Update 1/2/20. Does Garcinia cambogia work? Well, if you saw the Dr. Oz show, you heard him say “it may be the simple solution you've been looking for to bust your body fat good.” He's also said Garcinia Cambogia was a “revolutionary fat buster” ―that requires no exercise, no diet, and, no effort. Those are very impressive words. But, does it have any side effects? It just might. I've been aware of this fruit and its alleged weight-loss benefits for many years but in case you have not, I wanted to review Garcinia Cambogia because there really is published research on this fruit. See the Supplements and Liver Failure Review too.
What Is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia is a pumpkin-shaped fruit that grows in various regions of the world such as India, Asia, and Africa. Its scientific name is Garcinia gummi-guta although some may know it by its other more familiar name, Hydroxy Citric Acid (or HCA). Hydroxy citric acid is an ingredient in Garcinia Cambogia, found usually in the skin (rind) and fruit that is often said to be the active ingredient when it comes to weight loss.
What Does Garcinia Cambogia Do?
The main reason people take garcinia Cambogia is for weight loss. See the weight loss research below for more insights.
How Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
The most popular theory is that the HCA compound in the fruit is said to work by blocking the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. By doing this, fat storage is reduced.
Others speculate that Garcinia can help weight loss is by decreasing appetite. This effect may be related to reports that it can increase serotonin, a chemical involved in reducing appetite. During the Dr. Oz segment, this was brought up as a potential benefit to “emotional eaters.” It could be that Garcinia works in all these ways and in other ways also.
Garcinia cambogia has been an ingredient in several products I've already reviewed including:
Read those reviews for additional information.
How To Recognize This Ingredient
In Supplements, Garcinia may be labeled as
- Garcinia cambogia
- Garcinia extract
- HCA extract
- “GCE”
- Tamarind
All these names mean the same thing.
Garcinia Cambogia Research
Let's look at the weight loss research on garcinia Cambogia. To keep things simple, let's focus mostly on human research.
Study. Oral hydroxycitrate supplementation enhances glycogen synthesis in exercised human skeletal muscle Here, 38 young men were given 500 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) or a placebo along with with a high carbohydrate meal after exercise (60 minutes of cycling at 75% of maximum aerobic ability). Biopsies of the thigh muscle were taken immediately after exercise and 3 hours later.
Results. Men who received 500 mg of HCA had significantly lower levels of insulin. HCA also increased the formation of glycogen, the storage form of carbohydrates in the muscles.
Note. This study plus the 2007 rat study below, appear to lend believability to claims that Garcinia cambogia helps insulin resistance, and hence type II diabetes. This may be one of the reasons why Garcinia cambogia might be found in diabetes supplements such as Diab-X which I reviewed previously.
Study. Does Glycine max leaves or Garcinia Cambogia promote weight-loss or lower plasma cholesterol in overweight individuals: a randomized control trial . The study lasted 10 weeks and involved 68 overweight men and women who were broken into groups:
- Placebo
- Garcinia cambogia extract (2 grams per day)
- Glycine max leaf extract (soybean) 2 grams per day
Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in body weight or cholesterol levels.
Study. Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) attenuates increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and body weight in developing obese Zucker rats. As can be seen in the title, this was a rat study.
Results: Rats with type II diabetes that were given the HCA extract had reduced levels of C reactive protein (a sign of inflammation), glucose, insulin, and triglycerides. The rats also ate less food and had reduced body weight compared to rats getting the placebo.
Study. Reduction of adipose tissue and body weight: effect of water-soluble calcium hydroxycitrate in Garcinia atroviridis on the short term treatment of obese women in Thailand. This study involved 50 obese women (18-75 years of age) who were randomly split into 2 groups:
- Garcinia group
- Placebo group
Those getting Garcinia received 1.15 grams before meals, three times per day (3.45 grams total per day). All women were put on a 1000 calorie per day diet and tracked for 2 months.
Results: Women getting Garcinia atroviridis lost significantly more weight (6.1 lbs) than women who received the placebo (3 lbs).
Note. this study used Garcinia atroviridis which is a species related to Garcinia Cambogia.
Study. An overview of the safety and efficacy of a novel, natural(-)-hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX) for weight management. This study involved both rats and humans. Let's just look at the human part of the study. This was an 8-week study that involved 60 people.
