Countless supplements on the market claim to offer a quick way to drop excess weight by suppressing your appetite. This is a detailed review of forskolin, a popular weight loss supplement that has been shown to be effective in some human studies.

This is a science-based review of Hydroxycut, one of the world's most popular weight loss supplements.

It contains caffeine and several herbal…. Here is a detailed look at 10 evidence-based natural appetite suppressants that can help you lose weight. Chromium picolinate is a supplemental form of chromium said to improve nutrient metabolism and promote weight loss.

This article examines the evidence…. Patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a decreased chance of being diagnosed…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based How Garcinia Cambogia Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat.

By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice on December 6, What It Is Weight Loss How It Works Other Benefits Side Effects Dosage Bottom Line. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

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Was this helpful? Garcinia cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement. This article reveals whether garcinia cambogia can help you lose weight and belly fat. Share on Pinterest. What Is Garcinia Cambogia? Can Cause Modest Weight Loss. How Does It Aid Weight Loss? Other Health Benefits. Safety and Side Effects.

Dosage Recommendations. The Bottom Line. Share this article. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Should You Take Garcinia Cambogia and Apple Cider Vinegar Together? Finding out what garcinia cambogia is and how it works can help people understand whether the weight loss claims are true and whether the supplement will work.

It is also important to realize that there are some risks and interactions to be aware of when using garcinia cambogia. Garcinia cambogia contains an ingredient called hydroxycitric acid HCA , which has been used to aid weight loss. The extract of HCA is available in powdered form or pill form and can be purchased online or in health stores.

The use of garcinia cambogia and its extracts has been the subject of many health claims over the years. These claims range from mild to incredible, so it is important to separate fact from marketing when considering using supplements, such as this.

Garcinia cambogia is primarily marketed as a way to lose weight naturally with little to no additional effort. Some companies claim the supplement can help people lose weight without additional exercise or dieting. It is true that the HCA in garcinia has been found to boost the fat-burning potential of the body.

One review posted to Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that garcinia did promote weight loss in many cases. But results vary widely. Some studies using HCA have produced amazing weight loss results, while others showed the supplement had little to no effect.

Researchers note that the majority of the studies done on garcinia or HCA used animal models. The little research that has been done on humans has found that the effects of the fruit are too widespread to call beneficial.

It may work, and it may not. A review posted to the Journal of Obesity compiled the results of nine different studies using garcinia for weight loss in humans. The findings confirmed mixed results of the supplement, with some studies producing significant results and others showing little difference.

The average reduction in body weight was small, as the studies were only done for short periods of time. A study posted to Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition pointed out how short most of the studies into garcinia cambogia were.

Studies in humans have been done on a small number of people for a short amount of time. Longer tests need to be carried out on bigger groups of people to understand the safety and effectiveness of garcinia or HCA fully.

Another study , posted to the Journal of Clinical Diagnostic Research found that taking garcinia cambogia extract along with a high-fat diet did reduce weight gain. This research suggests that the garcinia and HCA depend upon a proper diet to be effective, which is the opposite of how it is marketed by manufacturers.

Another claim is that using garcinia or HCA can help the body feel full throughout the day. Reviews have found positive results in animal studies, but no human studies have found similar results. The absence of studies on humans to prove these claims does not mean that garcinia does not work.

Some people who have used the supplement maintain that it helps them feel full all day and supports their weight loss. Garcinia cambogia is also marketed as a supplement that enhances athletic ability.

Researchers found that both animal and human models provided some evidence for this claim. Using garcinia or HCA may increase endurance levels during exercise and stop people feeling exhausted too quickly. Long-term studies need to be carried out to support these claims, however.

Older studies have supported the claims that garcinia may be useful for lowering cholesterol. Again, these claims are not proven, and the results of studies are inconsistent. As such, it is not advised to use garcinia to lower cholesterol. Garcinia Cambogia - 90 Count.

One-Time Purchase. Subscription details x. Delivers Every 30 Days. Product Quantity. Non-stimulating support for the maintenance of a normal body weight. Manufactured in the USA at a cGMP certified and quality-control inspected facility.

The average reduction in body weight was small, as the studies were only done for short periods of time. A study posted to Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition pointed out how short most of the studies into garcinia cambogia were.

Studies in humans have been done on a small number of people for a short amount of time. Longer tests need to be carried out on bigger groups of people to understand the safety and effectiveness of garcinia or HCA fully. Another study , posted to the Journal of Clinical Diagnostic Research found that taking garcinia cambogia extract along with a high-fat diet did reduce weight gain.

