“Morosil is the latest darling of self-proclaimed weight loss coaches who prey on the suffering of those struggling with their weight,” says Charles Brumauld, a dietitian-nutritionist and creator of the Charly’s Kitchen newsletter. “Most of these coaches use compelling arguments to lure followers into clicking on commercial links. It’s primarily a big money-making scheme.”
What is Morosil?
Morosil is an extract from blood oranges grown in Sicily, specifically the Moro variety. Dietary supplements using this extract come in various forms—gummies, capsules, or powder—and their compositions can differ significantly.
Beyond the key ingredient, these supplements might also contain apple cider vinegar, caffeine, guarana, kola, or green tea, depending on the brand. While it’s hard to generalise, the marketing message is often the same: promising rapid weight loss (sometimes up to 26 pounds in a month!) with no need for diet or exercise.
Does Morosil work?
“No miracle weight loss pill works,” asserts Nathalie Négro, head of the nutritional centre at the Thermes de Brides-les-Bains. “Taking such a dietary supplement might encourage some people to eat more mindfully to boost its effects, which could lead to some results. But on its own, it’s just an illusion.”
An orange extract can increase your intake of antioxidants and vitamin C. Combined with caffeine, it can provide a temporary boost, but “it will not significantly reduce fat mass, and certainly not specifically abdominal fat as many influencers claim,” notes Charles Brumauld. “No substance can target fat loss in one specific area of the body.”
When combined with apple cider vinegar, Morosil doesn’t seem much more effective. “Apple cider vinegar can slow stomach emptying when added to a salad, but it has no effect if taken alone,” explains Nathalie Négro.
The promoters’ claims and scientific evidence
Morosil promoters often refer to a 2022 scientific study to justify their claims. “While the study concludes that it could significantly contribute to weight loss,” Charles Brumauld points out, “this is only on the condition to pair with an appropriate diet and regular physical activity.”
Potential risks of consuming Morosil
Taking a dietary supplement without the advice of a healthcare professional (doctor, dietitian…) is never trivial.
“For example, an excess of antioxidants like polyphenols can increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers,”
notes Nathalie Négro.
Since Morosil is available over-the-counter, consumers can easily take large quantities in hopes of losing weight faster. “And when the orange extract is combined with caffeine or kola, sleep quality can deteriorate,” adds the expert. “Yet good sleep is one pillar of weight loss. Not to mention the potential increase in heart rate, leading to palpitations and discomfort. This type of supplement also perpetuates the magical thinking that you can eat anything and still lose weight, which is false.”
Moreover, “using a fat-burning supplement can open the door to or maintain an eating disorder (ED),” warns Charles Brumauld. “By entering the spiral of the thinness obsession, teenagers and young adults put all their hopes in a pill. And if the expected miracle doesn’t happen, they can lose confidence, which is devastating for self-esteem and can lead to even less balanced eating, which is counterproductive for weight loss.”
The bottom line
While Morosil might seem like a quick fix, it’s important to remember that there are no shortcuts to sustainable weight loss. Relying on dietary supplements without professional guidance can be harmful and ineffective. Prioritising a balanced diet, regular exercise and healthy habits is the real key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire France
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
