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
Sandee
Great that your father is having good results with PS.. I hope it continues. In reference to the Pastor, I disagree with his involvement in any business, PS, or others that interferes with what should be his main mission. In my opinion, it is a great way for missionaries or laypeople or MINISTERS to get derailed from their mission, waste a lot of money, and time, alienate a lot of people, and lead a few unfortunate others down the same ruinous path.
Hey Corey
Read the section Joe has provider in reference to the PS Bio-Cleanse. Very expensive through PS, when you can purchase similar products that promise the same results at your local pharmacy, or supermarket at a fraction of the cost. Good-luck.
I am seriously offended by the attacks on this pastor for selling a product he believes in! What’s wrong with that? Many pastors own businesses. I had to get that out. And now, I believe Plexus Slim is a great product. I asked my Dad, who is diabetic, to try it for a month to see if it would help lower his blood sugar, which is what the product was originally developed for.
After that month his blood sugar levels lowered over 100 points a day. He now takes it daily and feels better than he has in years. I signed on as an ambassador to get his Slim wholesale. There was no requirement to buy the product up front! And there is no pressure to sign up recruits either. If I tell someone about Plexus and they want to make a purchase then I go to my website and buy it wholesale and sell it to them retail, except family who pay only my wholesale price. You guys are making a big deal over nothing.
Oh, but I do want to add that whoever told that lady that the accelerator is safe for breast feeding mothers was very misinformed and that is infuriating. Who would recommend caffeine to a baby! Just the Slim itself would be fine, however.
Hi Joe. Wow.. I have found your research and explanations on products and their ingredients very informative. Have you ever done any research on the new supplement called Visi? Just wondering as my husband is taking it. Thanks Joe. Have a great weekend.
Colleen, thanks. I’ve never heard of Visi but will add it to my list and try to take a look at it.
Joe
Randy is off based with the 70% rule and needs to be corrected. It is so hard not to respond, but out of respect for you, and the site, I will not.
Randy
In my opinion, and more importantly Joe’s, the studies you offered are not on PS as product that stands along, do not whole water. Based on my experience in pharmaceuticals, if you show studies to a healthcare provider, most would throw you out the window, certainly not letting you back in the office again. Keep posting what you call studies, they are useless in respect to PS.
AMEN, RONNIE! Before long, there won’t be any need for research and deveopement on new products, (which PS has none to my knowledge) or any health care providers. PS will do it all!
Gary, you remind me of a baptist group that came to my friends funeral and picketed – he was killed in Afghanistan they were a lot like you – not very educated about things.
Ok I want to move this conversation away from religion. No more comments about religion please. I wont post them. Corey, very sorry about the loss of your friend.
Randy
I’ve started taking bio cleanse t-day – I am going to try the product myself and see how it works- I hope you are a better pastor than company representative – extremely annoying reading you’re comments , Obama will take money from pastors too
Randy
Nice try Randy. There is no misinterpretation of the 70% rule based on the 1979 lawsuit against Amway. Read Robert Fitapatrick’s definition of it. @0 yrs experience studying the issue. I myself have about 4yrs. Mind games don’t work here Randy, too many intelligent people. I agree with you though let’s try and stay on subject. Hard to do since most companies like PS depend on the marketing design of MLM.
Randy
I was going to shup-up for a while, but I cannot help to respond to your post.
Salemanship 101. Never used yourself, or your family as an example to the effectiveness of a product. That in itself is ridiculous, but making those statements without clinical evidence is more so.
As far as working for a legitimate company compared to MLM. The legitimate company does have people at the top that make the most money. But, those positions or assigned, or appointed, not as a result of how many people they recruit. Those people at the bottom of a legitimate business at least get paid minimal wage while the people at the bottom of a MLM get paid very little, in most cases nothing.
