Health Authorities Warn of Severe Risks from Garcinia Cambogia Weight Loss Supplements

French health agency Anses strongly advises against the use of Garcinia cambogia-based supplements, citing cases of severe health complications and one death linked to the plant's consumption.

Garcinia cambogia, a plant marketed for weight loss, has been linked to 38 cases of severe health issues in France between 2009 and 2024, including liver damage, psychiatric disorders, and heart complications.
The plant, banned in French medicines since 2012, is still sold in over 340 dietary supplements online and in stores, often with unproven claims of fat storage reduction and appetite suppression.
Anses has documented cases of severe side effects, including a fatal acute hepatitis in France and a heart transplant caused by myocarditis in a previously healthy individual.
Health risks are heightened for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking medications that affect liver function, but severe effects have also been reported in healthy consumers.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently evaluating the risks associated with Garcinia cambogia and its active compound, hydroxycitric acid, which may lead to further restrictions or a ban across the EU.