The people were given 2000 calories per day, walked 30 minutes a day, 5 days per week and were randomly given either a placebo or 4666.7 mg (about 4.7 grams ) of a supplement called Super CitriMax.
Results: At the end of the study, these results were observed in those who took Super CitriMax:
- 5.4% reduction in body weight
- 5.2% reduction in body mass index (BMI)
- Significantly decreased food intake
- Significantly decreased total cholesterol
- Significantly decreased LDL (bad cholesterol)
- Significantly increased HDL (good cholesterol)
- Significantly decreased triglycerides
- Significantly decreased leptin levels
- Significantly increased serotonin levels
Note. Leptin is a hormone made inside fat cells. Leptin plays a role in hunger.
Study. Effects of Garcinia cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) on Visceral Fat Accumulation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 39 overweight people (20-65 years of age) were given either a placebo or Garcinia cambogia for 12 weeks, along with a reduced-calorie diet (The men ate 2250 calories per day.
Women consumed 1800 calories per day). Those in the Garcinia group received a supplement that contained 1667 mg of Garcinia cambogia extract. This supplement contained 1000 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA is thought to be the active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia).
Results: Those taking the Garcinia extract lost significantly more abdominal fat and had more total fat loss, compared to those who received the placebo.
Study. The effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on energy intake and satiety in overweight humans. This study lasted 2 weeks and involved 24 overweight people (12 men and 12 women). People were randomly split into groups that either received 900 mg of HCA or a placebo.The supplement containing the HCA was called Super CitraMax.
Results. Those who took HCA consumed fewer calories compared to those who received the placebo. This was deemed primarily to decreased snacking. No significant difference in body weight was seen.
Study. The effects of 2-week ingestion of (–)-hydroxycitrate and (–)-hydroxycitrate combined with medium-chain triglycerides on satiety, fat oxidation, energy expenditure and body weight. This investigation consisted of 11 overweight men and lasted 2 weeks. In the study, men consumed 3 meals and 4 same-calorie snacks a day. The men were randomly given:
- A placebo
- 500 mg HCA
- 500 mg HCA plus 3 grams of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)
Results: everybody lost weigh (placebo too) but there were no significant differences between those getting the placebo and those getting HCA or HCA + medium-chain triglycerides.
Study . Effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid on appetitive variables published the journal, Physiology, and Behavior. 89 overweight women were put on a low-calorie diet and randomly given either a placebo or 2.4 grams of Garcinia cambogia per day (this equaled 1.2 grams of HCA). The length of the study was 12 weeks (3 months).
Results. Those taking HCA supplements lost more weight (8 lbs) than those taking the placebo (5 lbs).
Study. titled (-)-Hydroxycitric acid does not affect energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in adult males in a post-absorptive state This study involved 10 overweight men who were given either a placebo or HCA (3 grams per day). The study lasted 3 days.
Results. No change in metabolic rate or fat burning.
Study. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial . This study lasted 12 weeks and involved 135 obese men and women who were given either hydroxycitric acid (1500 mg per day) or a placebo, along with a high fiber, low-calorie diet (84 people completed the study).
Results. Both groups lost weight, (the placebo group lost a little more weight) but there were no significant differences in the weight loss between groups. So, according to this study, Garcinia cambogia did not work better than a placebo.
Summary Of Garcinia Research
Here's a quick breakdown of the studies summarized above:
- 2011 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 2 grams per day used.
- 2007 study: Rat study. Garcinia worked.
- 2007 study: Human study. Garcinia worked. 3.45 grams per day used.
- 2004 study: Human /rat study. Garcinia worked. 4.7 grams per day used.
- 2003 study. Human study. Garcinia worked. 1667 mg per day/1000 mg HCA used.
- 2002 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 900 mg HCA per day used.
- 2001 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 500 mg HCA used.
- 2000 study: Human study. Garcinia worked. 2.4 g / 1.2 grams HCA used.
- 1999 study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 3 grams of HCA per day used.
- 1998 Study: Human study. Garcinia didn't work. 1500 mg of HCA per day used.
From this research, it appears 5 investigations noted Garcinia cambogia helped people lose weight. But, Just as many studies showed it didn't work. Those studies showing it worked also used a lower-calorie diet. In other words, you have to eat less. You can't just pop a pill.
