. By increasing body heat, regulating blood sugar levels, suppressing appetite, and improving energy levels, PhenQ can help people achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health and well-being.

Pavel Sadovnik is a leading biochemical scientist with a PhD in biochemical engineering. He has spent decades working in industry as a chemist and pjharmaceutical consultant. He has extensive experience with the supplement industry, and specialises in supplement tsting and formulation consultancy. He is the Editor of NARSTO.