Update 7/10/20. Plexus Slim is billed as an “affordable weight management product” that boasts “no ill side effects” based on “extensive clinical research.” Impressive, but does PlexusSlim work or is it a scam? And does it really have no side effects? I was tipped off to Plexus Slim by one of the readers of this website. After looking at its ingredients, I wanted to write a review of Plexus Slim because of the words used to describe the product and because Plexus Slim seemed to have ingredients that I have never heard of before. Let's see what we can discover about this weight loss drink. Also read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +) and Plexus Boost, Plexus ProBio5 and Plexus Hunger Control after you read this, for additional information.
Update: The formula for Plexus Slim was changed a bit since this review was written so also read the review of the new plexus slim formula.
Who Makes Plexus Slim?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company that makes Plexus Slim – Plexus Worldwide Inc. – was started in 2005 in Arizona. The address of the company is 7440 E. Karen Dr. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Update. PlexusWorldWide.com, the company website, now lists this corporate address: 15649 N. Greenway Hayden Loop Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Googling this address shows a large building that says “Plexus Slim” on the outside. That's good.
Update. The Better Business Bureau now lists this address for the company: 9145 E Pima Center Pkwy Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4627
The BBB gives Plexus Slim a rating of “A+” See the BBB file for updates and other information.
To buy Plexus Slim it looks like you either have to buy it from the company or through a PlexusSlim distributor. They call Plexus Slim distributors “Ambassadors“. On the Plexus Slim website, they have a calendar of Plexus Slim events.
These events serve not only to sell Plexus Slim but also to recruit new Ambassadors. Plexus Slim has a multi-level marketing (MLM) aspect to it.
I have no problem with MLM. If the product is reputable, MLM allows people to make an income which can be significant.
Plexus Slim Nutrition Information
In an effort to keep this review up to date, here are the ingredients in Plexus Slim as they appeared in 2016. According to the label shown on the product website, each packet of Plexus Slim has the following nutrition information and ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 10 calories | |
| Total Carbohydrdate | 3 grams | 1% DV |
| Chromium Polynicotinate | 200 micrograms | 167% DV |
| Plexus Slim Blend (composed of the following) | 530 mg | N/A |
| Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Extract | ||
| Green Coffee Bean Extract | ||
| Alpha Lipoic Acid |
In the table above, N/A means no daily value established.
Each of the ingredients will be summarized below. I will leave in the summaries of the ingredients present in the original plexus slim formula too to help others doing their own research.
See the review of the new plexus slim formula too.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
Polydextrose
This is a type of soluble fiber. In theory, this might help weight loss since it has no calories and is a type of fiber. Polydextrose might cause gas and bloating.
Citric Acid
In some products, citric acid is used as a preservative and to enhance flavor. While it naturally occurs in citrus fruits, its use in foods/ supplements may be from natural or synthetic means.
Beet Root
If Plexus Slim uses the entire beetroot, the fiber content of the beetroot might help foster some weight loss because it adds bulk to the stomach contents. That said, I can't locate any evidence that beetroot helps people lose weight. The product label states the beetroot is to give the product color. Beets do have a red color. Beetroot probably contributes to the pink color of the product.
Beets and beetroot juice have gotten attention from the scientific community because of their ability to raise nitric oxide, a compound that can relax blood vessels, allowing blood to more easily travel through the body. See my review of SuperBeets for more on this topic.
Grape Skin Extract
Grape skin contains phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which act as antioxidants. While this is very good, does grape skin extract help people lose weight? Other than having some fiber (which might act as a laxative) I can't find any proof that it does.
Update. I'm told Plexus Slim no longer contains grape skin extract
Lo Han Extract
The scientific name for this ingredient is Siraitia grosvenorii. This is also called “lou han guo” and “monk fruit.” By either name, it's often used as a sweetener. This ingredient, like steveia below, is likely added for flavoring.
Stevia
This is a sweetener. Some supplement companies may call it by another name -“rebaudioside A.”
Stevia is added to many low-calorie foods. In theory, using low calorie (or no-calorie) sweeteners might help weight loss but I'm not sure if this is the answer. There are MANY low-calorie foods and beverages on the US market, yet Americans are not slimmer than they were, say, in the 1980s.
Natural Flavors
They don't tell us what these natural flavors are. To be fair, most companies don't. They don't have to under the law. Regardless, I doubt any of them play a role in weight loss.
Green Coffee Bean
This is also called Chlorogenic Acid. One study published in 2010 noted that chlorogenic acid helped weight loss and increased fat burning when in rats that were fed a high-fat diet (37% of calories from fat).
This is interesting even though it's a rat study. Another rat study also noted that mulberries (which also contain chlorogenic acid) helped the weight loss. But was it the chlorogenic acid – or all the other stuff mulberries?
