Update 8/9/20. “Have you tried that crazy wrap thing?” is the slogan I kept seeing online when I started looking into the company called “It Works!” This is because It Works! started out as a company that sold toning wraps that were said to make people skinnier. Since then, the company has branched out and now sells all kinds of different supplements. In this review, I want to look at the It Works Advanced Formula Fat Fighter (with “carb inhibitors”) and see if it really burns fat or not. I also want to take a look at It Works! the company too, in case you were as curious as I was. Hopefully, by the end of this review, you will have more information to help you do your own research, and have a better idea if the It Works Fat Fighter is right for you.
Who Makes It Works!
The website, MyItWorks.com was first registered in 2002 by a company called It Works Marketing. Over the years the address for the company has changed. This may reflect the company moving to larger headquarters.
Previous addresses for It Works Marketing (better known as It Works Global) include:
-
- 2006 44th Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508
- 5325 E State Road 64, Bradenton, FL 34208-5534
The company is currently located at 908 Riverside Dr Palmetto, FL 34221-5035. Performing a google search for this address reveals a company, which is a very impressive 50,000 square foot building bearing the It Works name and logo.
Contact It Works!
The contact page of the MyItWorks website lists the following “loyal customer” contact numbers for those in the US: 1-800-537-2395 and 952-540-5699. The Better Business Bureau lists an additional contact number of (941) 348-6650. International toll-free customer support is also available in these countries as well:
- Australia: 1-(800) 750-398
- Canada: 1-(855) 560-1020
- United Kingdom: 0-(800) 098-8925
- Sweden: +46-770791808
- Netherlands:+31-858880101
- Belgium: +32-78480292
It Works Better Business Bureau Rating
The BBB rating for It Works is “C+.” When I checked the BBB file, they had a consumer alert for It Works Marketing which stated that:
- “BBB has received a pattern of complaints from consumers alleging that after trying to cancel with the business, they continue to receive additional products.
- Consumers also state that they have found additional charges being taken that the business has not informed them would be occurring.
- Complaints also allege that the business continues to bill after cancellation, and consumers are not informed that there is a $50.00 cancellation fee.”
In response to the BBB, It Works Global stated:
- “The underlying cause of the majority of our complaints is the improper enrollment of Loyal Customers by Independent Distributors.
- The business indicated that the majority of complaints are received from Loyal Customers directly enrolled by a Distributor who did not adequately disclose or explain the auto shipment commitment or Membership Fee associated with becoming an It Works! Loyal Customer.
- With regard to billing issues, the business indicated that refunds processed on the same day as an original charge are considered voided transactions, and the pending charge drops off the customer's credit card statement.”
These are just highlights. See the BBB file” for updates and more information
In an article in Forbes Magazine it appears It Works Global started out as a company marketing toning body wraps. The It Works wraps might still be the company’s biggest seller, because when I searched for their website —MyItWorks.com—the tagline for the site was “Have You Tried That Crazy Wrap Thing?”
Dr. Bill Sukala's website has a review of It Works Wraps
It Works Fat Fighter Research
When I searched the National Library of Medicine (which lists millions of studies from around the globe) for “It Works Fat Fighter,” no studies showed up. Likewise, doing a Google search for the product turned up no studies. In addition, MyItWorks.com website shows no research.
Therefore, I'm forced to concluded at this time that the product lacks clinical evidence that it works as claimed. If the Fat Fighter works, it’s because of the research on some of its ingredients. Let’s take a look at the research on those ingredients now and see what we can discover.
Fat Fighter Ingredients
According to the product label, a bottle contains 60 tablets. Two tablets contain the following ingredients:
| % DV | |
| Chromium dinicotinate glycinate 150 mcg | 130% |
| NeOpuntia (cactus leaf) 500 mg | N/A |
| Proprietary blend of the following 510 mg | N/A |
| 1. Garcinia cambogia fruit extract | N/A |
| 2. Green tea leaf extract | N/A |
| 3. Phaseolamin | N/A |
| 4. Bitter melon fruit | N/A |
| 5. Banaba leaf extract | N/A |
| 6. Gymnema Sylvestre leaf extract | N/A |
| 7. Wheat amalyase inhibitor | N/A |
| 8. Vanadium | N/A |
N/A = there is no daily value
Now that we know the ingredients, let's see if we can find any research on the ingredients to see if it really does fight fat.
It Works Fat Fighter Ingredients
Chromium
Chromium has been popular in weight loss supplements for decades which is ironic given that the majority of human studies I've seen show this is not the case. Here is my review of chromium. Notice how many studies show it doesn't help weight loss.
One thing chromium might do is reduce blood sugar levels. Keep this in mind as you review the ingredients below.
NeOpuntia
The name NeOpuntia (neo-pUnch-a) is a trademarked name for the prickly pear cactus called Opuntia ficus-indica. The cactus is said to bind fat, preventing it from being absorbed.
As we absorb less fat, we absorb fewer calories. Theoretically, this might lead to weight loss. This is why some websites call NeOpuntia a “fat-fighting cactus.” NeOpuntia is a product of the French company, Bio Serae Labs SAS.
Two tablets of the It Works Fat Fighter contain 500 mg of NeOpuntia.
In one company-sponsored study 68 women (20–55 years of age) with metabolic syndrome (basically “pre-diabetes”) were given either a placebo or 4.8 grams NeOpuntia 3 times a day with meals. People ate a “well-balanced diet” with “controlled lipid input” (in other words, they ate a low-fat diet). Forty-nine women completed the study.
Results: The women taking NeOpuntia showed significant improvements in pre-diabetes symptoms, such that 39% of the women were no longer diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. These are very impressive results – but there are two things you need to know:
1. This study makes no mention of weight loss.
2. The people in this study used 4.8 grams of NeOpuntia per day. This is FAR MORE than the 500 mg (1/2 gram) that 2 tablets of It Works Fat Fighter provides. Even taking 6 tables per meal, only provides 3000 mg (3 grams). Each person in the study used 1.6 grams of NeOpuntia with each meal, for a total of 4.8 grams per day.
Opuntia ficus-indica is the main ingredient in the popular health drink called TriVita Nopalea Juice, which you may have seen advertised on TV. See that review for additional information.
See my review of Calorase/FBCX, for more information.
Garcinia Cambogia
There are several weight loss studies involving Garcinia cambogia. Its active ingredient is said to be hydroxycitric acid (HCA). The way Garcinia cambogia is said to work is by preventing carbohydrates from being turned into fat.
In my review of Garcinia cambogia, I noted the research showing it worked (helped weight loss) used at least 1,667 mg per day (or 1,000 mg of HCA per day). This is important because the entire proprietary blend in It Works Fat Fighter (2 tablets) only contains a total of 510 mg.
Garcinia cambogia is the first ingredient listed, so it likely comprises most of this blend. But, I see no evidence this amount works. If you read my Garcinia cambogia review, you’ll see studies showing that 500 mg did not work. Based on what I’ve found, I don’t think the Fat Fighter has enough.
Garcinia is controversial. Over the years several reports link it to liver problems.
See the garcinia Cambogia review
Green Tea Leaf Extract
While they don't tell us what extract they are using, the label says that this extract has 20% caffeine. To me that says caffeine might be the active ingredient in this extract—but how much caffeine does the product contain? They don’t tell us.
Caffeine is one of the most most popular ingredients in weight loss supplements. It’s an ingredient in these supplements which you may have heard of before:
Caffeine is so popular that I even once reviewed a caffeine shampoo! That said, I’m not convinced that caffeine―by itself―helps people lose weight. That's because the best weight loss research usually combines caffeine with ephedra, another stimulant. Ephedra is banned from supplements in the US because it was linked to several deaths.
Phaseolamin
As the label indicates, this refers to an extract from white kidney beans. Another name for this ingredient is Phaseolus vulgaris. On some websites, this stuff is also called Bean Pod extract. Another name is Fabenol—as it was called in the supplement Lean and Fab.
Phaseolamin is said to inhibit a carbohydrate-digesting enzyme called alpha-amylase. If you block this enzyme, in theory, carbs would not be digested as well. If we can’t digest carbs, we can’t absorb their calories. In this way, phaseolamin is supposed to promote weight loss.
This is why phaseolamin is called a “carb blocker.” There is some weight loss research on phaseolamin. Let's take a look at some of that research.
Study 1
In one study researchers gave 50 people either a 1,500 mg placebo or a phaseolamin supplement called “Phase 2” twice daily with meals (3,000 mg total) for 8 weeks.
