Does Ovira Curb+Crave work for weight loss?

Jump to: What Ovira Curb+Crave claims to do | Ingredient analysis | UK regulatory concerns | Cost and value assessment | Evidence-based alternatives | Take home message

There is no evidence that Ovira Curb+Crave supports weight loss. Although it contains some ingredients with some research backing them, no studies have been conducted to test the specific formula itself.

The main active ingredient, chromium, shows modest effects in research with weight loss of just 0.75-1.1 kg over 12-16 weeks, less than the natural weight fluctuations many people experience.

Other ingredients, such as magnesium and vitamin B6, have even less evidence supporting weight loss claims. These are also nutrients that you can easily obtain through a varied diet.

At £39-78 per month, you’re paying a premium for a product that has no evidence of supporting weight loss.

Plus, relying on unproven ‘quick fix’ solutions is an opportunity cost. More time and money spent on unproven approaches to weight loss means less time spent developing sustainable habits that will actually support health and weight loss in the long term.

When we decide to purchase products like Curb+Crave in the belief they’ll support weight loss, we’re simply kicking the can down the road.

Ovira is a company initially founded in Australia, and has already faced challenges against its marketing tactics.

Australia’s Advertising Standards Authority recently ruled against Ovira for making prohibited weight loss claims, raising serious questions about their marketing practices.

Many UK women are attracted to weight loss supplements like Curb+Crave as they seek alternatives to prescription medications or lifestyle changes.

However, understanding the difference between marketing claims and scientific evidence helps you make informed decisions about whether this expensive supplement offers genuine value.

What Ovira Curb+Crave claims to do

Ovira Curb+Crave markets itself as a premium appetite suppressant and metabolism booster specifically designed for women.

According to their marketing, this supplement can help you:

1. Reduce hunger and cravings through their proprietary “Chronoblock” formula
2. Boost metabolism to burn more calories throughout the day
3. Achieve significant weight loss (with suggestions of 15-20% body weight reduction)
4. Improve energy levels and mood while dieting
5. Support sustainable weight management without rebound weight gain

The company positions Curb+Crave as a natural alternative to prescription weight loss medications, claiming their formula works by regulating blood sugar levels, reducing appetite hormones, and supporting thyroid function.

Their marketing features dramatic testimonials and before/after images suggesting transformative results in just 4-12 weeks, with claims that 92% of customers report reduced cravings and 87% experience weight loss.

These bold promises make Curb+Crave appealing to women seeking solutions for weight management.

However, examining these claims against available scientific evidence reveals significant discrepancies between marketing and reality.

Ingredient analysis

Here’s what the evidence actually shows for Ovira Curb+Crave’s key ingredients:

Ingredient (Curb+Crave amount)	Claimed benefit	Evidence quality	Reality check
Chromium Picolinate/Polynicotinate (dose not disclosed)	Blood sugar control, reduces cravings	Poor to Moderate	Meta-analyses show just 0.75-1.1 kg weight loss over 12-16 weeks – barely distinguishable from normal fluctuations
Magnesium Glycinate (dose not disclosed)	Supports metabolism, energy production	Very Poor	Systematic reviews show no significant effect on weight loss, BMI, or waist circumference
Vitamin B6 (dose not disclosed)	Boosts metabolism, supports fat burning	Poor (single small study)	Limited evidence for weight loss effects; dose appears lower than research amounts
Zinc (dose not disclosed)	Hormonal regulation, appetite control	Poor	May help if deficient, but supplementation in non-deficient individuals shows minimal effects on weight
Inositol (dose not disclosed)	Balances hormones, reduces cravings	Poor (limited to PCOS studies)	Some evidence for PCOS-related weight management only; general weight loss support unproven
Proprietary “Chronoblock” (blend of above)	Enhanced appetite control, metabolism boost	None	No studies testing this specific combination; proprietary blend masks individual ingredient amounts

Key takeaway: Despite impressive marketing claims, there’s a complete lack of transparency about ingredient dosages in Curb+Crave.

Ovira doesn’t disclose exactly how much of each ingredient the product contains, making it impossible to determine whether the amounts match those used in research.

Most concerning is the absence of any clinical testing on the actual Curb+Crave formula itself.

