The speed at which you lose weight relies partially on your basal metabolism--the amount of calories you burn each day to keep your body running. Hydroxycut diet pills are a line of nutritional supplements marketed as weight-loss aids, claiming to promote calorie burning in your body, essentially boosting your metabolic rate. The pills contain green tea extract and caffeine, as well as other plant products. Though Hydroxycut may aid in weight loss, components of the pills may have harmful side effects.
Increased Blood Pressure
One side effect of Hydroxycut is an increase in your blood pressure, according to Oregon State University. High blood pressure can have a negative effect on a number of organ systems within your body over time. The increased blood pressure can increase the strain on your blood vessel walls, making you more susceptible to heart disease and stroke. High blood pressure also affects the kidneys, leading to kidney strain, diminished kidney functioning and kidney failure over time, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin. The effects of Hydroxycut can worsen an existing cardiovascular condition by elevating your blood pressure, potentially leading to serious health effects. Consult with a physician before taking any weight loss product, including Hydroxycut, to determine its safety for you.
Elevated Heart Rate
Hydroxycut can also increase your heart rate. While this increased heart rate can raise your caloric burn throughout the day, the extra work also puts a strain on your heart. Over time, an abnormally elevated heart rate can worsen high blood pressure. A constantly elevated heart rate can also increase your risk of other forms of heart disease, as well as increase your risk of death, according to Weill Cornell Medical College. If you develop an elevated heart rate when taking Hydroxycut, cease treatment immediately and consult with a medical professional to assess the health of your heart and discuss whether you should permanently discontinue using weight-loss supplements.
Liver Damage
Another serious side effect of taking Hydroxycut is an increased risk of liver damage. One function of your liver is to help detoxify your body, and cells within your liver interact with chemicals in your blood to neutralize or expel toxins. Exposure to compounds within several Hydroxycut products can cause liver injuries, leading to an official warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the safety of Hydroxycut in 2009, according to the University of Utah. Though several Hydroxycut products have been reformulated since the FDA warning and subsequent product recall, the new Hydroxycut products have not been proven safe for your liver in large-scale clinical trials, and may still contain harmful compounds that could interact with your liver and cause organ damage. Speak with a medical professional to learn more about the testing methods for neutraceuticals, including Hydroxycut, and to determine whether the product is safe for consumption.
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