Those receiving the Phase 2 supplement lost an average of 3.7 lbs compared to the placebo group which lost an average of 1.65 pounds. One problem -and it's a big one – was only 27 people completed this study. That’s almost a 50% drop out rate. Why did so many people not complete the study?
Additionally, researchers gave people 3,000 mg of the Phase 2 supplement. We are not told how much is in the Fat Fighter – just that the entire proprietary blend equals 510 mg per 2 tablets. if using 6 tables per day it would be around 6 X510 = about 1530 mg.
Phase 2 is a proprietary phaseolamin supplement that is in many products.
Study 2
In this study, 12 people who ate a normal meal were randomly given either a placebo or Phaseolus vulgaris extract. Those taking the Phaseolus vulgaris extract had
- reduced appetite
- lower ghrelin levels (a hunger hormone)
- reduced insulin levels
- lower blood sugar
This was a very small study and only lasted 3 hours, but it’s interesting and worthy of a follow-up study.
Study 3
In this investigation 60 slightly overweight men and women were randomly given either a placebo or 445 mg of a Phaseolus vulgaris extract for 30 days before their main carbohydrate-containing meal of the day.
Those who received the Phaseolus vulgaris extract showed a significantly greater reduction in body weight, fat mass, BMI, and other parameters, compared to placebo. The product used in this study was also called Phase 2.
There are also many mouse studies on this ingredient. Since we are not mice, I won't discuss them.
Bitter Melon Fruit
It’s called bitter melon because it has a bitter taste when eaten. Other names include Momordica charantia bitter gourd and salsamino
There are over 200 different compounds in this plant.
The majority of that research appears to be limited to rats and mice. Much of the research is deals with how bitter melon might help diabetes and blood sugar issues by way of its ability to increase insulin levels.
In one study, researchers treated human fat cells with bitter melon juice. They noted that the juice enhanced fat burning in those fat cells. While intriguing, this was still just a test tube study. The real test would be to give it to people.
See the review of Apple Cider Vinegar. You may be surprised by that research.
Gymnema Sylvestre
The leaves of the Gymnema plant appear to have a blood-sugar-lowering effect, and it might also reduce carb absorption. The majority of the weight loss research, however, involved mice and rats. One human study might provide some insights on why some of the ingredients in the Fat Fighter were chosen.
In this 8 week study, 60 overweight people were randomly given either:
- Placebo
- Garcinia cambogia (4667 mg)
- Garcinia cambogia (4994 mg) + niacin-bounded chromium (4mg) + Gymnema sylvestre (400 mg)
Those getting the combination of all 3 ingredients showed more weight loss than those taking the placebo. But, the amounts of the ingredients used in this study are far MORE than are contained in It Works Fat Fighter.
For more insights see these other reviews:
- Healthe Trim (for weight loss)
- Glucotor V2 (for diabetes)
Wheat Amylase Inhibitor
Amylase is an enzyme that helps us absorb carbs. So if you inhibit this enzyme, it might reduce our ability to absorb carbs. This ingredient just sounds to me like a carb/starch blocker derived from wheat. But, just calling it “wheat amylase inhibitor” is vague, because without knowing the exact name of the inhibitor compound, I can’t say much about it, other than it probably works similarly to phaseolamin, discussed above.
Vanadium
Another name for this compound is vanadyl sulfate. Vanadium appears to have an insulin-like effect and might reduce blood sugar.
Vanadium does seem to lower blood sugar in people with type II diabetes. Vanadium is listed last in the ingredients of the proprietary blend. This means it is likely to present in the least amount. This is good because vanadium might become toxic at high levels. The amount, beyond which side effects might be noticed, is currently thought to be 1.8 mg per day for adults.
For more on vanadium see these reviews:
Blood-Sugar Lowering Ingredients
Here are the ingredients in It Works Fat Fighter that might reduce blood sugar levels:
- Chromium
- Gymnema Sylvestre
- Vanadium
Ingredients That Block Carbs
Here are the ingredients in It Works Fat Fighter that are thought to be carb blockers:
- Garcinia cambogia
- Phaseolamin
- Gymnema Sylvestre (maybe)
- Wheat amylase inhibitor
Note. While I call them carb blockers, the It Works company calls them “carb inhibitors.” these phrases mean the same thing.
Ingredients That Block Fat
Here are the ingredients in It Works Fat Fighter that might block fat:
- NeOpuntia
So, there are more carb blockers in Fat Fighter than fat blockers. Based on this, a better name might be “It Works Carb Fighter.”
Ingredients with the Most Evidence
Based on the studies I could locate, here are the ingredients in It Works Fat Fighter that I feel have the most evidence and are likely the main active ingredients in this product:
I highlight this ingredient because:
1. There are more weight loss studies on this ingredient than any of the others in the product.
2. There aren't as many negative side effects for this as say garcinia Cambogia
It Works Fat Fighter Side Effects
Here are a few things to think about when taking It Works Fat Fighters. This list is not complete:
- Start with less than suggested for the first week to see how you respond
- Stop all supplements at least 2 weeks before surgery
- Pregnant and breastfeeding moms should speak to their doctor first
- If you take any medications, speak to your doctor and pharmacist
- Bitter melon might reduce blood sugar, which may be an issue for some people who take diabetes medications.
- Gymnema Sylvestre might lower blood sugar levels.
- Vanadium might lower blood sugar. At high doses, vanadium might also cause a color change on the tongue (a green color). The amount which might cause side effects is controversial, due to the lack of good research on vanadium.
In the comments below, some have said they developed headaches, fainting and one person mentioned seizures.
If you had any side effects—positive or negative—leave a comment below so others (including me) can benefit from your experiences.
Does The Fat Fighter Work?
It's hard to say at this time if the product helps people lose weight or blocks fat. No clinical studies on the supplement could be located. I admit I could be wrong and the supplement might do exactly what its name says it will do. But, for me, I'd like to see a few studies first to see if it really works.
I don’t understand how these could work if you have to take them within an hour after a meal. My blood sugar spikes highest around 45 minutes after a meal, so I would want any “carbohydrate-blocking” action to happen before my sugar gets high.
I take them within 15 min after a meal and do agree with you! This is just a max time that you can take them without them being useless! 🙂
Its not an hour after its 15 to 30min the bottles give u the instruction
I tried the Fat Fighter for about 2 wks. It constipated me and I had to quit taking it. I can’t stand the feeling of being plugged. I did not loose weight but it did curb my appetite. :/
I tried the wrap once and my stomach appeared tighter for about a month.
Joe, thanks for filling a need with your thoughtful research and analysis. I generally agree with your cautious approach to evaluating these products. Without a few RCTs into the long-term safety and efficacy of these products as formulated (not just the components), I couldn’t feel comfortable recommending them.
JJ, you are very welcome!
I have personally had great results with these products.
isha, glad to hear it. 🙂
Since I started taking the fat fighters I only poop once ever other day or every few days is this normal? I have only been taking them for about a week
Anna, what was your frequency before starting them? Have you been eating less?
About 1 to 3 times a day. Yes I have been eating less
Anna, that might explain why you are going less. Has your weight changed? How do you feel?
I feel really good! And I can tell it’s going little by little
Well then I’ll hope it keeps working and hope you keep feeling good 🙂
Anna make sure you drink plenty of water and try our greens. They have probiotics in them and will help regulate you as well. But water is super important with any supplement. Joe I’d love for you to review the Greens 😉
Sarah, I’ve been asked about the greens. They are on my list.
Sort of ironic that your theory of why the fat fighters won’t work is because there is no research that shows the do, but only research on the ingredients in them yet your response is the exact opposite when referring to an allergic reaction.
If we go on your original basis isn’t the allergic reaction related to an ingredient in the fat fighters, but not the fat fighter itself??
I think you like to give negative reviews and justify them by any means necessary =/ Even when they don’t make sense.
Sarah, since the ingredient is in the fat fighter it is reasonable to assume there may at least be a theoretical possibility the same may be true for the product also. As a nurse you know that allergic reactions can be significant so I thought it was best to say this rather than not. That doesn’t make my review negative. My intention was not to write a negative review but an unbiased review .
This product caused a pretty bad allergic reaction for me! Petechie and rashes all over my entire arms! Just with my first two pills! Yikes! Be careful!
I would suggest taking the bottle and ingredient list to an allergist. An allergic reaction is a sign that further looking into what caused the rash is needed.
My girlfriend had an allergic reaction to keflex, which is a commonly prescribed antibiotic. Rashes and reactions happen. Better to find the source than to blame the delivery vehicle. Good luck.
