What Is Hydroxycut?
Hydroxycut refers to a brand name that produces a number of products that have become popular for their purported ability to help the user lose weight. So yes, this is a diet/weight loss pill and you can get it without a prescription. In this review, we will go over a few of the more popular Hydroxycut products that you should know about.
Their website offers all of their products as well as a number of other services including an app, a newsletter and even recipes that highlight healthier eating. We are also told that over the last 20 years, there have been over 100 million bottles of Hydroxycut sold in the United States.
Note: Hydroxycut is not FDA approved; The makers of dietary supplements don’t have to show that their products are safe or effective before selling them. Consult your doctor before starting any dietary supplement.
History of the Hydroxycut
Hydroxycut was originally developed by and manufactured by Muscle Tech Research and Development in 2002. Lovate purchased the company in 2003-2004. Lovate declared bankruptcy in 2005. Lovate continues to use Muscle Tech as a brand to market Hydroxycut.
In 2009, Lovate recalled Hydroxycut after the FDA received reports of liver problems, seizures and a muscle-damaging condition called rhabdomyolysis (which can lead to renal failure). The ingredient that caused these problems were removed from the products. The ingredient that was causing these health problems and deaths, was ephedra.
Ephedra is an herbal supplement that comes from a plant and it is called “Ephedra Sinica.” The Chinese herb constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, which can cause heart attacks, strokes or sudden death. It was recalled due to over 16,000 reports of adverse health effects and 155 deaths from products containing ephedra (source: GAO) [1].
How Does Hydroxycut Work? | The Science Behind
Some studies have shown some slight benefit for weight loss that C. Canephora Robusta can have. It has been well-documented that coffee and coffee extracts and derivatives do have an effect on metabolism and that it may help to spur the fat-burning process [3].
In addition, products containing coffee extract have been shown to increase energy which can be a benefit to the dieter when they are exercising. Caffeine alone increases the body’s total expenditure (the number of calories burned in one day) for a period of 24 hours. Consuming caffeine can boost metabolism by 3-11% and enhance fat burning by about 10-29%.
Caffeine can increase one’s energy expenditure by 5% after consuming 100 mg (1 cup of coffee). Most adults can handle up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (4 cups of coffee), but everyone is different. More than 400 mg of caffeine a day can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and digestive issues. Still, the evidence is somewhat weak. High-quality studies have shown that C Canephora Robusta resulted in only a slightly higher rate of weight loss over groups that were given a placebo.
The research article posted on the Hydroxycut website reveals that those who took Svetol (a green coffee extract) lost 10.95 pounds in 60 days while on a low-calorie diet, while those receiving the placebo lost 3.7 pounds with only a low-calorie diet.
Although those who took the Svetol lost more weight than the placebo group, they may have experienced the negative side effects of the dietary supplement. The negative side effects may not be worth the extra weight an individual may lose from taking these dietary supplements.
Furthermore, weight loss supplements, like Hydroxycut may only work short-term, if they even work at all. The research study on the Hydroxycut website included the first 60 days of treatment but does not show how Hydroxycut works in the long-term.
Hydroxycut supplements may work great initially for some individuals, but weight loss could be comparable to a low-calorie diet after the 60 days has elapsed. Ultimately, the best way to lose weight is to change your lifestyle by having a lower calorie diet and exercising. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to long-term success.
Advertisement
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Hydroxycut Top Recommended Products
Hydroxycut Weight Loss + Multivitamin Gummies
Enjoy effective weight loss* and essential vitamins with Hydroxycut Weight Loss + Multivitamin Gummies. Packed with C. canephora robusta and a delicious fruit flavor, these caffeine-free gummies are ideal for those sensitive to stimulants. Mix and match for convenient, all-day use!
Ingredients: C. Canephora Robusta, Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Price: $27.99
Benefits: Promote weight loss
Hydroxycut Non-Stimulant
Achieve weight loss* without the jitters using Hydroxycut Non-Stimulant. This 99% caffeine-free formula combines the weight loss power of C. canephora robusta with essential vitamins, including Vitamin D. Stay focused and energized with this stimulant-free, clinically-backed supplement.
