Hydroxycut is currently one of the most familiar weight-loss supplements on the market. It is heavily advertised on television and sold in 70 countries worldwide. Hydroxycut claims to cause fast weight loss, increased energy, and a controlled appetite. The supplement costs $44.99/bottle of 150 capsules, which is quite expensive for a weight-loss supplement, especially considering that they suggest you take 2 capsules an hour before every meal for a total of six capsules/day.

Product Claims vs. Scientific Evidence

Hydroxycut’s website states: “All the ingredients in Hydroxycut are of the highest quality and combine to make Hydroxycut one of the most effective weight-loss supplements available on the market” and, “Hydroxycut has been a trusted weight-loss product for one reason – because it works!” Also on their website, they have four research abstracts discussing the outcomes (of course, all positive) of studies that were done on the specific ingredients contained in Hydroxycut. The truth is, however, that the effectiveness of this product has not been scientifically proven. Additionally, research has not proven the long-term safety or effectiveness of herbal supplements that are not regulated by the FDA. What has been reported, however, is a long list of Hydroxycut’s side effects. These include, but are not limited to: nose bleeds, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headaches, acne, blurred vision, dizziness, and restlessness.

Active Ingredients

Hydroxycut’s “synergistic blend of research-proven ingredients” consists of:

• Chromium: stabilizes blood sugar and decreases cholesterol
• Calcium: has fat-burning properties
• Potassium: reduces fluid accumulation in body
• Garcinia cambogia extract: hydroxycitric acid - suppresses appetite, carb-blocker
• Gymnema Sylvestre extract: maintains blood sugar and insulin level
• Glucomannan: a dietary fiber – delays glucose absorption
• Alpha lipoic acid: an antioxidant, regulates blood sugar
• Willow bark extract: an anti-inflammatory
• Green Tea: an antioxidant, increases metabolism
• Caffeine: enhances energy and metabolism, reduces fluid accumulation in the body
• Guarana seed extra: a stimulant that is high in caffeine, which enhances energy and metabolism, and reduces fluid accumulation in the body

Consumer Feedback

"Hydroxycut is so powerful, the body fat literally melted away, and my energy levels skyrocketed. It is amazing!"

-Marla Duncan on slimstore.com

“I tried Hydroxycut 24 for one week and felt terrible. I was extremely hungry and nauseous. I had to eat a lot in order to feel halfway decent. As soon as I stopped, I went back to feeling normal. I had to return this product to GNC.”

-HHJ on May 22, 2007

Citations:

http://reviews.bodybuildingforyou.com/review/review_insert.php?pg=2&item_id=201&sort=date_added&order=DESC
http://www.amazon.com/Hydroxycut-Hardcore-120-Liquid-Capsules/dp/custome...
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2173946&cp&parentPage=search
http://www.hydroxycut.com/WOMEN/PRODUCT_FACTS/HYD/index.shtml