As far as comparing MLM to “franchises”. No, you cannot in most cases buy a franchise for a $100.00. But, look at the true picture. When you buy into a franchise you are paying for a protected market, and the name. (ex. McDonalds) Are you free from competition? Not hardly! Almost always, you will see a burger joint of some sort (Burger King) close by. But, to you see another McDonalds, no.
In MLM (PS) your competition is your own company’s distributors. Does that sound like a legit business? Hardly. Anytime you add a distributor to your down-line, that one individual is a competitor of yours. All competing for people, which soon become depleted. When you meet people at these rah-rah meetings, keep in mind even though you work for the same company, that person is possibly taking food out of your mouth. After years of marketing and sales experience, this makes no sense to me.
Randy, speaking of me being hilarious as to my ideas what about this..You stated in one of your post that PS is about the 16th MLM you have tried. Apparently, you have failed at 15. For some reason you think PS will be any different.. Based of research there is a 99.6% chance you will be wrong again. That in my humble opinion, makes you nothing more than a MLM addict. That’s what’s funny. It scares me to think how much money you have spent trying to conquer that elusive dream. If you have a family, and it is none of my business if you do, it is not funny, but very sad.
I find it very disturbing that you attack Joe who is kind enough and fair enough to let you and me express our views He doesn’t promote his books, but you need to read a couple of them.
Jeanne
Love reading your posts and hope to see more. I too believe MLM is good, if they companies like PS follow the rules set forth by by the federal government in 1979. They simply do not. When you put “recruitment” of distributors ahead of “direct sales”, meaning if the bulk of your dollars are made from recruitment, not direct sales, the word “pyramid” arises. Ask a simple question, can you Mr., or Ms. distributor make as much, or more money if you just sold direct and eliminate the recruitment of participants?
The answer in most cases is NO. In my opinion, if PS was sold only on a direct basis, (only on its merits) with no recruitment involved, it would not exist very long.
http://networkmarketinglaw.com/70-percent-rule/70-percent-rule/
Pete, please keep this rule in its proper context. I think you have misinterpreted this rule so I have provided a link above from Derek Banducci’s website. There is no reference to recruitment in this rule. Where are you getting that information?
“The whole purpose for why the network marketing industry exists is to get products to retail customers. If distributors are inventory loading then this purpose is clearly not being served.
The problem with inventory loading, from a business perspective, is that it demoralizes distributors to have a garage full of unsold products. An MLM company with demoralized distributors will not stay in business for very long.
From a legal perspective, the problem with inventory loading is that if distributors continue to buy product that they are not selling then that is a good indication that the product is not truly what the distributors are buying. There is a good chance that what they are truly buying is an opportunity to be involved in an illegal pyramid scheme.
In sum, the 70 percent rule arose in 1979 from the landmark Amway order as one guideline for keeping an MLM busines legitimate in the eyes of the FTC. More fundamentally, however, it is just common sense to require distributors to actually distribute products.”
Furthermore, if Ray Kroc would have implemented your model of business when he took over the two hamburger stands owned by the McDonald brothers, we would not have a McDonalds in just about every town or foreign country as it exists today. Does this also mean that you now view McDonalds as a pyramid? LOL I mean, since they franchise or recruit other business leaders to sell their products, they must be a pyramid, right? LOL
Here’s the thing Pete. You can either have 100% of your own efforts (as you have so adamantly pointed out in previous posts) or you can have 1% of 100 people’s effort. I’ll take the 1% and then compare how things turn out in the end. 😎
If Plexus was sold on its own merits as in a direct sales environment, which you eagerly proposed as being doomed to failure, you have ignored true marketing principles once again! In that scenario, a company must spend on average, more than 50% of their income in advertising and marketing to people who fall within their demographics as potential customers.
In a mlm scenario, the money that is saved in advertising/marketing is normally passed on to its distributors for their word of mouth advertising. It’s really a pretty ingenious concept considering “word of mouth advertising” is considered the best form of advertising.
I hope this gives you clearer understanding on the true science behind mlm.