Ingredients: C. Canephora Robusta, B vitamins
Price: $27.99*
Benefits: Helps to metabolize carbs, proteins, & fats while providing essential B & D vitamins
Advertisement
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Hydroxycut Advanced
Hydroxycut Advanced (formerly Hydroxycut Black) is a potent weight loss formula trusted for its rapid-release, liquid-thermo technology. With ingredients like caffeine and yohimbe, it boosts metabolism, energy, and focus. Clinically proven results and real-life success stories make it a go-to choice for those serious about their fitness journey.
Ingredients: C. Canephora Robusta, Yohimbe
Price: $39.99*
Benefits: Trigger thermogenesis, Boost metabolism, Provide an added surge of clean energy, and Enhance focus.
Hydroxycut Hardcore
.Hydroxycut Hardcore offers extreme energy and maximum intensity for enhanced workouts. Its thermogenic calorie-burn experience, backed by scientifically researched ingredients, helps users achieve their weight loss goals efficiently. With potent caffeine anhydrous, it’s designed for those seeking hardcore results in their fitness regime.
Ingredients: AC. Canephora Robusta, Yohimbe, Caffeine Anhydroud
Price: $34.99*
Advertisement
*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.
Benefits: Helps in weight management and weight loss, Increases the overall athletic performance & Boosts energy levels in your body.
Hydroxycut Ingredients – What to Look for?
There is a key active ingredient in most of the Hydroxycut products. This ingredient is essentially the cornerstone of the entire company as it is said to help drastically aid in the weight loss efforts of people who have used it. Take a look at the details of this ingredient:
C. Canephora Robusta – C canophera robusta or coffee canophera robusta is a species of coffee and comes from Central America and portions of sub-Saharan Africa. The crux of this ingredient is the chlorogenic acid that it contains. As we read in this Winchester Hospital report, chlorogenic acid may have a beneficial effect on hypertension and blood pressure. A study published in Nutrients shows that chlorogenic acid may also have an effect on metabolism which could result in faster weight loss results [2].
Chlorogenic acid is found naturally in many foods, such as apples, pears, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coffee, and tea.
*Note: Negative Side effects of too much caffeine (source: National Institutes of Health) [4]
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Addiction
- It has been shown to raise blood pressure temporarily (it might be a good idea to check your individual response)
- Fatigue
- Rapid heart rate in some people
- Digestive issues (worsens stomach acid reflex, nausea, vomiting)
- Muscle breakdown leading to rhabdomyolysis (a very serious, but rare condition; can result in renal failure)
Hydroxycut Alternatives
-
- Burn XT – This product is an appetite suppressant and energy booster that comes in capsule form, retails for about $2.49 and features L-carnitine and green tea extract.
- Ingredients: acetyl L-carnitine, green tea leaf extract, caffeine anhydrous, capsimax cayenne pepper extract, Bioperine black pepper fruit extract, leucine. Hypromellose capsule
- Acetyl l-carnitine: The liver and kidneys make carnitine and it is in most of our cells, but acetyl L-carnitine is a supplement that people use to treat different medical conditions. Taking Acetyl-L-carnitine supplements may result in negative side effects, such as nausea, headaches, diarrhea, insomnia and higher blood pressure
- Burn XT – This product is an appetite suppressant and energy booster that comes in capsule form, retails for about $2.49 and features L-carnitine and green tea extract.
Note: Since this supplement contains acetyl-L-carnitine, it may not be safe to take for those with bipolar disorder, neuropathy, hypothyroidism, seizures and pregnant or breastfeeding women
-
- The product contains 270 mg of the dried form of caffeine, so caffeine-sensitive individuals may want to avoid using this product
- This product is not inspected by a third party, which means you cannot trust that the ingredients on the label are the same as what is in the container
- The cayenne, black pepper and caffeine may cause acid reflux
- This product is intended to be used with a healthy diet and exercise plan
- Potent Organics garcinia Cambogia – A weight loss supplement that emphasizes the potential weight loss power of garcinia cambogia (mainly having to do with lowered triglyceride levels as you can read more about in this National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health article [5] and retails for $16.97.
