Hydroxycut is a line of weight loss supplements that claim to be “America’s #1 selling weight loss supplement brand.” They promise that “Hydroxycut has been tested in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.” However, this study was conducted on only one of over a dozen Hydroxycut ingredients. What about the rest of them?
Hydroxycut’s popularity has been unwavering for more than a decade in the diet world, so we had to find out why. Our research team looked into all the ingredients and the science behind them. We gathered user reviews. We noted disturbing side effects. We waded through a lot of information and prepared a summary on this weight loss supplement.
What is Hydroxycut?
Hydroxycut, a well-known weight loss supplement brand, offers a range of products like pills, gummies, and drinks tailored to different lifestyles, all aimed at supporting weight loss and enhancing sports performance. Widely recognized as one of the world’s most popular weight loss supplements, Hydroxycut is marketed as a Canadian-owned dietary supplement with claims of facilitating rapid weight loss.
Originally developed by MuscleTech Research and Development, Hydroxycut underwent a transition when MuscleTech was acquired by Iovate Health Sciences in 2003–2004 and faced bankruptcy in 2005. Despite these changes, Iovate Health Sciences continues to utilize the MuscleTech name as a brand to promote Hydroxycut. The product is formulated as an herbal-based weight loss remedy, emphasizing its role in aiding weight loss efforts when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
While Hydroxycut is widely promoted through direct television marketing demonstrations, it is also available for purchase through online retailers and conventional brick-and-mortar stores. It’s important to note that the claims of rapid weight loss associated with Hydroxycut are made by the manufacturer and should be considered within the context of individual results, lifestyle choices, and overall health.
Just because the product is well-known, doesn’t mean it is effective. Let’s jump right into some research early and look at a few studies on the top three ingredients in then 2018 formula: robusta coffee extract, apple cider vinegar and plum.
- Phytomedicine – There is some evidence that robusta coffee extract, a rich source of chlorognenic acid, can increase fatty acid metabolism. In one study, urine detection showed a clear increase in participants taking the green coffee bean supplement.
- Journal of Medicinal Food – If you’re looking for research showing that apple cider vinegar will improve weight loss, you’ll have to look at ones completed on mice. Human studies aren’t nearly as abundant.
- JMF – If you want to find any connection between plums and losing weight, you should probably stop looking. The only health benefit we found research on was regarding bone health, not weight.
You can now use the Hydroxycut app to track your weight-loss goals, log your supplement usage, and read fitness advice.
Hydroxycut and the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
While Hydroxycut doesn’t have a BBB file, the parent company Iovate Sciences does. They’ve earned an “F” rating because of a failure to respond to customer complaints filed against them.
Hydroxycut Claims
Hydroxycut advertises C. canephora robusta as the main ingredient in the formula. However, there’s research pointing toward the benefits of caffeine. According to BioMed Research International, energy expenditure may increase by 100 calories per day with regular coffee consumption. Hydroxycut also claims that their blend of the four herbs are specially combined to help individuals lose weight by decreasing appetite.
Hydroxycut Ingredients – New 2018 Formula
Hydroxycut is continuously improving on its products, and their leading seller is no different. In 2018, Hydroxycut Pro Clinical ingredients were:
- Robusta coffee extract
- Apple cider vinegar
- Plum
- Baobab extract
- Cardamom
- Coffee extract
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B6
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Thiamin
Hydroxycut Ingredients – Old Formula
After the recall in 2009, Hydroxycut released the new formulation that has remained constant since 2013. The only ingredient carrying over from the original formula is caffeine. Additional ingredients in the product are listed below.
- Caffeine
- Lady’s mantle extract
- Wild olive extract
- Komijn extract
- Wild mint extract
- Papaya
- Maqui
- Blackberry
- Amla extract
- Saffron extract
Does Hydroxycut Work?
There are a few studies that have been conducted on the individual ingredients in the Hydroxycut pill. The brand does claim on the packaging that the pills are scientifically researched. Still, this claim only refers to one study done on the brand’s key ingredient, C. canephora robusta, or the green coffee extract.
According to the journal Gastroenterology Research and Practice, green coffee bean extract may “promote weight loss,” but the “effect is small.”
Hydroxycut Benefits
The Hydroxycut website suggests that to achieve desired results, one needs to make changes to diet. There’s also very little evidence that green coffee extract, Hydroxycut’s main ingredient, works as claimed.
One should consult a physician before adding this supplement or any other weight-loss supplements to a diet regimen.
Hydroxycut and Weight Loss
Hydroxycut’s most emphasized weight loss and fat burning tip is to incorporate a balanced diet and regular exercise into the user’s weight loss routine. All of the brand’s in-house studies indicate that the participants also engaged in moderate exercise.
