Hydroxycut may not be the safest route for sustainable weight loss. Here’s what we found.

There are many popular weight loss supplements on the market.

Hydroxycut is a well-known weight loss supplement company that’s been around for more than two decades.

Though the company claims its products can help people shed pounds and boost energy levels, Hydroxycut has faced controversy for its unsubstantiated claims and potential side effects.

Here’s what the research says.

Hydroxycut is a brand of weight loss supplements. It offers various products, including pills, capsules, shakes, and gummies.

The brand’s most popular product is a pill called Hydroxycut Original. It has previously been known as “Hydroxycut,” “Hydroxycut Clinical,” and “Pro Clinical Hydroxycut.”

As of today, the active ingredients in Hydroxycut Original are:

  • robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta)
  • apple cider vinegar (Malus pumila)
  • plum (Prunus domestica)
  • baobab extract (Adansonia digitata)
  • cardamom (Amomum cardamomum)
  • caffeine from coffee extract (Coffea robusta)

The supplement also contains vitamin D and numerous B vitamins, including a high dose of vitamin B12. Non-active ingredients include rice flour, gelatin, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.

The company’s other popular product is called Hydroxycut Hardcore. It contains a different formulation, including caffeine anhydrous, green coffee extract (GCE), yohimbine, cayenne pepper, and a mix of amino acids.

While they come in different forms, most of Hydroxycut’s other products have the same active ingredients as Hydroxycut Original.

Summary

Hydroxycut is a brand that sells weight loss supplements. Its two most popular products are Hydroxycut Original and Hydroxycut Hardcore.

Hydroxycut failed Healthline’s rigorous vetting process due to concerns over the company’s medical claims, brand marketing, product safety, and involvement in multiple lawsuits.

Hydroxycut advertises its products as a way to lose weight quickly and for “hardcore weight loss,” despite a lack of research on the effectiveness of its supplements.

What’s more, the testimonials on the company’s website highlight weight loss in a way that makes assumptions about a person’s happiness being related to their body size, which is not aligned with Healthline Nutrition’s approach to wellness.

In addition to its concerning marketing messages, the company has been subject to several recalls over the years due to concerns about the safety of its products.

Hydroxycut has also been involved in several lawsuits, including a 2017 class-action lawsuit over false and misleading claims about Hydroxycut supplements’ effectiveness.

Reviews

According to online reviews outside of the company’s website, most customers have reported limited to mild weight loss with taking Hydroxycut products and attribute the supplement’s appetite-suppressing effects to its high caffeine content.

Most reviews state that Hydroxycut products alone will not promote weight loss and that a healthy diet and exercise program are also needed.

Some customers claim that the supplements gave them additional energy for their workouts, which is most likely due to the caffeine content.

However, there are numerous complaints of unwanted and “scary” side effects, such as:

  • headaches
  • jitters
  • stomachaches
  • nausea
  • excessive sweating
  • rapid heartbeat

Hydroxycut Original has more than 6,000 ratings on Amazon, with an average 4 out of 5 rating. Most of the ratings are 5 stars or 1 star, suggesting that consumers either had a very positive or a very negative experience.

At best, the product appears to help suppress appetite slightly. However, there are healthier ways to increase fullness, such as eating a diet high in fiber and protein, that don’t rely on such high amounts of caffeine.

There’s currently no research on the safety and effectiveness of Hydroxycut products.

Some people may experience side effects, possibly from the caffeine.

While the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements notes that between 400 and 500 mgTrusted Source of caffeine per day does not pose safety concerns, caffeine in general can cause nervousness, jitteriness, and shakiness.

Different Hydroxycut products contain different amounts of caffeine.

For example, each 2-capsule serving of Hydroxycut Original contains 200 mg of caffeine, while 2 capsules of Hydroxycut Hardcore contain 265 mg of caffeine. Taking either product twice daily as Hydroxycut recommends may mean you consume enough caffeine to experience side effects.

Taking more than recommended may cause you to consume toxic levels of caffeine (more than 15 mg/kg of body weight, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements).

Numerous cases of toxicity

Most of the dangerous side effects of Hydroxycut were due to the older formulations.

Hydroxycut Original used to contain ephedra, a powerful stimulant.

In 2004, the FDA banned ephedra because it caused serious side effects. In fact, about 155 deaths are believed to have been caused by supplements that contained ephedra, including Hydroxycut.

