Professional Strength Hydroxycut Shape is a caffeine heavy diet pill containing calcium, iron and folic acid that has been designed especially for women. The medicinal herbs and other ingredients that are typically found in weight loss products need to be present in a potent enough dosage to have any effect. As the proportion of each ingredient in Hydroxycut Shape (other than caffeine) is not disclosed, it is difficult to assess if they are present in the required dosages to promote optimal weight loss. Hydroxycut Shape contains stimulants and can have side effects.

Hydroxycut Shape Pros

• Manufactured in the US
• Can be purchased online and in stores (notably GNC)
• Partially backed by clinical studies

Hydroxycut Shape Cons

• Hydroxycut Shape is a propriety blend
• The official product website has no testimonials
• Hydroxycut Shape is not supported with a money back guarantee
• Hydroxycut Shape contains stimulants and side effects have been reported

Hydroxycut Shape side effects

Exposure to 810 mg of caffeine when taking the maximum recommended 6 capsules per day means that Hydroxycut Shape is not a diet pill for individuals sensitive to stimulants, or those who have an underlying health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure or are taking prescription blood thinning drugs. The manufacturer recommends the following: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use and consult a medical doctor if you experience unusual symptoms. Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six years of age. In case of accidental overdose, call a medical doctor or poison control immediately. Take a few hours before or after taking other medications. Consult a medical doctor before use if you have been treated for or diagnosed with, or have a family history of any medical condition, or if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter drug(s), including blood thinners. Caffeine sensitive individuals may experience the following symptoms including (but not limited to) restlessness, nervousness, tremors, headache, anxiety, palpitations, increased heart rate, or difficulty sleeping. Do not combine with other sources of caffeine. Consult a medical doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. Do not exceed recommended serving. Improper use of this product will not improve results and is not advised. Use only as directed. Not intended for use by persons under 18. Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Discontinue use and consult a medical doctor if you experience unusual symptoms.

Hydroxycut Shape ingredients

Two capsules of Hydroxycut Shape contain a propriety blend of 443 mg of ingredients. The ingredients are calcium, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, L-carnitine tartrate, caffeine anhydrous, guarana, yerba mate, Lady’s mantle extract, ma-chin extract, wild olive extract, wild mint extract, gamma-oryzanol, and L-ornithine HCL.

Looking at the most relevant ingredients in greater detail:

W8 Lean™ Complex: This is a blend of 4 ingredients, namely Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Olea europaea extract, Cuminum cyminum extract and Mentha longifolia extract. Two clinical studies have been carried out on the W8 Lean™ Complex, but no details of where or when the studies were carried out have been provided on the Hydroxycut Shape website. According to Muscle Tech/Iovate, the manufacturer of Hydroxycut Shape the clinical study subjects involved in the independent study lost an average of 21 pounds over a 12 week period. This equates to 1.75 pounds of weight loss per week, well within the bounds of what can be accomplished with proper diet and exercise, without the aid of a diet pill. A separate 8-week study funded by Iovate yielded similar results when test subjects taking the same weight-loss complex lost an average of 16.50 lbs. versus 1.73 lbs. by the placebo group. All groups followed a calorie-reduced diet.

L-Carnitine Tartrate: Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Carnitine transports the fatty acids from blood into cells for energy production. Various forms of carnitine are used in fat burners, despite contradictory study findings. Effective doses (multi-gram doses) of carnitine greatly exceed those found in diet pills. In a study of 18 overweight subjects, carnitine significantly increased weight loss. The subjects were split into two groups of 9. One group was given 2000 mg of carnitine daily, and the other a placebo. In the placebo group, the average weight loss after 12 weeks was one pound. In the carnitine group, weight loss averaged 11 pounds (Ann Rev Nutr 1986;6:41-66). However in another study, individuals taking carnitine for 8 weeks did not experience increased weight loss (Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2000;10:199-207). With only 443 mg of total ingredients in the entire Hydroxycut Shape formulation, the carnitine element can only be considered as suboptimal.

Caffeine: A recognized fatburner with clinically proven modest benefits for weight loss (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989;49(1):44-50; Am J Clin Nutr. 1980;33(5):989-97), although there are indications that it offers greater benefits to leaner individuals (Am J Physiol. 1995;269(4 Pt 1):E671-678). Caffeine can also enhance exercise performance. According to the labeling, Hydroxycut Shape contains 270 mg of caffeine per serving, which means the consumption an enormous 810 mg when taking 6 capsules per day.

