~~MUSCLE TECH HYDROXYCUT~~JUST ANOTHER FAT BURNER??
Written: Oct 10 '02 (Updated Jan 16 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Increases energy levels and metabolism for those seeking weight loss.
Cons: Contains ephedra, which may produce dangerous side effects for some.
The Bottom Line: Fat burners containing ephedra can be very dangerous, so use Muscle Tech Hydroxycut with caution, if at all.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Hydroxycut (0610012) |
Most people by now have seen the commercials and magazine ads for the very popular fat burner called Muscle Tech Hydroxycut. "Before" and "after" shots are taken of models who supposedly went from "fat" to "skinny" in just a few short weeks or months using this new and improved advanced weight loss system. Now to me, these "after" photos don't even look like the same person most of the time even though they are wearing the same clothing (usually a very ill-fitting swimsuit in the "before" shot), so I've always been a bit skeptical about their advertising practices. But I've always been a sucker for any "lose weight quickly" scheme, so the promise of weight loss in a pill has always snagged my interest at one time or another. And I've admittedly tried my share of similar fat burners in the past. So soon after returning from our annual Florida vacation last June, I picked up a bottle of this Muscle Tech Hydroxycut to help me shed the excess weight I'd gained from our trip. Used cautiously as directed, this patent pending dietary supplement did help me drop a few pounds, but at what price? Read on to find out more.....
~~~The Fat Burner~~~
According to packaging advertising found printed on the side of each bottle of this advanced weight loss formula: The new and improved Muscle Tech Hydroxycut contains the same clinically proven fat loss ingredients as the original formula, with the addition of a new proprietary weight loss compound called HydroxyTea. Hydroxycut has now been specially concentrated, allowing you to get even better fat loss results while taking fewer capsules - and you get more servings per bottle. This fat burner gets most of its stimulant power (basically legalized "speed") from a very controversial herb called ephedra, which has lead to serious health complications and even death in some individuals. Because of this dangerous risk, some weight loss companies have began to produce ephedra-free fat burning formulas, but this is not one of them. Other important ingredients found in these capsules that alter the body's metabolic rate include caffeine, green tea leaf extract, and chromium picolinate. Taken before meals to get the best intended effect, Muscle Tech Hydroxycut is certainly a dietary supplement that should be used with much caution, especially in individuals sensitive to any of the above ingredients. This could potentially be some scary stuff, so be forewarned right from the beginning.
~~~Packaging & Price~~~
Muscle Tech Hydroxycut may be purchased in several different sized bottles at most drug, discount, and health stores, along with online sites such as www.drugstore.com. These include: a small 70 count bottle for $22.99, a medium sized 140 count bottle for $39.99, and a large 210 count bottle for $58.99. I found my 70 count bottle at my local Wal-Mart a bit cheaper for approximately $18.00, so shop around for the best prices. The smaller bottle would definitely be the way to go if you wanted to assess your tolerance to this advanced weight loss formula first before investing a large amount of money into the larger sizes. But there's only about 11 days worth of capsules contained in the small 70 count bottle when used at the maximum recommended dosage (3 capsules twice a day). The bottle of Muscle Tech Hydroxycut itself has a childproof twist-off lid and contains the herbal fragranced, rather large capsules inside.
~~~Directions for Use~~~
Men and women seeking weight loss by using Muscle Tech Hydroxycut should read the directions very carefully before use. Take 3 capsules with a glass of water 2 times daily, approximately 1 hours before meals (preferably before morning and afternoon meals). To assess individual tolerance, follow the dosing chart.
Week 1 ~ 1 capsule, twice daily
Week 2 ~ 2 capsules, twice daily
Week 3 ~ 3 capsules, twice daily
For maximum fat loss, take 3 capsules 3 times daily (3rd dose before dinner). Do not exceed 3 capsules in a 4 hours period and 9 capsules in a day. Do not take within 6 hours of sleep. Read the entire label before use and follow directions. I personally did not take more than 2 capsules twice a day as this was all my body needed to reap the increased energy and decreased appetite benefits without making me a nervous wreck. Make no mistake that although the ingredients are advertised to be 100% natural, the herbs and other additives are treated like stimulant drugs in your system, so please be careful. Some people just can't tolerate the nervous, jittery feelings some fat burners such as this Muscle Tech Hydroxycut produce, as well as the headaches that occur from all the excess caffeine, so use cautiously if at all.
