Professional Strength Hydroxycut Shape is a caffeine heavy diet pill designed for women. 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.
See also: Hydroxycut Shape Review
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. It was not indicated whether or not side effects occurred in any of the test subjects.
L-Carnitine Tartrate: This ingredient is an amino acid that is associated with energy production from fat stores in the body. It may help reduce symptoms of angina, diabetic neuropathy and memory impairment. However, there are conflicting clinical study findings as to whether or not L-carnitine has a direct effect on weight loss. Potential side effects of L-carnitine include stomach discomfort and insomnia.
Caffeine: According to the labeling, Hydroxycut Shape contains 270 mg of caffeine per serving, which means the consumption of an enormous 810 mg when taking 6 capsules per day. This compound is incorporated into many weight loss supplements available today. There are numerous warnings from the manufacturer in relation to Hydroxycut Shape. Many are targeted at pregnant and nursing women, probably due to the caffeine content of the supplement. Caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia and increased heart rate.
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. 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. 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. It is included primarily for its caffeine content (caffeine is a 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. Guarana may cause side effects but many people have no, or only minor side effects. Side effects can include anxiety, diarrhea, headache, increased urination, nausea, nervousness, shakiness, tremors, trouble sleeping, upset stomach and vomiting.
Lady’s Mantle: This ingredient has been used since medieval times as a medicinal herb. Lady’s mantle is used for treating stomach problems, diarrhea, excess water retention, muscle contractions and diabetes. Other uses include relieving painful menstruation and symptoms of menopause. 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: 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 (HGH) in the body, which in turn help promote fat metabolism. There appears to be no link between L-ornithine and weight loss or HCG production. L-Ornithine can cause more frequent recurrences of herpes outbreaks. In addition, there is a link between psychotic episodes and an increased intake of L-Ornithine. This amino acid may also accentuate the adverse effects of diabetes. In addition, the use of L-Ornithine can cause increased gastrointestinal distress. When this amino acid stimulates increased production of HGH the side effects might include excessive facial bone growth and malformation, joint swelling and pituitary gland malfunction.
Ma-chin Extract (Cuminum cyminum): Cumin is used in treating inflammation, indigestion, flatulence and as an appetite suppressant. The oil may have photosensitizing effects. Cumin in high doses may also cause hypoglycemia.
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. No side effects have been reported to date.
Wild Olive Extract: This ingredient is rich in beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants. However, it has not been shown to promote weight loss. From all olive leaf extract appears to be a safe supplement that can effectively aid the body in improving immune function and fighting infection. However, it is not advisable to take olive leaf with antibiotics as they can be inactivated by this herb. Olive leaf should not be taken with Warfarin (Coumadin) because this drug can cause internal bleeding. Olive leaf naturally relaxes blood vessels and capillaries which could increase this bleeding.
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. Flushing, nausea, vomiting, irritability, nervousness, increased urination and headache may occur with Yerba mate. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly. Stronger but very infrequent side effects include stomach pain, yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, muscle twitching and unusually fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.
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.
This article is for educational purposes only. Practical- weightloss does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