Garcinia Cambogia And Cortisol
During the Dr. Oz show about garcinia, Dr. Julie Chen, who was featured in the segment, mentioned that garcinia helps to manage the stress hormone cortisol” which might help decrease belly fat. I searched the national library of medicine for
- Garcinia Cambogia cortisol
- HCA Cortisol
- hydroxy citric acid cortisol
I was not able to find any human studies showing changes in cortisol. In fact, in this 2008 study of a supplement containing HCA and L carnitine, no change in cortisol was seen.
Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects
For most people, the supplement is probably safe although in some people it may not be (see the liver failure section below.
Most studies don't last long. This makes it difficult to determine the side effects. The most common side effects reported include:
- Headache
- GI problems
- Feelings of being nauseous
Here are some general thoughts. this list is not complete:
- Stop taking garcinia at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Don't take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone under age 18
- Those taking diabetes medications like metformin, insulin, etc
- Speak to your doctor/pharmacist /dietitian if you take ANY prescription medications
- To reduce side effects, start with less than the recommended amount for the first week
People who take antidepressant medications should speak to their doctor before taking garcinia. There is some evidence that when combined with antidepressant medications (such as SSRIs), garcinia may make serotonin levels go too high. This is called serotonin syndrome can result in dangerously high blood pressure.
In a review of the safety, the author noted that most human studies involved small groups of people that were carried out over short periods of time.
Checking Amazon, those who rated it as 1 star, said supplements caused rapid heart rate, gas/bloating, lack of energy and headaches. Those people also said Garcinia did not help them lose weight.
Some lab rat research suggests the HCA in Garcinia Cambogia might be toxic to the testis. Not all researchers agree with this. To be safe, men should discuss this with their urologist for more up to date information.
And then there is the liver failure controversy. Let's take a closer look at that next.
Garcinia Cambogia And Liver Failure
For several years, there have been reports of hepatitis, liver toxicity and liver failure resulting from Garcinia cambogia supplements. Most of these reports stem from the use of a Garcinia-containing supplement called Hydroxycut.
Since Hydroxycut contained many ingredients, this makes it difficult to know which ingredient was responsible. That said, there is at least on report of a 34-year-old male who needed a liver transplant. He admitted to taking two 80mg capsules of “Swanson Premium Brand Garcinia Cambogia 5:1 Extract.” This supplement ONLY contained garcinia Cambogia.
For those doing their own research, here are some of case reports and review articles I found:
- Hepatotoxicity associated with Garcinia cambogia: A case report
- Hepatotoxicity Associated with Use of the Weight Loss Supplement Garcinia cambogia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
- Acute Hepatitis due to Garcinia Cambogia Extract, an Herbal Weight Loss Supplement.
- Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity
- Hydroxycut(®) (herbal weight loss supplement) induced hepatotoxicity: a case report and review of literature
- Hepatotoxicity due to hydroxycut: a case series
- Hepatoxicity associated with weight-loss supplements: A case for better post-marketing surveillance
- Severe hepatotoxicity due to Hydroxycut: a case report
- Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: A case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements
- Fatal liver failure following food supplements during chronic treatment with montelukast.
- Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement Hydroxycut
Many other supplements are linked to liver failure too.
See the Supplements & Liver Failure review for more information
Garcinia Cambogia And Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious medical condition that results in your muscles dying. Kidney failure is one of the most serious side effects of this disorder, which is abbreviated as “Rhabdo.”
Back in 2004, there was a case report of a 54-year-old woman who got rhabdo after taking a supplement that contained garcinia Cambogia as wel as well as many other ingredients- including ephedra. Stimulants have been known to cause rhabdomyolysis. Other than this report, I'm not aware of any cases of garcinia cambogia causing rhabdo.
Regardless, if you think you have rhabdo, my best advice is to go to your doctor – or hospital. A simple blood test can tell if you have it or not. Rhabdo is VERY serious condition that can result in kidney failure. Do not take this lightly.
Here's my book on rhabdomyolysis
How Much Works?
On the Dr. Oz segment on Garcinia cambogia, you may have heard that they recommended 1500-3000 mg (1.5 grams to 3 grams) per day, that contained at least 50% of hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
Notice from the review of the research above that as much as 3.45 grams of Garcinia have been used with positive results. I mention this for those in which 3 grams did not work.
