Hydroxycut is an appetite controlling weight loss supplement manufactured by MuscleTech Research and Development, Inc and marketed by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. It is often promoted as the number one weight loss formula in the United States. Hydroxycut, in addition to controlling appetite, also boosts energy levels, increases the metabolism, reduces hunger cravings and when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and a proper exercise routine makes a formidable weight loss product.

The main ingredients present in Hydroxycut are garcinia cambogia, chromium polynicotinate, gymnema sylvestre, green tea and caffeine. In the United States Hydroxycut is sold without ephedra, which is a heart rate and blood pressure raising agent that has been shown to produce dangerous side effects in some people.

Garcinia cambogia is a plant native to Indonesia and is better known in the west as tamarind, or brindall berry. Extracts from the plant are used as an ingredient in appetite suppressant and energy boosting formulas.

Chromium polynicotinate is the patented version of chromium, which is a trace mineral needed by the body for regulating serum glucose levels. Studies into its uses have shown that it may aid weight loss as a dietary supplement as well as helping to burn fat and build muscle.

Gymnema sylvestre is a herb used for thousands of years in southern and central India as a diabetes treatment. Studies are still inconclusive, although many have shown it to reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion as well as exhibiting reducing of sweet taste of sugar, making it useful for fighting sugar cravings. 

Green tea contains many health benefits including antioxidants and the ability to promote fat oxidation making it a highly useful additional ingredient in any weight loss supplement.

Caffeine is the well known stimulant present in coffee and tea. It is an ergogenic which increases the capacity for mental or physical work. It stimulates the metabolism and raises heart rate and blood pressure.

Hydroxycut has been subject to many published studies which tend to show its usefulness in helping obese patients lose anything up to four and a half times the amount of weight that diet and exercise alone would have achieved. It comes in several forms including a caffeine free version for those sensitive to the stimulant, but all have been shown to be beneficial to those seeking to lose weight or to build lean muscle through exercise.