What is it?
Hydroxycut is a weight loss brand that’s available in different forms, with common ingredients such as green coffee bean. They often use this ingredient to show that within 60 days, people lost 10.95 pounds versus a placebo.
The intended benefits of this brand are increased fat loss, energy, and enhanced metabolism. For their caffeine brands, they advise to start with just 1 capsule a day, then eventually building up to 2 capsules twice a day. Their Hydroxycut blend is a proprietary formula featuring fruit, green coffee, and saffron. In this review you’ll learn about the surprising company history, what customers have to say about it, and whether or not it’s a good weight loss supplement. The top 10 diet pills are featured in this comprehensive list.
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Hydroxycut Ingredients and Side Effects
Robusta Coffee Extract (45% (Chlorogenic Acid)
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Papaya
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Blackberry
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Saffron Extract
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Caffeine Anhydrous
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Maqui
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Amla Extract
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Microcrystalline Cellulose
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Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate
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Pre-gelatinized Starch
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Stearic Acid
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Titanium Dioxide
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Polyethylene Glycol
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Talc
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Croscarmellose Sodium
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Magnesium Stearate
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Silicon Dioxide
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Robusta Coffee Extract (45% Chlorogenic Acid): Unroasted Robusta coffee, which is a species of coffee bean known for its higher bitterness and acidity.
It’s intended to help improve metabolism and control blood sugar. It can potentially cause side effects that include:
- Insomnia, nausea, and agitation.
- Anxiety, rapid heart rate, and difficulty concentrating.
- Restlessness, ringing in the ears, and headaches.
A study is provided by the manufacturers to show how effective this ingredient is versus a placebo.
The study was funded by a company who sells this extract, so there’s a potential for bias. In this study they took 50 volunteers and made them follow a low calorie diet.
Other unbiased studies have shown this ingredient to be ineffective for weight loss. Examine.com adds:
“seems weakly to moderately effective (on fat loss)”
It’s possible the only reason for fat loss is due to the caffeine.
Saffron Extract: Plant extract that’s used in cooking, as well as a way to improve mood and reduce sickness. Though there isn’t sufficient studies about its use. Web MD adds:
“There isn’t enough information to know how saffron might work”
“Taking large amounts of saffron by mough is POSSIBLY UNSAFE”
Possible side effects include:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Poisoning.
- Vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and numbness.
- Death.
When taken at large amounts there have been cases of people dying from this.
Caffeine Anhydrous: Dehydrated form of caffeine that stimulates the central nervous system, it increaseses energy and metabolism.
A full serving of Hydroxycut Pro Clinical, their flagship brand, has 400 mg per daily serving. This is the maximum allowed limit for caffeine, and due to this, the company mentions:
“Do not take within 5 hours of bedtime”
“Consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day”
This is to avoid both insomnia and dehydration. They also advise to not take any other stimulants, since it would likely raise the risk for serious side effects. Though on its own, it can potentially cause:
- Anxiety, agitation, and pain in the chest.
- Rapid heart rate, tremors, and jitters.
- Cardiovascular damage, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Dehydration, headaches, and mood swings.
Caffeine also has limitations, as Examine.com adds:
“Habitual caffeine use leads to tolerance. This means the effects of caffeine will be diminished… where the only benefit a user experiences is caffeine’s anti-sleep effect”
Therefore, caffeine must be only taken for short periods before it loses its potential weight loss effects.
Certain people are much more sensitive to caffeine, and that’s why it’s advised to slowly introduce this brand, and to not take more than just 1 pill to start with.
Maqui: A berry found in parts of Latin America, it’s used to help with weight loss. However, Web MD adds:
“There isn’t enough information to know if maqui is safe”
The possible side effects are also not known.
Amla Extract: This fruit has been used to lower bad cholesterol, and to provide antioxidant support. Though Examine.com adds:
“there is not enough evidence to recommend Amla for any particular purpose”
There have also been cases of people experiencing liver damage.
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Hydroxycut Quality of Ingredients
Ingredients like amla, maqui, and saffron have not been thoroughly studied and it’s unknown if they would affect weight loss.
Then there’s the added caffeine and green coffee bean which are the key active ingredients. Caffeine can be replaced with coffee or tea for cheaper and green coffee bean hasn’t shown any valuable weight loss effects. Studies have shown it to be either ineffective, or weak in its possible weight loss effects.
For the kinds of ingredients used, the lack of clinical studies for some ingredients, and the unknown side effects of certain additives, this mixture is a poor choice for weight loss. There are far too many unanswered questions to determine what the formula might do.
The Price and Quality of Hydroxycut
Sales are not offered via the manfaucturer, but they do suggest multiple online and in store 3rd party retailers.
Amazon.com sells one 150 capsule bottle for $28.56. At the maximum dosage of 4 capsules a day, this lasts for a total of 37.5 days. This makes the daily cost for supplementation 76 cents.
Though inexpensive, many of the ingredinets in this are either innefective for weight loss, not yet proven, or can be replaced.
