The label shows how strong the evidence is, not how big the effect is. Tap a claim to see its papers.
At most about 1 kg: pooled estimates of -0.88 kg and -1.34 kg, while a 12-week JAMA RCT and a 54-trial herbal meta-analysis found no effect.[1][2][3][4]
Two meta-analyses show small, borderline effects of uncertain clinical relevance, but the largest well-run RCT was null and another meta-analysis found no effect. Mixed and weak, so Grade C.
Each plate is one paper. Taller = stronger study design, wider = more studies pooled. Tap one.
In 54 placebo-controlled trials of overweight or obese adults, single-agent garcinia showed no effect on weight; no herbal medicine could be recommended for weight loss.
Across 9 pooled RCTs, garcinia/HCA gave a small, borderline-significant short-term weight loss of uncertain clinical relevance; GI side effects were twice as common in one trial.
Across 8 trials (530 people), garcinia reduced weight, BMI, body-fat percentage and waist versus placebo, with a nonlinear dose-response.
In a 12-week JAMA trial of 135 overweight adults on a low-energy diet, 1500 mg/day HCA produced no more weight or fat loss than placebo.
Mixed: one small single-blind crossover found 15-30% lower energy intake, but a double-blind crossover found no change in satiety or intake.[5][6]
Only small, short (2-week) crossover trials exist and they disagree. Grade C.
Each plate is one paper. Taller = stronger study design, wider = more studies pooled. Tap one.
In a single-blind crossover of 24 overweight adults, 300 mg HCA three times daily for 2 weeks reduced 24-h energy intake by 15-30% without changing appetite ratings.
In 21 normal-to-moderately obese adults, 2 weeks of 500 mg HCA did not increase satiety or reduce energy intake versus placebo.
Garcinia cambogia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tropical fruit whose rind provides hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the ingredient standardised in weight-loss supplements. It is not a normal part of most Western diets, and the opened sources give no dietary intake figure.
HCA competitively inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme needed to make new fat from carbohydrate (de novo lipogenesis). It is also proposed to reduce appetite. In people, a 12-week trial found no extra weight or fat loss, and appetite trials disagree.[4][5][6]
Reviewed 03 Oct 2026 · every PubMed ID checked against PubMed
Trials used 500-1500 mg HCA/day (500 mg/day, 300 mg three times daily, or 1500 mg/day in the JAMA trial)
No change in satiety or energy intake.[6]
24-h energy intake 15-30% lower in a single-blind crossover.[5]
No extra weight or fat loss versus placebo.[4]
Nonlinear association between dose and weight change.[2]
16 of 22 registry liver-injury cases involved garcinia with green tea; the injury was clinically indistinguishable from green tea alone.[7]
Garcinia blocks fat so you lose weight without trying
With diet, HCA produced no extra weight or fat loss over placebo in a 12-week JAMA trial.[4]
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