Lipozene vs Hydroxycut – Side Effects, Ingredients, Differences

Lipozene

It is a dietary supplement which is produced and sold by the company Obesity Research Institute LLC.

In 2005, this company was fined $1.5 million by the Federal Trade Commission for misleading statements about weight-loss results from a similar glucomannan-containing supplement.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in this weight loss supplement is glucomannan (also referred to as Konjac fiber), a type of fiber that is used in the East to help relieve constipation and bowel troubles.

Moreover, glucomannan absorbs the water and expands its size. This creates a feeling of satiety because it makes the stomach full. Hence, the person eats less food. Since fewer calories are consumed, the person can lose weight.

In addition to this type of dietary fiber, this supplement contains – microcrystalline cellulose (refined wood pulp), titanium dioxide, gelatin (a protein obtained by boiling ligaments, tendons, skin, and bones with water), stearic acid, magnesium silicate, and FD&C Blue No. 1 (a greenish-blue dye which adds a blue shade in this product).

Benefits

Improves Your Gut Bacteria

This supplement may indirectly influence weight by promoting good bacteria in the gut. Dietary fiber promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

This could make you less prone to weight gain, plus, the dietary fiber (glucomannan) is used by gut microbes to produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids.

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

When the fiber is fermented in your large intestine, the bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids which help to prevent the liver from secreting too much glucose (sugar) into the blood during overnight fasting.

This is good for type 2 diabetics since the absorption of too much sugar too fast can cause the pancreas to produce extra insulin to facilitate sugar transport from your blood into the tissues.

In addition, some of the excess sugar may be converted into triglycerides in the liver, and the fat may be shipped to the tissues, leading to weight gain.

Reduces LDL And Total Cholesterol

Glucomannan is a type of dietary fiber which has been shown to notably reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, according to the University of Michigan.

Too much LDL (bad) cholesterol in the arteries may lead to a condition called the hardening of the arteries (or atherosclerosis). This can considerably increase the risk of blood clots and stroke.

This fiber also raises HDL cholesterol, better known as good cholesterol since it carries LDL cholesterol to the liver to be expelled from the body.

Side Effects And Precautions

The side effects of this supplement are similar to those caused by eating a lot of dietary fiber, including;

  • diarrhea;
  • cramping;
  • stomach pains;
  • bloating;
  • gas.

Other reported side effects include – problem breathing, vomiting, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.

Hydroxycut

It isn’t just one product but it is a family of dietary weight loss supplements sold without a prescription. Their products include protein bars, drink mixes, chewable “gummies,” caplets, and powders.

People typically use these supplements to accelerate their weight loss. These products don’t contain any calories, therefore, they lead to weight loss.

Ingredients

Most of their products contain some of the following active ingredients:

  • Yohimbe bark extract – it inhibits a regulatory process in fat cells as well as it works by increasing adrenaline levels in the human body;
  • Caffeine;
  • Green coffee bean extract – it contains a higher amount of chlorogenic acid;
  • Vitamin C;
  • Calcium;
  • Lady’s mantle extract (botanical name – Alchemilla vulgaris);
  • Wild mint extract (scientifical name – Vaccinium myrtillus) – it is traditionally used to treat digestive problems, flatulence, and gallbladder problems;
  • Komijn extract (Cuminum cyminum);
  • Wild olive extract (Olea europaea) – it makes people feel more energized and has been shown to have antioxidant effects;
  • Leucine – supplementation with this amino acid reduces levels of body fat, according to a 2007 study published in “Diabetes.”

Side Effects And Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • loss of appetite;
  • constipation;
  • increased heart rate;
  • restlessness;
  • a feeling of jitteriness;
  • acne;
  • nose bleeding;
  • irritation;
  • profuse sweating.

Lipozene vs Hydroxycut – Which Is Better For Weight Loss?

Lipozene is a popular weight loss supplement whose main ingredient is the water-soluble fiber called glucomannan.

This dietary fiber is extracted from the roots of the konjac plant, native to Japan and China. It has the capacity to absorb water. For instance, a single capsule can turn an entire glass of water into a gel.

Hydroxycut is a weight loss supplement that was developed by MuscleTech Research. According to the producer, it helps in breaking down fat cells through a process known as thermogenesis.

Do these supplements work? Ultimately, there are no conclusive studies to suggest that they work any better than other dietary supplements designed to boost weight loss.

Natural Alternatives To Weight Loss Pills

#1 Grapefruit Essential Oil

Enzymes found in the grapefruit help the body break down sugar, plus, it may reduce food cravings. It is also high in d-limonene, a potent antioxidant that is good for the skin.

#2 Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is an essential trace nutrient for human life and is widely distributed in small quantities in most foods.

It helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn reduces cravings. And reduced cravings mean that you’ll feel more satisfied with the foods you are eating.

#3 Green Tea

Produced from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, green tea has the capacity to stimulate fat loss.

Furthermore, it is rich in polyphenols that have beneficial effects, such as – prevention of cancer, liver disease, heart disease as well as it can reduce chronic inflammation levels in the body.

#4 Nutrition

One of the best things you can do to become healthier and leaner is to base your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables.

By doing this, you eliminate the vast majority of added fat, added sugar, and processed food.

#5 Exercise

While there is plenty of evidence showing individuals can lose unnecessary weight just by being more physically active, it is also one of the hardest (for most people) methods to go about it.

Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty

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References

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/09/health/he-skeptic9
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/hydroxycitric-acid-hydroxycut

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