Several years later, in 2009, Hydroxycut was recalled because of numerous case reports of hepatotoxicity (liver poisoning) and other serious adverse effects. In 2010, Hydroxycut returned to the market with a new formula.

Still, there have been several reports of dangerous side effects in recent years, even with the current formulation, particularly in regards to liver injury.

Furthermore, yohimbeTrusted Source, an ingredient found in Hydroxycut Hardcore, has been associated with heart attacks and seizures and may interact with certain antidepressant medications.

Summary

Given the lack of research on the safety of Hydroxycut and numerous reports of adverse effects, it may be best to avoid or at least practice extreme caution when considering Hydroxycut supplements.

Hydroxycut sells 15 products, which the company claims can support weight loss:

  • Hydroxycut Original: The company claims these capsules with green coffee extract and caffeine support weight loss and energy.
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore: Promoted as high-stimulant capsules with caffeine, yohimbe, and cayenne, and is targeted toward athletes and bodybuilders. Said to provide intense energy and fat-burning support.
  • Hydroxycut Gummies: Marketed as 99% caffeine-free gummies with green coffee extract and vitamins. Claimed to support weight loss.
  • Hydroxycut Drink Mix: A powdered mix with caffeine and B vitamins. The company says it supports metabolism and hydration.
  • Hydroxycut Non-Stimulant: Caffeine-free capsules with green coffee extract. Marketed to help with weight loss without stimulants.
  • Hydroxycut Advanced: Capsules with MCT oil, yohimbe, and herbal extracts. Claimed to support energy and weight loss.
  • Hydroxycut +Women: Capsules with caffeine, collagen, iron, and folic acid. Designed for women and promoted to support weight loss and wellness.
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore Ultra Shred Gummies: Gummies with caffeine, yohimbe, and cayenne. Said to provide energy and support fat loss.
  • Hydroxycut Weight Loss +Electrolytes: A drink mix with green coffee extract and electrolytes. Marketed to aid in weight loss and hydration.
  • Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Heat: A liquid supplement with caffeine and thermogenic compounds. Claimed to offer fast-acting energy and metabolism support.
  • Hardcore Cleanse: Capsules with herbal ingredients. Promoted as a detox and digestive support product.
  • Hydroxycut Weight Loss +Multivitamin: Capsules with green coffee extract and essential vitamins. Said to support weight loss and provide daily nutrition.
  • Pro Clinical Glucose Support: Capsules with mulberry extract, cinnamon, and caffeine. Marketed to support healthy blood sugar levels and weight control.
  • Hydroxycut Pro Clinical Berberine DHB: Capsules with dihydroberberine and green coffee extract. Claimed to support metabolism and blood sugar health.
  • Hydroxycut Máximo: Capsules with green coffee extract and thermogenic ingredients. Promoted as an advanced fat-burning formula.
Summary

Hydroxycut offers 15 products that are marketed as weight loss supplements. The two most peoplar are Hydroxycut Original and Hydroxycut Hardcore.

Both contain a highly concentrated form of caffeine.

Hydroxycut Original is the most popular Hydroxycut product. It contains several active ingredients that the company claims can lead to weight loss.

Hydroxycut Original’s effectiveness hasn’t been examined by quality clinical studies. Instead, the company relies on research of individual ingredients to support the supplement’s claims.

Caffeine (from coffee extract)

Coffee extract (as Coffea robusta) is the main ingredient in Hydroxycut Original. One serving (2 capsules) contains 200 mg of caffeine, though the company recommends taking up to 2 servings (4 capsules) per day, for a total intake of 400 mg of caffeine.

Research from 2019Trusted Source found that increasing caffeine intake was linked to modest reductions in body weight, BMI, and fat mass, with higher doses producing slightly greater effects.

The results suggest caffeine may support weight loss, though the overall impact is small.

Robusta coffee extract (C. canephora robusta)

A nonstimulant extract, often referred to as green coffee, that is high in chlorogenic acid. Research suggests green coffee is linked to small reductions in weightTrusted Source and waist circumferenceTrusted Source in some studies. However, the effects appear to be minor.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

Marketed for appetite suppression and weight loss. One 2018 study showed slightly more weight loss with ACV plus a calorie-restricted diet, but overall, evidence is limited and mixed.

Plum extract

Plums are a highly nutritious and fiber-filled fruit. There is no evidence that supports its role in weight loss when used in supplements. However, it contains sorbitol, which may cause temporary water loss via laxative effects.

