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.
Stimulant free options are available, and the 2024 supplement of the year is called Sletrokor.
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 15 of 41, 802 total comments)Bill Everett
+I love this product,been taking it since december and lost 15 pds so far
posted Jan 14th, 2009 9:11 pmlauren
+well i had taken hydroxycut before and lost 12 pounds in two weeks and that is eating better (i do admit i didnt give up my soda) and working out 5x a week. i stopped taking it cause i was in the process of moving half way around the world. so now i gained the weight back and have to start all over again. but i have been doing it for 4 days and lost 5 pounds already. so it really does work..
posted Jan 14th, 2009 7:32 pmthe downside of it is you have to keep taking this pill cause your body is going to rely on this product. cause once you stop taking this pill you can continue eating right and exercising but you will start gaining weight back.. so if your not afraid of spending the money and taking this pill everyday then this is a good product. lets just say i would recommand this to people before they considered surgery.
this time around i am going to eat healthier and now that i drink diet soda i should have better results
alex
+it has been 10 days since i started using it. and..... i lost about 3 pounds. it is not much, but i am absolutely happy with losing "good" 3 pounds. my target is 10 pounds in a month or in 45 days. last 10 pounds is always the tougest.
posted Jan 14th, 2009 7:50 amso far, things are working out good. i do not know about boosting energy, but definitely i lose my apetite and i do not feel the hunger so much. that is a good things. i think it is workin so far.
again, i will keep you posted.
Etienne
+works good for me
posted Jan 14th, 2009 12:26 amNicole
ok... so I read the comment from "Deryl" and I would like to add something for all of you big girls out there. Going on a diet and exercising does not always work! I myself have been eating healthy, no pop no junk. I exercise 5 days a week for and hour with half of that pure cardio (I run...alot im training for a marathon) and the other half weight train. You want to know how much weight I have lost......NONE! I am the same amount now as I was 2 months ago...you want to comment on that? I didnt think so. I started taking this pill two weeks ago and I have been doing the EXACT same routine that I was previously and in two weeks I lost almost 7 pounds! This studd really works... no matter what others might say! GO FOR IT!
posted Jan 13th, 2009 10:03 pmAilene
+so I have been taking Hyrdoxycut since December 10th.... a little over a month now.... in the first week I lost 9 LBS and since then I have lost another 11 LBS (which I do admit I got off track a little with my mom's christmas tamales =p) but I started at 175 and now one month later I'm at 155.... This stuff really does work.... for the people that say HC doesn't work.... you do have to do your part...... of course you have to make healthier meal choices and excercises.... and you may think that why waste your money when diet and exercise is free.... well HC really does speed up the process because it controls your appetite and gives you energy and also helps break down water weight.... HC does make you eat less so make sure that the little bit of food that you DO eat is very nutritious.... you can't expect to just eat junk and not exercise and take the pill and you'll magically drop the weight....
posted Jan 13th, 2009 3:32 amApril
+I used hydroxycut while losing my target weight, 40 lbs and I continued to use it afterwards and it always kept my hunger under control. I really, really liked it is all I can say, lol. You have to eat right and excersice though with whatever you take.
posted Jan 12th, 2009 6:05 pmbrittany
+I've been taking hydroxicut for a little over two weeks. Along with a low carb diet and excercise i have lost over 10 pounds. This product really gives me energy and no crash. I reccomend it to anyone serious about wieght loss.
posted Jan 12th, 2009 4:40 pmJB
+I'm 18, and hydroxycut with Green Tea works for me ( : there is no way a weight loss pill could just keep ur weight off, you have to be active, and willing to try...
posted Jan 12th, 2009 2:24 pmJulian
+I used it for like 5 months, and I ate what I wanted...sort of just didn't GORGE. I cut out fast food and replaced all drinks with water. I hate plain water so I drank cystal light Iced Tea. Hittin the gym 4 times a week. 20 mins of joggin before you know it I went from. 225 to 175. It works just gotta set your mind to what you want.
posted Jan 12th, 2009 11:58 amAimee
+So far so good. I really can't complain. I am dieting and exercising as well, but I think its worth it if you are trying to lose weight.
posted Jan 10th, 2009 10:06 amMisty
+I lost 30 pounds with this product, even without strenuous exercise in only 11 weeks
posted Jan 9th, 2009 12:08 pmCAROL
-This product did nothing for me. My headaches were so bad I would cry. This was the first time and the last. I still continued to take it for 3 weeks with exercise and diet. I gained 3 pounds. Everything is not for everyone.
posted Jan 9th, 2009 4:18 amdaryl
-To those of you who didn't like my earlier post: You're right, and I apologize.
posted Jan 8th, 2009 6:40 pmMy (too sarcastic) point was that this and every other weight-loss product is a scam. Please save your money and use the only proven method of losing weight: Diet and exercise.
Meg
I need some advice. I am 21 years old and just started taking the Hydroxycut drink packets, I work out on a regular basis, and eat fairly healthy. I am trying to shed a few pounds a little quicker which is why I started using Hydroxycut. Do you think this is the right product for what I am looking for? I weight 125 lbs. and am 5'5, so there isnt that much to loose besides some body fat.
posted Jan 8th, 2009 2:27 pmfabulous
this is my second day taking it and i have a very weird feeliing, i think it s working but i dont like the side effects. in the morning i felt sick to my stomach and instead of having more energy, i feel tired
posted Jan 8th, 2009 1:07 amyng hopeful
+I have been taking the drink packets for about 3 days now. I do feel a lot more energy, BUT, I am wondering if the pills would be easier. I find myself gaging trying to swallow those last few drinks of the packet I have been forcing my self to drink 30 to 60 minutes before each meal. Does anyone have any advice to what I should do. What is the difference in price and in effect with the pills and the drink packets???
posted Jan 7th, 2009 9:43 pmLisa
There's a caffeine free version of it, which is good b/c I have anxiety issues that are worsened by caffeine. The only negative is that it gives me horrendous gas.
posted Jan 7th, 2009 8:27 pmNicolina
+I have been an on and off again taker of Hydroxycut. I usually only take these when re-programming my body. I work out 4 times a week and eat 5 small meals a day. I have seen dramatic responses each time. I have tried the same work outs an meals without the pills and it has taken alot slower to lose the weight. These pills increase my energy, they assist in breaking down water weight, and help with my appetite. I also have Hypothyroidism, so it has helped control my hormone level as well. If you look up each ingredient and research them you will see its has some great attributes!
posted Jan 7th, 2009 3:23 pmThe only thing I would suggest is for MEN to be careful. This product does contain a chemical that is related to testicular atrophy. Please be cautious!!!
ALEX - I don't take them after 5pm. It will cause you to lose sleep. May I suggest just taking one in the morning when you first wake up. That may help.
Melissa
-I agree with some of the other posts I have seen. I have been taking the pills for about 5 days now and I have had some pretty bad side effects as a result including: not being able to sleep, shaky, headaches and feeling sick to my stomach. The side effects are not worth it. I plan to continue eating healthy and working out an hour a day.
posted Jan 7th, 2009 1:49 pm