- I see no proof that more than 3.45 grams of Garcinia cambogia is needed.
- Garcinia cambogia should be taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals.
- Many Garcinia cambogia supplements also contain calcium or potassium. This is to increase the absorption.
It's likely that they will see Garcinia cambogia supplements that also contain other ingredients, like,
Or whatever else is the “hot, sexy” supplement of the month.
See the list of weight loss scams
Dr. Oz And Garcinia Cambogia
It's likely that many people first heard of Garcinia cambogia extract when it was featured on the Dr. Oz show. While I do agree that Garcinia is one of the least expensive weight loss supplements, I was disappointed that there was no mention of the potential for liver toxicity. I did like it when Dr. Oz stated “You should never see my picture next to it (Garcinia cambogia). “If you see my picture next to it, that means they're stealing from you.”
Dr. Oz knows that as soon as he mentions a supplement, people will try to use his picture and fame to promote their product. Dr. Oz does not sell any supplements and he does not endorse any particular brand of Garcinia supplement.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
Despite the hype, I'm not convinced. I see just as many studies showing it works as doesn't work. But, more troubling is the potential for liver failure.
does garcinia cambogia extract work. what’s the best way to take it ? thanks
Sherry, I recommend starting with less than the product recommends for at least a week to see if you have any side effects.
one in the morning and one in the evening ? can i take it even if i don’t eat breakfast ? thanks
Sherry, what does the product say? While there may be something to spreading it out over the day, unless they say take it with food or on an empty stomach, I don’t think it matters.
Hey, there! Very interested in finding out as much as I can about this before buying. Thanks for all your research and links to do our own! I too, came across one of those scam sites claiming to be (yet admitting they’re not) a news article, but I was suspicious when you couldn’t click on the header links. It’s supposedly Women’s Health Magazine, but I read that article about two or three weeks ago and finding it again today, it is suddenly boasting TODAYS date!
It says “advertisement” on the top and uses the name Helen Hassmen. It reads like an advertisement NOT a responsible, unbiased and researched article. Be careful what you consume out there.
Do your own research and don’t be scammed. Thanks for your help, Joe! It’s nice to find something that isn’t an advertisement! 🙂
Jenny, my pleasure 🙂
Hi there,
I repeat what others have said and say I am so happy to have found your reviews!
I happened to read this article on Woman’s Wellness Daily and they said that you should really use 2 products together for maximum results –
Pure Garcinia Cambogia & Premier Mango Cleanse.
In the article it stated:
“…we had also researched that those taking ‘Pure Garcinia Cambogia‘ experiencing shocking weight loss were also using the natural detoxifier ‘Premier Mango Cleanse ‘. Together, testimonials claim the combined usage of these two products led to significant weight loss, more energy and generally a healthier day to-day feeling.”
Here is the link:
womenwellnessdaily.com/special-report-august/
I’m just wondering your thoughts on this.
Thanks!
Hi Rachel, Im glad you found me too 🙂
I looked at the website you provided – womenswellnessdaily.com. I think its s scam site. Here’s why I say this
I dont think this is a real magazine. I looked up the website in Whois.com and discovered that the site was created july 25 2013 – less than a month ago!
there is no address associated with the website – thats not what I expect for a legitimate publication.
I cant find a contact page for the site. Even my website has a “contact page”
when I click away from the site a pop up appears asking if I really want to leave (pop ups like that dont make me feel good)
the page has pictures of CNN Dr Oz MSNBC etc but the site doesnt appear to be affiliated wiht any of these companies
who is the staff reporter – Helen Crisell? I goggled her and NOTHING shows up. I’d think a reporter would have previous articles showing up with her name on it – but not this person.
At the bottom of the website page you showed me, it even says “THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT AN ACTUAL NEWS ARTICLE, BLOG, OR CONSUMER PROTECTION UPDATE**”
Based on all of this, I say save your money on this product. I also a pic of Dr Oz on the site. Dr Oz has said, if they use his picture or quote from him on a supplement site, they are lying to you.
As an aside, if you look at the comments for my review of Raspberry Keontes, you will see others in the UK websites where reporter’s were supposed to investigate this supplement and saying it works. Again, the reporters mentioned in teh UK don’t seem to exist either.
