You've likely seen the bright and entertaining commercials for Hydroxycut. They usually entail thin people explaining that they lost weight using Hydroxycut, using little effort otherwise. While they certainly seem convincing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a different story. Before you use Hydroxycut for weight loss, make sure that you understand the potential risks involved. There may be a much better way to achieve the weight loss and body that you want.
Function
The goal of Hydroxycut is to help you lose weight without your having to change your lifestyle by exercising or dieting. Unfortunately, this is nearly impossible. Hydroxycut can suppress appetite so you eat less and see weight loss in that regard, but it cannot help you burn fat while resting so you lose weight without any other efforts. Some of the ingredients in Hydroxycut are known for mimicking the function of adrenergic hormones to heat your body temperature and supposedly burn fat, but Internet searches yielded nothing to suggest Hydroxycut being tested and found effective in that specific function.
Ingredients
Most Hydroxycut products contain the same types of ingredients. Ephedrine increases the levels of dopamine in your brain, according to Vanderbilt University. The Drug Information Online website notes that ephedrine can cause restlessness and sleeplessness, mimicking the feeling of energy in your body. Hydroxycut also uses caffeine for the same function. Guarana also gives the feeling of energy and vitality, and L-carnitine tartrate is used to stimulate the fat-burning process.
Safety
The FDA has never approved Hydroxycut as a weight-loss supplement, and as of 2009, the FDA had received 23 complaints of liver damage, including elevated liver enzymes, an indicator of potential liver injury. Liver transplants were also necessary. One death was recorded from liver damage due to taking Hydroxycut, and the FDA urges anyone taking Hydroxycut to stop using it immediately. The following Hydroxycut products were issued recall status with the FDA: Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release, Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix), Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Liquid Shots, Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed, Hydroxycut 24, Hydroxycut Carb Control and Hydroxycut Natural. They should no longer be on the market, but some retailers may still carry recalled Hydroxycut products. Hydroxycut continues to manufacture weight-loss products that have not been recalled by the FDA.
Warnings
Public health researcher Ano Lobb notes that the problem with liver damage could be linked to the ingredient, hydroxycitric acid. Although it's derived from a fruit, it's been linked to liver problems in the past and is currently in other diet supplements, she tells "Consumer Reports."
Alternatives
Diet pills and supplements may show you amazing before and after shots and promise you the perfect body, but they can be ineffective and even dangerous. Instead of relying on pills to supplement a sedentary lifestyle, physical activity paired with a low-calorie, low-fat diet is the healthiest way to lose weight without damage to your body.
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