Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements sold without a prescription as weight loss aids. The key ingredient in most Hydroxycut products is Robusta coffee extract. The Hydroxycut website refers to two small studies that show that people who took C. canephora robusta for 60 days lost about 10.95 pounds, while the placebo group lost an average of 5.40 pounds. However, the scientific evidence for the efficacy of Hydroxycut is lacking, and there are concerns about its safety. In 2009, the FDA recalled Hydroxycut products due to reports of liver problems, seizures, and a muscle-damaging condition called rhabdomyolysis. The supplement has also been linked to heart disease, liver disease, and even death. One woman, Suzanne Ryan, who tried Hydroxycut briefly, eventually lost 120 pounds by following the keto diet and now advocates for this lifestyle change.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Product | Dietary supplement |
Product Forms | Capsules, drink mixes, gummies, caplets, powder |
Ingredients | Robusta coffee extract, kelp fiber, green coffee, spinach extract, caffeine |
Effectiveness | Limited medical research indicates that some of the herbs in Hydroxycut, along with its caffeine content, can help people lose weight, but only a little. |
Safety Concerns | Liver disease, seizures, heart disease, muscle problems, death |
FDA Action | In 2004, the FDA banned the use of ephedra in weight loss products. In 2009, the FDA recalled Hydroxycut products under a health fraud charge. |
What You'll Learn
- Hydroxycut's key ingredient, Robusta coffee extract, may promote weight loss
- Hydroxycut's efficacy is not backed by scientific evidence
- Hydroxycut products may be linked to heart disease
- Hydroxycut has been linked to serious health issues, including liver disease
- Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements that includes drink mixes, protein bars, and gummies
Hydroxycut's key ingredient, Robusta coffee extract, may promote weight loss
Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements sold without a prescription as weight loss aids. The key ingredient in most Hydroxycut products is Robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta), which has been shown to help people lose weight.
Robusta coffee extract is derived from premium coffee beans that have not yet been roasted and, as a result, have a high level of chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid is thought to affect how the body handles blood sugar and metabolism. It may also affect blood vessels so that blood pressure is reduced.
In one study, subjects taking C. canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95 lbs. versus the placebo group, which lost an average of 5.40 lbs. Both groups followed a low-calorie diet. In a separate 8-week study, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7 lbs. versus the placebo group, which lost 1.25 lbs. Both groups followed a calorie-reduced diet and performed moderate exercise.
However, it is important to note that the evidence for the weight loss effects of green coffee extract is limited to a few small studies with a high risk of bias. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness as a weight loss tool.
Pecan Consumption on Keto: How Many Are Too Many?
You may want to see also
Hydroxycut's efficacy is not backed by scientific evidence
Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements sold without a prescription as weight loss aids. The key ingredient in most Hydroxycut products is Robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta), which contains caffeine. While Hydroxycut's website refers to two small studies that support the product's efficacy, the scientific evidence for the efficacy of Hydroxycut is lacking.
The two studies referred to by Hydroxycut showed that participants taking C. canephora robusta lost more weight than those in the placebo group. However, these studies were small and short-term, and the weight loss observed was minimal. Furthermore, the participants in these studies also followed a low-calorie diet and exercise routine, which likely contributed to their weight loss.
A review of studies on C. canephora robusta found that while the ingredient might promote weight loss, the effect was small and more rigorous and extended trials were necessary to determine its effectiveness. Similarly, the National Institutes of Health indicates that the main ingredient in Hydroxycut may have a positive impact on weight loss, but that clinical studies are of poor quality.
Additionally, Hydroxycut has a long history of issues with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2004, the FDA banned the use of ephedra in weight loss products, which was previously an ingredient in Hydroxycut. Then, in 2009, the FDA recalled Hydroxycut products due to reports of serious health problems, including liver disease, seizures, heart disease, muscle problems, and even death. While the current ingredients in Hydroxycut are deemed safe, the product has continued to be linked to some health problems, such as liver failure and ischemic colitis.
In conclusion, while Hydroxycut may offer some weight loss benefits due to its caffeine content, there is a lack of sound scientific evidence to support its efficacy. People considering taking Hydroxycut should be aware of its dubious track record on safety and speak to a doctor about how it may affect their overall health before starting.
Keto and Inflammation: Is There a Link?
You may want to see also
Hydroxycut products may be linked to heart disease
Hydroxycut is a brand name for a range of weight-loss supplements that come in different forms, such as capsules, drink mixes, and gummies. The products contain caffeine, various extracts, and minerals. While Hydroxycut claims to aid weight loss, there is limited scientific evidence to support this.
Hydroxycut products have been linked to several health issues, including liver disease, seizures, and muscle problems. Notably, the supplements have also been associated with heart disease. In 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Hydroxycut products due to concerns about serious health problems, including heart disease, that were linked to their use.
The FDA received over 20 reports of adverse health events associated with Hydroxycut, including cases of liver disease, seizures, heart disease, muscle issues, and even death. As a result, the manufacturer, Iovate Health Sciences International, recalled the products and reformulated them to remove the ingredients in question.