Baobab extract

Baobab is a fruit that comes from the baobab tree. It’s commonly found as a whole fruit, in powdered form, or as an extract.

Baobab extract may increase satiety (fullness) Trusted Source and help regulate blood glucose, according to very limited research. However, no evidence supports its effectiveness for weight loss at typical supplement doses.

Cardamom

A 2021 review found that cardamom may help with weight loss and other health issues by reducing inflammation, lowering blood sugar, and improving cholesterol levels.

Vitamin blend (B vitamins, vitamin D)

Hydroxycut Original also contains several added vitamins, including:

These vitamins are included to support energy metabolism. They may benefit people with deficiencies, but are unlikely to promote weight loss in healthy individuals.

Summary

While some ingredients in Hydroxycut Original may have modest effects on weight or appetite, there’s currently insufficient evidence to suggest that taking supplements containing these ingredients will result in meaningful weight loss.

The company recommends starting slowly and gradually increasing the number of Hydroxycut Original capsules you take per day.

Current dosage recommendations for Hydroxycut Original are as follows:

  • Days 1–3: 1 capsule twice daily
  • Day 4 and beyond: 2 capsules twice daily

Dosage recommendations vary between products. Therefore, it’s important to read the instructions carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage.

Summary

Hydroxycut recommends gradually increasing your daily dosage to up to four capsules per day. However, the recommended dose varies by product, so it’s important to read the label carefully.

If you read consumer reports on forums and message boards, you’ll notice that for every person who succeeds with this supplement, another says it had no effect.

This seems to be the case with most weight loss supplements — some people have success with them, while others don’t.

However, like any other quick weight loss method, taking Hydroxycut supplements is unlikely to produce long-term results unless followed by lasting lifestyle changes. Losing weight is a marathon, not a race, and there are no shortcuts.

Furthermore, because of concerns about the company’s ethics and the safety of its products, Healthline doesn’t recommend Hydroxycut as a safe or effective weight loss solution.

Summary

If you’re looking for long-term results, it’s better to focus on sustainable lifestyle habits such as eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.

Is Hydroxycut safe to use?

While Hydroxycut may be safe for non-pregnant adults, there isn’t any research on Hydroxycut products to definitively say that the supplements are safe to take, especially for an extended period.

Additionally, there have been reports of unwanted side effects such as jitters, rapid heart rate, nausea, and — in severe cases — liver damage. Ultimately, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before purchasing Hydroxycut supplements.

How long does it take to see results with Hydroxycut?

Hydroxycut doesn’t provide a specific time frame in which you can expect to lose weight. However, the brand’s website features testimonials that claim you can lose up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) in 1 month when pairing the products with a healthy diet and exercise.

Still, keep in mind that there is currently no research to show whether Hydroxycut products are effective for weight loss.

How much does Hydroxycut cost?

The cost of Hydroxycut Original varies depending on the retailer, but can be as lower as $19.99 for 72 capsules.

Who is Hydroxycut for?

Hydroxycut states that its products are suitable for non-pregnant adults over age 18 who are looking to lose weight. The company even offers an online quiz to help find out which product is best suited for you based on your goals and lifestyle.

That said, Healthline does not recommend Hydroxycut as a weight loss tool due to its insufficient evidence and potential health risks.

If you’re looking to lose weight, you’re better off adopting sustainable healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a minimally processed diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress, and getting quality sleep.

Healthline-approved alternatives

If you’re interested in losing weight or need help maintaining it, there are more realistic and sustainable alternatives.

Here are our picks for the best weight loss programs and resources to try instead:

  • WW: Previously known as Weight Watchers, WW offers three plans, making it easy to find a weight loss regimen that fits your goals and lifestyle.
  • PlateJoy: For just $4.99/month, PlateJoy provides customized meal plans and shopping lists to help you achieve your nutrition goals. PlateJoy is a sister site of Healthline.
  • Sunbasket: Offering plans to suit a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences, Sunbasket makes it easy to cook nutritious, restaurant-quality meals at home.

Hydroxycut is a weight loss supplement company that promises to boost your energy and metabolism.

Though it claims that its products will help you lose weight, very few of the ingredients’ weight loss claims are supported by scientific research. What’s more, there are no clinical trials on the safety or effectiveness of Hydroxycut supplements.

Some Hydroxycut products also contain high levels of caffeine, which may cause side effects depending on the amount consumed.

Instead of spending your money on Hydroxycut products, Healthline recommends following a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that will help you achieve long-term results.