Can a Supplement Get Rid Your Horses Fat? | Equine Science Matters™

If  you've been working hard to help your horse lose weight, you'll know how frustrating it can be when their crest or stubborn fat pads refuse to budge. It can sometimes feel like everything else is improving, but the last pockets of fat won't disappear.   

It's no surprise, then, that supplements claiming to "target" cresty necks have become increasingly popular. But can any supplement actually reduce fat? The simple answer is no.  

Why does a cresty neck matter?  

A cresty  neck  isn't just about appearance; it can be a very important warning sign. 

Many people think fat is simply stored energy, but it's a metabolically active tissue. Fat cells release hormones and inflammatory signalling molecules that can influence how the body responds to insulin, one of the hormones responsible for controlling blood sugar. Fat in this area appears to be particularly metabolically active and more closely linked to increased circulating insulin levels and insulin resistance, which then increases the risk of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis.  

Unlike other parts of the neck, no muscle sits above the nuchal ligament , so any tissue you can feel above it is fat. Regularly feeling your horse's neck can help you monitor changes before they become obvious visually.  

Why won't the crest disappear?  

As they lose weight, the body tends to reduce fat stores from all over, while the crest and other fat pads, such as behind the shoulders, around the tail head and above the eyes, are often the last places to diminish. Unfortunately, reducing fat in one specific area or another is impossible. Where fat first accumulates and where it tends to be lost from first is largely influenced by genetics and perhaps nutritional influences in early life (even before birth). 

This is why owners can be doing everything right, seeing improvements in body condition, yet still be left wondering why the crest remains.  

What about supplements? 

This is where many products promise a quick solution. Some claim to "burn fat", "melt away the crest" or "switch on fat metabolism".  

The reality is that no supplement has been scientifically shown to remove fat deposits or make a horse lose weight. Some ingredients have been studied for their effects on blood glucose regulation, but that's very different from causing fat loss. These ingredients – Cinnamon, Magnesium and Barberry Bark – are commonly found in these pseudoscience ‘fat loss supplements', but what do they actually do?  

Cinnamon  

Some human studies suggest cinnamon may slightly improve long-term blood glucose control. One meta-analysis showed a reduction in HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels over the previous 2-3 months. However, the improvements are relatively small (0.3-0.6 percentage points), and there is no evidence that cinnamon can cause fat loss or reduce a cresty neck in your horse.   

Magnesium  

Magnesium plays an important role in the body's normal use of glucose (sugar) and in how cells respond to insulin. Because insulin helps regulate the way the body stores and uses energy, it has been suggested that improving magnesium status might encourage fat metabolism. However, the evidence does not support giving extra magnesium to horses that already have enough as part of a balanced diet. Studies in people suggest that correcting a magnesium deficiency may improve insulin regulation in those who are deficient, and those who have type 2 diabetes, although this effect isn’t always reliable and how effective it is varies between individuals. There is no good quality evidence that providing more than the body needs offers any additional benefit or promotes fat loss. 

Barberry bark (Berberine)  

Berberine, the active compound extracted from barberry, has shown some promising effects on blood glucose regulation in human studies. These improvements are only 0.5-1 percentage points and have been demonstrated using purified extracts rather than barberry bark itself. The research studies also reported digestive side effects from the supplement and cautioned that berberine may interact with certain medications. 

The bottom line  

If a horse is carrying excess fat, losing that fat will always depend on creating an energy deficit, i.e., using more energy than they consume.  

Some ingredients may have a role in supporting normal blood glucose regulation, particularly where insulin sensitivity is already compromised. However, it's important to understand what they can and can't do.  

• They may help support metabolic function.  

• They do not remove body fat or a cresty neck  

• No ingredient can override an excess energy intake.  

There is currently no supplement that can selectively remove a cresty neck or stubborn fat pads. While some ingredients may offer modest support for blood glucose regulation in certain contexts, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet appropriate for the individual horse, and exercise. These two aspects of management will both address the underlying cause of the metabolic disturbances, rather than trying to treat the symptoms.