Here are the Warning label on accelerator: (im reading from the bottle)
Suggested Use: in the morning take 1-2 capsules orally with one stick-pack of Plexus Slim once a day. This product is not intended for long term use. It should be taken to help jump start the weight loss benefits of Plexus Slim.
Warnings: Not intended for expectant or nursing mothers, or if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or ant other cardiovascular condition. Not intended for children under the age of 18. Avoid taking this product with cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, PPA, or products containing caffeine. Before starting this or any other supplementation consult a physician first. If unpleasant effects occur, discontinue use.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.
I just started using plexus yesterday and I didnt eat anything besides a small bag of Doritos from the vending machine I didn’t feel hungry just realized I didn’t eat today that was at 4pm. Made me have so much energy and I had a hard time going to sleep last night.
I just had my daughter exactly 3 months ago and want to lose my baby weight for my wedding in June. Only am taking this for the 30 days then im stopping. But I have heard when people stop taking it they gain the weight back but i was in great shape before my child just need to get motivated to eat better and run again.
Anywho thought that warning would help for your info! I do believe people are not told about the product just that it helps you lose weight and that can be dangerous. My dad has a heart condition and started taking the accelerator and had to stop asap due to his heart freaking out, dont believe he was told about the product.
Shocking to me as well.
Also it is disturbing to see people posting that they take this drink and they they don’t feel hungry so they don’t eat anything (or just some non nutritious junk food). Yep they may lose weight but it will not be healthy and definitely not long term.
That is about as sensible as saying, well I have this Corvette and I am going to pop some STP in it and run the crap out of it on empty. Yep it will run until the engine seizes up.
Our bodies are meant to be fueled. Eating something nutritious every two to three hours will keep the metabolism going at optimal speed and it will run perfectly, healthy and fit for a lifetime.
Sammy, I am happy for your weight loss success but I can bet the farm that you will not keep it off this way.
First of all not feeling hungry is not a good normal thing for your body. Your body is meant to be fueled with good nutritious food frequently (every 2 to 3 hours is optimal for a healthy metabolism). Doritos have no nutritional value. Having a baby should make you more motivated to eat healthy and live long and healthy so you get to enjoy your kids and eventual grand kids grow up.
As for PS the 7 day trial size arrived in baggies not a bottle and no disclosures or information.
Even the one you had in the bottle assumes that the person KNOWS of their health condition. There are a lot of people that do not get regular check up’s and they could very well have a condition with heart, blood pressure etc and there can also be women that are pregnant and do not know it, so even labeling is not the entire answer.
Nutritious food, consistent moderate exercise (walking will do and it’s cheap), and if you choose to ingest mystery products that do not disclose ingredients maybe at least see your Doctor and be sure you have no unknown underlying health problems that could put you at risk. And always remember fast weight loss means fast gain back
The healthiest weight loss is to take as much time to lose it as you did to gain it. Much better chance at developing good habits (to pass along to the children), and keeping it off.
Jeanne I have not had any weight loss yet today will be my 3rd day using plexus. I stated im only taking it for the 30 day period to jump start my weight loss (if any occur during the 30 days) before i got pregnant I was 135 pounds and 18% body fat, I know how to eat right and exercise correctly and perfect health im 22.
Im well aware of the health risks that plexus can cause im going to Nursing school. Yes not feeling hungry and eating dortios is not healthing in anyway, I just wanted people to know the warning label & disclaimers on the bottle if they are oblivious to reading a label before ingesting something foreign in their body or just believe what people tell them.
Thank you for your concern but im very knowledgeable and am probably the 1% of people who will keep of the weight or just use it to jump start the weight loss. I would never take it longer than a month.
I have to think that any consumable that needs to have “warning labels” is something that should seriously be though about before you actually swallow it.
