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Is Hydroxycut safe in 2022?

While Hydroxycut may be safe for non-pregnant adults, there isn't any research on Hydroxycut products to definitively say that the supplements are safe to take, especially for an extended period.

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Share on Pinterest There are many popular weight loss supplements on the market. Hydroxycut is a well-known weight loss supplement company that’s been around for more than 2 decades. Though the company claims its products can help people shed pounds and boost energy levels, Hydroxycut has faced a lot of controversy for its unsubstantiated claims and potential side effects. This article takes an objective look at Hydroxycut and reviews the science behind it. What is Hydroxycut? Hydroxycut is a brand of weight loss supplements. It offers various products, including pills, capsules, shakes, and gummies. The brand’s most popular product is a pill called Hydroxycut Original. It has previously gone by the names “Hydroxycut,” “Hydroxycut Clinical,” and “Pro Clinical Hydroxycut.” As of today, the active ingredients in Hydroxycut Original are (1): robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta)

apple cider vinegar (Malus pumila)

plum (Prunus domestica)

cardamom (Amomum cardamomum)

caffeine from coffee extract (Coffea robusta) The supplement also contains vitamin D and numerous B vitamins, including a high dose of vitamin B12 — 250% of the recommended Daily Value (1). Non-active ingredients include rice flour, gelatin, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide (1). The company’s other popular product is called Hydroxycut Hardcore. It contains a different formulation, including caffeine anhydrous, green coffee extract (GCE), yohimbine, cayenne pepper, and a mix of amino acids (2). While they come in different forms, most of Hydroxycut’s other products have the same active ingredients as Hydroxycut Original. Summary Hydroxycut is a brand that sells weight loss supplements. Its two most popular products are Hydroxycut Original and Hydroxycut Hardcore. Brand reputation and customer reviews Hydroxycut failed Healthline’s rigorous vetting process due to concerns over the company’s medical claims, brand marketing, product safety, and involvement in multiple lawsuits. Hydroxycut advertises its products for “hardcore weight loss” and a way to quickly lose weight, despite a lack of research on the effectiveness of its supplements. What’s more, the testimonials on the company’s website highlight weight loss in a way that makes assumptions about a person’s happiness being related to their body size, which is not aligned with Healthline Nutrition’s approach to wellness. In addition to its concerning marketing messages, the company has been subject to several recalls over the years due to concerns about the safety of its products. Hydroxycut has also been involved in several lawsuits, including a 2017 class-action lawsuit over false and misleading claims about Hydroxycut supplements’ effectiveness (3). Reviews According to online reviews outside of the company’s website, most customers have reported limited to mild weight loss with taking Hydroxycut products and attribute the supplement’s appetite-suppressing effects to its high caffeine content. Most reviews state that Hydroxycut products alone will not promote weight loss and that a healthy diet and exercise program are also needed. Some customers claim that the supplements gave them additional energy for their workouts, which is most likely due to the caffeine content. However, there are numerous complaints of unwanted and “scary” side effects, such as: headaches