Mary, its a good idea to show the ingredients to an allergist – or pharmacist – but if the ingredient is in the delivery vehicle (It Works Fat Fighter), isn’t the delivery vehicle guilty also of causing the rash?
No. The delivery vehicle is not to blame I this case IMO. I personally take them and so does just about everyone I know. So from a personal standpoint, I would have to say that there is something in the pill that would cause the rash. And a rash is not an uncommon side effect from an allergic reaction. I was just at the dr last week with my 12 year old that broke out in a rash, unexplainably. I was referred to an allergist. The ER diagnoses was non-specific dermatitis. I would say that if 100, 200, or 500 people (what ever the proper % ratio of users vs rash developers is) reported the same side effects that were definitely related to taking the same supplement, then and only then can it be due to the “delivery vehicle”.
Mary, yes many things can cause a rash but if I understood her comment, she got the rash after taking the Fat Fighter. If it was the only think she took, then something in it caused the rash. that doesn’t mean everybody would get the rash obviously. only some would. So, if thats the case then that might mean the delivery vehicle (the fat fighter) delivered some ingredient that caused the rash.
Which would be an ingredient specific allergy, not a flaw in the FatFighter supplement. And she had to have eaten something prior to taking the FatFighter or she was not following the directions properly.
So an allergist would need to analyze what she had eaten and what is in the pills to determine what the real cause was.
It is presumptuous to assume something caused and allergy without seeing the proper doctor.
Mary, if nothing else changed except for taking the FatFighter then that is the most likely culprit. If other things were different than what you say may be true. We will have to see if she writes back to resolve this.
I actually have been taking it works! products for 3 months and cancelled my auto shipment because they don’t work AT ALL haha. Not one single product.
I thought the wraps worked but the inches were back within a days time. I used the defining gel twice a day and massaged like crazy and it did nothing. I took the greens… I took the fat fighter religiously about twice a day with large meals.
Just so a “distributor” doesn’t try to blame it on water- I only drink water and I drink it all day long.
These products are a joke and the distributors are liers. I ate right and exercised regularly. I wish they would have worked because I spent a lot of money on these products.
Maggie I am sorry none of them worked for you but I do appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. Don’t lose hope. I have faith in your tenacity to achieve your goals.
Maggie, keep eating right and exercising! There is no such thing as a free lunch ( or free inches lost via a magical wrap).
Hi I just use it but my body not fat only coming more 3 kg and I want to take it to save my body and losing the 3 kg,, it’s okay ? And no any problem
Sara, if you have no medical issues, I dont think it will hurt you esp if you only take it short term. Do read my review of garcinia camboga for more information.
This is just my IMO. I am am Aesthetician and a distributor for it works. I also was lucky enough to have a grandmother who was a weightloss nurse.
From an aesthetics POV, these wraps are nothing like the ones I have been taught and performed. Yes, we were told that with a traditional full body wrap, you are basically sweating out water. And yes, as soon as you start drinking water again….bloat comes back. I have noticed that the drinking water while “skinny wrapping” goes against everything I was taught. But then I remembered that after having a massage, you are encouraged to drink water to help flush the toxins out. Now I have no Idea if that is the same concept here, but if is worth thinking about.
Regarding the fat fighters. I do use them. I take no more than 4 a day and sometimes less. I have personally noticed that I am temporarily bloated afterwards, however…..that general subsides after a few hours. In general, if you don’t want to feel bloated at all. … let lettuce and celery be your only friend.
Also on personal note, because I am a mom and I am not easily grossed out, I am a poop looker. Your poop will stink when taking these and it will look like you ate creamed corn. My grandma would tell me that your poop held an awful lot of truth to your diet. Go ahead and eat spinach salads everyday for three days and see for yourself.
Regarding bloating. My daughter was having acne in the triangle region of her checks underneath her eyes. That is known as the food allergy zone in the aesthetics world. And sure enough, she tested positive for a moderate to severe allergy to wheat. Cutting wheat from her diet has allowed her to lose weight. In this case she would not be a candidate for the fat fighter supplements. If you are having severe stomach issues after any food or supplement…PLEASE go have a food allergy test.
In regards to my own results, I have upped my water intake considerably. A Doctor, not associated with It Works!, taught me that your minimum daily water intake should be half of your body weight in ounces per day.
If you exercise or use more than normal physical exertion then you need to add more water. Also any water that has been flavored with even lemon cuts down it’s benefits for your skin as if has to first filter thru the body systems because of the lemon in it. Most people have dehydrated skin even if they “slather” moisturizer all day. We are a chronically dehydrated society.
Anyways, I’ve rambled on enough for now. Just know, that I conclusion, my theory on medications and supplements in general is “if you are attaining your goals thru healthy methods, whether it’s you or the products making it happen is something that can only be speculated. Don’t write off what works for you.” It Works! Works for me. And at the end if the day we all dance to the beat of our own drums.
Mary, thanks for writing. Ive heard massage therapists also say to drink water after a massage to “flush out toxins.” Ill have to ask a massage therapist what toxins they are referring to. If that is the mechanism behind It Works wraps then, we should also be able to test this, if we know what the toxins were.
I’ve never heard that water with lemon decreases the hydrating ability of water. If anyone can find me a reference for this, I’d be really interested in reading it.
From what I was told, anything added to water decreases the hydrating effects for skin due to the fact that it has to go thru the liver first. I will ask around and look for studies.
Mary things I’d appreciate that because as I said I’ve never heard of that before.
I have been taking fat blocker for the last month and just the fat blocker I have lost 16 lbs. Not noticed any side effect I do have more energy eat less bad food like I don’t have the craving for sweet stuff
Niki, I had to remove your It Works website link but I’m glad its working for you. Question, if the the wraps worked so well, why would the fat blocker supplement be needed?
Joe- as stated before by someone else. The wraps firm tone and tighten skin. They do not cause weight loss. If you are heavier and lose weight then you will likely have lose skin- not so desirable. If you wrap while incorporating a healthy lifestyle the wraps will keep the skin tight, help tone the area and firm things up. Nobody like the jiggle of lose skin and that’s something the fat fighters don’t combat.
Sarah, how long do the It Works wraps work for when somebody uses it?
It varies from person to person. Similar to tanning. Everyone’s body chemistry is different. The average is 2-6 months. I’ve heard people say that they’ve maintained results even 2 years later with continued healthy habits.
The reality is that the majority of people fall off the healthy band wagon so I’d say that plays a factor in the averages. I do have a girl who wrapped when I first started with the business and she still has her results! But like I said, the average feedback I get is 2-6 months.
So 1wrap can last for 2-6 months… And you are saying it’s not water loss yes?
When you say people have different body chemistries, can you give me some variations in body chemistry that would hinder the results?
It is not water loss. They do not make you go to the bathroom more and they do not make you sweat. AS far as body chemistry- everyone experiences many products differently. Perfume smells different on different people, people tan differently, some are more susceptible to weight gain or loss than others. One simple example is the health of a person’s skin. The wrap is topical. If you have clogged pores and dry skin and my skin is healthy, well exfoliated and absorbs better I am probably going to have better results faster.
Sarah, when people lose weight on a low carb diet, research shows most of that initial weight loss is water and glycogen loss. Sure there is some fat but its not as much as water loss. If the product works its because it reduces calories via blocking carb absorption. in the absence of enough calories, the body will tap into its reserve glycogen reserves (the storage form of carbs in the body). For every 1 gram of glycogen there is 2-3 grams of water. Putting it another way, if someone lost 1 pound of glycogen, they would also lose 2-3 pounds of water. This is why low carb diets work faster in the beginning than low fat diets do. It is the most likely mechanism by which the product works if it in fact does work.
It’s a scam. Sign as many customers as you can. Recruit as many distributors as you can. All to make bonuses that are outrageous. (Red flag) watch Rise a documentary on MLM’s. It teaches what honest MLM’s do and describes the “red flags” to look for.
The wraps only last about a month. It is detox. The distributors are not allowed to say that per policies & procedures of the company. It’s water loss. I’ve used them. The reaction in the lotion of the wrap causes inflammation in the skin making it “appear” as though cellulite has diminished. They have the WORST customer service. All they care about is money, signing distributors, and getting customers to fall for the fake hype over a product that doesn’t last.
Many before & afters are Photoshopped. I believe that with healthy diet and proper exercise routine anybody can achieve results that are a LIFESTYLE not a quick fix.
The supplements do not work for everyone as we are all individuals. I wish I’d done more research before wasting money on a company that only cares about being a billion dollar sales company.