In one small study 16 overweight people were given either a placebo or different amounts of green coffee extract (which contains chlorogenic acid) at either 700 mg or 1050 mg day for 6 weeks (each person was given each treatment for 6 weeks).
People getting the green coffee extract (both dosage amounts) were shown to have significant reductions in body weight, body mass and percent body fat compared to placebo. The type of green coffee extract used in this study was supplied by Applied Food Sciences Inc.
Retracted
It sounds great BUT, the study has been “retracted.” This means it should not be considered as evidence due to errors with how the study was performed. In the words of the authors, the study was retracted because the authors could not “assure the validity of the data.” Click here to read the retraction.
See the Green Bean Coffee Review for more information.
See the weight loss supplement scam review.
Rosmarinic Acid
This is a plant chemical found in many herbs, including rosemary. This is probably where Rosmarinic Acid gets its name from. Rosmarinic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. I was unable to find any studies showing that Rosmarinic Acid helps weight loss in humans or animals.
Hydroxycinnamic Acid
This compound is an antioxidant but whether or not it contributes to weight loss needs further study.
Garcinia Cambogia
This was originally called “Citrin K” when I first reviewed Plexus Slim. Garcinia cambogia is found in MANY weight loss supplements because of some research that it might reduce appetite and help weight loss. Right now, I think all anyone can say is maybe it works or maybe it doesn't work.
In this study, 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia did not help people lose weight. I mention this because if this study is correct, then it might take more than 500 mg of garcinia Cambogia if it's going to work. The entire proprietary blend in Plexus Slim adds up to 530 mg. While Garcinia Cambogia is the first ingredient listed – which presumably means it makes up the most of the blend – how much that equates to, I cannot say.
See the Garcinia Cambogia review
Also, read the review of supplements linked to liver failure.
Alpha-lipoic Acid
This is an antioxidant and it helps it turn carbs into energy. It can also help regenerate other antioxidants, which is pretty snazzy.
There are a few studies of alpha-lipoic acid and weight loss. In one study, alpha-lipoic acid was randomly given to 360 obese people for 20 weeks. Half got a placebo and half got alpha-lipoic acid (either 1200 mg/day or 1800 
mg per day). Those getting alpha-lipoic acid lost more weight than those who got the placebo. Basically, people lose about 2% of their body mass.
In another study, 1127 overweight people were given 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid a day for 4 months. This study noted that alpha-lipoic acid, at the dosage given, helped people lose about 8% of their body weight over 4 months.
So if you were 200 pounds, alpha lipoic acid might help you lose about 200 x .08 = 16 pounds. That is a significant amount in my book.
One possible problem with this study though was that it doesn't appear that there was a placebo group to compare the weight loss too. I was also unable to determine (because I only read the summary of the study) if people combined alpha-lipoic acid with eating fewer calories (I think they might have ).
Alpha-lipoic acid is the last ingredient listed in the proprietary blend. As such, it likely makes up the least of the 530 mg total.
Oxypregnane Steroidal Glycoside
This is a pretty fancy name but you have heard of this stuff before. Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside – is just a fancy way of saying Hoodia! Here is a study that proves that both names mean the same thing.
I think they call it Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside because they are trying to make the product sound different and special. In reality, it's just hoodia Gordonii.
The other fancy name for hoodia is P57AS3 – you have probably seen this listed in other supplements as “P57“.
I've already reviewed hoodia and weight loss. Other supplements that I've reviewed previously that contain hoodia include the
For at least 10 years, hoodia Gordonii has been in more weight loss supplements than you can shake a stick at – but there is no good proof that hoodia supplements help people lose weight.
Study. Researchers gave hoodia or a placebo to 50 overweight people for 2 weeks. The people in the study were allowed to eat as much as they wanted from a menu provided by the researchers. Results: hoodia did not cause any weight loss.
While no serious side effects were reported, researchers did note that people who got hoodia had higher blood pressures and heart rates compared to people who got the placebo. Hoodia also seems to cause elevations in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What caused these changes I do not know.
Update. Plexus slim no longer contains hoodia. See my review on the New Plexus Slim Formula for more info on how it has changed.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Plexus slim contains a type of chromium they call “amino nicotinate”. This is fancy talk for “chromium nicotinate”. (it is now called “chromium polynicotinate on the label).
You may have heard Dr. Oz talk about chromium polynicotinate on TV. I reviewed what Dr Oz had to say about this form of chromium and I am guessing that this is why Plexus Slim includes chromium nicotinate over the sometimes more popular, chromium picolinate.
Chromium may help lower blood sugar levels but as for its effects on weight loss, I am highly skeptical. For more on chromium, see my reviews of chromium weight loss research and chromium polynicotinate.