Since religion was brought up earlier by a person of the cloth, I am thinking God provided us with good things to eat and that we are told our body’s are the Temples of God, thus it is out obligation to keep it healthy with all of the good things we have been provided. Nowhere does it say “eat of the bounty the Lord has given you – BUT be sure to check the warning labels.
Maybe if we eat the things that do not need to have warning labels we would be more healthy.
Randy, several posters including myself are STILL waiting for those amazing studies done by PS on the product. We have been waiting since FEB.13th. I thought the company were to send to you. They probably Just got Loss. LOL (sarcastc)
It’s posted on the website for your review. I thought we already discussed the fact that it is proprietary by its very nature and this is not going to change, Pete. The company did its research and published it online for you to evaluate.
Randy
Your post makes no sense without clinical data backing what you say. Do you Not understand this statement. Each time your throw out those ridiculous claims without studies performed on them is ludicrous. Can’t you understand that testimonials mean absolutely nothing in the real would of science. No-more than hear-say from people usually selling the product, paying money to participate in the incentive scheme. You don’t pay that $100 month, you don’t qualify for commissions. We call it “Pay-to-Play.This is just one element that defines PS as a “pyramid scheme”. And all money is funneled up to people at top making the big bucks.
Pete,
If you don’t want to believe someone when they reveal legitimate results then that is truly your problem. It doesn’t mean however, that the results aren’t true because a study isn’t available in a medical journal.
Your default answer to me always reverts to Plexus being a pyramid scheme but you fail to realize that you worked for a pyramid scheme for the majority of your life.You don’t believe me? Did your boss retire better off than you did? Did the owner of the company that you worked for all those years retire better off than you did? Did THEY make more money than you did even though you might have worked more hours than they did? On the contrary, within a mlm, people at lower levels who have stronger work ethics than those at higher levels WILL earn more money because they are building their own businesses. DUH!!!!!
My advice is for you to research and compare franchise costs with the $100 monthly cost of personal products required by most mlm companies. (If you can’t even use the products then why should you be allowed to get a commission check?) This doesn’t even take into account what a entrepreneur will pay for utilities, insurance, wages, etc.
At this point, I’m wondering if you will even post this Joe.It seems like you enjoy keeping people in the dark about mlm opportunities because you yourself also fail to see the benefit of them versus a brick and mortar store front. It would truly be sad to deprive your readers an honest comparison from someone with years of experience.
What has been truly hilarious is when you (referring to Pete once again) portrayed mlm’s as battling each other like Amway against Herbal Life etc.I believe you said that “we would be crushed like a bug?” That is good comedy for those of us who actually know better.
Randy, don’t play the reverse psychology trick. I’m on to that 😉
I have a friend that took a weight loss supplement years ago and now years later the side affects started showing up. She had to have heart surgery and has had all kinds of health problems from it. My advice after watching her go through this, is do your homework. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Eat right and exercise is the only way to be assured of good health.
eating right and exercising will not totally cure diabetes….that is why Plexus Slim was originally developed.Plexus Slim was originally created to help stabilize sugar in the body, which it truly does. My uncle went from 100 units daily down to 40 units daily. His doctor said to keep doing whatever it was that he was doing. They also saw where it helped lower blood pressure and people began sleeping better. The weight loss was indeed the side effect from its use.
Eating right and exercising are sometimes only 2/3 of what a person needs to do when a chemical imbalance is prevalent in the body. 😎
Randy I have to weigh in on this. Insulin does lower blood sugar and people with type II diabetes sometimes inject insulin as their diabetes gets worse. That said, exercise can lower blood sugar levels in the absence of insulin working. We have things called “glut 4 transporters” which work to help reduce blood sugar and they dont need insulin to work. Here’s a link to a study http://www.jbc.org/content/269/20/14396.long More proof that we are fearlessly and wonderfully made…
So, I’d say that I don’t know how much I’d agree with your statement that that eating right – and that means fewer calories – and exercise – would not help your uncle the same as you say Plexus slim did (it would be an interesting study to do don’t you think 😉 ) I would agree with the doctor that as long as hes free of side effects to keep it up because diabetes is a killer more prolific than most people realize.