I will keep spreading the word about how rude customer service is. They have the ability to launch 2 new products, yet refuse to hire more customer support? What company says, “due to a high call volume your call cannot be placed right now, please try again later” then HANGS UP?! Nice.
Bottom line, no proof in change because It Works refuses to pay for anything other than a private jet for the CEO, new Jeep fully detailed out with the new ENERGY drink logo, a new headquarters based in Florida that has a private putting course, indoor slide, and is located on waterfront property along with insane bonuses that you don’t even receive full amount of! Joke! Scam! They have brainwashed everybody to believe it’s OK to spam people on social media, because if they block you they were never your true friends to begin with and the “It Works” family will always be there for you.
There you have it. The ugly truth. If it seems too good to be true it probably is. That ring any bells?
I don’t care if you’re a nurse, or a doctor. It’s a scam. Detox & water loss. All it is. Which you can get by doing an Epsom salts bath as somebody previously mentioned.
Stacy, about that documentary you mentioned called “Rise.” Where is it at? I goggled it but could not find it. Is it on netflix etc.?
It’s called Rise Of The Entrepenuer. Sorry it took so long to respond. TwinMama life just had b-days and company.
It’s not a long documentary. It goes over basics. Every MLM is essentially a “pyramid”.
Stacy, thanks for letting me know. I’ll check it out. I did find the DVD on Amazon.
Joe, thanks for the review. I have a neighbor who sells It Works and I honestly knew it was nothing more than a pyramid scheme. She is always pushing the company and these products on us, wondering how on earth we can all survive without It Works in our lives. And that rings pyramid scheme to me.
She has actually alienated friends and neighbors by her pushy, insistent ways and honestly, that is not like her before It Works. But I honestly wondered about this product and it’s claims. Almost better to hold to the old saying of “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.”
Laura, you are welcome and I’m glad I was able to help.
We are a multi level marketing company- which is completely different than a pyramid scheme. We buy health and wellness products and sell them. No different than any other sales job. It’s not a scheme. It’s common sense. If you buy products to sell and never sell them you lose your money. The person at the top doesn’t make all of the money either. I make more than the person who enrolled me so you should study the compensation plan before assuming the pay structure.
Lastly… where do you work? Is your chain of command not a pyramid structure where each person above the other makes more money? I would be very impressed if you could find a corporate America job that doesn’t follow the same path. Who is your boss? Who makes more? You or them? Who is his boss? And who makes more, etc. You get the point.
And yes- we make money off of our downline. We also take time away from our own business to help them launch theirs and get them going. And guess what?? They make money too! Actually they make a higher commission off of their work than I do so who really cares if I build my team and we market and grow and my commissions do also.
You sound like more of a hater to me. You’ve never tried the products and have no idea what they are about yet you won’t even talk to your neighbor?? I’m not sure what kind of friendships you have but I’d say if my friends weren’t into my products who cares???? My best friend is an Advocare rep and is very successful and I wish her all the best with her business as she does mine!
And I have friends who are simply not interested and that’s okay too. We are still friends. We’re not in kindergarten. There’s not any product on the face of the Earth that everyone is going to want. The difference is whether you hate on each other over it! That’s pathetic.
Sarah, I dont think I ever called It Works a pyramid scheme. I think you are referring to someone else. Question, do you have to buy It Works products before you sell them? Just curious. I know some MLMs do this while others dont.
That was in response to Laura’s comment above. And yes you do. Just as if you were to buy any other business and make a career out of it. Nobody is going to hand one over to you for free. But there is an option to do pre-sales.
So someone could pre-sell wraps and select a kit based on their orders and then have the wraps for their appointments. It’s basically buying at wholesale and selling for retail. Then customers have the potion to get wholesale pricing and if they enroll as all loyal customer the distributor still earns commission even from the wholesale customer.
Sarah, I’m usually not a fan of MLMs where you have to buy the product up front. What if you can’t sell it? You’re stuck with it then.
Yeah. That would be the case with anything you buy and sell… A car, a house, old furniture. You can buy and fix things up and sell for a mark up. You can buy seeds and grow vegetables and try to sell them, make lemonade and sell it, cookies, you name it. There is a website called Etsy where people buy material to make a product and try to sell it. If they do not sell it they are out the money that they invested in the material.
If Wal-Mart buys a ton of product and cannot sell it they lose money. This is basic business, no matter how big or small. Do you pay for this website? I saw at the bottom of this page a way for us to order from Amazon via your link. If you do not get enough business through that link or however else you raise money to pay for this site do you not have to pay for it yourself? It’s a choice we make in order to become owners of something we choose to pursue in life.
When people enroll to be a distributor I’m not sure what else they think they will be doing other than selling a product. There is a always a chance you will lose money when you take the leap into entrepreneurship and invest in owning your own business. It’s really not rocket science. People can start for $99 and the kit comes with 4 wraps. If they have a hard time getting rid of 4 wraps they can use them on themselves. The retail price of 4 wrap is $99 so it’s not like they are out anything really. They have equal value regardless.
And like I said, they can pre-sell them and then they will know before they ever spend a dime whether they will get their money back. Beyond that they get everything at wholesale or less and it’s up to them what they buy. There are distributors who only do pre-sales and therefore never have to invest a dime out of their own pocket and still make a great profit. It’s really up to the distributor.
Sarah, I’m glad you mentioned that distributors have a pre-sell option. I think that is better rather than run the possible risk of having stock piles of products in the house that people may/may not be able to sell. I’m sure companies like walmart who have policies for things they cant sell. That stuff is after all marked up. Id bet dollar stores get unsold inventory as well.
As for my site, I’m giving all of this information away for free because I love helping people and giving them a place where they can read unbiased reviews. I think this only helps them make a better choice. Yes, it does take money to maintain this site so if people want to help me by remembering to use my Amazon Link if they are going to buy something on Amazon, I will be eternally grateful. But it doesn’t cost them anything to do that.
Thank you Joe for the write up!
Sorry Sarah, but multi level marketing company is a pyramid scheme!! If person who signed you up is not as active as you in selling so doesn’t make as much money as you does not mean that it is not a pyramid scheme!!! It IS!!
The comments here are hard to read.. people who sell the product just waste our time! We know you like it. But we want to hear from people who have taken it but do not make money off of it!! I also do not care about the wrap… I want to know about the pills.
Sandra, you are very welcome. Happy to have helped you.
Well when somebody just dont want to listen what can u do what part of its. Not a pyramid scheme u can go higher than the people who sign you who sponsor u u can pass that person and become a black diamond and that sponsor she may be in the same place because she didn’t work her business every job u have to work ur ass and for what for the minimum wage in any other company u will never make more with it works
u have the opportunity to move make more etc u never end up with inventory stuck on u we make party wraps where we give samples or free wraps for people to know the product we make it fun they all get a prize and plus a healthy life style and a higher autoestime
we help people with our skin products that try other stuff and never work no more pimples no more acne why its call it works because it works people who decide to sell it are people who is been using it we have plans to loose weight so we r product of the product who can be so dishonest to sell something that doesnt work (dont answer)
but we test the product first we become loyal customer for 3 months u cancel u dont receive anything else u dont want or need an d to thank u
they give u 10% back of each time u buy if u pay $59 for the wraps which are 4 wraps for only $59 its 15 dls each wrap u get back 6 dls from there who does that???
And the end of 3 months u have perk points 6 for each. Month u got the wraps at the 4th month u get a free product who gives u that??? With it work u always win the satisfaction of people happy for helping them to loose weight for giving them a reason to live better to care about them because we really care we become friends we dont judge them for their look we support them to feel better and look better
some people dont see results because they want a fast fix well this is not to build a house takes time to build a car takes time to play with legos and build something takes time so dont wait that the 150 pound s of over weight u gain in 2 years of eating McDonalds or the huge belly u r going to loose that with one wrap???????
Hahahahaha in 45 min so dont say it doesn’t work if u never try it and if u r a quiter about the job u will always will be a car sales guy who will get commission if u sell a car a ur minimum wage we get commissions bonus cash prizes trips etc etc and the satisfaction to help people
JOE IF U REALLY LIKE TO HELP PEOPLE DONT JUGDE THE COVER OF THE BOOK BEFORE U REALLY READ IT BLESSINGS PS THIS COMPANY HELPS MANY PEOPLE LIKE AFRICAN KIDS THE CANCER SOCIETY THEY R ALWAYS GIVING TO THE NEEDY.
Hi Rocio, I read what you said and while I could not make out everything (I guess you wrote it on your phone?) I understand you are passionate ambassador of the product. I never never used the word ‘Pyramid” in my review. Rather my goal was to review the product and ingredients to help people better understand it. I hope this helps you understand where I was coming from.
