Garcinia Cambogia is a popular weight loss supplement. But, is there such a thing as a weight loss drug?
Today, markets are full of “miracle drugs” and supplements, which claim to help you drop pounds fast, and of course, they are getting really popular in numerous countries around the world.
What is Garcinia Cambogia? (The Supplement – Weight Loss Connection)
Garcinia cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind, is a tropical fruit and a weight-loss supplement. The key active ingredient found in this fruits is called Hygroxycitric Acid (HCA) that several studies suggest can help some people lose weight. Certain scientists believe that garcinia Cambogia blocks the ability of the body to make fat and it puts the brakes on the appetite. It can help keep cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check, too. 1
You can find this supplement in bottles on the shelf at the stores as well as combined with other ingredients in diet products. Most people are drawn to the idea of using this supplement due to its potential which it can provide near-effortless, fast weight loss without the need to change someone’s lifestyle or an overall diet very much.
Garcinia cambogia (GC) has been consumed in some parts of Asia for decades – however, not for the purpose of losing weight. But, when this supplement first began to gain popularity in the USA a couple of years ago – after appearing in the media and on famous health related TV programs – sales have gone up dramatically. Numerous people are buying this so-called “miracle drug” in hopes of losing weight they’ve been struggling with for years.
However, just like many other weight-loss supplements, products and pills, research regarding GC’s safety and effects have been mixed. And while there is an evidence that HCA may be able to aid in weight loss even when someone doesn’t work out regularly or change their diet much – there are also concerns regarding side effects that can occur including anxiety, liver damage or failure, digestive problems, fatigue, and dizziness.
So, does it live up to its hype? Following, Your Health Tubers will try to answer this question (based on research). First, let see how garcinia Cambogia works!
How It Works
As we mentioned before, the active ingredient in the rind of the fruit, known as hydroxycitric acid (HCA), has improved fat-burning and reduce appetite in studies. It seems to block an enzyme known as citrate lyase that our bodies use to make fat. Moreover, it also raises levels of serotonin (a brain chemical) that may make you feel less hungry.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Work?
GC research results, reviews, and weight loss testimonials have been mixed. Generally, the actual weight loss result isn’t impressive. According to a review published in the Journal of Obesity, individuals who consumed garcinia Cambogia in research lost around 2 pounds more than individuals who didn’t consume it 2 . The referees could not claim for sure that the weight loss was due to the supplement. It could have been from the exercise programs and lower-calorie diet the people in the studies usually followed. More studies are required to find out if HCA really helps persons lose a lot of weight and what’s also important – keep it off.
Other claims that are commonly made about GC’s effect include:
- Less of desire to eat than usual, or loss of appetite
- reduced cravings for unhealthy foods, like addiction of sugar a
- a more positive mood (like feeling more energetic, less tired, and happier)
- increased concentration and energy
- improved bowel movements
- stabilized blood sugar levels
- reduced joint pains
- stronger desire to be physically active
- improved cholesterol levels
Most of the above-stated claims haven’t been backed by scientific research, however, some have. Following, you can find the proven health benefits of garcinia Cambogia:
- Control Blood Sugar and Improve Cholesterol Levels
GC may make it easier for the body to use glucose. In a study, mice that got this supplement had lower levels of insulin than mice that did not. That is another purpose, besides weight loss, that diabetics are interested in it. Though, if you’re taking GC along with a medicine to control your blood sugar – your glucose may get dangerously low.
Several studies have found that GC can also improve levels of cholesterol, lowering triglycerides and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and improving HDL (the”good” one). However, you should not use it if you’re already on a treatment for your cholesterol. 3
4
- Lose Weight
Some research has found that GC might, actually, be able to help with low amounts of fat loss, along with some of the other health issues mentioned above, even though its effects are rarely consistent or strong. This supplement may help you if you need to lose a few pounds and may not help if you’re overweight or obese.
Possible Side Effects
When you use garcinia Cambogia, you may get:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or upset stomach
- Headache
In 2009, the Food and Drug Administration warned people to stop using a weight-loss product which contained GC because some individuals taking it got serious liver problems. But, the product had some other ingredients, as well, so it’s not clear that GC was to blame. More evidence is definitely needed – because some research suggests garcinia Cambogia supplement is safe for the liver, and other says no.
Garcinia cambogia might interact seriously with:
- Pain medicines
- Statins, medications that lower cholesterol
- Diabetes medicines, including insulin and pills
- Asthma and allergy medicines such as Singulair and Accolate
- Warfarin, a blood thinner
- Prescriptions for psychiatric conditions
- Iron (for anemia)
You should definitely avoid using garcinia Cambogia if you’re pregnant or if you are nursing, and if you have liver or kidney problems.
To Use or Not to Use?
Many celebrities use garcinia Cambogia, from Kim Kardashian to Adele – and claimed that this supplement helped them lose weight. But, since research results are mixed, I recommend you to talk to your GP who will help you decide if taking GC is a good idea for you. Even if it’s safe for you to use it – it may not aid you to lose much weight. However, Your Health Tubers advise your to spend your money on an exercise DVD or healthy food.
How Much Garcinia Cambogia Should You Take?
If your GP say that this supplement is safe for your health and you decide that you want to try taking garcinia Cambogia for weight loss or its other benefits, here is what you should know about dosage recommendations for any product containing HCA:
Research using this supplement have used a wide range of dosages, anywhere from 1- 2.8 grams a day. Normal doses are usually between 250 to 1,000 milligrams daily.
Studies duration has also varied widely, ranging from using this supplement between 2 to 12 weeks at a time.
The ideal dose of HCA is presently still unknown; it is not clear if a higher HCA dosage even means a higher bioavailability of HCA when consumed.
GC continues to be the most widely used supplement in research for providing HCA, though, aside from this supplement, HCA could also be found in many other supplements made from the plant Hibiscus subdariffa.
Due to the fact that most studies have investigated the effect of GC taken for around 8 weeks, scientists believe this ultimately “too short a time to calculate the effect of HCA on body weight”
Conclusion:
Garcinia cambogia is a fruit that typically grows in Southeast Asia. This fruit has been historically used for cooking – though, recently surfaced as a prospective weight loss supplement. Scientific evidence behind the effectiveness of this supplement for weight loss has been mixed. Reported side effects for GC are mild. They generally include digestive problems, dry mouth, and dizziness. Consult your GP before you decide to use this supplement for weight loss, diabetes, or high cholesterol.