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Home 
Diets
Diet Supplements
How Does
Hydroxycut Compare?
QUICK FACTS
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BACKGROUND
PRO
CON
INGREDIENTS
ADMINISTRATION
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Hydroxycut?
Diets
Diet Supplements
Hydroxycut Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
One of the leading diet and weight loss supplements
Top Rated Diet Pills of 2024What 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.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Has Good Appetite Suppressant
- Has Only Natural Components
- Contains No Coffee
- Sletrokor
(Editor’s Choice) - 94/100
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-
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Wikipedia
Hydroxycut is a nutritional supplement marketed by Iovate Health Sciences Inc., designed to help consumers lose weight. It is sold at conventional retailers, such as GNC and Wal-Mart, online retailers such as and , and through direct television marketing.
QUICK FACTS
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
- Founder: Muscle Tech Research and Development
- Headquarters: Mississauga Ontario Canada
- Accessibility: Online and major retailers
- Diet Type: Supplement taken with diet and exercise
- Gender: Male, Female
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
BACKGROUND
Hydroxycut Recall after FDA Warning to Stop Using the Diet Pill
Once making headlines for containing a controversial herb, Ephedra, banned by the FDA, Hydroxycut now offers an Ephedra-free product that claims to increase metabolism and energy while curbing your appetite, cutting calories and maintaining blood sugar.
When Hydroxycut is combined with a diet and exercise regimen, the product claims to help users shed two-to-three times more weight that without. When taking Hydroxycut, it is suggested that users commit to consistent exercise and a low-calorie diet. Take Hydroxycut half-to-one hour prior to meals with eight ounces of water.
PRO
- Increases energy
- Control appetite
- Burn calories
- Lose up to 4.5 times more weight than with diet and exercise alone
- Recipes and exercises available
- Research studies available
CON
Hydroxycut Recall due to product association with death and liver damage
Must diet and exercise for Hydroxycut to work
Pills must be taken 30-60 minutes before meals which can be difficult if you don’t always eat at the same time
Contains caffeine
INGREDIENTS
- Hydroxycitric Acid, extracted from tropical fruit and linked with liver problems
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Potassium
- Hydroxagen Plus
- HydroxyTea
- Caffeine
- Green Tea extract
- White Tea extract
- Soy
ADMINISTRATION
Take two caplets with eight ounce of water as a dietary supplement 3 times per day approximately 30-60 minutes before each meal. Do not snack after dinner. Consume 10 eight ounce glasses of water per day. Do not take within five hours of bedtime. For best results, use Hydroxycut for eight weeks with a low-calorie diet and exercise program. For the first three days of the program, take one capsule three times per day. From day four beyond, take two capsules three times per day.
DIET and NUTRITION
There is no clear advice from Hydroxycut on an eating plan. You are encouraged to sticky to a healthy diet while taking the supplement. This kind of flexibility allows you to choose a plan of your liking.
For those with food allergies- Hydroxycut is a gluten-free product.
EXERCISE
No guidance provided.
CONCLUSION
ConsumerHealthDigest.com conducted research of 30 dietary supplements. Scoring 3 on a scale of 1-5 for metabolism enhancement, weight-loss potential and ingredient control and 4 on a scale of 1-5 for appetite suppression, Hydroxycut ranked number 11.
Common Misspellings
Hydroxy Cut, Hydroxicut, hydroxcut, hydroxycut.com, hydroxy-cut, hydrox-cut,
Featured Diets and Supplements
Hydroxycut?
User Feedback
(Page 30 of 41, 802 total comments)BOO YAH!
Oh... I forgot to mention the nausuea and votiming that was included with the mirgraines. We thought that my birth control had let me down! YIKES! :-)
posted May 12th, 2008 4:59 pmBOO YAH!