This research suggests that the garcinia and HCA depend upon a proper diet to be effective, which is the opposite of how it is marketed by manufacturers.

Another claim is that using garcinia or HCA can help the body feel full throughout the day. Reviews have found positive results in animal studies, but no human studies have found similar results. The absence of studies on humans to prove these claims does not mean that garcinia does not work.

Some people who have used the supplement maintain that it helps them feel full all day and supports their weight loss. Garcinia cambogia is also marketed as a supplement that enhances athletic ability.

Researchers found that both animal and human models provided some evidence for this claim. Using garcinia or HCA may increase endurance levels during exercise and stop people feeling exhausted too quickly. Long-term studies need to be carried out to support these claims, however. Older studies have supported the claims that garcinia may be useful for lowering cholesterol.

Again, these claims are not proven, and the results of studies are inconsistent. As such, it is not advised to use garcinia to lower cholesterol. Similarly, garcinia may be able to lower blood sugar levels in some people. Doctors do not recommend that those who have diabetes take garcinia cambogia, as it may affect their medication, and cause their blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels.

Garcinia cambogia is considered safe to eat, though there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind before using the fruit or its extract as a dietary supplement. The United States Food and Drug Administration FDA do not regulate supplements, such as garcinia cambogia, in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs, which must meet stringent safety standards.

As a result, manufacturers of herbal supplements only need to make their products safe to eat and provide clear labels. It is hard to determine how effective garcinia cambogia or HCA is because the supplement can vary in potency from brand to brand. Some manufacturers may also include other synergistic or filler ingredients into a blend, making it even harder to determine the proper dose.

Certain products containing garcinia cambogia and HCA have also been linked to liver damage. However, there is conflicting evidence on whether or not garcinia cambogia caused the liver damage that was observed.

Some research shows that the supplement lowers blood sugar, so it may affect people with diabetes. It is always best to consult a doctor before starting any new drug or supplement. Also, there have not been enough studies done to determine if garcinia is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As such, these women should avoid it. A recent review posted to Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compiled the research on the toxicity of the garcinia cambogia supplement at various levels. They concluded that no research had shown direct adverse effects in levels up to 2, milligrams each day.

The best dose to take will vary significantly from person to person, and people should always discuss their options with a doctor beforehand. Garcinia cambogia has been used for centuries. Mathew practices at Piedmont Physicians Vinings , located at Paces Mill Road Southeast, Atlanta , GA Schedule an appointment with Dr.

Mathew or one of our other primary care providers. Save time, book online. Close X. All Content Living Real Change Physician's Name News. Back to Living Real Change Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter.

Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter First Name Last Name Email Address Birthdate. Zip Code. How safe is garcinia cambogia and other weight loss supplements?

What is garcinia cambogia? There have also been reports of serious side effects, like liver failure. The appeal of weight loss supplements Dr. The compounds in Garcinia Cambogia may help to provide support on the conversion of those extra carbs and sugars into fat, instead supporting their use for energy.

Appetite Management — The HCA compounds in Garcinia Cambogia encourage the efficient utilization of the food you eat for nutrients and energy, which can aid in reducing appetite and recurring feelings of hunger between mealtimes.

Garcinia Cambogia - 90 Count. One-Time Purchase. Subscription details x. Delivers Every 30 Days. Product Quantity.

Garcinia cambogia supplements with HCA are marketed for weight loss. Garcinia cambogia has also been promoted for relief of joint pain and digestive symptoms and to improve athletic performance.

How Much Do We Know? Several studies have investigated the effect of garcinia cambogia on weight loss in people. Less research has been done on other uses of garcinia cambogia. Several dozen cases of liver toxicity have been reported in people who were taking products labeled as containing garcinia cambogia.

What Have We Learned? A review of 11 short-term studies in people did not find significant effects of garcinia cambogia products on weight loss. What Do We Know About Safety?

Cases of liver damage associated with the use of garcinia cambogia products have been reported. This problem appears to be uncommon, but some cases were severe. Most of the reported cases involved products labeled as containing a combination of ingredients, but some involved products labeled as containing only garcinia cambogia.

Other side effects associated with garcinia cambogia include headache and nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep in Mind. Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use.

Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. For More Information. Using Dietary Supplements Wisely Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article. NCCIH Clearinghouse The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature.

Toll-free in the U. gov Email: info nccih. PubMed® A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and in most cases brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals.

Office of Dietary Supplements ODS , National Institutes of Health NIH ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public.

gov Email: ods nih. Key References. Crescioli G, Lombardi N, Bettiol A, et al. Acute liver injury following Garcinia cambogia weight-loss supplementation: case series and literature review. Internal and Emergency Medicine.