New users of the supplement are advised to start with a moderate-intensity activity, such as a brisk walk, for 30 minutes five days a week. Hydroxycut claims to be effective with either low or high-intensity training, as it primarily acts as an appetite suppressant.
Hydroxycut also has other variants of the product claiming to aid in weight loss, some of which include:
- Hydroxycut Original
- Hydroxycut Hardcore
- Hardcore Ultra Shred Drink Sticks
- Hardcore Ultra Shred Drink Sticks
- Hydroxycut Advanced
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Ultra Shred Gummies
- Hydroxycut Gummies +Women
- Hydroxycut Drink Mix
- Hydroxycut Non-Stimulant
- Hydroxycut Gummies
How to Use Hydroxycut
As with any supplement, Hydroxycut should be taken as directed according to the product label, which offers very clear instructions on how to start and increase the dose to the recommended two caplets twice a day.
Users should start with one pill a day before breakfast or lunch for the first week of use. This is to test your tolerance for the supplement.
It is also recommended that users take Hydroxycut with a glass of water and drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day while taking the supplement.
Potential Hydroxycut Side Effects
While side effects from Hydroxycut products are few and far between, there could be a chance that some may notice side effects from the ingredients, including:
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
Hydroxycut Lawsuits
In May of 2009, some Hydroxycut products were flagged as a health hazard by the FDA for causing liver-related illnesses. According to Morgan & Morgan, the company had to recall some products, some of which included:
- Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Tablets
- Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
- Hydroxycut 24
- Hydroxycut Carb Control
- Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
In 2017, Iovate Health Services Sciences settled in a lawsuit involving Hydroxycut, per Top Class Actions. According to the class-action lawsuit, the company sold Hydroxycut by making false and misleading claims. The company settled for $8 million.
In 2020, the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition “withdrawal of Hydroxycut Hardcore Next Gen for possible serious adverse reactions,” according to Food Safety News.
Hydroxycut Alternatives
There are multiple fat burning supplements on the market. Users that are looking for alternatives to the Hydroxycut name should look for products with labels including the following ingredients:
Chromium
Chromium helps increase lean muscle mass, promote fat loss, and reduce food intake through its appetite-suppressing properties. Chromium poses minimal risks to the human body in low doses (25–45 micrograms a day for adults).
Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia Cambogia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA is thought to boost fat-burning efforts and helps reduce appetite. HCA blocks the enzyme called citrate lyase, which the body uses to make fat. HCA also may make one feel less hungry.
However, the World of Gastroenterology notes that this ingredient should be consumed with caution.
Guarana
Guarana has the highest caffeine concentrations in any plant, containing up to 3.5 percent to 5.8 percent caffeine by volume (compared to a coffee cup at 2%).
Side effects include difficulty sleeping, indigestion, and a quickened heartbeat.
Caffeine
According to the European Journal of Sports Science, coffee and caffeine anhydrous might be a suitable pre-exercise source of caffeine for high-intensity workouts.
Yohimbe Extract
Yohimbe is a tree native to Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Congo. Its bark has been used for medicinal purposes in the past, per the Iranian Journal of Psychiatry. The tree may be endangered as a result of overharvesting.
According to the Israel Journal of Medical Sciences, it is supposed to help weight-loss by boosting metabolism, suppressing the appetite, and increasing fat burning.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid, according to the Irish Veterinary Journal. Its chemical structure is similar to glutamate, a naturally occurring amino acid, per Nutrients.
According to Pharmacological Research, l-theanine can help reduce stress.
Hydroxycut Contact Information
- Address: 3880 Jeffrey Blvd. Blasdell, NY 14219
- Email: shop@hydroxycut.com
Hydroxycut Return Policy
You can return or exchange the product as long as it’s in its original packaging and hasn’t been used within 30 days. Shipping and handling fees are not included.
The Bottom Line on Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut is one of the leading brand of dietary supplements on the market. There’s research supporting the effectiveness of the ingredients and there are also Hydroxycut reviews offering positive feedback. Depending on your weight management plan; there are always alternatives.
Over the years, technology has grown and become a huge part of our daily lives. Why not use emerging technology to help with weight loss and weight maintenance?
Among the most impressive weight-loss apps we’ve found is [promoted_product_link]. This clinically-proven app offers more than any other weight-loss app out there, including human coaching, personalized meal plans, exercise tracking, health articles written by doctors and nutrition experts and so much more.
Because [promoted_product_name] is so confident you’ll see results, they’re offering Dietspotlight readers a [promoted_product_offer_link].