Blood Sugar Lowering Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients might reduce blood sugar:
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Chromium nicotinate (now called chromium polynicotinate)
Fiber Ingredients
As a quick reference, the following ingredients all might add fiber to Plexus Slim:
- Polydextrose
- Grape skin (no longer in plexus slim) See my review of the new PS formula.
- Hoodia (maybe. no longer in Plexus Slim)
How Much Does Plexus Slim Cost?
One of the slogans for Plexus Slim is “At last, an affordable weight management product.” I guess that depends on how you define “affordable”. On the Plexus Slim website, they have different prices depending on whether you want to buy it just once or be billed each month automatically.
If you want to buy Plexus Slim one time only, its $84.95. If you want to be billed automatically at the 15th of each month, Plexus Slim is $79.95/ month.
Is Plexus Slim OK When Breast-Feeding?
Some women have wondered if they can take Plexus Slim while they are breastfeeding? That's not something I would recommend because if any of the ingredients in Plexus Slim pass into breast milk, then their baby will be getting those ingredients too.
I don't know for sure if any of the ingredients do get absorbed into breast milk, so I do recommend that women take the ingredients in Plexus Slim to their doctor to see if they can get a better answer.
How Much Caffeine?
The Plexus Slim Nutrition label states that it has less than 2% of naturally occurring caffeine. My guess is that the caffeine comes from the green coffee bean extract because this statement is listed next to the green coffee bean ingredient on the label. I'm not sure how much 2% natural caffeine equals.
Plexus Slim and ADHD
Since writing this review I've heard that this product may be marketed to help Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A search on Google reveals several testimonials from people saying that it helps. I became curious and searched for “Plexus ADHD research.” I searched Google for this phrase and I also searched the National Library of Medicine too.
I saw no clinical studies on this topic. Therefore, whether it Plexus helps ADHD or not is unknown as far as I can tell. Nobody appears to have undertaken the chore of taking this stuff into the lab and actually tried to really see if it helps or not.
The same thing also seems to be true for bipolar disorder and depression. I cannot find any evidence Plexus Slim directly helps either of these conditions either.
Having said that, lack of evidence doesn't necessarily mean something does not work. Rather, it just means that it seems that, other than testimonials (from people most of us don't know), there doesn't seem to be any good proof for it yet.
How To Contact Plexus Slim
PlexusWorldWide lists this contact phone number: 480-998-3490 which people can call 6 AM-6 PM (PST) Monday -Friday and 9 AM-2 PM (PST) on Saturday.
How To Return Plexus Slim
Plexus Slim products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee. For those who purchased from Plexus Ambassadors, contact that person for details on how to return the product, or call the company itself at 480-998-3490.
Does Plexus Slim Have Any Side Effects?
On the Q and A page of the Plexus Slim website (question 7) where it's asked: “Will Plexus Slim interfere or react with any medications or other supplements?” the makers say: ” No. Extensive clinical research has demonstrated no ill side effects with any medications or other supplements.”
Where is all the “extensive clinical research” on Plexus Slim? As far as I can tell, Plexus Slim has NEVER been tested in published studies to see if it interacts with any medication or health condition.
The only study I've seen on Plexus Slim is a summary of a study they show on their website. This is a study from 2008 where they gave the product to 8 people with type II diabetes. Yes, improvements were seen in blood sugar, body weight and other things, but this is not a published, peer reviewed study. As such, there is a lot we are not told about how this study was conducted. It may be the best study in the world, but if we can't see how it was conducted, then it can't be duplicated by other scientists.
That said, in healthy people, I think Plexus Slim (the pink drink product) is safe. Below are some theoretical side effects based on its ingredients.
Grape skin. Some components of grape skin might interfere with medications such as Coumadin (a blood thinner). I'm not aware of any human evidence of this, but because blood thinners can intact with many things, its best to talk to a doctor about this. Update. grape skin is no longer in plexus slim
Chlorogenic acid. This compound might raise homocysteine levels in humans. Homocysteine is a somewhat controversial molecule because some feel it might be linked to heart disease.
See my review of chlorogenic acid for more info.
Citrin K/ Garcinia cambogia. There is some controversial evidence that Garcinia Cambogia may be linked to liver problems. Personally, I'm not yet convinced it does this. For more info on this see my review of garcinia Cambogia.
Alpha-lipoic acid. This ingredient appears to lower blood sugar. Because of this, alpha-lipoic acid might interfere with insulin and other diabetes medications. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to reduce thyroid hormone levels. This can be a problem for people who take Levothyroxin for hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Hoodia. As I reported in my book on supplements hoodia Gordonii seems to share some chemical similarity to a class of heart drugs called cardiac glycosides. In fact, if you Google “Hoodia and cardiac glycosides.” I don’t know the clinical significance of this. That said, if you have heart or blood pressure issues please see your cardiologist before using any hoodia supplement, just to be safe.