- Ingredients: potassium, calcium, chromium, garcinia cambogia extract complex, hydroxycitric acid
- This product is third party tested, which means you can trust that the product is what it says it is
- Garcinia cambogia has been studied, but there aren’t reliable studies on its effectiveness for weight loss
- The product is made in an FDA approved facility
- This product is intended to be used with a healthy diet and exercise plan
- Side effects include headaches and digestive issues
- Hydroxycitric acid is used for weight loss and for athletic performance, but research is unclear whether it is effective for weight loss; long-term safety of hydroxycitric acid is unknown
- Lean PM – A weight loss supplement that also acts as a sleep aid and contains L-theanine. You can get this product for about $28.47.
- Ingredients: vitamin B6, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), L-theanine, 5-HTP, melatonin, Bioperine black pepper extract, L-leucine, Hypromellose capsule
- This product is not inspected by a third party, so it is difficult to know if the ingredients on the label coincide with the actual product
- The black pepper extract may cause acid reflux in some individuals
- Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the brain. Melatonin levels increase at night and help us fall asleep. The natural melatonin in supplements is a synthetic form that is not regulated by the FDA. The listed dose may not be accurate, and this may result in taking too much melatonin.
- EGCG: It is found naturally in green tea, fruits, and nuts. It acts as an antioxidant. It may reduce inflammation and prevent disease.
- L-theanine: Is an amino acid in mushrooms, green and black tea; it may promote relaxation
- L-Leucine: it is a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). BCAA’s stimulate muscle synthesis and may reduce muscle breakdown
Customer Reviews
Hydroxycut products have garnered generally favorable reviews. Some users praise Hydroxycut for its ability to help them lose weight and increase their energy levels. Still, other reviewers reported no increase in energy, no weight loss and side-effects that made taking Hydroxycut not worth the risk.
RyGuy
Hardcore weight loss
Another tool to the arsenal! I’ve always been a big fan of hydroxycut. It’s a create tool to facilitate weight loss. It won’t work magically on its own, but helps when you keep a good diet and exercise. the caffeine boost in the morning is great. It really kicks off the day in an upbeat feeling. I would advise against taking towards the later half of the day depending on caffeine sensitivity, that way you can fall asleep. Definitely feel the heat in this one, really burning those calories. Super easy to swallow, quick and easy, and overall nice appeal. Follow the instructions and listen to your body
Mistyfuji
Excellent for weight loss
The Hydroxycut Gummies were a great product to take for my weight loss journey. I took the gummies twice a day before lunch and dinner and used them with a mild workout program. As it’s only been a three weeks, I am seeing some weight loss results of three pounds so I need to continue with the program. I do love all the vitamins in the gummies to include my favorite which is Biotin and Vitamin B12.
GoGreen707
Good supplement for weight loss control
I feel this product is similar to the original and advance. I like how it has biotin in it for healthier nails and skin. Also like the caffeine in it for a boost during the daytime. Pills are a good size not overly large to swallow.
Carlos
Standard Thermo Works decent.
This product worked decent for myself. I did feel a little less bloated including a bit of weight loss. I did follow a good diet and good amount of exercise. Since this is not a stimulate, i didnt feel cold sweats or any tingly feeling. This product still has a good amount of caffeine so becareful when pairing with pre workout if you sensitive. I didnt feel too good when i paired both so use at own discretion. Pill size and serving size is not that big so its not too bad.
Keep in mind though that the positive reviews vastly outweigh the negative ones.
Final Verdict
What we like most about Hydroxycut the product may be able to help you lose weight and give you energy, but you may experience negative side effects from the caffeine content. It is simply not worth it to endure these side effects just for a few more pounds of weight loss.
