Garcinia Cambogia Reviewed

– Is Garcinia Legit?

With the term “miracle” thrown around so often in the weight loss world, it’s a wonder that dieters believe in anything they hear nowadays. Part of the problem comes from TV doctors and celebrities who get paid to endorse certain products.

The latest “miracle” weight loss product comes from a pumpkin like fruit that grows is native to India called Garcinia Cambogia. According to makers of the supplement you can lose 20 pounds in a month without diet or exercise! However, if you take a look at the hard evidence it seems to say otherwise.

Science Behind Garcinia Cambogia

According to supplement makers, Garcinia Cambogia contains a weight loss booster called hydroxycitric acid, or HCA extract. Supporters of garcinia cambogia claim this extract can do two things:

Suppress Appetite: Garcinia cambogia supposedly increases the secretion of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control appetite and mood. Increasing serotonin levels allegedly reduces the desire for unhealthy food cravings and improves one’s mood.

Stops Fat Production: HCA extract purportedly blocks an enzyme called citric lyase, which is said to control the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. By blocking this enzyme, the liver stops producing and storing fat and instead starts burning fat.

These two mechanisms are supposed to deliver ridiculous weight loss results to those who use it. It sure makes garcinia cambogia seem like a miracle, at least in theory. If you take a look at the clinical evidence, you’ll see otherwise.

Garcinia Cambogia Studies

Clinical research to support garcinia cambogia is limited at best. According to the main study given by manufacturers, a 60-person study found that garcinia cambogia users lost 7.9 more pounds over the course of two months compared to a placebo group. However, no dietary or exercise instructions were given.

In another study, 80 adults were given either a high dose of garcinia cambogia or a placebo, which was to be taken twice a day. After three months, the garcinia cambogia group lost 2.9 more pounds than the placebo group. Once again, no instruction was given on dietary or exercise requirements and therefore the results are statistically insignificant.

In the Journal of Obesity, a report was published that analyzed roughly a dozen garcinia cambogia studies. The report found that garcinia cambogia could most likely help dieters lose an extra six to eight pounds over the course of ten to twelve weeks.

Is Garcinia Cambogia Safe?

The one bright spot for garcinia cambogia is that it does appear safe. Studies have reported that there seem to be few if any side effects and that it is safe for most people. However, the long-term effects are unknown and garcinia cambogia should still be taken with caution.

Final Verdict

Garcinia cambogia is nothing like the miracle many people claim it to be. Sure, it might help you lose a few pounds in the short-term but it isn’t going to help you shed dozens of unwanted pounds like you desire. If you’re going to use garcinia cambogia, use so with caution.

Supplement Scorecard: B