Hope that helps Rachel, and again, happy you found me 🙂
Wow!! Didn’t see that coming. I have to admit…I was taken in.
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to get to the bottom of this & sharing it with me. You have earned my full trust and I can’t say enough things about you and this website. Truely one the the best on the internet – and I really mean that.
Thanks again!
Rachael, that’s very kind of you to say. I’m happy to help 🙂
Thank you thank you thank you Joe!!!! Your research helps . I found you because I too Googled Helen crissell and yeah I’m not buying her being a real reporter…. Your awesome, keep up the great work! 😉
Amber, you are VERY welcome and I’m happy I was able to help you 🙂
I was diagnosed with prediabetes in 2011 and Type 2 in 2013. I take Glimepiride and recently started on a half dose of Metformin. I have tried every every new weight control/sugar control notion, potion or lotion (like Garcinia 3000 mg daily, Guduchi 800 mg, Green Coffee 2000mg, Green Tea, 2000mg, Glucomannon, prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes etc etc) spotlighted on Dr. Oz and, though I have cut out many of my favorite foods and eat much smaller portions, I have gained 15 pounds (225 to 240) since being diagnosed as a diabetic.
Having said that, I have all the classic symptoms of Metabolic X Syndrome and only one symptom of Type2 Diabetes (A1C 6.1 down from 6.4). Is there anything you have reviewed for Metabolic Syndrome? Thanks in advance for all you do and have done! You are special, Joe!
Hal, while there is some evidence that chromium might help blood sugar and A1c levels, I dont think that that’s the main answer. I do feel type II diabetes can be cured in the vast majority of people – Ive seen it happen. The issue is that it takes work. It takes eating fewer calories and it also takes some type of exercise – even walking. Here are some reviews on type II diabetes Ive written at my personal site.
http://www.joe-cannon.com/interview-yolanda-bowles-diabetes-exercise-nutrition-cure-type-ii-diabetes/
http://www.joe-cannon.com/type-ii-diabetes-cure/
http://www.joe-cannon.com/can-type-ii-diabetes-be-cured/
http://www.joe-cannon.com/type-ii-diabetes-cure/
Take notice of the first link I provided. that is with a woman who whose diabetes was so bad that she was taking insulin. today she is off all of her medications -including insulin.
Here is a link where I discuss weight loss supplements with the most evidence along with other things -not supplements – that might help you lose weight too:
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Hal, I think this is going to take 3 things to work:
1. reducing calories and eating healthier
2. some type of exercise
3. time
I hope some of this helps Hal. Do keep me posted on your progress. I believe in you Hal.
I know you can do this.
Dear Rachel, I am almost positive this is a scam, as I was once sucked into buying 2 skin care products that a “Mary from Stockton, CA-where I live- discovered worked together so well, it made her look 10 years younger and angered plastic surgeons”!!! I should have known better.
I contacted both companies and each admitted that this was a sales ploy. Oh yes, the 2 products were also auto-fill. I got that stopped ASAP. It’s not that the products were bad, but that it was false advertising, auto-fill, and “Mary from Stockton” was a fake person, which even was documented in very tiny font at the end of the sales article. These 2 products were sold from a similarly named website.
What dosage do you recomend? This way I can compare product to product and chose for myself. I would like to know mg of gercinia and % of hca. Shelly Roberts mentioned that the product she purchased has potassium and calcium, which is what you recommend in your review, will you be so kind to ask her what exactly she purchased?
I am so thinkful to have found your reviews! Thank you!
Hi Sunnie, what little research that is out there has used 2000 to 3000 mg of garcinia cambogia for weight loss. In terms of % HCA (hydroxycitric acid) studies have used 50% HCA in weight loss studies. I’d like better research before I take these amounts as
“gospel” but it might give you something to compare products. I don’t think calcium or potassium adds anything to the product if its going to work if that helps.
Hi Joe. I am looking to lose my freshman 15 and I have decided that
Garcinia Cambogia along with diet and exercise is the way to go. What I can’t decide is WHICH GC product to buy. All of the well reviewed products on Amazon (including the one you mentioned here) seem to be filled with fake 5-star reviews. I know a few are real, but for most – the only activity of the “users” on Amazon seem to be the one glowing review for the GC product. And most 3-star or less reviewer seem to have reviewed other completely different products and seem like ACTUAL people. Do you have any recommendations for good, legit Garcinia Cambogia products?
