The French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) warns of the serious risks associated with dietary supplements containing Garcinia cambogia, a plant used for weight loss. These products promise to reduce hunger and fat storage, but cause serious adverse effects, such as acute hepatitis, psychiatric disorders, and cardiac or muscular damage, sometimes in individuals with no medical history.
Since 2009, 38 cases of serious effects, including one death, have been reported in France. Drug interactions can exacerbate the risks, affecting even healthy people. Although banned from medications since 2012, this plant remains present in 340 dietary supplements.
ANSES strongly advises against its use and calls for stricter European regulations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is assessing the risks associated with hydroxycitric acid, a component of the plant, and may restrict its use. ANSES (French Agency for Food Safety and Security) points out that losing weight without medical supervision can be dangerous, especially when combined with unbalanced eating habits.
 Pascal Lemontel
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05/03/2025 | 