Chromium may lower blood sugar levels. While this can be a good thing, it also means chromium might interact with blood-sugar-lowering medications. This might – in theory – make blood sugar levels to too low.
As a general, blanket statement, I would be cautious if you have any problems with your heart, blood pressure, kidneys, liver, mental disorders, diabetes or digestive problems. I would not recommend Plexus Slim if you had bariatric surgery either. To their credit, the makers of Plexus Slim do say to see your doctor first if you are pregnant. I agree with this.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator
Update: The Accelerator formula has changed significantly and the product is now called Plexus Accelerator Plus (Accelerator +). Do read my review of the Plexus Accelerator Plus for additional information on the new product.
This is another product sold on the Plexus Slim website. The word “accelerator” is a tip-off that this product is a stimulant.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator contains trace minerals, calcium, and magnesium from seaweed (both are useless for weight loss) and vitamin B6 (useless for weight loss). The accelerator also has a “proprietary blend” of:
- Dark Chocolate – won't help weight loss, unless it has caffeine
- Natural Caffeine – natural or not, it's caffeine!
- Green Tea Extract – probably has caffeine or EGCG
- Vanadium Chelate. This is the fancy name for Vanadium. It won't help weight loss.
- B-Phenylethylamine HCl – might act as a neuro-chemical. Avoid if you take antidepressants.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator also has an ingredient called GeranaX. GeranaX is a reference to geranium oil. Geranium oil is controversial in some circles because it is thought by some to be a natural source of a stimulant called Dimethylamylamineor “DMAA. ” It's scientific name is 1,3 Dimethylamylamine and its also called Methylhexaneamine.
The name “GeranaX” is a made-up word. In other words, the name GeranaX holds no scientific meaning.
Geranium has been the subject by scrutiny by the military, whose research finds that geranium does not contain DMAA. Oddly, the supplement 411 website still lists “geranium” as an alternative name for DMAA in its listings. Currently, it is controversial if geranium is a source of DMAA or not.
As of July 2013, the Australian government warned people about the Plexus Slim Accelerator because they say it had DMAA. This link goes to the Australian government website that discusses the Plexus Slim Accelerator and DMAA.
- In April of 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter about DMAA.
- Here is a New York Times article on DMAA for more information.
The ingredient DMAA seems to act like ephedra or bitter orange (synephrine) which are potent stimulants. As such, it may raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Here is a case report of a 21-year-old man who suffered a stroke after taking 2 DMAA pills.
This does not mean plexus slim will do this. It would depend on whether DMAA really is in geranium and also which part of the plant was used (root, stems ect).
Di methy amyl amine “looks” like amphetamines (“speed”). This may be why question 6 of the Plexus Slim Q and A page mentions that this ingredient may cause a positive result on a drug test for amphetamines. Here is a study showing that dimethylamylamine causes false positive drug tests for amphetamines.
Plexus Slim Bio-Cleanse
This is a laxative. Always remember, the word “cleanse” means laxative. The Plexus Slim Bio Cleanse supplement lives up to its laxative name because it contains magnesium, which is indeed a laxative. Remember “Milk of Magnesia.” Either way, laxatives don't cause any weight loss other than mostly water (and of course, poo). The Plexus Slim website lists 2 prices for this product – $29.95 or $39.95 -both of which are too pricey for me.
Plexus Boost
Here is my review of Plexus Boost. I cover a lot of information in this review and I also compare it to the ingredients in Accelerator Plus as well.
Plexus Slim Fast Relief
The Fast Relief product appears to be a pain relief formula that exists in both a cream
and capsule form. One of the ingredients in Fast Relief is Lyprinol. This compound comes from the green-lipped mussel, hence the slogan “Full Body Relief, From the Sea-Naturally.” You may know this product by its other name – as Omega XL which is advertised on TV with Larry King.
For more information, see the review of Omega XL.
Will Plexus Slim Work?
Honestly, I'm not if it works because Plexus Slim – itself- has no published proof. If you read the comments below, you'll see some people do say it's helped them lose weight. If it works, is it because of the unique blend of ingredients in Plexus Slim or is it because of just a few key ingredients alone?
Here are Plexus Supplements on Amazon
Do a key word search Plexus Slim reviews. You will find ambassadors posting these claims. What training have you gone thru? Training to sell or training to practice medicine? Which remarks posted here are not accurate. I consulted my P. A., a personal trainer, a physical therapists, and a PhD in the field of science. All said the same thing. These products do nothing for long term health management.
You addressed concerns with other ambassadors? Anyone in your group with a medical background? Ambassador levels are purchasable, training is a few hours; this does not qualify anyone to disburse medical claims. If your product is 100% safe, as claimed, then why the disclaimer to take at your own risk.
