It Works! BRN+: A Deep Dive Into the Weight-Management Supplement Claimed to Activate AMPK

It Works! BRN+ Review

In the crowded world of dietary supplements promising weight loss, energy enhancement, and metabolic support, It Works! BRN+ from It Works! stands out thanks to its focus on activating a key metabolic enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Marketed as a way to flip your body’s metabolic “switch” to burn fat rather than store it, It Works! BRN+ has gained traction among consumers seeking natural support for weight-management goals. But what exactly is it? What’s in it? And does it live up to the claims?

Let’s break down what It Works! BRN+ is, how it’s supposed to work, what the science says about its ingredients, and what users report about its real-world effects.

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What Is It Works! BRN+?

It Works! BRN+ is a dietary supplement in capsule form designed to support weight management by enhancing the body’s ability to burn stored fat for energy. According to product information, the formula:

• Activates AMPK, an enzyme that acts as a metabolic switch to encourage fat burning instead of fat storage.
  
• Supports glucose and fat metabolism, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
  
• Assists cellular energy production, which may help you feel more energetic throughout the day.
  
• Supports cardiovascular health, including healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.*
  

The protocol is simple: take two capsules daily before your largest meal. Consistent use is recommended as part of a broader healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition and exercise.

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How BRN+ Is Claimed to Work: The Science Behind AMPK

The core premise of It Works! BRN+ revolves around AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is an enzyme found in virtually every cell in the body that helps regulate energy balance at the cellular level.

When AMPK is activated, it signals your cells to burn stored energy (fat) and increase glucose uptake, which can theoretically aid weight management and overall energy metabolism. BRN+ is formulated to support AMPK activation using plant-derived compounds that research suggests may influence this pathway.

This emphasis on metabolic signaling — rather than just calorie restriction — sets It Works! BRN+ apart from many fat burners that rely primarily on stimulants like caffeine.

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Active Ingredients and What They Do

Let’s take a closer look at the major active ingredients in It Works! BRN+ and what evidence exists for their purported effects:

CQR-300® (Cissus quadrangularis Extract) — 300 mg

CQR-300® is a patented extract from the Cissus quadrangularis plant. This botanical has been the subject of several clinical studies, which suggest that it may help:

• Reduce body fat and waist circumference,
  
• Support healthy body weight,
  
• Improve metabolic parameters such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  Studies with CQR-300® have shown statistically significant benefits in body composition over placebo when used with diet and exercise over several weeks.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29912570/

However, it’s crucial to recognize that the weight-loss outcomes in studies are usually part of structured programs, and results in real-world scenarios without lifestyle changes can vary.

The study often cited in product summaries and marketing materials is:

“The use of a stem and leaf aqueous extract of Cissus quadrangularis(CQR-300) to reduce body fat and other components of metabolic syndrome in overweight participants” — a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted over 8 weeks.

Study Design

• Type: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
  
• Participants: 67 overweight adults
  
• Dose: 300 mg of CQR-300 daily for 8 weeks
  
• Control: Placebo (corn starch) group
  
• Measurements: Body fat (via impedance and DEXA), waist & hip circumferences, blood lipids, glucose, hormones.
  

Major Findings

Compared with placebo after 8 weeks:

• Significant reductions in body fat:
  
  • ~8.9 % reduction by impedance measurement
    
  • ~12.8 % reduction by DEXA (gold standard)
    
• Greater decreases in waist and hip circumference
  
• Improvements in metabolic parameters, including:
  
  • Decreases in total cholesterol and triglycerides
    
  • Lower fasting blood glucose
    
  • Increased HDL cholesterol
    
  • Improved leptin and adiponectin levels
    These outcomes were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
    

What It Means

This study suggests that at 300 mg per day, CQR-300 can help reduce body fat and improve metabolic health markers in overweight individuals over two months when taken continuously. However:

• It was a pilot trial with a modest sample size.
  
• Findings are promising but not conclusive for all populations.
  
• The study did not mandate major lifestyle changes, but results may be enhanced when paired with diet and exercise. 

GlucoVantage® Dihydroberberine (DHB)

Dihydroberberine is a more bioavailable metabolite of berberine — a compound found in plants like Berberis species. Berberine and its metabolites have gained attention for possible benefits that include:

• Support for healthy blood sugar levels already within normal range,
  
• Improved insulin sensitivity,
  
• Positive effects on metabolic health markers.
  

GlucoVantage® is designed to overcome traditional berberine’s poor absorption and GI side effects by providing a form that’s easier for the body to use.

Gynostemma Leaf and Stem Extract

Gynostemma — sometimes called jiaogulan — has been studied for potential cardiovascular benefits and metabolic regulation. Some research indicates it may help with:

• Blood sugar regulation,
  
• Antioxidant support,
  
• Cholesterol management.
  

While promising, the evidence is not as extensive or conclusive as for other compounds like berberine-derived DHB.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29912570

Japanese Knotweed (Standardized to 50% Resveratrol)

Japanese knotweed is a natural source of resveratrol, an antioxidant that has been studied for its potential effects on aging, inflammation, and metabolic health. However, most resveratrol research uses much higher doses than those found in typical supplements, and responses vary widely among individuals.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There’s also some limited evidence that curcumin may modestly support metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. However, turmeric’s metabolic effects tend to be moderate unless taken in high-dose or highly absorbable forms.

Hesperidin (Citrus Flavonoid)

Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits. It is thought to support:

• Blood vessel health,
  
• Inflammation reduction,
  
• Potential metabolic benefits.
  

Again, while hesperidin has shown some promising systemic effects, the evidence specific to weight loss is limited.

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Does It Work? Evidence and Limitations

Clinical Support

Some ingredients in It Works! BRN+ — especially CQR-300® and dihydroberberine — do have clinical research supporting certain metabolic and body composition effects when combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

However, most supplement studies use controlled conditions, and outcomes in everyday use can vary depending on numerous factors: diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, genetics, and more. Moreover, while AMPK activation is a compelling theoretical mechanism, the degree to which a supplement can meaningfully influence long-term weight outcomes in isolation remains unclear.