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.
Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2024?
Hydroxycut Ingredients and Side Effects
Robusta Coffee Extract (45% (Chlorogenic Acid)
|
Papaya
|
Blackberry
|
Saffron Extract
|
Caffeine Anhydrous
|
Maqui
|
Amla Extract
|
Microcrystalline Cellulose
|
Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate
|
Pre-gelatinized Starch
|
Stearic Acid
|
Titanium Dioxide
|
Polyethylene Glycol
|
Talc
|
Croscarmellose Sodium
|
Magnesium Stearate
|
Silicon Dioxide
|
|
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.
For better options for weight loss, you can find the very best diet pills brands by clicking here.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.
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.
EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.
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.
You can try Sletrokor risk free since they offer a 30 day money back guarantee. Anyone can see for themselves what this brand has to offer.
User Feedback
(Page 22 of 41, 802 total comments)PERECIOUS
+I JUST WENT OUT AND BOUGHT IT TODAY... I HATE TAKING ANY KIND OF PILLS DUE TO ALLERGIES AND WORRY IF I WILL DIE FROM ANY MED. BUT I WILL GIVE IT A TRY...I WILL DEFINETLY LET ALL YOU KNOW IF IT REALLY WORKS,,,,,,,
posted Oct 5th, 2008 8:17 pmcourtni
+i've been taking hydroxcut for a little less than a week and have lost nearly 6 lbs already.. paired with a healthy diet and excercise, this stuff really works! the only thing i've noticed is that i have troube falling asleep and staying asleep. i wouldn't recommend taking them too late in the day.. other than that, i love it!!
posted Oct 5th, 2008 9:00 amtinaP11
+I have been taking hydroxycut for a month now but forget from time to time to take the pills, is this going to impact how much fat i lose?? I have shed some pounds so far and think maybe if I didn't miss any it would be more
posted Oct 4th, 2008 5:11 pmSally6543
+I haven't found the same burst of energy that some of the reviewers have but I do have the rapid weight loss and I think part of it is also the appetite supression I have experienced. either way I am happy
posted Oct 4th, 2008 5:09 pmMaria_M
+I love hydroxycut, lost 10 pounds in two weeks and didn't hit the gym once. I can't wait to see where i get in month 2
posted Oct 4th, 2008 5:07 pmLDav
This stuff gives me so much energy and some of the stinkiest gas that I have ever had. I love it!
posted Oct 1st, 2008 12:18 amYani
lost 2 lbs in 4 days!
posted Sep 28th, 2008 9:51 amJerry
I completed one bottle and peed like a racehorse. I saw no substantial weight loss.
posted Sep 28th, 2008 9:51 amBrittany
i've been taking hydroxycut since last friday (today is thursday). I weighed myself on Monday, and today. on monday I lost 2.9lbs and since monday i've lost 2.6 lbs. 5 1/2 lbs in a little less than a week. i love this stuff
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amJames
I just started the product 4 days ago. So far I feel fine, just having a little trouble sleeping. My energy level has really picked up and that's positive. I am not fond of pills but, I will give this program one month. If it works I will be blogging you all soon.
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amAnnonymous
I just started taking Hydroxycut today, ive only taken 2 so far and dont plan to take more than that in a day. Im on the pill and i had asked a pharmascist if hydroxycut would interfere with the pill. The pharmacists said it would be fine unless you start getting headaches consistantly. I hope that doesnt happen. I want feed back if anyone does find that hydroxycut does interfere with the pill. Also, Hydroxycut does curb my appetite and i am drinkin a lot of water, hopefully enough so that Hydroxycut does not harm me, i haventy had any side affects yet and i hope i dont get any. I was also wondering if anyone isnt weighing themselves but is measuring their waste and areas of your body that you are mainly concerned about, and seeing any results? Thanks!
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amBrittany
i've been taking hydroxycut since last friday (today is thursday). I weighed myself on Monday, and today. on monday I lost 2.9lbs and since monday i've lost 2.6 lbs. 5 1/2 lbs in a little less than a week. i love this stuff
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amBrit
Why don't all of you try taking something that's more natural, like some herbal supplements? Or try using more natural methods to lose weight? Why does everyone think the answer is in a pill? That's what's wrong with our country.
posted Sep 26th, 2008 4:40 amCamille
I've been using Hydroxycut for a year.My weight was 156lbs and now i am 118lbs, and to Perro it works in your sleep.
posted Sep 25th, 2008 9:06 amPerro
Does hydro works whith out workingout?
posted Sep 24th, 2008 8:45 amTrudy
I've been using Hydoxycut for about 4 days now, and i personally feel like i've been eating right and exercising daily, but i have yet to see any results. I know it's all about patients and dedication, and it'll pay off. I'll definitely try IT for the eight weeks, but WHEN AM I GOING TO SEE SOME RESULTS?
posted Sep 22nd, 2008 9:37 amkaren a
i used it for a yr and i lost 40 pound i still need to lose 80 more i take 2 in tjhe moring and 2 in the after noon but if i take them before dinner i can not sleep .plus i do my hula hoop.these pill make me not hungry i eat way less day i dont have them i eat more and get hungry more. good luck to any one out thier trying to loss weight i know it hard but dont give up we can do it.
posted Sep 22nd, 2008 9:37 amNatalie
I think Hydroxycut works also! I take it before going to the gym and seriously feel the intensity in my workout. I've lost about 10 pounds and have noticed the toning in my body after only a month!
posted Sep 19th, 2008 12:49 pmpaul
What Crap these tablets are. Took the recommended dose for 2.5 weeks and felt like I was going to die! Had all the symptons listed! A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing Anxiety or agitation An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (known as heart palpitations) Signs of an allergic reaction, including an unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swallowing. Bloating I should of done a lot more research I actually put on 4 kilogram (bloat) My heart tis still pounding I am very light headed I look like crap I have massive sweaty palms I have a boil on my back I have bad dreams at night and wake up in the middle of the night Its been seven (7) days since I stopped taking the crap - yet my symptoms have not completely gone away. The symptoms come and go in cycles (highs and low) Looks like I will have to go to my Doctor next week if the symptom do not start going away faster. My immediate advice is to STOP TAKING THE CRAP NOW!!!!
posted Sep 19th, 2008 12:49 pmTracy
I JUST STARTED ON MY JOURNEY TODAY WITH HYDROXYCUT. I AM GOING TO TAKE THE 2 PILLS 3 TIMES A DAY ONE AT BREAKFAST ONE AT LUNCH AND ONE AT NIGHT..AND I HAVE JOINED MY GYM AT WORK SO I WILL BE WORKING OUT HOPEFULLY 7 DAYS A WEEK AND WALKING WITH ONE OF BEST FRIENDS WISH ME LUCK I WEIGHED MYSELF TODAY SO HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE A CHANGE:)
posted Sep 18th, 2008 2:49 pm