Hey Folks! Today is 05/12/08. I weigh 204. I ran out of Hydroxycut on last Wednesday, so I did not take the supplement on Thursday or Friday. I had a migraine that lasted from that Thursday until Sunday (MOTHER'S DAY) morning. Tylenol did very little to help me. It scared my husband and I so badly, he called my Dr. We were advised that my body were going through withdrawals from the caffine. I started on April 08 and only took one once per day in the a.m. I have not taken H since last Wednesday. I feel much better and was able to return to my routine today. My appetite is still controlled without the H. The H got me over a TREMENDOUS hump. I will continue switching up my workouts without the H for one week and let you know my results. In the mean time, I will be looking for the H WITHOUT the caffine. The H helped me take off 10 pounds in one month, maybe more, because I had gained weight goofing off in Pensacola 2x this month, so I had to lose the weight gained and get back on track. Just be careful and stay motivated! See you on next week!
posted May 12th, 2008 4:59 pmKristopher
Been on it a week. Results are showing already. I love it
posted May 12th, 2008 10:14 amGreg
5-11-08: Been on HC for 2 wks this past Fri. Lost 10 lbs. Haven't changed diet much, just eat less and try to watch portions. I eat healthier snacks. My exercise routine has been disrupted due to stuff going on around house, so I haven't exercised as much as normal. But I've noticed a big decrease in my stomach area. Even my wife noticed and I have not told her I'm taking this stuff - a test to see if she would notice. I've had no problems with any side effects - I do not drink any caffeine. It will upset your stomach if you do not drink enough water with it. I've only been taking 2 pills 2x/day, though. I skip the dinner dose. Definitely have a smooth energy level throughout the day. Will post in another 2 weeks.
posted May 12th, 2008 9:19 amSim
09May2008 - So Ive been taking it for 3 days now but since I dont usually drink any caffiene, I find that one pill gives me a lot of energy. I will try to work up to 2 pills a day starting in a few days, and so far I have been having longer workouts with more energy. I will keep you all updated.
posted May 10th, 2008 7:51 amKulani
Hey so to tell you all the truth this stuff does work.. im in college right now and weighed 280 lbs. I started in the beginning of winter semester and it is now april and i have lost 50 lbs and went down 8 knotches in my pants size.. if you have any questions abou it jus email me about it at [email protected]
posted May 9th, 2008 9:32 amLindsay
My name is Lindsay im 21 years old I was wanting to know few things about Hydroxycut. My husband and I started taking it a few days ago and I was wondering just how safe this pill really is? Does anyone really know? I researched it online and found that it raised your heart rate, and caused low blood sugar. I have a family history of diabetes however, am not diabetic myself. That low blood sugar thing kinda worried me? What are your thoughts. I am taking Caffeine free Hydroxycut. Is this going to harm me. I also read that it has something in it that is exactly the same as caffiene and the same as ephedra which was banned only these are in a herbal form. I saw that it can cause pulmonary valve problems? I don't want to harm my body over losing a few lb's is this stuff true will this pill really be ok to take! Someone please give me an honest answer. Thanks, Lindsay
posted May 8th, 2008 4:48 pmmike
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I have been taking 2 pills, 3 times a day for 6 days. I have cut out coffee, pop and sugary drinks - only drinking water with Crystallite. No fast food, no garbage food and I have lost 15 lbs!!!! - I've been to the gym but only twice since I've started this. Im already noticing my "muffin top" is reducing very quickly, Ive gone down 2 notches on my belt and I just feel better about myself ... this stuff ROCKS!!!! -I'm going out today to buy my second bottle because I am a huge fan now. Absolutly no sideeffects like others have reported, and I actually have the energy and drive to go out for walk after dinner. I have kept my water intake very high as well, I drink on average 3 1.5L bottles of water a day - while Im peeing lots its totally worth it. I LOVE THIS STUFF!!!!
posted May 8th, 2008 4:48 pmBGB
I am trying HC Hardcore today. I miiss Ripped Fuel. It was the best compared to most of these diet supplement pills. This will be my first time trying HC Hardcore. I have taken two pills so far with no side effects. I just had a baby three months ago and I have lost most of the baby weight, but my goal is to loose another 25 to 30 lbs before the summer. I used to work out for 30 to 45 mins 5 days a week at the gym before I got pregnant. I need the extra energy to get back into my hold routine. I'll keep you posted.
posted May 7th, 2008 10:32 pmSim
Hi..Just started hydroxycut today 07may2008 and will keep you posted on results and side effects. Starting weight 135 and only want to lose 10 pounds, will post again in 1 week.