After reading all of your post I had to comment. First, I am a product of Plexus Slim and an “ambassador”. Many of you are making remarks that are not accurate. We have testimonies of people getting healthier but we ALWAYS respond to ANY person to consult with their doctor first.
This is no miracle weight loss, nor do I promote it that way. I actually went to my GP before I even began taking the product. There are numerous people that have experienced great health benefits. Although not everyone is expected the same. We DO have training and I actually address your concerns with other ambassadors today. Yes, like any product some people may misuse information to “boost” their sales which is wrong and not apart of our company.
I would like to know the ambassadors websites you obtained this information from. First, all of our websites are the same as corporate so I am interested to know where these ambassadors are promoting these testimonials.
Elaine, we do used “could” help your breast become healthier. Please post where any of you got your information along with these ambassadors links. Thanks!
Cassie
Great post. As you have probably read i joined Plexus just to keep myself updated with this scam. Thank you for being intelligent enough to figure this scam out. I also am thankful to Joe for this site. I got an email from PS asking everyone to continue promoting PS over the holidays to their family and friends. How low can you get? i wrote back and stated ” come on! It’s xmas, give it a break. Can we wait and start back conning our friends and families after the holidays.” of course i was deleted.
was the meeting you went to one in which admission was charged? this amuses me because the company is asking people to pay them to bring people to them to buy product, and to have some type of ridiculous training. in my opinion, they should be the other way around, they should be paying me. just another money making scheme, that stupid people fall for. and as you know, stupid is hard to fix.
After being invited to a P.S. meeting, I did a Google search and found this site. These products are by the thousands, and are all worthless. No biggie, just don’t fall for the hype of effortless weight loss, and unlimited wealth, right. WRONG. It is most unfortunate people continually fall for these schemes. Over the past several years, I have been approached to join in the “explosive” {fill-in-the-blank-MLM company.} To this day, no-one I know who got sucked into these MLM scams are independently wealthy, cruising the Bahamas, living in a 10,000 SF home with a house load of servants or a chauffeur who drives them to airport in their Lexus to board their private jet to Europe. No, I am not exaggerating. I have been to these sort of meetings where videos of upper level shows these sort of lifestyles.
People, educate yourself. Ambassadors are not medically trained, licensed professionals. Anyone can purchase the ambassador level. Anyone can make claims. Someone posted that the product can be taken forever. Sure, suck someone into thinking they have to take the product forever, and you have a customer who will fatten your bank account for a lifetime. OK. So lets say you won’t take P.S. forever. Did you change your eating habits. If not, I don’t have to tell you. You will gain everything back and more. There ain’t no easy fix, folks.
joe
hope you are doing well. a lady stated she has muscular sclerosis, and plexus slim is allowing her to live a more normal life. wow!!! i have an idea, why don’t we just do away with the FTC, Attorney General’s offices, and the FDA and just convince the FEDS to have everyone use plexusslim. joe, i said i was going to give it a rest, but this amuses me too much. lol if you want to read an interesting article on MLM, go to yahoo and search an article by robert fitzpatrick, “the ten lies of MLM”
Pete, thats amazing. I wont at all be suprised if the hammer falls on Plexus Slim soon because of claims like that. I think Ive heard of that MLM guy. Keep me posted if you come across any other crazy claims like that!
elaine
where are these posters, i am an ambassador doing research and i have never seen a poster of this sort. these claims are still being made. just go to meeting and ask around. you may ask why i am so involved in this. simply, it amuses me lol i had posters made to use at meetings, nothing about this.
we talk a lot about ps. based on my research they are also bending a lot of FTC guidelines. one of those is this. based on the AMWAY case in 1979. the FTC stated to be considered a legal MLM company, your main focus has to be on selling product, not recruitment of people. Go to a meeting, all is talked about is adding people. this is what pays the bills and the upline who make the big money. this is what makes plexus a pyramid scheme covered up by a product. take away adding people to take the place of those who drop out, and by marketing design, the pyramid will fall like stack of cards. think about it!
Pete, thanks for that info on the MLM guideline about recruiting people. I didn’t know that thanks!!
Paula
to be honest i don’t remember where i read this info., maybe on the packaging. but, it stated plexus slim is not for long-trem weight loss. just another unsubstantiated claim by one of these ambassadors. you are right on. thank you for the post.
Pete, you stated you will now put it to rest. Then I will, too. But one more before I put it to rest. The ambassadors chastise posters saying leaders are NOT claiming the exaggerated claims. If you will do a you-tube search on Plexus Slim, you will find meeting leaders claiming Dr. Spencer’s cream cures: shingles, poison ivy, poison oak, scars, warts, molds and diaper rashes, along with easing cysts.
