What is Garcinia cambogia?

Garcinia cambogia is a tropical plant native to India and South-East Asia. It looks like a cross between a pumpkin and a tomato. It's also a supplement that has been promoted as a way to lose weight without additional exercise or dieting.

The skin of the fruit contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been found to aid weight loss in animal trials.

The extract of HCA is available in powdered form or pill form and can be purchased online or in health stores under a range of names — garcinia, garcinia cambogia extract, cambogia garcinia, garcinia diet supplement, garcinia gummi-gutta, garcinia complex or brindleberry.

Does Garcina cambogia enable weight loss?

The research on people suggests it probably does not help people to lose weight or if it does, the effect is very small. It is certainly not a breakthrough, as some of the advertisements might say.

A recent study into all the research about Garcina cambogia found it had no effect on people’s weight loss at all.

Is Garcina cambogia safe?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has evaluated the safety and quality of Garcinia cambogia, and found that it is safe to be used as an ingredient in lower-risk medicines. (The TGA didn’t evaluate specifically whether or not the ingredient works.)

Some studies have shown it can cause headache, nausea, and symptoms in the upper respiratory tract, stomach and intestines.

A few people who were taking weight-loss supplements containing Garcinia cambogia have developed liver damage, but experts are not sure which ingredient was responsible.

If you are taking Garcinia cambogia, it’s important to remember that it is a medicine. Like all medicines, it can have side effects and can interact with any other medicines you are taking. Always tell your doctor if you are thinking about taking a new medicine and why. They can then make sure it’s a suitable medicine for you, and safe for you to take.

Garcinia cambogia can be bought online, but this can be risky. Many websites are fake sites that sell out-of-date, poor quality, contaminated or fake medicines, and sorting the real sites from the fake is not easy. Visit the NPS Medicinewise website to find out about buying medicines online.

Most dietary supplements are not very effective for weight loss. If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a safe and effective weight loss strategy that is right for you.

Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is a very good way to start.