I am also an ItWorks distributor. Personally, I had great results using the FatFighter supplement because I am carb sensitive. The previous discussion that centers on how many tablets are taken each day is a bit ridiculous.
If you’re trying to eat healthy, you’re not going to be eating 3 large, fatty meals each day. That is in no way “trying” to eat healthy!
For me, the Fat Fighter cut down my craving for carb-rich foods. It made me think about which meal, if any, I’d be taking the supplement with. Being more conscious of what I was eating. It gave me willpower in the beginning when I had very little or none, and When I began to feel and see the results, (which didn’t take long) losing 15 lbs in 3 weeks, I was confident that it did work.
ItWorks is a health and wellness company; not just a weight loss company. The supplement is intended to be used if you’re trying to eat healthier. It’s part of a product line that encourages health and wellness using whole-food, organic, non-GMO ingredients.
It’s about making a lifestyle change, not just losing weight quickly. If that’s all the person is looking for, there are hundreds of other products available that can make them lose weight quickly, though they’re probably not safe.
The bottom line is that unless someone wants to get healthy and stay healthy, supplements are only part of the puzzle, and should be treated as such.
Joe, (and whoever else is reading this) when you’re ready to make better choices with your food and want something that will “erase” the mistakes that you make along the way, ItWorks will be here for you. Until then, it doesn’t matter what you take, in what amount; it’s not going to do for you what you need it to for as long as you want it to. It will just be a band aid, if it works at all.
Carrie, thanks I appreciate that. I know its off topic but while I have your ear, I wonder if you could elaborate on the comment by “double diamond distributor” Julie, who she said that The It Works wraps “are NOT water loss wraps nor are they weight loss wraps… and definitely not compression wraps.”
If they aren’t any of those things, then what are they and how do they work?
Kaitlin (another distributor) also previously said that the It Works wraps “stimulate lipolysis” and hinted that there is research on this but never told me where I could find any.
Can you help shed light on how It Wraps work and the research showing they cause lipolysis?
If you changed to a healthier eating style when you bought the fat fighters so that you wouldn’t have to take them then wouldn’t you think maybe your weight loss was related to the change in eating habits and not to unhealthy supplement?
I must pint out one major flaw in your review. You state that the amount of active ingredients in 2 tablets is far too low to be effective when compared to the amounts used in studies. You did however base this on 2 tablets daily, correct? If so, that is a misjudgement on your part swing as though the dosage instructions state to take two tablets during or up to 60 minutes after EACH large meal.
Most people likely consume 2-3 large meals a day, meaning they should be taking 6-8 tablets a day. In which case, some of the active ingredients will be taken at an even higher level than stated in successful studies. Something to think about!!
All that being said, I happened upon this review while googling the side effects of the “Fat Fighter”. Reason being, I just began taking them and I have severe stomach bloating and slight nausea and I was trying to determine if it was perhaps cause of the Fat Fighter. From what I’ve read in several forums, it likely is. Oh great, I could lose weight but have a giant bloated belly, not ideal!!
Dani, yes you are correct, I based my statement on taking 2 capsules. Since the bottle I saw had 60 capsules, then a bottle will last 30 days. If people took 6 capsules per day (2 with each meal) then a bottle would only last 10 days. That means people would be going through 4 bottles of the Fat Fighter per month. I think that’s a lot of money to pay for something that has no research that it actually works. While its possible that taking 6 capsules might raise levels of some ingredients to that shown to work in research, in other ingredients it wouldn’t. For example, in the NeOpunita study I mentioned, people used 4.8 grams. If people took 6 capsules of Fat Fighter, they would still be getting less (1.5 grams).
I do appreciate you pointing this out to me though as it was a very good observation of my review. Sorry that you were having those side effects. How many capsules were you taking per day?
Yes, this is just another marketing ploy. My girlfriend went ga-ga over It Works and became a distributor. I bought the Fat Fighter and something else – it doesn’t matter because they don’t work…. The 30-day supply you purchase will only last 30 days if you use Fat Fighters with one meal a day. So when they tell you that you have to take with more than one meal a day for it actually work, that just means more money in their pocket because you have to buy multiple bottles to get you through your auto-ship time period.
The only way you can really know if something works is if you introduce that something into an environment and make no other changes. If the result you want to happen happens, then the introduction of the new thing is the differentiator.
The fact that they suggest better eating and more exercise (the real reason you lose weight – burning more calories than you consume) nullifies the ability to make the claim that the thing you introduced works. The conditions have to remain the same – eating the way you were and (not) exercising.
My friend is over the moon over the product and I’ll continue to buy the pre-natal vitamins that they package as Hair Skin and Nails to support her, and the weight loss stuff is no more effective that more exercise would be.
The support that they seem to provide each other is another big draw. The supplements are likely secondary to the shared woe of losing weight together. And taking money from people.
Misty, Thanks for sharing your insights and that is a good point about the support offered through various MLM products. I believe the social aspect one of the big parts of things like weight watchers also.
They block carbs and absorb fats- so you just need to take them with a heavy meal that has higher amounts of carbs and fats in it. It is very important to take then timely as they work in the stomach with the food that is being digested and then also drink water to help flush them out of your stomach and through the digestive tract.
If you aren’t drinking enough water you will likely feel bloated. Also, our supplements aid in weight loss but should be incorporated with healthier lifestyles. So if you eat salad and some fruit there is no need to take them and I’d say if you’re taking them with every meal that’s too much.
I would highly recommend upping your water intake significantly and only taking 2 tablets daily with your most unhealthy meal and making sure the other meals are healthy! I know the bottle doesn’t specify that.. but that is the nurse in me and what I tell my customers =) You will see much better results. I’ve seen it too many times to believe this silly review.
Sarah, as a nurse, you must appreciate the fact that I linked to clinical research in my review. Would you really call a review based on science and rational thought, silly? I hope not.
You said to take the Fat Fighter with the most unhealthy meal of the day. But doesn’t using the product in this way foster unhealthy eating habits? It’s like the person who takes cholesterol meds thinking its ok to eat bad food because the medicine will protect him/her. Im sorry but no it won’t, and neither will taking the fat fighter protect people from eating unhealthy. I do agree that if people are heating healthy that they do not need the fat fighter.
Sarah, what’s your nursing background? Are you an RN or LPN? Just curious.
You did research on the ingredients but I would hardly call it sufficient enough to say the Fat Fighters don’t work. I’ve seen it. You can’t argue that.
And yes. I stick to my recommendation. Even us as health professionals know that it is unrealistic to assume that people are not going to have cheat meals.
My best friend is a bikini competitors and is surrounded by a ton of fitness gurus that have cheat meals. There is nothing wrong with that.
And if someone who is over weight can start somewhere and the fat fighters are helping them make better choices I’d say it’s totally worth it.
I personally enjoy healthy and unhealthy foods and knowing that I can have something with higher fat and carb content for dinner because I can take fat fighters helps me stay on track the rest if the day.
I’m an RN with a bachelors degree and working on my Masters and becoming a CNP. My background is cardiac, neuro and currently ICU and I have chatted about the products with several physicians who think they’re great.
Sarah, I researched the ingredients because that’s the only way to understand the product because it has no research of its own. I feel you as a distributor deserve that research.
I’ve heard distributors for other products tell me about doctors saying the same thing as you are but they don’t have any better proof than I’ve shown here.
I don’t think many doctors agree with the pills that is supposedly a fat fighter… I have many doctor friends and they’re just like “pill what?” If ITWORKs work. EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD WOULD BE USING IT.
I am a Double Diamond distributor with It Works. For two years, I have never questioned HOW the wraps work nor do I care. I just know that they do. Week after week I see with my own eyes that they absolutely DO work, giving amazing results to most in 45 minutes and continued results over the next 72 hours.
I’d be happy to show you before and after pictures of my personal customers and team members if you’d like.
The results typically last 2-6 months depending on lifestyle and eating habits. They are super affordable, non-invasive and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
They are NOT water loss wraps nor are they weight loss wraps… and definitely not compression wraps.
They simply tighten, tone and firm any area of the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite. We also have a facial applicator.
The wraps come in a box of 4 and one box is considered a full treatment.
Like going to the gym, the more you wrap, the better the results. You wouldn’t go to the gym once and quit. You go until you get the results you’re looking for. It’s the same for wrapping. Blessings to all.
Julie, I have no doubt that you are very successful after reading your complete sales pitch.
You say you don’t care how the wraps work well i do. Please supply research showing how they work. I was told there is research. I’d like to see it. This is my challenge.