Hi Alysha, yes that is a problem with the Amazon ratings: we have no idea if the reviews are real or fake. I try to look at the products with the greatest number of reviews and go with that. I figure that yes some are fake reviews but if something got pouplar, then most of the reviews would not be fake. its not fool proof obviously. To be honest there is no garcinia cambogia product that appears to be better than another. Generally I like to buy from companies Ive heard of because they are likely to put the product in the supplement. Remember there is nobody forcing supplement companies to actually put the product in their supplements. I know thats weird. its just the way it is.
Id say give eating a few less calories and exercise a try for the first month and then try a garcinia supplement in the 2nd month and see if there is any difference.
Do let me know what happens 🙂
Joe,
I don’t know if it has been brought to your attention but Cambogia is spelled incorrectly in the title of the review.
I wanted to say that I believe this is a very comprehensive review and thoroughly enjoy reading your factual reviews. I appreciate reading about someone that hasn’t tried these supplement but in fact has done the research. As there are no drastic side effects to this, I am going to be trying this with my mom. We will have to see how it goes though, still am skeptical about trying new things that have been endorsed to “be a miracle worker” of a supplement.
Thank you very much,
Maureen
Hi Marueen I excellent eye! I doubled checked everywhere BUT the title LOL I’m no smart -NOT LOL 😉 I fixed it thanks for the help 🙂
You’re welcome! I thought that if it were me I’d like someone to point it out! 🙂
Thanks!!! 🙂
Maureen
Joe,
I just purchased a bottle of Premium Garcina Extract. 1000mg per pill. Has Potassium, Calcium and Chromium also. Nothing else. I am working out 4-5 times a week, two days with a trainer. I am also beginning the Shred meal plan by Dr. Ian K. Smith. (great book by the way!) I am 43, no medical issues and have about 40 pounds to lose. I am not looking for a miracle pill-just something that might help with my cravings/portions. I have not tried GE yet. Going to start tomorrow. Thanks for the reviews. I know it’s not going to do the work for me-I have to do that-but it would be nice to have a little help.
Shelly
Thanks Shelly, I do hope it helps some.
Hi Joe! I see you review a bunch of supplements.. Can you direct me towards any that you have found positive results for? Thanks! P.S. really diggin’ this site!
Hi Heather, glad you found me! When you talk about positive results, it really depends on many things such as the goals of the person, their health, medications they take as well as how much of the supplement somebody takes. If we are talking about weight loss I have written my thoughts on some products and other things that might be worth a look. Here is the link to my personal site
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
glad your diggin’ my site 🙂
Do you know of any interactions with Garcinia Cambogia and Prilosec (proton pump inhibitors) ?
I don’t know if garcinia cambogia would interact with proton pump inhibitors. I dont remember seeing any research on this topic. I think your pharmacist would be a good person to ask this question to. If you get an answer please let me know.
Thanks for the great review. I wonder how many people have rushed out and bought this just on Dr Oz’s recommendation?
Glad to help Jenny. You might be interested in my review of Provailen also
blu3jayway
I experimented with Garcinia for about the same amount of time as you did, loss about 2 lbs., but I do not really need to lose. I also had a small amount of nausea. Ate a few bites of food before taking, and it seemed to help.
Great analysis. I’ve been taking the supplement (3 grams a day) and it curbs my hunger and makes me feel full faster. I am also cutting calories and exercising. I have lost about 3 pounds in 2 weeks. I’ve noticeably lost belly fat. I do feel a little nauseous sometimes but its mild. I’ll keep you posted on my progress, my weight loss goal is 15 pounds.
blu3jayway, thanks and thanks for keeping me updated on your progress 🙂
Joe,
You have a great way of analyzing, synthesizing and explaining scientific research. Kudos
Lois, thanks I appreciate you saying that 🙂
I had heard about Garcinia cambogia, as well as Green Coffee Bean for weight loss. Being menopausal, my metabolism is in the toilet and consequently gained 20+ lbs. Feeling exhausted; mentally, physically and emotionally for the last five years I am searching for a solution. (I have by the way went on hormone replacement therapy with minimal effects.)