~~~Ingredients~~~
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Chromium picolinate, Hydroxycut Proprietary Blend Ingredients: Hydroxagen (Garcinia cambogia)(fruit & rind)(standardized for 1000mg hydroxycitric acid), HydroxyTea: Guarana Extract (seed), Green Leaf Tea Extract, (standardized for 95% polyphenols [70% catechins (45% epigallocatechin gallate - 90mg EGCG)]), (standardized for 200mg caffeine), Ma-Huang Extract (stem & leaf) (standardized for 20mg ephedra alkaloids), Willow Bark Extract (purple & white) (standardized for 15mg salicin), L-Carnitine Tartrate.
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: gelatin, magnesium stearate, silica, cellulose.
~~~Warnings~~~
Not intended for use by persons under 18. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a physician (medical doctor) before using if you have been treated for or diagnosed with, or have a family history of, or have any indication of, any medical condition including but not limited to: high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart, liver, kidney, thyroid, or psychiatric disease, psychosis, bipolar disorder, stroke, angina, recurrent headaches, pheochromacytoma, diabetes, asthma, bleeding disorder, anemia, glaucoma, nervousness, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, peptic ulcers, Parkinson's disease, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement or if you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other dietary supplement, prescription drug or over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine, caffeine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain decongestants, allergy, asthma, cough/cold and weight control products). The maximum recommended serving of ephedrine for a healthy adult is 100 mg in a 24 hour period for not more than 12 weeks. Stop use for 2 weeks after 12 weeks of continuous use. Consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise program. Discontinue use and call a physician immediately, if you experience: rapid and/or irregular heart beat, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, tremors, nausea, nervousness, tingling sensations, chest pain, noticeable changes in behavior, loss of consciousness or other similar symptoms. Exceeding the recommended serving and/or improper use of this product will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects including heart attack and stroke. Improper use of this product includes but is not limited to: use of the product other than as recommended, use of the product for more than 12 weeks, use of this product in combination with aspirin, any anti-coagulant (blood thinner), or any other ephedrine group alkaloid, or caffeine, or other ingredients that have a known stimulant effect. Products that have a stimulant effect may include prescription drugs or over-the-counter supplements and herbal or botanical products. Stop taking 2 weeks before surgery. Do not use with alcohol. Do not use if you have a history of drug use. Product not to be used by aspirin (salicin) sensitive individuals. Do not use during strenuous activity on high temperature conditions. Use only as directed. Do not use if imprinted seal under cap in broken. Store in a cool dry place (59°- 77° F). The sale of this product to persons 17 years of age or younger in Texas is prohibited. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
~~~My Experience~~~
As it should be obvious to understand from the long list of warnings posted above, Muscle Tech Hydroxycut is NOT something casual dieters should consider taking without weighing all the pros and cons very heavily first. I'd highly recommend starting out with just one capsule twice a day to see just what kind of stimulant effect this weight loss formula will have. For higher doses seem to cause a nervous and shaky feeling that is not pleasant at all. And headaches are a possible side effect with higher doses as well, so decide if feeling miserable all day is truly worth dropping a few pounds in a hurry. Sure, I lost about 5 pounds in two weeks while using this dietary supplement, but I also exercised regularly at the same time. My energy levels were definitely elevated during the day and I experienced a decrease in appetite as well. But once my bottle was gone and I went back to my regular eating and activity habits, the weight slowly came back. So yes, this "quick fix" does work, but the results are only temporary. For Muscle Tech Hydroxycut only offers limited weight loss benefits since dieters are not taught long term lifestyle changes that are the key to long term success.
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
Be extremely cautious when using any fat burner for weight loss, including this Muscle Tech Hydroxycut. The main ingredient ephedra had gotten some rather bad press here lately, and for good reasons. Just remember that herbs are drugs too, and your body will react accordingly. Because there are so many dangerous side effects that can occur, I do not recommend this dietary supplement to others. One bottle was enough for me, so I don't plan on wasting my hard earned money on another any time soon. Just be strong the next time you see one of those amazing commercials for this advanced weight loss formula! For if it looks like it is too good to be true as the old cliche goes, it probably is. So leave Muscle Tech Hydroxycut on the shelf and invest in a healthier diet and lifestyle instead. Good luck :-)
For more information on the new and improved Muscle Tech Hydroxycut and other similar dietary supplements designed to aid in weight loss, check out their website online at:
www.hydroxycut.com
Questions or comments?
1-800-246-3261
MuscleTech R&D, Inc.
Mississauga, ON CANADA
L6W 4S6
Interested in another brand of fat burner called Cytodyne Xenedrine RFA-1? Then please check out the following review:
http://www.epinions.com/content_67378318980
Recommended:
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