Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), most commonly derived from the rind of Garcinia cambogia fruit, has been investigated for its potential effects on appetite suppression and weight management. The scientific rationale centers on HCA’s purported ability to inhibit ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis, and to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which may promote satiety and reduce appetite.

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined the efficacy of HCA in reducing appetite and supporting weight loss. Some studies report modest reductions in appetite and food intake, while others find no significant effects compared to placebo. For instance, a 2011 systematic review in the Journal of Obesity concluded that HCA supplementation might lead to short-term weight loss, but the magnitude of the effect was small and not always clinically significant. Appetite measures were inconsistently affected across studies, with some reporting reduced hunger and others finding no difference.

Overall, the evidence supporting HCA’s effectiveness in appetite suppression is limited and mixed, with methodological flaws and heterogeneity among studies. While there is a plausible biological mechanism and some preliminary clinical data, large, well-designed trials have not consistently confirmed significant benefits. Thus, while HCA is used for appetite control and has some scientific investigation, the strength of evidence is low (rated 2 out of 5).

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