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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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 11 of 41, 802 total comments)Sarah
+so far so good...second day and I figured out that if I ate within 30 mins that I don't have the jitters..we'll see how it goes.
posted Feb 12th, 2009 12:46 pmJill
I started drinking the Hydroxycut supplements 5 days ago, 2 times a day. No jitters, definite change in appetite. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day. Working out 5 days a week - alternating cardio and strength training. I am only going to weigh myself once a week, and will take my measurements at the same time. The scale is only one measure of success - inches are critical.
posted Feb 12th, 2009 12:01 pmSarah
Just started taking Hydroxycut drinks today...feel a lil jittery...hope it goes away. I do have more energy for the gym and had a better workout after taking hydroxycut.......I'm hoping this will work. I work out 3-4 times a week doing 45 mins of cardio and then resistance. I'm at 167lbs right now and would love to be at 130...we'll see...I'll keep you posted :o)
posted Feb 11th, 2009 12:25 pmPRINCESSMARY
well feb 6th completed my first month on hydroxcut, i lost 12 lbs, i did exercise rounghly 3 times a week 30-45 mins, i never went on a diet where i ate only apples.... i only eat 1-2 meals a day now, cut the snacking...but those meals i eat thigns i like.... just about half of what i would eat before. that was my second month on the diet, so i know it wasnt water weight... the first month ( did not use hydroxy cut) i lost 15 lbs... but with anything you lose water weight at first, and the most weight in the first month... also the more you weigh the quicker it comes off..... i am down 27 lbs... 73 more to go.... im in no hurry..dont be...it gets you no wher
posted Feb 10th, 2009 9:26 amAmanda
+I am only 17 years old but I really want to loose about 12 lbs before summer. I started taking the pill yesterday and my step mom said to take only one pill once a day to start off. Is this a good idea? Or should I start with one pill twice a day? I am young but I want to try it. Help!
posted Feb 9th, 2009 11:28 pmnicole
i just started it and i feel a little shaky but hope it works!!
posted Feb 7th, 2009 6:30 pmNatalie :(
-CAUTION:
posted Feb 7th, 2009 1:12 pmThis " vitamin " caused my thyroid to slow way down.
My metabolism, immune system, and energy levels have to be regulated by a doctor every three months.
Please, consider the long term effects this drug had on me at only 20 years old. Now 25 still suffering the effects.
geny
-well i have only taken hydroxycut for two days and been going to the gym ..well yesterday when i was at the gym i threw up i vomited in the bathrooms i dont know if that is normal .should i keep taking it or stop..helpppppp please..
posted Feb 7th, 2009 12:47 pmmiranda
is this a safe product to take
posted Feb 7th, 2009 7:48 amMarina
So far I have taken it for 2 weeks and so far I have lost 8 lbs. I walk here in there. and I also eat healthy. I do have the jitters but thats if I dont eat after 30min.
posted Feb 6th, 2009 3:54 pmAmanda
+I started this pill on Monday, its now Friday and I have lost 3 pounds. I have worked out 3 days this week, 30 mins cardio and 120 crunches. I plan to step up the workouts every 2 weeks. I don't want to push myself so hard that I give up bc I am so tired. I DO have more energy but my appetite is not curved much. I still have my sweet tooth. I eat a small breakfast and small lunch, but a normal dinner. I have had 2 babies in 2 years and am going to Disneyland in June with my family for my youngests first birthday. I am currently 2 pounds lighter than I was when I got prego with my youngest, but 18 lbs heavier than when I got prego with my oldest. So I want to lose another 20 lbs (at least). That would take me to 165...I carry my weight very well and look fabulous at 165 and that puts me at a size 8. Anyways, so far I am pleased with this product. Only time will tell. The first day I felt dizzy, but not anymore. I do feel a bit natious the first hour or two after taking the pills, but that only happens if I dont eat 30 mins after taking them. I will keep updating as I see (or dont see) results. Good luck to you all!
posted Feb 6th, 2009 12:56 pmABBY
+well it's been a week and so far i have lost 3 pounds. I have not changed anything else on my diet so i am very happy that still i managed to loose 3 pounds with hydroxycut, I think i will make it to my desired number by march. oh no side effects other than very thirsty !
posted Feb 6th, 2009 10:35 amTerry
4 weeks with 1500 calorie defecit and one hour exercise a day (I also work manual labor 12 hour shifts) lost 25 lbs... I only take in morning and afternoon. If I take with dinner I can't sleep.
posted Feb 5th, 2009 11:51 pmCarole
+Get the caffeine free one it doesn't make you all hyped up and heart racing. Its awesome.
posted Feb 4th, 2009 11:24 pmItszJess
Andrea-
posted Feb 4th, 2009 7:22 pmA mi tambien me dio dolores asi pero se me quito despues de una semana. Pero a la mejor debes de tomar el Hydro. Regular no el Hardcore el Hardcore es mucho mas fuerte.
Espero que te sirven las pastillas<3
Maria-
Mary
I started talking hydroxycut and Iloved it but out of no where i started getting symtoms of a sroe throat and so i took an antibitic and on the labels doesnt say anything so didnt think any of it.. I had the worst adverse reaction almost went to the hospital. So if taking this medication do not take with anything els.. Please gt advise frm a doctor.! I say a dr and he said it had to been the mixture of the two because 15 mins after i took the antibiotic i turned super red body swelled felt like nails in my feet and was itchin everywhere!!! not a good feeling so becareful to mix anythng w it. Bt I am going bak on hydroxcut it is a good medication!
posted Feb 4th, 2009 4:06 pmAndrea
Tome hidroxycut hace varios anios y me dieron resultados, he vuelto a tomar pero es una nueva formula las hardcore y tengo quemasones en la boca de mi estomago, que deberia hacer
posted Feb 4th, 2009 11:02 amItszJess
I've never tried Phentirmine but Hydroxycut does make your heart race & gives you side effects. I haven't had any side effects that bad ,but it's diff. for everyone. Some people can't take Hydroxycut bcus it's too strong for them but other's don't get side effects.
posted Jan 31st, 2009 5:30 pmAmy
I am wondering if any of you have taken the prescription diet pill Phentermine? And if so, how is Hydroxycut in comparison? Phentermine made my heart race and it did not work for me. I want to try Hydroxycut but do not want the same side effects that I experienced with the Phentermine. Thanks!
posted Jan 31st, 2009 2:24 pmItszJess
Ok so it's almost 2 wks on Hydroxycut, I've lost only 3 lbs this week. So a total of about 12 pds in 2 weeks. I'm pretty satisfied. I've been working out 2 hrs a day now. Hope to see better results next week.
posted Jan 30th, 2009 6:16 pmJess<3
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