An ambassador testifies that she lost 50 pounds from May 2010 to August 2011. Even at only $100.00 per month for product, that is $30.00 per pound. Add the accelerator and bio cleanse and price per pound loss is about $50.00 per pound. That is NOT an affordable weight loss product.
Hundreds of these products come and go, but this one is most disturbing because of the claims. I do hope consumers research before purchasing any miraculous get skinny quick products. I would have love to keep a girly figure without the daily exercise regime and staying away from chocolate chip cookies. I have to do it the hard way–work at it.
I was told by an ambassador that you can continue using this pink drink for the rest of your life after I made the following statement: Most people with weight problems must find a way to control their weight with healthy eating habits and exercise. I said Plexis Slim is just a short-term solution for a life-long problem.
Paula, that happens a lot with some products, to keep people in the system for as long as they can. It really is the “holy grail” of supplement companies (and drug companies too!) to find a product that people take daily – like a multivitamin – for the rest of their life. That’s just a side effect of capitalism, and its fine, but like what you were getting at, there has to be a real change in peoples lives and not relying on a crutch like a weight loss product.
joe
just to let you know there is basically no training for the ambassadors other than attending these meetings talking about testimonials, etc. nothing is really mentioned about rules and regulations from the FTC. and, you actually BUY the title for $199.99 plus a yearly fee of $34.00. you do get product for the $199.00. this is just so they can get around not been considered a pyramid. joe, like you, i have done extensive research on plexusslim and also MLM. unless you have any questions, think I’ll put it to rest. lol that’s what you get for writing such an interesting and resourceful article. i thank you for that!!!!
Pete thanks or the heads up on the Ambassitors buying the title of ambassador for $199. I was not aware of that. I appreciate you going to the Plexus Slim meetings and filling me in on this!
Gretchen
be sure to read joe’s information on the “Accelerator” it could be dangerous. do your research on DMAA.
Joe
a few other “miracle claims” the plexusslim ambassadors make:
1. good for treating LUPUS.
2. i was told to put the BREAST CREAM on my face and it would help with my rochasea.
3. after a customer called an ambassador and told her she thought she was having an allergic reaction to the PS, maybe the shingles, the ambassador told her to continue using for 7 days. WOW!!! we all know how dangerous this can be,
Joe, every one of these statements were heard with my own ears. with my experience in pharmaceuticals, i thought i was dreaming.
Pete, thats amazing. It sounds like Plexus Slim is dropping the ball with Ambassador training if thats the case. They should definitely not be saying stuff like that!
Shingles is a VIRUS!! You can’t get Shingles as an allergic reaction.
joe, the company will tell you not to break the rules, but you go to a meeting there are all kinds of illegal claims. the company knows this happening. i was told i could not be held liable for claims made. come find out, you and the company can be liable. if companies selling supplements were controlled by the FDA and not the FTC the company would be in a lot of trouble, making claims without proper clinical data. The hammer will start to come down soon.
you have to become an ambassador with plexus in order to share in commissions. it is basically a pyramid scheme covered up by a product (plexusslim) to make it legal. still they are breaking FTC rules by focusing on adding people more than selling product.
70% rule states 70% of the product you buy as a distributor has to be sold to someone not affiliated with the company. go to a meeting and just see where the main focus is. Here’s one for you! i was told that their BREAST CREAM was good for my Rosacea. please don’t laugh too hard. lol
Pete, thanks for the low down on whats going on!
Gretchen, if truth be made clear, most consumers of this product have the same results as your friend, if even this kind of success. The miraculous, “melted away the fat” testimonies are all from sellers of Plexus Slim and testimonies always include the ambassador’s webpage for purchase of this product. $60.00 per pound? In my checkbook, this is NOT “at last, an affordable management product.” Ambassadors may be well advised to discuss the liability issue with their own, personal attorney.
This is an excellent article! Thanks for the detailed info you provided! 🙂 I have one friend who has had some moderate weight loss on this product, but she has been taking it since July. She uses the accelerator and the drink. Once you do the math, she has paid about $60 a pound! That is crazy. Get a gym membership, go to WW, and do things the old fashioned way. 🙂
Thanks for your reply. Notice the ambassador does not say “could” remove cysts. The ambassador’s claim is “removes cysts.”. Serious claim, one the ambassador could be held liable for, despite what company is telling distributors. I read on another diet review that another ambassador is now claiming Plexus Slim cures athletics foot. Disturbing, these false claims.
Elaine, I agree. Im guessing that the Plexus Slim Ambassitors do not understand the laws that regulate supplements. Thats something that Plexus Slim needs to address in their Ambassador education.
