Hydroxycut is a weight loss supplement that advertises itself as “America’s #1 Weight Loss Supplement Brand.” Among the products marketed by Hydroxycut are rapid-release caplets (both regular and caffeine-free), instant drink mix, candy gummies, and salad sprinkles, among others.
The active ingredients in most Hydroxycut products are:
- Lady’s mantle extract (alchemilla vulgaris)
- Wild olive extract (olea europaea)
- Komijn extract (cuminum cyminum)
- Wild mint extract (mentha longifolia)
Classifications and Warnings
Hydroxycut, a highly popular dietary supplement, comes in pill, gummy, sprinkle, and drink-mix form. Until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned Ephedra and ephedrine, ephedrine was the active ingredient in Hydroxycut. Today, caffeine, green tea extract, guarana extract, and Garcinia Cambogia are among the active ingredients in Hydroxycut, which has led to the supplement being classified as a stimulant.
On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning about Hydroxycut after the supplement was linked to liver damage, rhabdomyolysis (the rapid deterioration of damaged skeletal muscle), seizures, heart disease, cardiovascular concerns, and at least one death.
Uses
Hydroxycut is widely used to lose weight. However, many of the side effects (such as increased alertness and heart rate) mimic those of other stimulants; such as cocaine or methamphetamine, and therefore Hydroxycut is also at risk of being abused.
Side Effects
- Mild Headaches
- Heart Palpitations
- Sweaty Palms
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Dehydration
Addiction Potential
While Hydroxycut is not physically addictive, the effects are so similar to those of other, much more addictive stimulants, that people can become psychologically addicted to this drug, which is a serious health risk.
Signs of Overdose
As with any drug overdose, if someone is experiencing the following symptoms, he or she should be taken to the nearest emergency room or immediately meet with a healthcare professional.
The symptoms of overdosing on Hydroxycut include:
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty Breathing
- Seizures
WORKS CITED:
- Weight Loss and Diet Plans: Hydroxycut. WebMD. n.a. Web. 23 January 2013.
- Hydroxycut.com. n.a. Web. 23 January 2013.