There’s a high amount of caffeine in this which isn’t a long lasting source for weight loss. It may also provide side effects. Stimulant free options for long lasting weight loss are available if you click here.
Caffeine at 400 mg is roughly 4 cups of coffee. That’s why special considerations must be put in place to help protect against side effects. Still, the key active ingredients in caffeine and green coffee bean extract aren’t enough to suggest both reliable and safe effects. These two ingredients can also be replaced for much cheaper.
Business of Hydroxycut
The owners of this brand are Iovate Health Sciences Inc. They can be reached via the following:
Phone Number: (888) 334-4448
Address: 381 North Service Road West
Oakville, ON, L6M 0H4 Canada
Email: [email protected]
The company has been in trouble with both the FDA and FTC.
The FTC fined them $5.5 million dollars for making false advertising claims about their supplements. This included stating that their brands had positive health benefits, and because of this, they were required to refund customers who bought supplements from them.
The FDA also sent them a warning letter due to:
“liver toxicity associated with the use of multiple versions of the dietary supplement Hydroxycut”
“Agency has concluded that the ingestion of the dietary supplement Hydroxycut presents a severe potentially life-threatening hazard to some users”
This forced the company to schedule a mandatory recall on all Hydroxycut on the market. There were 23 reports of severe health problems due to this supplement, and one person died from it.
After this, in 2024 and 2024 there were still incidents of heart problems and ulcers associated the use of Hydroxycut.
They currently have 6 complaints on their Better Business Bureau website. This is due to issues with service, the products, and a lack of communication from the company.
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Customer Opinions of Hydroxycut
Here are select reviews from online customers:
“I really don’t have any effect using this product”
“Made me feel super sick and dizzy”
“It’s mostly a glorified caffeine pill”
“I had severe nausea, abdominal pain and felt like my stomach was on fire”
Amazon.com currently features 535 complaints. It’s often mentioned from customers that they experienced side effects, as well as a lack of weight loss.
Common side effects experienced by users include nausea, stomach pain, anxiety, rapid heart rate, restlessness, anxiousness, agitation, and some experienced difficulty breathing.
Many also said this is basically just a caffeine pill, and that it had no noticeable weight loss effects.
Conclusion - Does Hydroxycut Work?
The key features to notice about this brand are the company history, and the kinds of ingredients used. Many customers have failed to see any weight loss benefits, and people describe it as a caffeine pill. This is likely because the only ingredeints in this that might have a weight loss effect are caffeine and green coffee extract. There’s not enough in this to suggest it would help benefit people. The company has also had to recall Hydroxycut due to serious health concerns. There’s also a lot of caffeine added to this, with a full serving providing the maximum recommended dosage strength for caffeine.
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There’s only natural ingredients added to this blend, with the ability to suppress appetite, increase metabolism, and improve mood. Many users have left great testimonials showcasing how effective and safe it is. This supplement has no artificial ingredients, preservatives, or stimulants of any kind.
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User Feedback
(Page 14 of 41, 802 total comments)Dezzy
+Hello, I just actually started us this product for two days now and I think its actually working im not as hungry as I was and i love that i have so much energy now! I mean yea the first day i started taking it i was a little dizzy and i counldnt go to sleep but i think it was cause this is the very first time i have ever taken a diet pill before so im hoping this one works!!!well goodluck to everyone taking it!!!!!
posted Jan 17th, 2009 2:29 pmAmy
lost about 20 lb with Hydroxycut, with a diet and exercise program. When I stopped taking it I gained 5 lb back, but lost it again. I tried many other diet pills in the past and feel that Hydroxycut works the best! Its important to watch your food intake, exercise and drink lots of water.
posted Jan 17th, 2009 1:31 pmvirgogirl
Just started today! For months have personal trainer and work out 6days a week and diet cut down with no cheese,pasta,cracker,cereal. Lost little weight but shape has changed. Maybe this will help
posted Jan 17th, 2009 7:14 amTyger
I am a 35 year old male. I am 5' 7", weigh 207 lbs., have 34% body fat. I carry all of my fat weight in my belly and waistline (40"). I have always been a skinny person, but over the past 5 years I have neglected diet, exercise, and I smoke/drink regularly. Obesity has crept up on me and I am making a change. My goal is to reduce my body fat to 20-25% and have a 36" waist. I like my size, so if I can convert fat to muscle, weight is not as much of an issue for me.
posted Jan 16th, 2009 5:30 pmI began taking Bikram Hot Yoga last Sunday as a step towards my goal. The workout is very intense and I enjoy the challenge. I have never sweat more in my life. Working the poses in a 112 degree heated room and maintaining poses that push the body is having a positive effect on my body and mind.
So I thought, "Hey, why don't I try to jump start my fat loss". So I read many of the reviews and did some research. I purchased Hydroxycut yesterday and began taking the pills this morning. So far I have not felt any negative symptoms other than my reaction to caffeine...I get a little sleepy or light headed.