Hey Joe! We have a product coach for more specific questions. I’d say the majority of people don’t actually care HOW they work as much is IF they work. So I think you’d be hard pressed to find many distributors who are going to waste their time studying it.
Our products are developed by scientists and physicians and we leave the brain work to them. I know I personally don’t get drilled on how they work. In fact I don’t think I’ve EVER heard a customer drill a hairstylist about how hair color works, a tanning salon about how the bulbs work, a dentist a bout how teeth whitening works, or a personal trainer on how exercise works. They do it because it works. And that is really all that matters to most.
If you are so insistent on knowing check out the ingredient list on my site and feel free to spend your time researching it!
Sarah, I’ve been to your distributor site and there it contains the same info as when I went to the main It Works website. To compare It works to those other things is flawed logic because all those other things – teeth whitening, exercise, hair coloring etc – ALL have documented clinical studies to show they work. I’m sorry but there is no published clinical research on their products to show it, actually works (that’s a pun on words. I couldn’t resist).
So you’re telling me that you’ve researched every brand of hair color, teeth whitener and tanning bulbs to know the exact make up and that it matches the documented research exactly?
Because if not you would also have to conclude they do not work based on the lack of research for their exact make up regardless of what is actually in it.
For example if research shows that a hair color with x amount of ingredient b, but another brand uses y amount of ingredient b that must mean it won’t work… even if if the person using the product experiences a change in hair color. And you conclude this just because the amount of an ingredient is different and that exact amount has no research backing it…. hmmm. But their hair color changed? You’re right. It must not work.
Same scenario, different product, not a credible review.
Sarah, I’m sorry but your argument is flawed and you are dodging the main issue which a lack of research on the product itself.
My argument is flawed how so? I never denied that you feel there is lack of research although you’ve provided research on the ingredients in the product itself. Your argument is actually geared more toward the AMOUNT of the ingredients. You admit that the ingredients could lead to weight loss but discredit the supplement because it has a smaller dosage than what you have found to be studied in your research. This is your argument. Not mine. So I’m not at all dodging the main point.
When compared to other products that work similarly to each other yet have different amounts of ingredients, if we use your logic, nothing would actually “work” unless it has the exact amount that has been studied, published and peer reviewed. So if I use Loreal hair color and it has 5g of sulfate, yet the only amount ever studied as an active ingredient to cause a change in hair color is 7g of sulfate- you would have to conclude that the hair color does not work because there is no published, peer reviewed research showing that 5g of sulfate would actually cause a change in hair color… regardless of whether you can physically see the change. This is just an example.
I have no idea what is in hair color.. Just disproving your logic as I have physically seen the product cause weight loss although there is no published, peer reviewed research showing that the lesser amounts of the ingredients could actually work. Which again is your only argument and the basis of why you have concluded that the Fat Fighters do not work.
Sarah, I can only go with where the research takes me and the research so far clearly shows that if the product works, it is because of the ingredients I highlight in the amounts that research shows. Those are the only ones I could find evidence for. Lack of evidence is not evidence of a lack of effect but what choice do I have given that the product has no research on itself? I feel your passion for your product and I feel you deserve proof. This is not hard to do.
You yourself have been saying to drink more water and not eat junk while taking the product. I agree 100% with that. But, how do we know that its not the water and lack of junk in the diet that is leading to weight loss?
If you are experiencing an issue, such as bloating & constipation, you may need to drink more water. Are you taking more than the recommended dose? I personally have not experienced these side effects, but often find there is a simple fix. Ex: drink the appropriate amount of water for your body weight (ex 200lbs- 100oz of water per day).
On the subject of the wraps, I apologize that you were mislead in your research. Water loss wraps/compression wraps are NOT what we offer.
When doing any wrap of that kind you are simply dehydrating your cells, causing them to then retain water later (in fear of how long before it’s next drink of water).
Our wraps stimulate lipolysis (for those that want to research) it is essential to drink water after the use of our product (unlike compression/saran/ace wraps). NO, results ARE NOT permanent!!!!
This is the best way to explain it – if you go tanning one time, will you be tan for the rest of your life? If you get liposuction are you going to celebrate with a cheeseburger? If you spent 3 years in the gym then sat on your behind for 6 months only eating pizza hut would you not gain weight? NOTHING is permanent, not lipo, exercise, diet, if you discontinue any healthy regimen you will regress.
Fat cells are sponges, even after you wring it out, throw it in a sink of vegetable oil and it’ll absorb more. It Works global is a health & wellness company that encourages a healthy & fit lifestyle.
Bless ♡
Katelin, can you provide the studies showing that It Works wraps cause lipolysis of fat cells? I’d be very interested in learning about that.
Hi! My name is Carmen. I am trying the Fatfighters. It’s been 1 week and no weight loss yet. But, you are correct about the bloating and constipation, it is pretty bad on both counts. Going to give it one more week and will let you know the results.
Carmen, constipation doesn’t sound good to me.
You have to drink lots of water!!! And just one dose of FF a day without any other changes will cause instant weight loss. Nothing is magic…these products just support a weight loss plan and allows for a faster progression.
Amy, did I understand you correct when you said “one dose of the Fat Fighter without ANY other changes WILL cause instant weight loss.” Are you saying people don’t need to do anything other than take the Fat Fighter?
OMG…let me reword that! And just one dose of FF will NOT cause instant weight loss…is it a product that supports a weight loss plan in order allow for faster progression.
BTW, why am I JUST receiving notifications of your response. So weird!!!! Thanks!
Amy I dont know why you are just getting replies. you should get them automatically. More to the point though is that without evidence, we cant know that the fat fighter leads to faster progression. All we have to go on is testimonials from people we don’t know. Lets compare it to dieting alone and see what happens.
I have been taking the fat fighters for over a year now. I don’t exercise regularly nor have I tried any diets. My start weight a year ago was 167. I am now at 132 so I would say they work. I haven’t experienced any side effects at all! I have heard they don’t work with everyone but fortunately they worked with me! My friends who have taken them are happy with the product as well!
Make sure you are taking them as intended. Within an hour after a heavy meal and with at least 8 ounces of water. You need plenty of water to help move everything through te body, whether it be food, supplements or anything else.
Or anything else??? That’s concerning. What else would be in your body, that you need to move through?
As I Dietitian, I can’t support a product like this. The research just isn’t there. So many of my patients come in spending hundreds of dollars on products that simply don’t work.
When will we except that there isn’t a magical pill out there. Healthy diet and exercise is the only thing that will help with weight loss.
And don’t give me the bologna of, healthy diet and exercise is needed to help these supplements, you can’t depend on the supplement alone. Bc how could you prove that it wasn’t diet and exercise that caused the weight loss versus the supplement that caused the weight loss. The information all the distributors are providing is false. I wish this company would just go away, along with Dr. Oz. It would make my job as a dietitian a lot easier.
accept*..sorry about that grammatical error….typing in between patients…
Jennifer, it looked good to me 🙂
Joe,
Have you tried any of the products? While the Fat fighters are named that, they are marketed as “carb inhibitors”.
They are meant to help reverse some of the damage done by eating high fat/carb foods.
Would you be interested in doing a 30 day trial of one of the supplements in order to do a first hand review?
Hi Missy, I did not try the It Works Fat Fighter before I wrote my review. I usually dont try products because I prefer to focus on the research on the products and/or their ingredients. I think that way I can provide people the most unbiased evidence as to whether something works or not.
Also, I noticed that on those occasions when I did try something, I was criticized when I didn’t get the results that some people thought I should have. For example, here is a link to a supplement called Tribulus where you can see those comments
http://supplementclarity.com/tribulus-terrestris-side-effect-heart/
Yes I did notice that the Fat Fighter was touted to include “carb inhibitors.” Since most of the ingredients did appear to be carbs blockers, I felt a better name for the product might be “Carb Fighter” rather than Fat Fighter. I think they choose the name because fat fighter for marketing purposes.
I appreciate your kind offer to try the Fat Fighter. If I decide to take a closer look at it in the future I will keep your offer in mind.
I would still say Fat Fighters is an appropriate name being that carbs are converted to fat if not used for energy by the body… So in the grand scheme of things it will definitely help fight the bulge and fat or the conversion of carbs into fat 😉
Everyone knows what those pesky carbs do to our waistline. One other thing I think is notable is the fact that the Fat Fighters may not have as high of a dosage for each individual thing, but considering several of the ingredients have actually been proven effective I would think that combining them all would make it a powerhouse.. Possibly too powerful if used at full “study strength”.