Gamma-oryzanol: A group of constituents derived from rice oil bran. Normally, it is included in supplements to lower cholesterol or raise testosterone and/or hGH (human growth hormone) levels. Clinical evidence supporting its use, however, is extremely scarce. Gamma oryzanol has been utilized for the treatment of conditions ranging from stomach upset to high cholesterol, as well as anxiety and menopause. 500 milligrams per day of Gamma Oryzanol is considered a typical dose. In addition, gamma oryzanol is taken by athletes and weight trainers in the belief that it will increases performance and promote muscle growth. Many websites report that gamma oryzanol increases hormone levels (testosterone, anabolic, and growth) and in order to produce such benefits. However, there is no real evidence to support this. One double-blind study, for example, demonstrated that the consumption of 500 mg per day of gamma oryzanol over a period of nine weeks did nothing to affect levels of performance or hormone levels. Maximum safe doses for pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly have not been established yet. The same holds true for individuals suffering from liver or kidney damage.

Guarana: Guarana is a common ingredient in many popular stimulant-based weight loss pills. Guarana is included primarily for its caffeine content (caffeine is a potent thermogenic agent) but it also has anti-oxidant and diuretic properties. Harvested in Brazil and Uraguay, this wild-growing climbing shrub has been used for centuries as a general health-tonic and recently as an energizing drink. There is clinical evidence supporting caffeine’s effects on weight loss (e.g. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989.49(1):44-50; Am J Physiol. 1995. 269(4 Pt 1):E671-8).

Lady’s mantle: This ingredient has been used since medieval times as a medicinal herb. Lady’s mantle is used treat a range of ailments, but information supporting its efficacy is lacking. Lady’s mantle is used for treating stomach problems, diarrhea, excess water retention, muscle contractions and diabetes. It is also used as a gargle to relieve inflammation of the mouth and throat. Other uses include relieving painful menstruation and symptoms of menopause. Lady’s mantle is also used for treating wounds, ulcers and rashes, as well as to stop superficial bleeding. There is not enough evidence from human studies to determine the effectiveness of lady’s mantle for any medicinal use. Lady’s mantle contains tannins, which may help to manage diarrhea, a probable reason for its inclusion in the Hydroxycut Shape formulation. Lady’s mantle should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.

L-ornithine HCl: An amino acid that has been used by fitness enthusiasts for years. L-ornithine is a non-essential amino acid that it is abundant in protein foods such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. It can induce the release of growth hormone in the body, which in turn help promote fat metabolism. There are unsupported claims that L-ornithine promotes muscle building. There appears to be no link between L – ornithine and weight loss or HCG production (Int J Sport Nutr. 1993;3(3):290-297).

Ma-chin extract (Cuminum cyminum): Cumin is used in treating inflammation, indigestion, flatulence and as an appetite suppressant.

Wild mint extract: This herb has been used to calm stomach upset and reduce inflammation. But it has not been shown to promote weight loss.

Wild olive extract: This ingredient is rich in beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. However, it has not been shown to promote weight loss.

Yerba Mate: This ingredient is sourced from a South American shrub that contains the xanthine alkaloids caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Yerba mate contains about half the caffeine of coffee. Theobromine and theophylline are stimulants, although they have a less powerful effect on the central nervous system than caffeine. Yerba mate is also contains chlorogenic acid, a compound which may have some weight loss properties. In one clinical study, yerba mate combined with guarana and damiana resulted in delayed gastric emptying and an increased feeling of fullness (J Hum Nutr Diet. 2001;14(3):243-250).

Hydroxycut Shape dosage

A bottle of Hydroxycut Shape contains 210 liquid capsules. Users are encouraged to begin taking Hydroxycut Shape at a rate of one capsule twice daily before a main meal, and work up to a dosage of two capsules three times daily at day 5 and beyond.

Hydroxycut Shape conclusion

The key ingredients in Hydroxycut Shape are caffeine and the W8 Lean™ Complex. A reported weight loss of 1.75 pounds a week is similar to what could be accomplished with a calorie controlled diet and exercise. On the positive side the manufacturer of Hydroxycut Shape emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise in long term weight loss. When purchasing a diet pill it is important to know how much of each ingredient is included in the formula. Hydroxycut Shape is a proprietary blend, so that other than caffeine, it is not possible to determine the concentrations of the key ingredients in the formulation. While Hydroxycut Shape does contain natural ingredients, users should be aware that these ingredients may trigger side effects, due in no small part to the very high caffeine content.

Hydroxycut Shape contact details

Website: http://www.hydroxycutshape.com/

Address: Iovate Health Sciences Inc., 1105 North Market Street, Suite 1330, Wilmington, DE19801