Hydroxycut

Hydroxycut is an over-the-counter weight-loss product. It comes in several different formulations, each of which contains many different active ingredients. It is not exactly known how (or if) most of these ingredients work for weight loss, but it is believed that some work to decrease blood sugar and reduce fat storage in the body. While some small studies have researched certain components of Hydroxycut, more research is needed to prove the effectiveness and safety of the product.

 

What Is Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut® is one of the most popular weight-loss supplements on the market today. Currently, there are four different formulations available, including:
 
  • Hydroxycut Weight Loss Formula
  • Hydroxycut 24, which contains daytime supplements (with stimulants) and nighttime supplements (without stimulants)
  • Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore (which is significantly different from the other Hydroxycut products).
     
(Click Hydroxycut Uses for more information on what this supplement is used for.)
 

Who Makes Hydroxycut?

Most Hydroxycut products are made by Iovate Health Sciences Research, Inc. However, Hydroxycut Hardcore is made by Muscletech.
 

How Does It Work?

At one point, Hydroxycut contained ephedra, although ephedra has since been banned due to safety concerns. Now, ephedra-free versions contain many different active ingredients, such as green tea extract, calcium, chromium, potassium, and various herbal blends. In general, it is not exactly known how (or if) most of these ingredients work, although some of these ingredients may work as stimulants, while others are said to work by decreasing blood sugar or reducing fat storage in the body.
 

Is Hydroxycut Effective?

There is a lack of reliable and validated scientific evidence to support a conclusion that Hydroxycut is effective for weight loss. If you go to the Web site for Hydroxycut, you will find several studies that "prove" the effectiveness of this supplement. However, it you look closely, you will notice that these small studies evaluated individual components of the product (not the entire formulation). Larger studies that evaluate the effectiveness (and safety) are still necessary to confirm these smaller studies.
 
(Click Does Hydroxycut Work? for more information. You can also click How To Lose Weight to find helpful suggestions for losing weight.)
 

Dosing Information

The dose the manufacturer recommends will depend on the particular Hydroxycut product.
 
(Click Hydroxycut Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Hydroxycut

Because these products have not been adequately studied, very little is known about the side effects. Based on the stimulant content of some Hydroxycut products, it is reasonable to assume that the following stimulant side effects are possible:
 
(Click Hydroxycut Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Hydroxycut can potentially interact with a number of different medications (see Hydroxycut Drug Interactions).
 

Safety Information

Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to drugs and supplements. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Hydroxycut if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Is Hydroxycut Safe? for more information, including any available warnings and precautions for this supplement.)
 

What If I Overdose?

For the Hydroxycut products that contain stimulants, it is reasonable to assume that taking too much can cause stimulant overdose effects, such as:
 
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle twitching
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fever
  • An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Hallucinations
  • Dizziness
  • Seizures
  • Loss of life.
 
It is not known what effects an overdose of the other active ingredients of Hydroxycut (other than stimulants) may cause.
 
(Click Hydroxycut Overdose for more information.)
 

Hydroxycut Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual product for information on how best to store this product. As with all medicines, make sure to keep Hydroxycut out of the reach of children.
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;