Lastly, if you feel that they don’t work simply because there is no research on them, how can you assume that lower amounts of some of the ingredients don’t work without having some research to back it? I don’t necessarily think your evaluations are fair. You won’t give any credit without research but you are quick to discredit without any….
Sarah, You say “everyone knows what those pesky carbs do to our waistline” but there is actually a LOT of evidence that weight gain and weight loss are the result of eating fewer calories – not carbs – or fat for that matter. If the Fat Fighter works (which is debatable) it is because it causes a reduction in calorie absorption and nothing else.
Just because some ingredients may have evidence does not mean the Fat Fighter product does. How do you know if it works, if its never had any research? I think you, as an It Works! distributor, deserves good human research on the products you promote. not the ingredients but the product itself. You say consuming all the ingredients would make it a “powerhouse” but how do you know this? I’m sorry, but you are guessing.
I conclude it doesn’t work because it has lesser amounts than what research used and because I have no proof either way that lower amounts would do the same thing – or that the combination of ingredients would work better than the 2 ingredients that I specifically highlighted.
I’m not guessing. I’ve been a distributor for a year and a half and I’ve seen it work on several people. No assuming, no guessing. It has worked over and over again.
And yes, calorie reduction does help with weight loss but it is a fact that the body stores carbs in the form of fat for energy. I never said decreasing calories doesn’t result in weight loss but so does carb reduction.
I think when you review things you need to find legitimate evidence to back it.
Just because studies show that calories reduction equals weight loss does not be that carb reduction does not.
You would be the one making an assumption in this case. I have actually studied it and have to use the information to educate my patients.
Sarah, carb reduction results in weight loss because
1. it makes the body use its stored glycogen reserves. This returns as soon as people eat carbs again
2. reducing carbs also reduces calories. That said, #1 is the main reason low carb diets work
3. Low carb diets have not been shown to be better at wt loss than any other diet when done long term (a year or more)
Since you are talking about carbs and weight loss, you are proving my point that the “Fat Fighter” should be called “Carb Fighter” as that is what it is based on its ingredients. The name Fat Fighter is a misnomer.
When you said, you seem to chastise me but you don’t mention that It Works! company has NO published peer reviewed evidence that their product works. Where is THEIR legitimate evidence? It’s because of the lack of evidence that I was forced to look at the research on the ingredients.
Carbs are converted to fat if not used by the body. You’re neglecting to acknowledge that. By blocking carbs you are preventing the conversion of them into fat, therefore preventing some of the fat from being stored in the body.
I didn’t feel the need to repeat the only argument you have for claiming they do not work as you have said it several times thoughout the post. That being that there is no peer reviewed evidence that the product works. I am not sure. I haven’t looked for any nor do I care to. Are your analysis peer reviewed and publised anywhere other than your blog?? If no then according to you we should assume that like the fat fighters are false, so are your reviews.
Sarah, carbs are converted to fat only if we eat more total calories than we need. If the product works and it really does block carbs, it may cause weight loss because it reduces total calorie intake. Yes, my stance is we cant know for sure if it works because it lacks published peer reviewed research. Science is the basis of my website. Since the ingredients I highlighted are the ones with the actual proof, I also mention those for people who want to try it but who are on a budget.
You yourself have been telling people to drink more water. I dont deny the value of water but how do we know that water doesn’t fill people up making it less likely to eat more calories?
As a nurse you know the value of science. So, how is it then that you say you have not investigated research on the product?
Sarah, interesting point you make. My reviews are not peer reviewed so how do people know that what I am saying is true? This is why I link to studies in Medline to support my conclusions, so you can go read the research for yourself. I do that because I dont want anyone taking my word for things.
Sarah: Do you work in a biology research facility? How do you know that the “fat fighter” works in that way? Honestly, you all are just promoting bunch of products that you can get at walmart for $$$. Which is understandable because people need to make a living if having a career doesnt work out. Where is the scientific peered review articles? If we in the medical field can only promote “stuff” that is peered review and researched, I think ITWORKs should too.
I’ll stick to eating healthy and exercising and not eating 7 cheat meals a week and taking a pill to lose weight. DOESNT WORK LIKE THAT.
Nice review. Even the thought of a body wrap seems dumb. I did some research on them and you can get the same result with Epsom salts and ace bandages. It’s a compression thing which is obviously temporary. Save your money y’all!
Patti, thanks. I’ve been asked about the It Works wraps for a while and because toning wraps are outside of my area of expertise, it was hard for me to figure out how they might work – beyond temporary re-shifting fluid contents in the body and/or causing some water loss. Ive never heard of the epsom salts and ace bandage trick but I appreciate you sharing that. I’m also glad you found my review helpful 🙂
The wraps don’t compress anything….they are a light cloth infused with lotion and can wear with yoga clothes to hold it on. Also no water loss…part of their program is to drink tons and tons of water for the day of and 72 hours after wrapping to flush out toxins.
They tone and tighten the skin and diminish stretch marks, cellulite and varicose veins. Results last for months (forever faded stretch marks). Nothing is magic…but I have seen some pretty awesome results after having babies or after weight loss. Fat Fighters have worked great for me as well!!!
Amy, what kind of lotion is in the wraps? what are the ingredients?
The ingredients are on the packaging but can I add an attachment or email you a document? And sorry, just got this notification that you responded today. Thanks!
Amy, that’s ok thanks.
I somewhat agree with this article only because I too was super skeptical trying the products. I was a huge fan of the wraps. I did lose 2 inches but it didnt stick more than 1 week. I use the fat fighters and lost 5 lbs in 1 week I think its crazy who knows if its really doing the job. Hair skin and nails work really great but then again you can but the same thing at the grocery store. Lip and eye cream is my favorite literally took away my circles under my eyes.
The wraps don’t really work they dehydrate you with whatever they are infused with and that’s why they tell you to drink plenty of water and do not work out so you don’t over dehydrate your self it’s tons of bullshit I still have stretch marks and still have no results after 2 treatments I have my before and after pictures as well for proof.
Patti,
Our wraps are not a “compression thing” nor are they water loss. The results, when used with a healthy lifestyle are permanent results. They are not wrapped tightly so they do not compress anything.
There are many different types of wraps out there that do different things so I can’t speak on all of them. I can however speak on our products and the fact that they do indeed do exactly what they say they do when used properly.
Missy, the effect of the wraps is permanent? How long does it take for the effect to last forever? Would the wraps have any effect if people did not eat healthy? Just curious.
hi Joe – I don’t see Missy’s reply here (maybe it is somewhere later on in this string) but I totally disagree with the “permanent” results claim. I tried the wraps and yes, they did make my stomach look smaller for about 24-48 hours but that was it. Not at all permanent. At best, something to do if you have a special event you want to have “tight” stomach for.
Hi Helen, thanks for the feedback on how the wraps worked for you. If missy posted a reply it will be posted. I searched for her I found her posting a comment on June 3rd 2014, which I replied to. She did not write after that.
I agree with Helen.. I used the stretch mark cream and the results were always temporary. If I used it for a few days straight you could see a big difference. After I stopped for a week it seemed as though I had never used it. It Works! is a temporary solution for instant gratification.
First of all why would you do the wraps if you don’t want to change your body or lifestyle ? Just like a tummy tuck, don’t do it and go back to eating like a maniac or having more kids or whatever caused the issues you want taken away.
Also, the fat fighters aren’t for loosing weight, they are to help keep you from gaining more. Each one of those ingredients that was used are used together for a reason, and u less your a scientist you should be knocking on all of them.
Your not an expert, not even that clever considering you didn’t even attempt to go into this without already thinking they don’t work. I use these and I’m a huge skeptic and I didn’t judge a book by its cover, I actually went in with a open mind, and I’m 40 pounds lighter, thanks to thermofit, which is for weight loss.
I use the fat fighters for a cheat night…I could go and reply to every piece of bologna this article has, but I have better things to Do.
Ashley, believe what you want however many of the ingredients in the Fat Fighter – such as garcinia cambogia, chromium, green tea and phaseoleum have reputations for weight loss, NOT weight maintenance. That is why I addressed it from a weight loss point of view. I’m happy for the weight loss you say you have achieved.
How long do the effects of going to the gym last? How long do effects of a tummy tuck last? Lifestyle def plays a role. These wraps used to sell in spas for $200 (may be wrong about price but was in $200 range) before It Works bought the rights. The results are permanent if you maintain. The stretch mark cream is amazing and permanent. Its not water-loss as u must drink half your body weight in ozs for 3 days.