jitters

stomachaches

nausea

excessive sweating

rapid heartbeat Hydroxycut Original has more than 4,000 ratings on Amazon, with an average 4 out of 5 rating. Most of the ratings are 5 stars or 1 star, suggesting that consumers either had a very positive or a very negative experience. At best, the product appears to help suppress appetite slightly. However, there are healthier ways to increase fullness, such as eating a diet high in fiber and protein, that don’t rely on such high amounts of caffeine. Hydroxycut side effects and safety There’s currently no research on the safety and effectiveness of Hydroxycut products. Some people may experience side effects, possibly from the caffeine. While the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements notes that between 400 and 500 mg of caffeine per day does not pose safety concerns, caffeine in general can cause nervousness, jitteriness, and shakiness ( 4 ). Different Hydroxycut products contain different amounts of caffeine. For example, each 2-capsule serving of Hydroxycut Original contains 200 mg of caffeine, while 2 capsules of Hydroxycut Hardcore contain 265 mg of caffeine. Taking either product twice daily as Hydroxycut recommends may mean you consume enough caffeine to experience side effects. Taking more than recommended may cause you to consume toxic levels of caffeine (more than 15 mg/kg of body weight, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements) ( 4 ). Numerous cases of toxicity Most of the dangerous side effects of Hydroxycut were due to the older formulations. Hydroxycut Original used to contain ephedra, a powerful stimulant. In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra because it caused serious side effects. In fact, about 155 deaths are believed to have been caused by supplements that contained ephedra, including Hydroxycut (5, 6 ). Several years later, in 2009, Hydroxycut was recalled because of numerous case reports of hepatotoxicity (liver poisoning) and other serious adverse effects. In 2010, Hydroxycut returned to market with a new formula ( 6 ). Still, there have been several reports of dangerous side effects in recent years, even with the current formulation — including liver injury, ulcerative colitis, and narrowing of blood vessels in the brain ( 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ). Furthermore, yohimbe, an ingredient found in Hydroxycut Hardcore, has been associated with heart attacks and seizures and may interact with certain antidepressant medications ( 12 ). Summary Given the lack of research on the safety of Hydroxycut and numerous reports of adverse effects, it’s best to avoid or at least practice extreme caution when considering Hydroxycut supplements. Hydroxycut products and services Hydroxycut sells eight products, which the company claims can support weight loss (13): Hydroxycut Original: weight loss capsules that contain caffeine, green coffee extract, and vitamins to support energy metabolism