Here is just one ambassador’s post on internet. There are many more:
“This is a great product in that it helps people with diabetes and they also lose weight. Not advertised are.the other benefits to include improvements in lupus and fibromyalgia sufferers, reduced dependency on cholesterol medication and relief from arthritis pain. The Plexus organization also distributes other worthwhile products to include breast cream used twice per day to remove cysts.”
One ambassador posted a disclaimer on their site:
“This Plexus Truth Blog is not meant to be a substitute for any professional advice, guidance, or counseling. I’m not a doctor/nutritionist/dietitian/personal trainer. Basically my opinion is NOT what you should base your own healthy living decisions off of. I am writing my own experience as an ambassador for a company called Plexus Worldwide every one of us have his or her own experience. If you are using any of the content/products provided here, you are using that at your own risk. I recommend you contact a qualified professional if you are planning to change your exercise or eating habits. They can be invaluable and help you safely start a weight loss or exercise program.”
Does the statement, “If you are using any of the content/products provided here, you are using that at your own risk” relieve the ambassador of personal responsibility should this product cause health issues for consumers?
Elaine, thanks for sharing that. The little disclaimer she had might help protect her to some degree but an attorney would know best. What caught my attention was the comment about how the breast cream could “remove cysts”. Technically that is a drug claim and the FDA takes those seriously. Since there is no proof the breast cream removes cysts, the best she could get away with was to say that breast cream “supports healthy breasts” or something like that.
Thank you for the information on Plexus Slim. From all the sites I have read, the incredible weight loss posts are always followed by the “ambassador’s” Plexus Slim webpage for purchase of this product. There are hundreds of miraculous weight loss products on the market and none are effective for life-long health management. What is most disturbing about the selling tactics of Plexus Slim “ambassadors” are the claims of “throw away your prescriptions; Plexus Slim is cure for diabetics, high blood pressure, high blood sugar.
Especially disturbing is the Breast Cream claims. These products been not been tested by the FTC. Everyone can decide what is best for their lives. I can only caution consumers to research for themselves. As for the MLM–selling the dream of Wealth Without Work. I agree with poster: “just like most MLM companies, when the heat comes, the owners will pack up all their money made from stupid people and head to their private island. PEOPLE BEWARE!!!!!!!!”
Elaine thanks for letting me know about that! I had no idea Plexus Slim Ambassadors said stuff like that!
I am an ambassador and no we cannot say throw away prescriptions not can we say it is a heal all. It is a supplement. But I myself take triplex. And it helped me decrease my thyroid medication through my endocrinologist and lab results.
Do not start taking plexus and throw away prescriptions without dr approval!!! Please get all your facts straight before posting or reviewing this product. This has helped me more than anything else the several years I’ve been hypothyroid and I am under dr supervision. Thanks
Jessica. are you still taking thyroid meds? can you say more about how your hypothyroidism has been helped?
Jessica writes:
“Please get all your facts straight before posting or reviewing this product.”
Jessica, I noticed a couple of things on your FB posts.
“Adrenal Fatigue, Hashimotos/Thyroid, Diabetes, Lyme’s Disease?”
“Within 7 months I was 100% prescription medication free…..”
“I am now headed into my 5th month with Plexus of no medication”
” I have had allergies for over 20 years. Blowing nose constantly, sinus headaches, didn’t know what it was like to breathe out of my nose, sinus infections, post nasal drip, itchy eyes, itchy roof of my mouth…the list could go on. NO MORE! Thank you Pleuxs”
“I Was introduced to plexus a little over a year ago and I’m no longer depressed,pain is eased up,no longer over weight (25 pounds,countless inches gone ) or have not had a migraine or canker sore in a year. I have more energy than I can remember having,no bloated stomach from constipation and feel so much more younger.”
“Do you or anyone you know have an autoimmune disease?”
“No more antidepressants”
“I’m not spending over $300 a month on prescription meds for allergies and asthma.”
Now Jessica, if that isn’t calling Plexus a heal-all and implying that people should just ditch their medications, then I have a bridge to sell you.
While we are on the topic of “facts”, how about you post some information on exactly where Plexus products are manufactured. Here is a hint: not in Arizona. Perhaps you will be able to step up to the plate and give us those facts.
She can say these things happened to her. She cannot say it will happen to you. Testimonials can be a little confusing for that reason. I choose to stay away from them, unless I actually know the person, then I explain that it was my friend’s experience. I look for a lot of things to change soon about how we can word things, since we have a new head of the Compliance Dept. I think that will clear up a lot of issues.
If you look at any vitamin supplements that are sold OTC they say neither approved or not approved by the FDA. Hoodia has been removed from the slim. It’s best to do your research on your own before slamming the company.
Plexus is a debt free company, and has made the INC magazine top company list 2 years in a row, its changing lives. The company does tell you to check with your doctor before starting the products.
