Hydroxycut Review - 14 Things You Need to Know
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.
Hydroxycut can be purchased through their Official Site.
Hydroxycut Video Review
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 Competitors
Product | Review | |
---|---|---|
Transparent Labs | read | |
Relacore | read | |
Slimquick | read | |
Lipo 6 | read | |
Noom | read |
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.
Scroll below for one of the best products we’ve seen over the last year.
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.
What Users Are Saying
“Gives entertainment and curbs appetite!”
“So I purchased these about a year ago the first time when they came in my first bottle they were brown ish pill after my first bottle was gone I bought more I took as recommended gave me high energy loved it lost a ton of weight on my first bottle I was about 200 lbs starting with the first bottle I went down to 145 by the time my second bottle was gone then when I went to purchase my third bottle it was sold out and on back order so when I received my next bottle they were red pills and they then made me sick I started over the dosing 1 pill for two days then 2 pills then up I couldn’t get past 1 pill every time I took it I threw up an hour later I went on here to see why the new bottle pills were red seen that they changed there formula now for some reason I can’t take them and I regained the weight back.. really wish they never changed the formula or what ever it was… the brownish pills they originally sent were amazing worked amazing but these red pills…”
“Total waste of money. Did nothing at all. Didn’t even lose an ounce of weight. I went back and forth trying to decide to purchase. I regret it. Ended up throwing the rest away. And yes, I gave it enough time. It also taste disgusting. Wish I hadn’t tried it.”
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 Noom. 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 Noom is so confident you’ll see results, they’re offering Dietspotlight readers a free trial offer.
Learn More About Noom »
anonymous
i just need to loose weight from my mid- section and tone legs and arm, is hydroxycut for me?
you are correct about spot reduction…however you can spot tone which will LOOK as though you reduced that area
Hello. All users are different and can experience different weight-loss results.
Why are you on a diet pill website if you think people are fat/lazy? People with low self esteem don’t need you added criticism
Michael
I can lose weight easily and chose hydroxycut for its claim to reduce body fat. well I gained 6 lbs and never gain when I am trying to lose before-ever.
So do you take 1 pill in the AM and 1 in PM? You said 45 minutes before meals, so when did you take them in regards to meals?
I’m very hesitant on trying these after reading the bad reviews.
Hi Rebecca! For detailed product and usage instructions, please refer to the Hydroxycut official website for more information.
Pj (Verified Purchase)
I have been taking the product for a few days. I am 21, 5 ft tall and started taking the Hydroxycut drops before meals like it said. I took it mainly for energy. I have kept in shape except I have gained sooo much water weight in just my chest. Will that even out? And is the drops safe to take? I reduce calorie intake
Hi PJ. All dieters have different weight loss results. If you continue to have these effects, please consult with your physician before continuing to take Hydroxycut.
Anonymous (Verified Purchase)
I am currently taking hydroxycut while maintaining a 5 day lifting regiment and running 3 miles every other day with a decent eating habit coupled with multi-vitamins. Hydroxycut did give me an extra boost in energy during my lifts and running, but I do feel a little wired. I have noticed some weight drop, but I lift very intense and heavy. Ill keep posting results
mary (Verified Purchase)
will this product show up in a urine test as i’ve been taking this now for 2 weeks and got called for a interview and need to take a urine test i am worried that it will show positive from this product
I can’t wait to try it really wanna try it I drink lots of water and work out everyday I wanna loose wait be new years cause me and fiancee r gunna be celebrating to and I wanna blow his mind
sad for my frirnd
My friend had a Lao band surgery last Ye sometime gained weight now taking hydroxycut n becoming very ill from the side effects is it because of the surgery r the side effects for the pills period?
Hello. Your friend might be having side effects from hydroxycut. Please advise him to consult with his doctor.
Angela (Verified Purchase)
I liked the gummies while i was taking them. Had more energy and suppressed apetite but once i cut down i became lethargic like coming off of a drug high. Been lasting a couple of weeks now. Im tired all the time.
lisa (Verified Purchase)
so I tried hydroxycut but I craved food all day long and put on 3lbs of the weight that I lost by hard work.so I stopped taking instantly well in 24 hrs lost 1lbs and I started using he restroom regularly something I couldnt do on the pill,also it made me really upset it was like having pms all the time and I couldnt sleep, the sad part is exercise and diet was working I lost 10 pounds in 2months, but now I am working on getting that supid pills weight off.I think for somepeople it will work and others well nope it works in reverse.
I had the exact thing happen 2 myself… woohoo 🙂
ashley (Verified Purchase)
I lost about 30 pounds in 3 weeks last summer from hydroxycut, but you DO have to exercise and eat healthy too! If you stick to a great diet and work out 4-5 times a week at least, than you will start to see results, and you’ll see results quickly.
Erika (Verified Purchase)
I have been using Hydroxycut for the last 3 days and i must say it works.. I was 156 when I started a couple of days ago and I now weigh 150. I do have ahard time falling asleep and have noticed that I haven’t really been regular when visiting the John. I am eating every 2hrs and I am speed walking 4miles a day.. so if anyone is trying to loose those pounds you gotta change your diet. Eat low cal food and dont fill your self up.
does hydroxycut makes yuh loose baby fat???
frog (Verified Purchase)
I am taking it and will tell you it works. Took it 4 years ago and was in great shape had a 2 pack and then got married and gained weight. Eating right and the pill have helped. It has given me what I wanted couldn’t lose weight with just the gym. In the 3rd week and have lost 4 pounds. How ever only lost that much cause have gained musle mass have pictures to watch my progress.
why are you on a weight loss pill website complaining about people using weight loss products- I mean….really??? Do something productive for yourself!
anonymous (Verified Purchase)
Yeah it’s easy to lose weight naturally if you have a great metabolism and a super sting will power. However, most humans do not have either. It’s not just that we are lazy. I live a busy lifestyle and am a full time nurse working swing shifts. You try living my life and then tell me how easy it is to lose weight without any supplements.