If a person has type 1 Diabetes life style change will help but a type 1 may likely need insulin all their lives. Type 2 (adult onset) is caused by lifestyle and can be changed by lifestyle as well. So can high triglycerides, cholesterol, high blood pressure and type 2.
During a total lifestyle change lowered calories and exercise I am living proof. Fasting sugar went from 149 to 95, cholesterol from 268 to 146. No magic pills.
I know people want to do it the easy way because fast and instant gratification is the seeming mode of the day. The makers of Plexus Slim riding a very slippery slope if they are marketing it as a cure for disease. In fact I doubt the company is claiming cures, rather the associates dreaming of the money aspect.
The problem is many associates are not Doctors, not scientists, not medical researchers, not in the medical field at all and have no way of diagnosing a patient with any disease, yet they are offering treatment and cures through their product. Plexus slim and other MLM’s will take on any associate that is willing to buy in and they can be high school; drop outs that have not worked more than a paper route or flipping burgers at MacDonalds.
I see a vast list of people on Facebook making all kinds of medical claims to sell their product. You will not lose weight and keep it off if you are eating fast food, processed food, sodas, ice cream, chips and all the junk food. Even healthy food it is calories in and calories burned. Whether you choose to consult your health care to traditional medicine or alternative medicine; be sure you are being consulted by someone who is qualified to diagnose and treat and know what to look for.
One of these days someone selling some magic potion Plexus slim or otherwise is going to send people stuff that can kill them or alter their health forever. Then who is liable, and is this worth trying to make a buck.
For those truly interested in consulting people and treating them for their health problems, then do it the right way. Get the training, education, experience and background to be qualified. Yes that all takes time and commitment just as weight loss, fitness and health management does.
FYI- lifestyle change will not help a person with Type 1 diabetes and they WILL need insulin their entire lives. It is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. Our body needs insulin to regulate blood sugar. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes could not be more different. Please educate yourself before you try to educate others.
S, True plexus slim will not help people with type I diabetes. But, lifestyle change – eating better, exercise – does help people type I diabetes live better lives. its not just about insulin.
Yes Joe- eating healthy and exercise will help everyone live better lives no matter if they have an underlying medical condition or not. I just wanted to clarify the difference between t1 and t2 diabetes. Many people assume all diabetes is the same and can be helped with lifestyle changes.
People with t1 will need to take insulin for life no matter what, while people with t2 can show great improvements in their condition with lifestyle changes. T1 doesn’t have that luxury.
Just wanted to be sure the facts were clear. Sorry to go off topic but I wanted to make that distinction.
S, I totally understand, and it is good to remind people of the differences between type I and type II.
One thing I would like to ad is credibility and cost. If PS was a cure for diabetes or any other disease it would be picked up big time in the medical community (either traditional, alternative or both). The fact that they do not have ingredients and doses of ingredients on their packaging is a huge red flag.
Seriously would you buy any consumable product that had no labeling? Many people will not buy cosmetics, skin care or even household cleaners unless they read and ingredient label. I do take vitamin supplements and there is an entire ingredient list with complete serving an dosage on the label and even lists what the capsules are made of and what if any fillers are contained in the product. PS does none of this.
A friend that is selling this stuff sent me a 7 day supply. The accelerators just said “accelerator” and came in a zip lock bag. No ingredient list on the pink drink package. Taking something because someone tells you some testimonial without knowing what is in it is nothing short of reckless.
And even if you do know the ingredients and doses of various supplements, chances are you can find them for less money and a lot more disclosures in any reputable health and supplement store and not be paying the salaries of a MLM down line.
I am not against MLM’s, but I am if the company is marketing consumable goods, making health claims and not disclosing important information about ingredients and doses.
Jeanne, the accelerator has no label and just comes in a zip bag! wow. I didn’t know that.