“Lucy”,
Let’s get a couple of things straight here. 1st – do not compare Plexus with vitamin supplements. That comparison is night and day. You don’t have people claiming that One-A-Day cures ADHD in children along with countless other claims.
Hoodia. Yes, hoodia has been removed. So what? In their products, they have countless other ingredients which they fail to source and fail to disclose where it is manufactured.
Your claim of “debt free” is laughable. They can tell you this at all of the rah-rah meetings but it doesn’t make it true. Just because a company makes it to a list on INC magazine doesn’t mean the company acts ethically in any way. There have been countless companies that made the INC 500 list that have gone bust. Do your research.
The company may tell people to check with their doctors – in tiny writing somewhere on a label. However, the majority of the company’s public claims come from ambassadors such as yourself, making unfounded and unproven claims. Lies like the product curing fibromyalgia, auto-immune disorders, etc. Recycled before/after photos promising weight loss. Promises of being able to make loads of money and getting free cars. That’s the real message Plexus sends.
Since you are so well-versed in Plexus, I’d like to see if you can answer something for us. Where exactly are Plexus products manufactured? It’s not in Arizona. In fact, there’s not a manufacturing plant in America that makes this stuff. Please respond once you find this information.
Lynnea
Even with a compliance officer, you will always see non-compliance with PS, and other MLM companies. There are just too many uneducated, and loose-cannons out there promoting this junk. Without deception of some sort, MLM could not exist since it is based on deception.
Deception is everywhere, is it not? Plexus is no less based on deception than most other companies. Do you think the drug companies are not based on deception? The companies that provide our food supplies? WalMart?
Sure, I agree there are many scam MLMs out there. There could also be scam laundromats or hotels out there too, as an example. That doesnt make *all* laundromats or hotels scams. That doesn’t mean that some are not beneficial. At least with a Compliance Officer, there’s an effort being made to run things right.
Lynnea
A person would have to be a fool to admit deception is not wide spread. But, based on experts opinions, MLM companies such as PS, are the most deceptive business models on the face of this planet. They dupe billions of dollars from millions of people each year. To compare a traditional business model to a MLM business model is ludicrous.
To be successful in a recruiting MLM, one must first be deceived, then maintain a high level of self-deception, and finally go about deceiving others. They must also be in a state of denial about the losses suffered by the “downline” they recruited.
Some would label this “theft by deception,” except that few of those doing the deceiving are aware that they are deceiving and defrauding those they are recruiting. They may even put on a display of being “successful” by buying expensive cars and homes and inviting others to be like them. The SYSTEM is the culprit.
To those that talk about Compliance and to those that think that since they have new Compliance people things will change, you need to be reminded that this company has been marketing their products since 2006 with an anything goes to sell the product type attitude, not just by ambassadors, but by those in the company, at all levels.
Did someone forget that the Company was cited by the FDA for misbranding their products? That was not a Compliance Issue. That was the bigwigs whom new better, but went ahead anyway with their deceptive marketing practices and told everyone else involved in the company that it was ok.
Then they got caught and had to focus on correcting this, which they never did very well, so they removed people and products. Nothing else has changed. They still employee crooked people and try to fool everyone that they are “it”.
Anyone can purchase an ad in “INC. 500” or any other MLM rag mag that will take their money. As a matter of fact, If I didn’t hit send on my credit card, you would see my business on the INC. 500 list!
Please educate yourselves..
http://thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.ca
I’d like to see this company comply with a simple request to disclose where their products are manufactured. Seems that would be a great starting point to actually legitimize their products.
Great article on plexusslim. I became an Ambassador just to see if some of the claims i was hearing was true. i was in pharmaceutical sales for 33 yrs and some of the claims were incredible. i am sure when the FTC get wind of some of these claims they will be knocking at their door. i was told at a meeting i could not be held liable for making claims that were not substantiated. FTC stated even if info is on a brochure provided by the company, you could be liable. just like most MLM companies, when the heat comes, the owners will pack up all their money made from stupid people and head to their private island. PEOPLE BEWARE!!!!!!!!
Pets thats interesting. I also was interested that they call their distributors, Plexus Slim ambassadors. I am seeing the word “ambassador” come up a lot in MLM companies lately. I guess that’s more agreeable than the word distributor?
Joe, http://thepinkdrinkscam.blogspot.com/
Here is the label, and some other info. on the new Plexus Mega X provided by Pinkdrinkscamalert.
Thanks Pete.
They are changing the soft-gel capsules. So, this product isn’t going to be available for another 90 days. The ambassadors said something about the product not meeting their standards.
Stacy, thanks for the heads up.
Nothing in Plexus meets any standards whatsoever. And I seriously doubt any ambassadors have a clue as to standards in the manufacturing process of their products. Plexus does not adhere to any cGMP’s and they have never even confirmed where their products are manufactured.