Thank you. Im a single mom, I work full time and go to school. I dont have time to spend hours at the gym. I eat healthy and try to exercise as much as possible but the weight is still not comming off. I have very little energy do to the fact that I am working my butt off to support my child. To each his own. I like the energy it gives me and also its a great appetite suppressant.
The simple way to increase your metabolism is to eat small frequent meals. Eat 4 or 5 meals a day with 3 hours gap on each meals. These meals does not have to be cooked meals. It can easily be raw vegetabled and some nuts or fruit. Do not eat 4 hours prior to bed time.
I’m so tired of hearing people saying that people who take diet pills r lazy. News flash Dumbos, sum ppl don’t shed pounds like others. Everybody is different. I have taken hydroxcut but it’s my first day n I’ve heard that it really works with dieting n exercising. It gives me the energy I need to work out. I feel good already so try it out for yourself and always listen to your body. If your body saying no then don’t continue but if your body’s feeling good then use it. Stop listening to others n try it for yourself.
i know that i love the out door but my asthma does not and with my asthma pills that i have to take, made me gain wieght. so not that i have a hard time losing it. I but it hard because I can do what most people do. I have only one lung and with this I hoping I can loss the weight I need to.
Dewey (Verified Purchase)
IV been using it for two weeks and its giving me a lot of energy and I like it I haven’t always been big either I got out of school and work became more important then working out so I’m trying to get back in shape hoping for the best!
Go_Girl
I did nothing and I lost weight breast feeding and pumping like crazy
vanessa (Verified Purchase)
I have been using hydroxycut for about 2 weeks with no exercise and have gained weight . I started out at 163 and now up to 168 .
Well duh you are SUPPOSE to exercise.
LOL. If your diet is filled with doughnuts and Mountain Dew or something of equivalence it is not Hydroxy Cut causing weight gain.
Mmmm doughnuts
you answered the question yourself you dint exercise
You have to excise and burn calories. I was at about the same weight as you. I’ve lost some weight, but I just started like 2 weeks ago. I have changed my diet and I exercise 5-6 days a week. You have to want to lose the weight. Not sit around like a couch potato.
Hydroxycut Drops cut my husband’s appetite in half and his weight loss because of that motivated him to start working out. Now he is eating healthy and working out everyday. Still dropping the lbs.
audri jayne
ditto
HOLA
audri jayne
i’m going to try hydroxycut advantage. i’ll let you know if it works.
Did it work ? I just started .
i started hydroxycut about a week ago. so far..i can feel my leg and stomach muscles tighten 24/7…and my appetite has pretty much been cut into thirds.i can only eat one meal a day..cuz im not that hungry anymore.i had my second child 10 months ago..weighing at 162 in labor..now only 148 🙁 but i have more energy…i dont use my car..and been walking everywhere pushing my 10 month old and 3 year old everywhere. i hope to god this works. ive tried everything else. now..for me though…zantrex did NOT work one bit..no energy..actually gave me rapid heart beat and sickness..hydroxycut..ive had no bad symptoms.its been four years ive been trying to lose at LEAST 20lbs. please pray for me..im doing the best i can. good luck to all of you as well.
in 4 years you have not been able to lose 20 lbs, come on that’s ridiculus, start working out and eating healthy, dont take fatburners and expect it to melt the lbs away, and prayers are definetly not going to make you skinny
Hi Anonymous – sometimes it’s not that easy for someone to lose those extra 20 pounds. That’s why products like Dietspotlight Burn are out there to help you achieve your goals.
I agree. I got sciatica two years ago and gained fifteen pds and I’m still dealing with it. Two fractures in my back prevents me from working out intensively but I do physical work and don’t eat too much and I don’t care for the caffeine. We’ll see.
I have to agree with this. I stop eating meat (except fish), bread, and sugar. I run/walk 5-6 miles every morning around 8:oo am. I go to bed at about 9:30-10:00 pm, so I am tired and get the most out of my sleep, instead of over sleeping or resting(very important I have learned). I take two Hydroxcuts at 6 am, 12 pm, and 5 or 6 pm, to spread out the dosage. I only drink water or lemon water when I go out. I eat raw veggies or stir fry with shrimp or a side of talipia. I have lost 12 lbs in the month of August (2016). I weighed 205 lbs forever and now is 193.4 lbs, until I eat then I am 196 until i digest, pass food, or wake in the morning, then I’m back at 193. I am so happy because these would never work for me drinking carbonated drinks, bread, and meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. I also eat rice or sushi a lot. For the most part I jog until my shins hurt, then walk the rest. I dropped coffee and tea because I had a knack to over sweeten. I was also boarder line diabetic and am not now. I made the decision to lose weight after our July vacation because I was looking fat in my swim suit bottoms. I tend to be a little big below the waist: hips and thighs. I even notice I walk better in high heel that I have not been able to wear in years. Many people think you can still eat and not exercise, but take a diet pill and still lose weight, no you have to lose and let loose some time and foods to achieve these goals. Cause I really do miss candy and sweet tea.
Any updates? I actively work out and go on jogs. I am 125 pounds and am hoping to be 115. My diet is not as healthy as I would like it to be, but I am working on that. I have heard bad reviews about Hydroxycut. I am attempting to buy Hydroxycut elite or Hydroxycut Black but do not know if supplements work or are healthy. I’d appreciate any information, thanks