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weight loss capsules that contain caffeine, green coffee extract, and vitamins to support energy metabolism Hydroxycut Gummies: a 99% caffeine-free vitamin and mineral supplement with added C. canephora robusta (robusta coffee) intended to promote weight loss a 99% caffeine-free vitamin and mineral supplement with added C. canephora robusta (robusta coffee) intended to promote weight loss Hydroxycut Hardcore: weight loss capsules containing highly concentrated caffeine intended to promote weight loss and boost energy weight loss capsules containing highly concentrated caffeine intended to promote weight loss and boost energy Hydroxycut Drink Mix: a drink mix containing similar ingredients to Hydroxycut Original with additional vitamins and minerals a drink mix containing similar ingredients to Hydroxycut Original with additional vitamins and minerals Cut Energy: an energy drink containing high amounts of caffeine and added vitamins to promote weight loss an energy drink containing high amounts of caffeine and added vitamins to promote weight loss Hydroxycut Non-Stimulant: a caffeine-free version of Hydroxycut Original capsules that contain caffeine, robusta coffee extract, MCT oil, yohimbe extract, black caraway extract, purslane extract, maitake mushroom extract, and chicory extract Hydroxycut +Women: capsules containing additional ingredients such as biotin, collagen, folic acid, and iron Summary Hydroxycut offers eight products that are marketed as weight loss supplements. Most of these products contain high amounts of caffeine. Dosage The company recommends starting slowly and gradually increasing the number of Hydroxycut Original capsules you take per day. Current dosage recommendations for Hydroxycut Original are as follows (1): Days 1–3: 1 capsule twice daily 1 capsule twice daily Day 4 and beyond: 2 capsules twice daily Keep in mind that dosage recommendations vary between products. Therefore, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended dosage. Summary Hydroxycut recommends gradually increasing your daily dosage to up to four capsules per day. However, the recommended dose varies by product, so it’s important to read the label carefully. Hydroxycut Original vs. Hydroxycut Hardcore Hydroxycut Original and Hydroxycut Hardcore are the two most popular Hydroxycut products. While the two supplements make similar claims, they contain different ingredients and are marketed toward different audiences. For example, Hydroxycut Hardcore contains higher amounts of caffeine and stimulants for increased energy. Specifically, it contains caffeine anhydrous, which the company claims provides “extreme energy” after just one dose. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it isn’t surprising that Hydroxycut Hardcore could provide an energy boost (2). In addition to its high caffeine content, Hydroxycut Hardcore contains cayenne pepper. Capsaicin — the main ingredient in cayenne pepper — in particular has been researched for its potential metabolism-boosting effects, though taking it as a supplement is unlikely to lead to meaningful weight loss ( 37 , 38 , 39 ). Another ingredient is yohimbe — an herb that’s frequently found in weight loss supplements, though there’s very little evidence to support its effectiveness for weight loss ( 13 ). In contrast, Hydroxycut Original contains popular “metabolism-boosting” ingredients such as ACV, GCE, and caffeine. It also includes several B vitamins to support the metabolism of nutrients (1). Based on the products’ advertising, Hydroxycut Hardcore is targeted more toward athletes and bodybuilders, whereas Hydroxycut Original is marketed for those interested in general weight loss (2). As with Hydroxycut Original, there’s currently no research on the effectiveness of Hydroxycut Hardcore. Summary Hydroxycut Hardcore contains a highly concentrated form of caffeine and is targeted toward athletes and bodybuilders, claiming to support weight loss and boost energy levels. In contrast, Hydroxycut Original claims to support general weight loss. Currently, there is no research that either supplement is effective. Should you take Hydroxycut? If you read consumer reports on forums and message boards, you’ll notice that for every person who succeeds with this supplement, another says it had no effect. This seems to be the case with most weight loss supplements — some people have success with them, while others don’t. However, like any other quick weight loss method, taking Hydroxycut supplements is unlikely to produce long-term results unless followed by lasting lifestyle changes. Losing weight is a marathon, not a race, and there are no shortcuts. Furthermore, as there are concerns about the ethics of the company and the safety of its products, Healthline doesn’t recommend Hydroxycut as a safe or effective weight loss solution. Heads-up If you’re preoccupied with food or your weight, feel guilt about food choices, or engage in restrictive diets, consider reaching out for support. These behaviors may indicate a disordered relationship with food or an eating disorder. Disordered eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, socioeconomic status, or other identities. They can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors — not just by exposure to diet culture. Feel empowered to talk with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, if you’re struggling. You can also chat, call, or text anonymously with trained volunteers at the National Eating Disorders Association helpline for free or explore the organization’s free and low cost resources. Summary If you’re looking for long-term results, it’s better to focus on sustainable lifestyle habits such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly. Frequently asked questions Is Hydroxycut safe to use? While Hydroxycut may be safe for non-pregnant adults, there isn’t any research on Hydroxycut products to definitively say that the supplements are safe to take, especially for an extended period. Additionally, there have been reports of unwanted side effects such as jitters, rapid heart rate, nausea, and — in severe cases — liver damage. Ultimately, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before purchasing Hydroxycut supplements. How long does it take to see results with Hydroxycut? Hydroxycut doesn’t provide a specific time frame in which you can expect to lose weight. However, the brand’s website features testimonials that claim you can lose up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in 1 month when pairing the products with a healthy diet and exercise. Still, keep in mind that there’s currently no research to show whether Hydroxycut products are actually effective for weight loss. How much does Hydroxycut cost? Hydroxycut Original costs $19.99 for 60 capsules. Who is Hydroxycut for? Hydroxycut states that its products are suitable for non-pregnant adults over age 18 who are looking to lose weight. The company even offers an online quiz to help find out which product is best suited for you based on your goals and lifestyle. That said, Healthline does not recommend Hydroxycut as a weight loss tool due to its insufficient evidence and potential health risks. If you’re looking to lose weight, you’re better off adopting sustainable healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a minimally processed diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress, and getting quality sleep. Healthline-approved alternatives If you’re interested in losing weight or need help maintaining it, there are more realistic and sustainable alternatives. Here are our picks for the best weight loss programs and resources to try instead: WW: Previously known as Weight Watchers, WW offers three plans, making it easy to find a weight loss regimen that fits your goals and lifestyle.

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Previously known as Weight Watchers, WW offers three plans, making it easy to find a weight loss regimen that fits your goals and lifestyle. PlateJoy: For just $4.99/month, PlateJoy provides customized meal plans and shopping lists to help you achieve your nutrition goals. PlateJoy is a sister site of Healthline. For just $4.99/month, PlateJoy provides customized meal plans and shopping lists to help you achieve your nutrition goals. PlateJoy is a sister site of Healthline. Sunbasket: Offering plans to suit a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences, Sunbasket makes it easy to cook nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at home.

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