Garcinia Cambogia

Garcinia Cambogia has come into the spotlight as a “proven fat loss therapy.” It is derived from the Garcinia fruit, which looks like a small pumpkin and is native to Indonesia. The fruit is used as food throughout Southeast Asia and has a sour taste. The rinds are also used in some recipes in southern India and contain a large amount of Hydroxycitric Acid, the active ingredient in several diet supplements including Garcinia Cambogia.

As a supplement, Garcinia Cambogia claims to burn fat, block new fat, offset hunger to prevent overeating, and help you crave healthier foods. It is believed Hydroxycitric Acid may also boosts serotonin levels to help prevent emotional eating.

Popular weight loss supplement Hydroxycut recalled its product in 2009 after reports of muscle damage, liver problems, and seizures with the main active ingredient being Hydroxycitric Acid. Further investigation never directly tied the side effects to Hydroxycitric Acid and while Hydroxycut no longer uses it, it is still in many other weight loss supplements. 

The majority of legitimate scientific research studies on Hydroxycitric Acid and weight loss were carried out on animals. Studies involving humans received criticism for being poorly designed and producing questionable conclusions. A study in 1998 published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found no evidence of Hydroxycitric Acid to produce significant weight loss effects. A systemic review of several dietary supplements for weight loss was published in 2004 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stating none of the over the counter weight loss aids analyzed produced significant weight loss effects, including Garcinia Cambogia. The only exception was Ephedra containing supplements which had significant risk of adverse effects and are considered potentially dangerous substances.

A study in 2010 published in the Journal of Obesity found some significant weight loss regarding Hydroxycitric Acid, but the clinical relevance was uncertain. They also found GI side effects to be twice as high in the Hydroxycitric Acid group; other side effects were nausea and headache. WebMD states it is possibly ineffective as a weight loss supplement, with some evidence it may increase satiety and help people eat less.

WebMD also states the supplement is possibly safe for most people when used in short duration. Use over 12 weeks has need been studied and the long-term effects are unknown. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use Garcinia Cambogia or any supplement with Hydroxycitric Acid.

Overall it looks like research and proof that Garcinia Cambogia is a safe and effective weight loss supplement just isn't there. In reality the true secret to weight loss does not come in a bottle...it comes from living a healthy active lifestyle.