While the current ingredients in Hydroxycut products are deemed safe, the supplements continue to be linked to health problems, including liver failure and ischemic colitis, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the colon due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
The high levels of caffeine in certain Hydroxycut formulas, such as Hydroxycut Max Advanced for Women, have been a particular cause for concern. These formulas contain as much caffeine as three cups of coffee, or around 400 mg, which exceeds the recommended daily limit of 300 mg for most people. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to adverse effects such as shortness of breath, nervousness, and irregular heartbeat.
In conclusion, while Hydroxycut products may offer some weight loss benefits due to their caffeine content, there are serious concerns about their safety. Individuals considering Hydroxycut should be aware of its potential link to heart disease and other health issues. It is crucial to consult a doctor before using any weight loss supplement, especially if there are existing medical conditions or concerns.
Keto Collagen: The Ultimate Guide to Using Perfect Keto
You may want to see also
Hydroxycut has been linked to serious health issues, including liver disease
Hydroxycut is a brand of dietary supplements marketed as a weight loss product. It is available in various forms, including capsules, drink mixes, and gummies. The most common ingredient in Hydroxycut products is caffeine, which raises heart rate and energy levels and may help reduce appetite. However, the effects of caffeine are short-lived, and there is limited evidence to suggest that it is an effective solution for weight loss.
The specific ingredient in Hydroxycut responsible for liver injury has not been identified. However, chromium, Garcinia cambogia extract, and Camellia sinensis (green tea) extracts have been implicated in hepatotoxicity. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main component of Garcinia cambogia, is believed to play a role in its toxicity by inhibiting fatty acid synthesis. High doses of green tea extract, particularly when combined with other environmental factors, have also been associated with acute hepatocellular injury.
The onset of Hydroxycut-induced liver injury typically occurs within 2-12 weeks, with the most common presenting features being nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and jaundice. The dominant pattern of injury is hepatocellular, with marked elevation of transaminases. Overall mortality in cases presenting with jaundice has been reported to be 10%. While most non-fatal cases of Hydroxycut-induced liver injury resolve within 1-3 months, some cases can be fatal and lead to severe outcomes.
The variability in presentation and lack of specific diagnostic markers make it challenging to determine causality in cases of drug/herbal-induced liver injury. A thorough history, physical examination, and knowledge of the product's ingredients are essential for establishing a diagnosis. Clinicians should also be cautious about the use of over-the-counter dietary supplements, as they can lead to catastrophic side effects.
Time to Ketosis: How Many Days to Achieve It?
You may want to see also
Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements that includes drink mixes, protein bars, and gummies
The Hydroxycut website references two small studies that support the product's effectiveness. One study found that participants taking C. canephora robusta for 60 days lost about 10.95 pounds, while the placebo group lost an average of 5.40 pounds. Both groups were on a low-calorie diet. Another 8-week study showed that those taking C. canephora robusta lost about 3.7 pounds, compared to the placebo group, which lost 1.25 pounds. However, it is important to note that the effects of caffeine are short-lived, and there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Hydroxycut for weight loss.
Hydroxycut has a history of issues with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Early formulations of the supplement contained ephedra, a plant extract said to increase energy. Some forms of ephedra were banned by the FDA in 2004, leading to a reformulation of Hydroxycut products. In 2009, the FDA issued a consumer warning and recalled Hydroxycut supplements due to reports of serious health problems, including liver disease, seizures, heart disease, muscle problems, and even death. The current Hydroxycut formulations no longer contain the ingredients that were previously in question.
While Hydroxycut may offer some weight loss benefits due to its caffeine content, it is important to note that there is a lack of sound evidence to support its effectiveness. Additionally, individuals should be aware of the potential side effects and safety concerns associated with the supplement. Before starting Hydroxycut or any other dietary supplement, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to assess its potential impact on overall health and identify any possible interactions with medications or other supplements.
Macros on Keto: Understanding Your Ideal Gram Intake
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hydroxycut is a family of dietary supplements sold without a prescription as weight loss aids. It comes in a variety of forms, such as capsules, drink mixes, and gummies.
The scientific evidence for the efficacy of Hydroxycut is lacking. The Hydroxycut website refers to two small studies that showed positive results for weight loss. However, other sources indicate different results, and the reviews stress that more rigorous and extended trials are necessary to determine its effectiveness.
Hydroxycut has a long history of issues with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2004, the FDA banned the use of ephedra, an ingredient in Hydroxycut at the time, in weight loss products. In 2009, the FDA recalled Hydroxycut products due to reports of serious health problems, including liver disease, seizures, heart disease, muscle problems, and death. The current reformulated Hydroxycut products no longer contain the ingredients that were in question.
There is no information specifically about taking Hydroxycut on a keto diet. However, it is important to note that Hydroxycut has been linked to serious health problems in the past, and the company has had to change its formula multiple times. Therefore, it is always a good idea to speak to a doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have a specific diet or health concerns.
Yes, there are many other weight loss supplements available on the market. However, it is important to remember that the goal of weight loss is better health, not endangerment. Sustainable weight loss can be achieved by reducing the number of calories consumed and considering mindfulness meditation or a 12-step program for support.