Natural Medicines website. Another mechanism that garcinia cambogia may promote weight loss is by helping to prevent overeating.

This has been demonstrated in several studies, and is thought to be down to the activity of HCA on chemicals in the brain. There are several studies which confirm that garcinia cambogia is effective at helping overall weight loss.

A study conducted in Japan found that after 16 weeks taking garcinia cambogia extract, participants had significantly reduced fat compared with those on the study who took a placebo.

Another study from found that taking mg garcinia cambogia every day for 6 months — without changing their other lifestyle factors — saw weight loss in the majority of study participants. Garcinia cambogia has also shown to be effective in helping people to lose visceral fat — the type of fat which accumulates inside the abdominal cavity and raises your risk of many diseases.

In one study, after 16 weeks of taking garcinia cambogia daily, people experienced a reduction in visceral fat without any negative side-effects. This is down to the HCA it contains. HCA supplementation has shown in studies to promote the utilisation of fat as an energy source, which helps preserve glycogen stores in the body.

Glycogen stores are the main fuel for exercise endurance, so preserving them may help you work out for longer. Traditionally, garcinia cambogia has been used as a digestive aid. Garcinia cambogia rind is frequently referred to in traditional medicinal literature as a remedy for bowel issues and diarrhoea, although research on this is lacking.

Garcinia cambogia has shown to hold lipid-lowering properties in some studies. This means it could potentially be useful for lowering high cholesterol. Research has shown that HCA, the active ingredient in garcinia cambogia, can cause a reduction in blood glucose after meals.

One study found an improvement in blood glucose profiles after subjects taking mg garcinia cambogia daily for six months. Dosage recommendations on commercially available pills are generally lower, around mg — mg daily.

The HCA content is key to the potential fat-metabolising action of this herbal compound. In the clinical studies performed so far on garcinia cambogia, no serious adverse reactions have been commonly observed among participants.

The most common garcinia cambogia side effects are known to include headaches, digestive discomfort and nausea. However, outside of controlled studies, more serious side effects have been reported with garcinia cambogia use in the general population.

Garcinia cambogia has been reported as a potential hepatotoxic after several cases of liver damage after people took herbal supplements containing the fruit. Most cases were linked to one particular supplement available in the USA which was reformulated in and again in One review concluded that acute liver failure from garcinia cambogia supplement ingestion appears rare compared to their widespread use — although due to the reported cases, a risk of liver problems is present when taking garcinia cambogia.

If you experience any unwanted side effects while taking products containing garcinia cambogia, stop taking them immediately. Garcinia cambogia might affect the way some medications work. For example, garcinia cambogia might interact with anti-diabetic drugs, as it decreases both plasma glucose and insulin levels.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should not take garcinia cambogia pills as the effects on pregnant or nursing women is not yet known. Due to their potentially hepatotoxic effects, garcinia cambogia products are not suitable for anyone with liver problems. That said, if you really want to lose weight, you might have better luck by changing your diet and lifestyle.

A supplement produced from an exotic fruit, garcinia cambogia, is the latest weight-loss craze. But the Internet and television are filled with….

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With a line of weight management drinks and supplements, Plexus claims to help you quickly lose weight. Our dietitian breaks down the science in our….

Countless supplements on the market claim to offer a quick way to drop excess weight by suppressing your appetite. This is a detailed review of forskolin, a popular weight loss supplement that has been shown to be effective in some human studies.

This is a science-based review of Hydroxycut, one of the world's most popular weight loss supplements. It contains caffeine and several herbal….

Here is a detailed look at 10 evidence-based natural appetite suppressants that can help you lose weight. Chromium picolinate is a supplemental form of chromium said to improve nutrient metabolism and promote weight loss. This article examines the evidence….

Patients with diabetes who used GLP-1 drugs, including tirzepatide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide had a decreased chance of being diagnosed…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

Nutrition Evidence Based How Garcinia Cambogia Can Help You Lose Weight and Belly Fat. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice on December 6, What It Is Weight Loss How It Works Other Benefits Side Effects Dosage Bottom Line.

How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site.

To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Garcinia cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement. This article reveals whether garcinia cambogia can help you lose weight and belly fat.

Share on Pinterest. What Is Garcinia Cambogia? Can Cause Modest Weight Loss. How Does It Aid Weight Loss? Other Health Benefits.

As such, it is not advised to use garcinia to lower cholesterol. Similarly, garcinia may be able to lower blood sugar levels in some people. Doctors do not recommend that those who have diabetes take garcinia cambogia, as it may affect their medication, and cause their blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels.