Joe, That is correct. I paid $39 for a 7 day trial supply through a friend and the product came in the mail. A larger zip lock bag contained 7 packets of the pink drink stuff that was labeled reading Plexus Slim (with their logo etc and then another smaller zip lock baggie that contained 7 capsule pills with a little card that read “accelerator.” No ingredients, no instructions, no possible side effects. no disclaimers such as if you are pregnant or nursing, have kidney or heart disease etc: etc:
The entire attitude is almost like the hippies in the 60’s “Take this – it’s awesome you will love it!” Sorry I don’t ingest anything that I so not have proper information on (and no testimonials especially coming from people who are selling the stuff are not credible or unbiased information).
Jeanne, thanks. It’s shocking to me.
Hey Randy
I understand about PS wanting to protect themselves from some company wanting to produce a “knock-off” of PS. That’s fine. The problem, in my opinion, is there is no “patent” on PS, or any of the ingredients in it. I have been around the pharmaceutical business for a long time, and almost sure that if another company wanted to copy PS, they would have no problem doing so.
This would be expensive, but I believe, and Joe please correct me if I am wrong, a company interested could get hold of the product and have an independent research company to break it down showing what ingredients are in PS, and how much. Nobody really cares Randy because these type of products are a dime a dozen.
Let PS step on one of the “big boys” and you will see how fast that happens..PS is simply not a threat to any company. And, you better hope they stay under the radar, and be satisfied with doing well in the S.La. and S. Miss markets..Trust me, you don’t want get into competition with Amway, Herbalite, and other huge companies. PS just does not have resources these companies have, and they would crush you like a bug.
60-day guarantee? Check around. Almost all supplement companies offer money back guarantees. Some 30, some 60, and some even 90. Based on research, most people do not
bother with returning product because it is such a hassle. It is a great money making scheme for most MLM companies.
I doubt PS will get in the way of the big boys (nor will any other company). There are so many out there and their popularity comes and goes because:
1. There are no magic pills or potions and people want instant long term results which will only come with life style changes for a life time, less calories, healthier choices and exercise. Once a customer does not get the instant gratification long term, they run off to the next magic product (which is why there ARE so many weight loss products and why there are still so many people with weight problems).
2. When distributors, associates or whatever a company calls them find out that they don’t become the wealthy financially independent millionaires that the rah rah meetings sell them, they are off to the next MLM dream, (which is why there are so many broke people in debt running from one MLM to the next hoping to get rich.
Randy
I’d like to comment on your post talking about PS being a “Proprietary Blend Product”. First of all, certain supplement companies do this to protect the ingredient combinations in their formulas. FAIR ENOUGH.
Secondly, there are supplement companies out there who do this to scam you, plain, and simple. PS list 0 on all there ingredients except chromium. Why, I don’t know? Most will agree, knowing how much of an ingredient is in a particular supplement, gives you an idea what you are getting. Is it worth the money spent? It also holds the company accountable for the listed ingredients. Personally, it would give me confidence knowing that the company is secure enough to list their ingredients, and will be held responsible for any inaccuracies. This is the chance that PS, or any other supplement companies have to accept. LIST your active ingredients. If the product is good, people will always go for that supplement.
Proprietary Blend Products, like PS, hide behind this loop hole, and it simply doesn’t give most customers the confidence in the product. Experts suggest a customer take a second look at label the next time you buy a supplement like PS, and pay attention to the “ingredients”. If you see “Proprietary Blend” (PS) think twice before buying.
Hey Pete, I think they were more worried with someone stealing their idea and producing a “knock-off” of the product and selling it on store shelves for much less. Plexus customers can also feel safe taking this product because Plexus has a 60 day guarantee. I don’t know of any other supplement companies that do this and it just goes to show the integrity of the company as a whole, in my humble opinion. That’s a strong level of commitment on their behalf!
Best of luck to you!
Hey everyone!