I did start taking the Green Coffee Bean and noticed an immediate boost in my energy level (It’s not the caffeine – as I drink coffee all day long.) and so I am able to exercise more and have lost weight (5lbs. in a week) Emotionally, however, I’m not there. I wonder, if perhaps the Garcinia would work better in that respect.
Also, my daughter has Hashimoto’s. She takes synthroid, but that doesn’t do much for her metabolism. (She hasn’t gained any more weight since taking it, but can’t loose any either.) I wonder if she and I would be better off with one or the other or both. Did any of your research indicate benefits other than weight loss on these supplements?
Paula, not that I recall. There may be other benefits but I focused only on weight loss. There is some preliminary thyroid research on a supplement called Anatabloc which may be of interest to your daughter.
paula, i’m going through menopause also, it’s miserable. i’ve gained weight and i’m not a big person anyways. is anything working for you ? also night sweats and hot flashes . hope to hear from you soon……………thanks
Joe~I just found your website…great, informative and honest! I have been taking Garcinia Cambogia for about two weeks, but only 1000mg a day (60% HCA) and eating less carbs…have lost about 3-4 pounds and do notice a decreased appetite and no side effects. I have enough for 2 months, so I’ll keep you posted. Thanks for sharing your great information~you have a new fan!
Thanks Jeanie 🙂
I tried to lose 10 lbs using 4 grams of HCA per day over 3 months. I also jogged 5 hours per week. It didn’t help me lose any weight nor did it help control my hunger. I think its basically worthless.
Love the website!!
Lisa, thanks for your words – and I’m happy you found me 🙂
So in your opinion what is the best (safe, minimal side effects, results) weight loss supplement?
Ray, as safety go, garcinia cambogia seems to have little bad side effects as far as I can tell (assuming I am correct and it is not linked to liver problems -remember I’m still not sure about this). Its not a miracle though. Ive written about this more on my personal site here is the link http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
Did your research on Garcinia cambogia change your thoughts on any of the products that you have previously done reviews on, Joe? One thing that Dr. Oz’s videos also pointed out was that people would go through a phase in which they did NOT necessarily lose weight but that their overall measurements kept decreasing due to the transformation of fat into lean muscle mass.
This is a very important to the reader to also understand in my humble opinion. I have been maintaining a certain weight now since the beginning of the year but my measurements keep getting smaller. I found that I was getting down on myself because I didn’t see “weight loss” until I measured myself to see actual results that others can see. Your thoughts on this?
Hi Randy, I don’t think my original thoughts have changed on the products because its the garcinia that has the research rather than the products that contain them. As such, I still think a better option for those who are interested, is try garcinia cambogia first since its less expensive.
I did not see that part about what Dr Oz said but as I understand it, sometimes the body goes through spirts where weight loss seems to temporarily halt for a bit while we are still maintaining weight loss efforts.
@ Randy Fat can not turn to lean muscle and lean muscle cannot turn to fat. Simple basic biology, if anyone ever tells you they can turn your fat to muscle or vise versa do not take their advice as they are unqualified and have absolutely no idea of human biology. Joe I am surprised you did not correct this assumption.
People please get yourself tested for insulin resistance with a glucose tolerance test , if you diet and exercise but aren’t seeing results you may be insulin resistant and pre diabetic a simple blood test can tell you if you are or not and a short stint on metformin with diet and exercise will yield results you would not normally get with diet and exercise alone.
So for those who can not shift the fat (not weight as muscle is also weight) then get this test done can save your life and help your goals. Cheers
Frankie, honestly Randy’s statement about fat turning into muscle got past me so I really appreciate you correcting that! I re-read Randy’s comment and it appeared Randy was attributing this to something Dr. Oz said. I don’t think Dr. Oz would make that kind of statement.
Randy, can you give us an update on how you are doing with Garcinia? Is it still working for you?
Thank you for all of the time you put into your research. You are much appreciated. 🙂 Miranda
Thanks Miranda, that is very kind of you to say 🙂
Joe
As always, you out did yourself. What a great informative and certainly unbiased review!
Pete, thanks I really did try. There was a lot of research to sort through on this one!
As always, I love reading your reviews! Interesting about the liver information!!!! Thank you!
I’m glad to help and thank you much for those kind words 🙂