Keep in mind though that most Hydroxycut products contain caffeine and can result in some over-stimulation. We also don’t like the mixed clinical views on C. Canophera Robusta.
The bottom line here is that a lower calorie diet along with adequate physical activity will give you long-term success with losing weight, while weight loss supplements may only work for a short time.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Hydroxycut?
That all being said, it is also important to note that not everyone will react the same to the Hydroxycut products. It is entirely possible that you may be one of the limited minority that gets no benefit from using Hydroxycut.
Most of it will depend on how committed you are to diet and exercise, but some of it will depend largely on your body structure and chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How Much Does Hydroxycut Cost?
A:
- Hydroxycut Black – $30.99 (60 capsules)
- Pro Clinical Hydroxycut – $20.99 (60 capsules)
- Hydroxycut Gummies – $20.99 (90 gummies)
Please note that all these prices are as listed on the official Hydroxycut website but are available through third-party retailers.
Q: Is Hydroxycut Safe?
A: The amount of caffeine in hydroxycut products might lead to some negative side effects (listed above), especially with the dosage recommended by hydroxycut. If you do take hydroxycut for weight loss, it may be a better choice to take a smaller dosage to decrease your intake of caffeine.
Q: Does Hydroxycut Have Any Side effects?
A: The side effects that have been reported in relation to Hydroxycut all have to do with the caffeine content. First of all, you have a caffeine sensitivity you should probably not take the Hydroxycut products. Reports indicate side-effects such as anxiety, headache, sleeplessness and sharp chest pains.
Caffeine – Interactions with medications
- Ephedrine: this is in decongestants and it may increase your blood pressure and risk for heart attack and stroke when taken in combination with caffeine
- Theophylline (theo-24, Elixophyllin and others): this medication is used to open up the airways and it may increase the adverse effects of caffeine
- Echinacea: This herb is sometimes used to prevent colds or other infections, but it may increase caffeine’s unpleasant effects when taken in combination with caffeine
Note: if you take any medications and want to take hydroxycut, please consult your medical doctor. Other medications may cause negative side effects when taken with caffeine.
Q: Can I Take Hydroxycut If I Have a Medical Condition?
A: As stated earlier, you may want to avoid this product if you are particularly sensitive to caffeine. Furthermore, Hydroxycut may cause some complications if you have cardiovascular or circulatory conditions.
Please speak to you doctor if you desire to take hydroxycut supplements for weight loss.
Q: What is Hydroxycut’s Money Back Guarantee, Return & Refund Policy?
A: When you buy any Hydroxycut product form their official website you will be able to take advantage of a return policy that allows the buyer to return the product if it has been unopened and unused within a 30 day timeframe of the day they made their original purchase.
Read Next – Phen375 and Yoga Burn Reviews
Hydroxycut Product
5 sources
Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
[1] DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING EPHEDRA https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-03-1042t.pdf
[2] Watanabe T, Kobayashi S, Yamaguchi T, Hibi M, Fukuhara I, Osaki N. Coffee Abundant in Chlorogenic Acids Reduces Abdominal Fat in Overweight Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1617. Published 2019 Jul 16. doi:10.3390/nu11071617
[3] Onakpoya I, Terry R, Ernst E. The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011;2011:382852. doi:10.1155/2011/382852
[4] Caffeine, Including Caffeine from Guarana, Kola Nut, Yerba Maté, or Other Herbs https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/#caffeine
[5] Garcinia Cambogia: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/garcinia-cambogia
Health Insiders Team
The Health Insiders Team takes pride in bringing you the latest in nutritional research, skincare, healthy living, and wellness hacks. Together our researchers... [Read Full Bio]
Don't Buy this Product! Waste of Money
I struggled with my weight all my life and have been trying different products. But this product is a real joke. It did nothing. I followed my diets with exercises while using this product. It neither boosted my energy nor even helped me with my food cravings. Instead, I’ve noticed severe headaches so please don’t buy this product. Its a complete waste of money.