Mary, are you really trying to compare It Works Body wraps – a product with NO clinical evidence to exercise which has THOUSANDS of clinical studies dating back over a hundred years?
Lets talk facts:
1. you say the effects if It Works body wraps are “permanent” but you can’t show me any clinical proof for this. I challenge you to show me clinical evidence of this – not testimonials- scientific studies. I double-dog dare you 🙂
2. you downplay exercise but say lifestyle plays a role. So how long would the wraps work (or would they work) if I ate crap? Again, you can’t tell me because nobody has done any research.
3. Please Give me the names of the spas that used to sell the wraps for $200. I’ll reach out to them for you and see if they are the same thing.
Clinical??? Most of the naturopathic products don’t have “clinical” proof because big pharma is the only ones being sponsored to do these insanely expensive tests and long term studies. I have seen alternative and natural forms of treatments do AMAZING things…in my life specifically…so using that as the only reason for being a non believer is ridiculous.
I have had a woman cry to me because her stretch marks and wrinkled belly improved so significantly she felt like her life was changed in a small way.
Amy, don’t you think you deserve clinical proof? Don’t you think It Works! should reinvest some of that money that they are making and show the world that their products actually work? I do. It Works makes A LOT of money. Studies don’t have to be “insanely expensive.” I’ve said many times, Id accept studies done by grad students. The bottom line is that It Works makes a lot of money. They can more than afford to do a good study – and it wouldn’t cost a lot either.
I’m very curious… Where did your research find you to state “Wraps that make you skinny or lose weight”? That was in the first few sentences of your review. Our company does everything it possibly can to inform the public that are wraps are a patented one of a kind wrap that does NOT promote weight loss, water loss, make you skinny or compress.
it is simply a non woven cloth infused with a highly concentrated botanical lotion and the wrap allows you to target one area at a time. It tightens, tones and firms.
when adding any of our products to a more concious lifestyle you’ll see increasingly better results. But even without a lifestyle change our products can help. That may say “Lazy man’s diet” to some lazy people. But that’s not what our company promotes.
I also wonder where your claim that “we downplay exercise” can you show me that source? We in fact give the benefit of a completly free fitness community to our loyal customers provided by our company.
You may in all your research run across our product guru. She has all the info you are seeking listed on her website for all distributors and customers to access. Look up The It Works Product Coach.
As far as results. Our results are permanent progressive. Meaning since they are not water weight loss, you won’t turn back into a pumpkin over night, so to speak.
Maintenance and a conscious lifestyle pro long your result without any change…how long does it take the average person who achieved a better body contour to eat their way back? Or drink their way back? Or add an anything other type of contaminate that may render a different result?
The average without lifestyle change or maintenance will see results lasts 2 to 6 months depending on the person. My result has lasted and continued to get better over the last 1 1/2 years.
Overview.
Not compression
Not Water Weight
You know for someone who prides himself on research it seems like you glanced at a couple of advertisements aND never even researched what the company promotes. What their suggested servings and FAQS state. It’s right online.
stating that the Fat Fighter doesn’t have “enough” of an ingredient to make a difference is really cringe worthy when you notice that it can be taken more than once a day. It’s up to the diet of the client.
This review is poorly done. I’m very unimpressed. Makes me want to look up other review sites now as I’m strating to questions other reviews I have previously read from you.
Brandi, the idea that It Works wraps make people lose weight /get “skinny” is all over the web and that is how its been described to me. Even email addresses from It works distributors contain the word “skinny.”
if the wraps really worked, why is the free fitness program even needed?
Results are “permanent progressive” What does that mean?
So you are saying the the wraps do NOT cause water loss? Does that mean the wraps cause fat loss from the body? Can you prove that please (no testimonial – a study).
You may feel my review was poorly done and that is your prerogative but the fact remains that -serving size or not – the Fat fighter -itself has no published peer reviewed evidence to show it actually works. I am glad however that you said the fat fighter alone isn’t enough.
Joe,
Are you HONESTLY basing your review on advertisement wording in independent distributors Web links? I thought you were testing products from companies. I guess just as you assume things wrongly, I must have to. I assumed you went to the corporate website and read what this product is. What this product does and how this product works.
Instead your basing your assumptions on wording from any random person over 18 who joins the company. That’s real solid research Joe.
You will not find any mention of skinny, weight loss or inch loss on any company approved advertising. That is not what it is. That is not what the company claims it is or advertises it as.
permanent progressive simply means it continues to get better, especially with life style change and a concious effort to work toward a healthier body. No where will you ever find a company approved document stating that our products don’t work without life style change. One comment your bashing because you claim we don’t encourage fitness and now your questioning why our products don’t work without it. Neither of it has been said by me or the company.
Is it that hard to understand that adding a healthier lifestyle to your health supplement might increase your results? Is it equally hard for you to wrap your brain around something that will wo3k even without it, but we still encourage it?
And never anywhere did I speak about any fat burning from the wrap. Maybe if I use caps you’ll see it this time.
THE WRAPS ARE NOT A WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCT.
Brandi, oh stop! you know as well as I do that distributors make weight loss claims – or at the very least give people the impression. Actually the main site I looked at when I reviewed the fat figher was the It Works site itself. I really try not to look at what others say so as not to be influenced by them. That said before I even heard of the wraps, I got a lot of emails about them.
Brandi, distributors can’t have it both ways. either its weight loss or its not weight loss. I appreciate you saying the wraps are not a weight loss product. I’m going to quote you when other distributors ring in to say it is.
Joe, I’m 100 percent with you. thanks for your research.
And Brandi, please, he HAS resources including the BBB report and scientific ingredients. What the heck is wrong with you by saying “assumption?”. Speak English. Did you even studied all the ingredients from the product just like Joe did? Do you have one?
There is good reason why this is not in retailer. you know why? because they don’t have damn courage enough to even put in the market. And eventually, there is not deal for darn warranty policy or anything that protects sellers. I dare you ask investors and see if this is something that is worth a money. And it absolutely have no scientific proof thanks to your promoting department.
The website is only designed as selling, but don’t really say anything about customers. Where is real stories that it worked? where is the studies just like what other competitors does? Why in the world there are still FATASSES sellers in the internet?? IT just logically doesn’t adds up with saying “fat Fighters” and saying “it just promote healthy life”. There is no click for you? What was your GPA? did you just graduate from high school?
When some people here saying it doesn’t saying about losing fat, than for goodness sake, STOP comparing to the gym. obviously, majority understanding different ways.
I saw one women from my facebook friends, and she was talking about eating some franchise donuts and fat fighters. What the…??? it doesn’t work that way (And yet, I still see so many fatass distributors). just simply doesn’t work for your body.
if you truly believe this in the product, put the craps into retailers, I dare you. Until you have studies. Normal people wouldn’t buy it.
I can argue about this in many ways and so ready to win against you distributors. Progressive lifestyle? I would rather just eat vegetable and workout and eat healthy.
Prove it. With Brain.
BUT THE PEOPLE WHO PROMOTES IT WORKS CLAIMS THE WRAP MAKES YOU SKINNIER AND YOU CAN EAT FRIED CHICKEN. LIKE WTF? SO maybe yall need to retrain your sellers.
So, wrapping yourself without any lifestyle change (diet, water intake, exercise, etc) won’t have an impact like wrapping yourself with the changes? Hmmmm. I wonder if making the lifestyle changes is equally as dependent on the wraps? I tend to think not, but I defintiley welcome a peer reviewed scientific article to tell me otherwise.
Great review Joe! Totally agree with all of it. Very few companies have any research, because they can make all the money they want without it. Thanks for putting the BBB info in this review. Filing complaints really works for those of us who do our research. Blessed are we, Kim
Kim, thanks appreciate that! I’ve been curious about It works for a while but since body wraps aren’t my thing, I stayed away from it until I learned they branched out into supplements.
I totally agree on the stretch mark cream!! I do not know how the cream does what it does but the difference after using the cream is amazing.
Also the facial wrap was unreal….literally made my face look at least 5 years younger….I don’t think the results lasted from one facial wrap but the depuffing I had was significant.
I have also done the wraps and they are good especially if you have a event to go to and want to feel less puffy.
Definitely not going to make your stomach flat but definitely removes the bloat!
Hope this helps! I don’t sell their products I am into quality healthy items and the ingredients are really natural. Also the greens powder is amazing for this tired mom of 3 under 3!
Hemmorhoid cream does the same thing. Strippers have used it for decades. Look up all the wrap ingredients they’re full of low to moderate level carcenogens.
I totally agree that their products don’t work and their customer service is a total nightmare. I am so sorry I signed up for their products. What a huge waste of money!