I just wanted to provide my own opinion of Plexus Slim. I was introduced to Plexus Slim over a year ago and I have no complaints. Although it may be “pricey” for some budgets, so is surgery. I believe that if a person is overweight and wants to loose a few pounds, then Plexus is worth trying. I know a retired judge that had a lot of issues with his blood sugar. He was on several medications and on insulin. Since taking Plexus, he’s no longer on insulin because his blood sugar is level and instead of taking 7 different kinds of meds a day, he’s down to two.
Granted, Plexus may not be for everyone. But what is? When I first started taking Plexus, I also tried the accelerator. I made a BIG MISTAKE because I took it on basically an empty stomach. I was sick and crashed hard! HOWEVER, I tried it again with food in my stomach and I felt fine. I now only take half because I eat later in the morning.
I’m a full time college student, most of my classes are at night, and I spend a LOT of time at school doing schoolwork on in to the wee hours of the morning. I don’t have time to go to the gym and sometimes I don’t have time to eat a proper meal because of my schedule. I was gaining weight because of the snacks, late meals, and energy drinks that I consumed. Plexus helped me manage my weight! I wasn’t as hungry, I had more energy, and with the 96 calorie drink mix in a smoothie I stopped eating fast food late at night. Plexus doesn’t just produce a weight loss supplement. They actually started out as a breast health company, I believe. They have Plexus Slim, Breast Cream, Fast Relief, 96 Calorie mix, etc.
I say go to meeting, try a 3 day pack, and see what happens. It may be for you, it may not. It may be just what someone you know needs. Don’t expect to see results overnight either; it took me about 5 days to feel a difference. I think it’s worth a shot. I trust it more than I trust all the other weight loss ads on TV.
Randy
I love it when someone says “all due respect”, “but I am going to disrespect you anyway”.lol Randy, you really need to get all your facts right before you start writing long post about PS, or anything. As before, I have nothing against PS, I listen to experts like Joe on the subject. My issue is how it is marketed.
I’m glad that you don’t have anything against Plexus Slim. 😎 It continues to help thousands every day.
Randy, would plexus slim work without garcinia cambogia or alpha lipoic acid? They both have more research than plexus slim.
Im still waiting for that research you said existed Randy.. 😉
Regarding your last comment about the research Randy was going to provide regarding PS Joe. I think you will be waiting for a long, long time!!! I think I said it before, and others have said it but I’m going to repeat myself. There is NO magic drink or pill for weight loss.
The SECRET, that I’m giving away for FREE is simple. Eat a quality diet, supplement with quality vitamins and get off your behind and move. Confront whatever demons you have that cause you to overeat, consult a mental health professional for help if you need it. Enjoy every single day and live it like it is your last.
If there was a magic pill or drink there are famous people on TV who would be wisp thin. There is NO EASY solution, and I include all and any form of stomach surgery because they don’t get to the root of the problem, and the root is in your head!!!!
I’m not sure as I am not the one that developed it or did the studies. I will call the corporate office again to inquire about it. I’ve been rather busy with my grad school studies.
Thanks Randy. I understand. Been there and done that myself.
Joe, the company did a proprietary study. It was clinical by nature but it was not published because there is proprietary information involved such as the percentages of ingredients used in the development of the product, etc. As you are already aware, the FDA does not require a clinical study for a supplement before it is brought to market.
The results of the study conducted by Plexus are published on the website for all to review. There is also a 24 hour testimonial line that people can call if they want to hear actual people talk about their results from using the product.
I will vouch for it though…It works!
Randy, true the FDA does not require published peer reviewed research but I personally prefer it because “clinically proven” and peer reviewed are two different things. Clinically proven could mean almost anything. The levels of ingredients of Plexus slim would not have to be divulged in a peer reviewed study. The researchers could just say “we studied plexus slim” and if they wanted to go deeper into what was in it, they could, but Ive seen studies where the actual levels of ingredients were not mentioned.