posted May 7th, 2008 10:32 pmJac
Julie, your being an idiot. Sorry for the harshness, but I honestly would be embarrassed to post something like this.
posted May 7th, 2008 9:39 amKit
Julie - I cannot believe what I just read. You couldn't have chosen a more unhealthy way to lose weight. You're honestly doing your body more harm than you are good, and as soon as stop (because you will, it will get so old so fast), you'll gain back the weight you lost. You're doing nothing more than starving yourself. This will send your metabolism into starvation mode- and rather than lose weight your body will lock up and save those fat reserves for survival. You're a young mother, 900 calories isn't enough to sustain most people- especially when you're keeping up with a child and putting yourself through that kind of rigorous workout. I think it's wonderful that you think Hydroxycut is a magical pill that's working for you- but it's not. It's a placebo effect because you're starving yourself. PLEASE go to the doctor or visit a nutritionist or trainer at your gym. Just stop this nonsense. It's so terribly unhealthy. You CAN lose weight in a healthy manner. Good luck.
posted May 6th, 2008 8:59 amjulie
i'm 21 yrs old,mother of one,149lbs,and started taking hydroxycut 8 days ago.I went on a 900- calorie diet (all fruit & veggie diet),drinking alot of water. I'm not eating any meat or drinking soda.I run every day on a treadmill for 25 min (i wear a sauna suit while exerc.). Later do abs for 30 min.Today i checked my weight after seeing great results,(my ab area is starting to get ripped) and now weigh 142lbs. In 8 days i lost 7lbs,I think hydroxycut works great. keep you posted on more weight loss!
posted May 6th, 2008 8:54 amWinnie
I have been exercising four miles a day and doing some abdominal workouts. I exercise everyday and have reduced my diet to a very low calorie one. I only drink water, eat healthy food, and cutting down on carbs. Yet I haven't lost any weight! I've been circulating around 133 lbs and it doesn't seem to budge. I decided to take HC to give me a boost. Just started taking it yesterday (5/4/08). We'll see what happens.
posted May 6th, 2008 8:54 amKR
Only Diet and exercise works. Otherwise why the heck would we not all just take a pill and see those pound disappear.
posted May 6th, 2008 8:54 amStacy
I just started Hydrosycut Max yesterday and I've lost 2.5lbs, down from 213.5 to 211. I have always struggled with my weight and lost 90 lbs on WW two years ago but gained most of it back because of stressful life events. I am now 33 and have been eating healthy for the past month and lost about 2 lbs. This product definitely does give you an edge, especially once you get past your 20s. I haven't had any side effects, except being up til 5:30 am. I was on the computer and probably could have slept if I had shut it down, but my mind was stimulated. Anyway, I'm only taking 1 2x a day right now with a multivitamin and lots of water. Today I have virtually no appetite. So far, so good!
posted May 6th, 2008 8:54 amFIND GOOD PRICE
GO TO PLACES LIKE BJS AND SAMS CLUB. I GOT MY HYDROXYCUT FOR $33 FOR A TWO MONTH SUPPLY!!!
posted May 5th, 2008 8:38 amDominic
I just started using Hydroxy Cut a few days ago and I can tell you I feel more energetic and alerted. I feeling more into it when I exercise. I haven't really checked my weight but I'd say I lost a pound or two so far. The thing is I am not really eating. I run a mile a day and do 100 sit-ups and 50 push-ups. I am gonna start eating some more food and make healthier choices this week. Drink lots of water! I am officially 256 pounds and hope to get down 210 within the next 5 months. I am not naturally big in the upper body. Need to get the fat off my stomach and thighs. It takes dedication and time. Exercise and eat healthy and it will work! I will post updates in the next few weeks to see if this product truly works.
posted May 5th, 2008 8:38 amKeKe
Ok Guys I have read oall of your comments, I am going to start taking Hydroxy Cut Max for women. I am ready to get this weight off. I hope it works. My starting weight is 157. I will keep you posted. Chow!!!!!
posted May 1st, 2008 4:41 pmElise
Currently 128 since this past saturday. don't know if it's because of HC or if its just dieting/exercise, since i'm not losing the weight as fast as everyone else.
posted May 1st, 2008 4:41 pm