Despite claims about proprietary blends and synergistic effects, no studies have examined whether this specific combination produces meaningful weight loss results.

Chromium Picolinate/Polynicotinate: Multiple forms of chromium are included, with claims it regulates blood sugar and reduces cravings.

Meta-analyses show modest effects at best, with an average weight loss of 0.75-1.1 kg compared to placebo over 12-16 weeks. This minimal effect is barely distinguishable from normal weight fluctuations.

Magnesium Glycinate: Despite claims it supports metabolism and energy production, systematic reviews show no significant effect on weight loss.

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that magnesium supplementation had no meaningful impact on BMI, body weight, or waist circumference.

Vitamin B6: Limited evidence suggests potential modest effects on metabolism, but only a single small study supports weight loss benefits. The dose in Curb+Crave appears lower than the amounts used in this research.

Zinc: Claims about hormonal regulation and appetite control have limited scientific support. While zinc deficiency can affect appetite, supplementation in individuals who are not deficient shows minimal effects on weight.

Inositol: Preliminary research exists for inositol’s potential role in PCOS-related weight management, but evidence for its effectiveness in general weight loss is weak and inconsistent.

The fundamental issue is a complete lack of transparency about ingredient dosages. Ovira doesn’t disclose exactly how much of each ingredient Curb+Crave contains, making it impossible to determine whether they match amounts used in research.

Most concerning is the absence of any clinical testing on the actual Curb+Crave formula itself.

Despite claims about proprietary blends and synergistic effects, no studies have examined whether this specific combination produces meaningful weight loss results.

UK regulatory concerns

The UK has strict regulations governing weight loss claims for supplements, and Ovira Curb+Crave has already run afoul of these rules.

In December 2024, the Australian Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled against Ovira for multiple breaches of advertising standards.

The company was found to have made prohibited claims about specific amounts of weight loss and inappropriately compared their supplement to prescription medications.

The ASA ruling stated that Ovira’s ads “must not appear again in the form complained about,”.

Unlike some competitors with medical device certifications (such as XLS Medical products), Ovira Curb+Crave doesn’t have MHRA registration or approval as a medical device or medication. This places it in the supplement category, which faces significant restrictions on health claims.

The NHS position on weight loss supplements is clear: they recommend only prescription weight loss medications with proven clinical evidence.

Their guidance focuses on making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on over-the-counter supplements.

This regulatory context matters because it helps protect consumers from potentially misleading claims.

When companies make prohibited health claims, they not only violate regulations but also potentially lead consumers away from evidence-based approaches to weight loss.

Cost and value assessment

At £39-78 per bottle (depending on the package selected), Ovira Curb+Crave represents a significant monthly investment for minimal potential benefits.

Let’s examine cost-effectiveness based on the strongest available evidence for Curb+Crave’s ingredients:

Best-case scenario: If chromium produced its maximum observed effect of 1.1 kg weight loss over 12 weeks, this translates to roughly £118-234 per kilogram lost, assuming the supplement works as hoped.

Comparison with alternatives: A 500-calorie daily deficit achieved through diet and exercise typically results in 0.5-1 kg of weekly weight loss at no additional cost.

Even prescription medications cost £40-65 per kilogram lost, while producing much more substantial results.

The opportunity cost concern: Perhaps most worrying is the hidden cost of time wasted on ineffective solutions.

Many customers report using Curb+Crave for 3-6 months before concluding it doesn’t work; that’s half a year that could have been spent developing sustainable habits or using evidence-based approaches.

This delay in finding effective solutions compounds the financial cost. During those months of waiting for Curb+Crave to work, many people:

• Miss the chance to develop long-term healthy eating patterns
• Delay seeking professional guidance that could address the root causes
• Lose motivation after another ‘failed’ weight loss attempt
• Reinforce the cycle of trying quick fixes rather than sustainable changes

Customer reviews reveal a concerning pattern: while some users report appetite suppression and modest weight loss, many experience no effects whatsoever after months of use.

Common complaints include shipping delays lasting 4-8 weeks, poor customer service response, and difficulties with refunds despite the company’s money-back guarantee.

The key question becomes whether paying a premium price for unproven ingredients makes sense when more affordable options with better evidence exist.

