Cellulite Loss Goes Wrong With Hydroxycut

A pill a day keeps liposuction away...or does it?

According to CNN and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced that the Hydroxycut products, popular dietary supplements used for weight loss and cellulite, have been linked to liver damage and are being recalled. Already the FDA has received multiple reports of serious liver injuries, including death that is directly linked to Hydroxycut products. That number and cases filed against the weigh-loss manufacturer is expected to rise in the upcoming weeks, despite the recall.

Some of the current cases include the 2007 death of a 19-year-old man living in the Southwest, which was reported to the FDA in March, according to CNN. Other serious liver problems reported included liver damage that resulted in a transplant in 2002, liver failure, jaundice, seizures and cardiovascular problems, CNN said.

The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using 14 Hydroxycut products manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. of Oakville, Ontario, and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, New York.

CNN reporters claim that the company is voluntarily recalling the following products: Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets, Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets, Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix), Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Liquid Shots, Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed, Hydroxycut 24, Hydroxycut Carb Control and Hydroxycut Natural.

According to the FDA, last year, Iovate sold more than 9 million units of Hydroxycut products, which were distributed widely to grocery stores, health food stores and pharmacies.

As quoted on CNN, "The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risks. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they experience symptoms possibly associated with these products," said Dr. Linda Katz, interim chief medical officer of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.

Liver damage is rare, but patients who experienced problems were taking doses recommended on the product label, the FDA said. Symptoms include brown urine, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach pain, itching and light-colored stools.

The FDA has not determined what specific ingredients are responsible for the problems, because the products contain a variety of overlapping ingredients, said CNN.

With all the turmoil regarding Hydroxycut and other ephedrine-based cellulite and weight loss products, the conclusion is no doubt that natural cellulite loss is the only way to go. Why take the chance?

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