Garcinia cambogia is considered safe to eat, though there are some risks and considerations to keep in mind before using the fruit or its extract as a dietary supplement. The United States Food and Drug Administration FDA do not regulate supplements, such as garcinia cambogia, in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs, which must meet stringent safety standards.

As a result, manufacturers of herbal supplements only need to make their products safe to eat and provide clear labels. It is hard to determine how effective garcinia cambogia or HCA is because the supplement can vary in potency from brand to brand.

Some manufacturers may also include other synergistic or filler ingredients into a blend, making it even harder to determine the proper dose. Certain products containing garcinia cambogia and HCA have also been linked to liver damage.

However, there is conflicting evidence on whether or not garcinia cambogia caused the liver damage that was observed. Some research shows that the supplement lowers blood sugar, so it may affect people with diabetes.

It is always best to consult a doctor before starting any new drug or supplement. Also, there have not been enough studies done to determine if garcinia is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As such, these women should avoid it. A recent review posted to Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compiled the research on the toxicity of the garcinia cambogia supplement at various levels.

They concluded that no research had shown direct adverse effects in levels up to 2, milligrams each day. The best dose to take will vary significantly from person to person, and people should always discuss their options with a doctor beforehand.

Garcinia cambogia has been used for centuries. The fruit is safe to eat, and the supplements have helped many people lose weight. However, clinical evidence of its efficacy is mixed at this point. If a person is considering taking garcinia cambogia as a supplement, they should research it well and discuss it with a doctor before starting.

Weight loss miracle pills often sell a future that does not exist. Maintaining a healthful diet and taking regular exercise are still two of the best ways to improve body weight. Supplements may help these efforts, but nothing will replace these important staples in a healthy lifestyle.

In this article, we look at the evidence behind the claims that apple cider vinegar could help with weight loss.

We also examine the other possible…. What is the Thrive Patch, and does it help with weight loss? Read on to find out whether it works and the potential benefits and risks of using it. In this article, we take a look at nine types of pills and supplements that are proposed to help support weight loss, examining the evidence for each….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Does Garcinia cambogia work? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

What is garcinia cambogia? Weight loss Other benefits Risks of using garcinia cambogia How much garcinia cambogia should you take? Share on Pinterest The garcinia cambogia fruit is native to India and Southeast Asia and is marketed as a natural weight loss food.

Weight loss. Share on Pinterest Garcinia cambogia extract may reduce weight gain alongside a high fat diet. Other benefits. Risks of using garcinia cambogia. Share on Pinterest Side effects of garcinia cambogia may include nausea and headaches.

How much garcinia cambogia should you take? How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. Garcinia Cambogia. Common Names: garcinia cambogia, garcinia, Malabar tamarind, brindle berry. Latin Names: Garcinia gummi-gutta. Garcinia cambogia is native to India and Southeast Asia. The fruit pulp and rind have long been used in Asian countries as a condiment and food preservative.

The rind contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid HCA , which has been studied for its effect on appetite. Garcinia cambogia supplements with HCA are marketed for weight loss. Garcinia cambogia has also been promoted for relief of joint pain and digestive symptoms and to improve athletic performance.

How Much Do We Know? Several studies have investigated the effect of garcinia cambogia on weight loss in people. Less research has been done on other uses of garcinia cambogia. Several dozen cases of liver toxicity have been reported in people who were taking products labeled as containing garcinia cambogia.

What Have We Learned? A review of 11 short-term studies in people did not find significant effects of garcinia cambogia products on weight loss.

What Do We Know About Safety? Cases of liver damage associated with the use of garcinia cambogia products have been reported. This problem appears to be uncommon, but some cases were severe. Most of the reported cases involved products labeled as containing a combination of ingredients, but some involved products labeled as containing only garcinia cambogia.

Other side effects associated with garcinia cambogia include headache and nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Keep in Mind. Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions. For More Information.

Using Dietary Supplements Wisely Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact Know the Science: How To Make Sense of a Scientific Journal Article.

NCCIH Clearinghouse The NCCIH Clearinghouse provides information on NCCIH and complementary and integrative health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. Toll-free in the U.

gov Email: info nccih. PubMed® A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and in most cases brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals.

Office of Dietary Supplements ODS , National Institutes of Health NIH ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public.

gov Email: ods nih. Key References. Crescioli G, Lombardi N, Bettiol A, et al. Acute liver injury following Garcinia cambogia weight-loss supplementation: case series and literature review.

Internal and Emergency Medicine. Natural Medicines website. Accessed at naturalmedicines. com on June 25, Maunder A, Bessell E, Lauche R, et al.

Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.