Evidence-based alternatives

For those seeking effective weight management, several evidence-based approaches offer better value:

NHS weight management programmes: Free, structured support focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes.

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme provides 12 weeks of guidance at no cost to eligible individuals.

Prescription weight loss medications: For individuals meeting clinical criteria, medications like Mounjaro have shown significant results in clinical trials. While more expensive upfront, their proven effectiveness provides better long-term value.

Structured lifestyle programmes: Services combining behavioural psychology with nutrition support show average weight losses of 5-8% at 12 months, addressing the root causes of weight gain.

Eat a diet based on whole foods: Rather than spending money on supplements, invest in:

• High-protein foods that naturally lower hunger
• Fibre-rich vegetables that slow digestion and reduce hunger
• Regular physical activity to boost metabolism
• Stress management techniques to reduce emotional eating

Whole foods vs. Curb+Crave: better results at lower cost

Curb+Crave Ingredient	Claimed Benefit	Whole Food Alternative	Cost Comparison	Nutritional Advantages
Chromium	Blood sugar control	Broccoli, wholegrains, apples	£3-5/week vs. £10-20/week for supplement	Provides fibre, vitamins, antioxidants alongside chromium
Magnesium	Metabolism support	Spinach, nuts, legumes, seeds	£4-6/week vs. portion of supplement cost	Contains protein, fibre, and essential nutrients that work synergistically
Vitamin B6	Energy metabolism	Chicken, turkey, fish, bananas	Regular grocery items vs. supplement premium	Complete protein sources that naturally increase satiety
Zinc	Hormone balance	Seafood, beef, pumpkin seeds	£5-8/week vs. supplement portion	Higher bioavailability in food forms with additional nutrients
Inositol	Appetite control	Citrus fruits, beans, whole grains	£3-5/week vs. supplement portion	Natural fibre slows digestion and prolongs fullness
“Appetite suppression”	Reduced hunger	High-protein meals (eggs, Greek yoghurt, lean meats)	£10-15/week vs. £39-78/month	Protein requires more energy to digest and keeps you fuller longer
“Metabolism boost”	Increased calorie burn	Regular physical activity (walking, strength training)	Free-£20/month gym vs. supplement cost	Burns calories during and after exercise, builds muscle
“Craving control”	Reduced food seeking	Balanced meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats	Regular grocery budget vs. supplement premium	Stabilises blood sugar and provides sustained energy without crashes

Key advantages of eating a diet based on whole foods:

• Provides thousands of beneficial compounds not found in supplements
• Natural synergistic effects between nutrients
• Satisfies physical hunger through volume and nutrients
• Teaches sustainable eating habits that last beyond supplementation
• Improves overall health markers beyond just weight
• No risk of side effects common with supplements
• Supports local food systems rather than supplement manufacturers

For the cost of one month’s supply of Curb+Crave (£39-78), you could purchase approximately:

• 5kg of quality protein sources (chicken, fish, Greek yoghurt)
• 10kg of seasonal vegetables and fruits
• 2kg of nuts, seeds and wholegrains
• A basic set of home exercise equipment

These whole foods would not only provide all the nutrients found in the supplement, but would also teach you sustainable eating habits, provide greater satiety, and support overall health beyond just weight management.

These alternatives address the fundamental behaviours and patterns that influence weight, rather than promising quick fixes through unproven ingredients.

Take home message

Ovira Curb+Crave lacks convincing scientific evidence to support its weight loss claims, with no studies testing the actual formula and minimal research backing its individual ingredients.

At £39-£78 per month, it costs significantly more than competitors while offering questionable value.

The recent ASA ruling against Ovira in Australia for misleading marketing raises additional concerns about their claims and marketing practices.

For those seeking weight management support, evidence-based alternatives such as NHS programmes, clinically proven medications (when appropriate), or lifestyle-focused approaches offer better prospects for sustainable results.

Your money would be better invested in quality whole foods, professional guidance from registered dietitians, or proven weight management programmes that address the root causes of weight gain rather than promising miracle results.

Remember that sustainable weight loss comes from addressing eating behaviours, physical activity patterns, and psychological factors; none of which can be resolved through expensive supplements making bold claims without evidence.