I have noticed a loss of appetite and that I am consuming lots of water. This is good considering I usually eat fast food and drink diet soda. So I guess I will see what happens. Although I am not sure how to gauge the effectiveness of the pills since I am practicing a hard form of exercise.
If I notice any considerable results, I will report this information. Perhaps to help anyone considering taking this product. The reviews helped me to an extent. I am sure there are guys like me that want to look like they did in their 20's again.
Oh yeah, I also looked into my diet. I wrote down all the calories for my favorite foods and beer beverages. If I stick to daily exercise burning calories and have less of an appetite, I can still eat some of my favorite foods, but in smaller amounts and in moderation. Beer will be the tough one.
lauren ross
whoever said this product is 70 is wrong. you can go to walmart and buy a bottle of 66 pills for $18!
posted Jan 16th, 2009 3:22 pmpam
I have been taking Hydroxycut for Women since December 2008. I weighed 170lbs before taking this product and now I am weighed at 155lbs. I haven't started my exercise program yet, but I'm quite sure once I start the weight will melt off a lot faster. It works.
posted Jan 16th, 2009 11:40 amLawrence
+I started with HC two weeks ago and lost 12 pounds. I feel way better. I think I am building a tolerance but still notice increased energy after taking a couple. I very much recomend the program, but like everyone seems to agree you MUST exercise and eat sensibly, remeber losing weight is a lifestyle change. Good luck!
posted Jan 16th, 2009 11:18 amsyarifah
i tried for 2 days.. i feel sleepy.. do u have this problem??
posted Jan 16th, 2009 6:59 amLisa
+I just started this yesterday and so far so good. I did notice an increase in energy and alertness. My appetite was definitely suppressed, which is wonderful! I used to use prescription Phentermine, but developed a tolerance and it did not suppress my appetite after a few weeks. FYI, GNC has the Hydroxycut 72's on sale this month for $19.99, a savings of $10.
posted Jan 16th, 2009 6:27 amdelicious
if you feel like you have a headache, try hydroxycut thats caffeine free. it works the same as the regular one. you'll find it to be better for you
posted Jan 16th, 2009 12:13 amdelicious
+it curved my apetite. i go to the gym everyday. i eat right but still no resultes. i dont know why but i've only been on this product for a week. results dont happen over night. i still like it because im not as hungry as before.
posted Jan 16th, 2009 12:10 amItszJess
I've been excersizing 1 hr a day & taking Hydroxycut for the past 2 days. So far so good I'm not very hungry I drink 3 Liters of water a day I've seen a difference in my stomache already. I love it so far. No side effects just alot of energy & my heart beats a lil faster. I will keep you guys posted.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 10:13 pmsammy
I loved the energy but i hate the water weight and/or bloating I had from it. Im a woman the last thing i need it more bloating. After that I stopped taking it and it went away.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 3:31 pmDarren
+I took the pills about 6 months ago and got bad headachs so i stop using it. i started the water packets 3 times a day and no side affects except for less sleep. i work out 5x a week for an 1 1/2 hours. i eat right and have lost on average 1 1/2lbs a day for 1 week. it is crucial with this product to exercise. But you will lose wieght faster, because of the great appetite control and energy booster allows you to work out harder.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 2:07 pmi ran 4 miles in 30 min for the 1st time. i have 15lbs to go!
BABY MAMMA
So far....i lost 7 lbs in 6 weeks. I thought i would loose more but its okay....at first it didnt work out but then when i did start to work out i lost right away...so as long as i work out i lose weight. When i am thinking about what i eat i eat fish and veggies...when i'm not thinking i eat fast food. I only take it when i need to work out. I have a busy schdeule so i dont like to take it everyday because i cant sleep at night so i take it wen i work out...just two pills a day when i work out..i mean the results are okay but yeahh..its cool. i started off 143...now 136...i wanna be 125
posted Jan 15th, 2009 12:02 pmAutumn
i love it!!!!
posted Jan 15th, 2009 11:47 amCarlos
People said they got headaches, this will happen if you are not drinking enough water. You must drink water with this product. More that you think. If you wake up at 8am and go to bed at 11pm you should be drinking a 16once bottle of water every three hours.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 11:44 amalex
+Sh, it was like that for me at the first, but it got better. if that side effect is very strong, just cut down the dosage from two pills to one pill, three times a day, and you can slowly increase the dosage. also, if your stomach is very empty, it gets worse. so eat some vegies or something with it.
posted Jan 15th, 2009 7:57 amhopefully this will help you and i hate to see you lose $70 bucks and not your weight.
emma
i would like to know if people found themselves dependent on this product after reaching goal weight loss. also, i have low blood pressure and low iron usually and i was worried about the side effects but..none to report so far...well, a little dizzy but not a problem =] ran longer than usual today!
posted Jan 15th, 2009 3:23 amalso..what sort of exercise regimen is everyone doing?
sh
today was my first day. i started feeling like i was woozy. my blood pressure was 169/109 and i felt bad all day. later i got a slight headache that lingered. i am not sure i will continue to take it, so i am out of $70.
posted Jan 14th, 2009 11:22 pm