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 23 of 41, 802 total comments)Deejay
I just played Wii Fit and ate McDonalds for a few months and lost 40 pounds. I believe that's enough for me to know that in many cases, just working out and keeping active, even just a little, will make all the difference. I seriously eat pretty bad (McDonalds), but I drink teas and water mostly, so that might have an effect. I do at least a light 30 minute work out every day using this Nintendo Wii Fit game and sometimes lift a few dumbbells. I am in the best shape of my life while making no change in diet or taking any pills. I think that before trying Hydroxycut or any other thing that involves changing your body using chemicals or pills, people should try working out first before anything. It's really that simple. And just going outside and running is free, as opposed to buying a product. Just saying.
posted Sep 18th, 2008 2:49 pmmike
I tried hydroxycut and got no benefits from it. The only people who see results using this product are those who include diet and strict exercise regimen. I doubt the results have anything to do with hydroxycut.
posted Sep 18th, 2008 2:49 pmChad
i've been taking it for a week, and ive lost 10 lbs without even working out, im gonna start doing a little cardio and see what happens, my appetite has gone down though
posted Sep 16th, 2008 11:07 pmchad
i used be 175 pounds but ihad to bulk up for football and i went up to 205 and im down at 195 ever since ive been taking it (a week ago), and i was wondering does it cut fat off strictly too your body or does it also trim your face down to
posted Sep 16th, 2008 11:07 pmLacy
I just started taking Hydroxycut today, I already have the energy I need to go workout after an 8-5 regular day at work, I'm so excited, hope to see results like the rest of you!
posted Sep 16th, 2008 11:07 pmevy
Im scared to use this
posted Sep 11th, 2008 6:18 pmMegan
I started taking the full six pills the first day and I'll have to admit it was probably not the most brilliant idea. I was really edgy with all the energy, especially since I was stuck at work, not being able to move much. But after about two days my body returned semi back to normal, besides of course the weight loss and energy. I love it. I can't wait to see how it does with a full a month. I would definitely recommend it to someone whose willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle.
posted Sep 11th, 2008 6:18 pmMoose
Started taking 1 in the morning, and it works well as an appetite suppressant. I've lost 6 pounds in a couple of weeks without much change in diet. First 6 is easy, I'll have to start exercising more to get rid of more. Getting rid of soda (diet soda too) is a big help! Water or Tea only!
posted Sep 11th, 2008 6:18 pmJC
I've been using Hydroxycut for more than 1 month now, I do the exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, though I did not loss any weight since I started. However, I am using AMINO acid supplements also. Is this the reason why, I didnt loss weight?
posted Sep 11th, 2008 6:18 pmRenee
It does work, if you take the ones with cafine, the white pill, the yellow ones work slower. i take two whi in the morning and i zoom to the afternoon, lunch eat something small take two more pills after work do a hr work out at the gym like walking and a small dinner no mor pills or you wont sleep. it works
posted Sep 5th, 2008 8:26 pmDelilah
does it cause stomaches and diarrhea more often than people are admitting to? that'd be embarrassing if i'm in class. also i'm going to start with one before each meal...good idea or not?
posted Sep 4th, 2008 8:23 amChris
Hydroxy Cut made my nipples permanently erect. They open doors for me now.
posted Sep 2nd, 2008 10:02 pmgabby
ive already lost 5 lbs and i havent been on this schedule for a week yet. it will be a week tomorrow. Im pretty sure that the results wouldnt be so fast with just diet and exercise....i put on jeans i just got out of the dryer this morning and i had no struggle...its usually a little hard. i was happy :) i think im just a little tighter not necessarily lighter.
posted Sep 1st, 2008 8:32 amTicklemaker
I'm back :) After one bottle, I've lost about 7 lbs...so I definately think it was worth the $20! I'm trying another brand now to compare effectiveness.
posted Sep 1st, 2008 8:32 amA-DIZZLE
hydroxycut works u have to work out or do something to stay in shape and just eat healthy i have been takin it and so has my cosine it shreds the fat really fast im started with the caffeine free ones and moved on do the hardcore and its doing some amazing work for me i am happy with it and i am going to continue to use it i feel good and i am more cut up then i have ever been
posted Aug 29th, 2008 9:42 amCandace
I started taking hydroxycut 3 days ago so far i lost just 3 lbs that is with one hour of spining and one hour of pilates i don't know if it is working or not. i am 5'7 and weight 150 i don't think i will buy another bottle when i am done with the one i am taking now. Only side affect is insomnia i can't sleep to save my life even with camomile tea.
posted Aug 28th, 2008 11:08 pmgabby
i started taking caffeine free hydroxycut 3 days ago....no jitters or sleeplessness i had a bit of indegestion this morning but so far thats about it....im cutting out soda and only eating 2 small meals a day. im 5'4'' and 160 lbs im taking 2 pills 3 times a day and im going to start working out for 60-90 minutes 4 days a week. im a little concerned about taking the caffeine free because i dont know if it will work as well. im only 18 i just want to be back down to 130lbs within 2-3 months....do you think it will work? idk how long i can stay on this tough schedule though.
posted Aug 25th, 2008 10:24 pmRob
To all of the people saying they worked out and changed their eating habits while taking any of these "fat burning" pills, did you ever think maybe it was the healthy food and excersize that made you loose the weight? I stop drinking soda and ate a salad in place of one of my usual meals and did NOTHING else, and I lost 5 pounds in 7 days. No pills, not even a sit up. Then I started to work out on top of this, and guess what? I lost another 10 pounds in 2 weeks. Never once taking any dietary supliment, and I lost weight. Please don't be fooled by the blatant shill posts on this site. I seriously doubt that half of the reviews on the site are from real people. Companies hire people to post on blogs and boards about their products. Take everything (including this post) with a grain of salt. Good luck bettering yourselves.
posted Aug 25th, 2008 10:02 amJessica
I took Hydroxycut for a few months. It worked no doubt..but it had me throwing up after meals, or always with diarhea. I'd rather just cut back on sweets & exercise!
posted Aug 24th, 2008 11:26 amMike
Been taking it for a week, and carefully tracking my weight changes, exercise, and food intake. Started out with the 1 pill, but only twice a day. Caffeine really makes it hard for me to sleep, so I used to only have coffee in the AM and no caffeine of any kind after noon. Too much caffeine can make me gittery, too. I LOVE the alertness side-effect I get with this product. I'm up to 2 pills per serving, though again, only twice per day. I normally do 30 mins of cardio every other day, but for a while, I was getting home from work exhausted to the point that I lacked energy to workout. Vicious cycle! We also have a new infant at home, so I, too, am trying to shed the sympathy pounds. So far, 4 pounds in 5 days. Drinking 80 - 100 oz of water a day... going to bathroom a lot more than before, lol. So far so good with this product. Will post an update...
posted Aug 23rd, 2008 9:29 am