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
Stacey
No mathematical genious, but it’s about 5:00 pm. and just ran across a interesting situation on E-bay. Someone is breaking up a 30-day package, and selling 5 packages for .99. Unless I read wrong, put the math to that one. Please correct me if wrong.
Stacey
The $67.00 price was on E-bay yesterday. I agree, I had to look at the price several times to make sure it was correct. May have been an error on somebody’s behalf. Even at that, the price of $90.00 for both are, or were all over the internet. We know what the recommend prices for PS are. If these prices are correct, somebody has bought up a bunch of product, and dumping it at a loss, or somebody is being allowed to buy the products in mass quanities, and cutting the price. Any way, not helping the distributors.
Stacey
Are we reading the same article that Lee-Anne provided?
I quote from the article, ” The Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia”, (TGA) has TESTED the Plexusslim Accelerator Capsules and the Plexusslim Accelerator 3-day trial pak, and found that:
– They do contain undeclared banned 1,3 dimethylamylamine.
What do you mean by reformulate? PS can reformulate all they want, but there will be no more products containing DMAA crossing Australia’s borders. As stated, customs and other agencies will be monitoring. The DMAA claim is no “precaution”. When the government of a country informs the public, per article, to take ALL products containing DMAA to the pharmacy, and let them destroy it, that is no precaution, that is equivalant to a recall in the US.
No DMAA in PSA? What is your definition of Geranax? Tells most that it come from the geranium plant in which DMAA is extracted. The test proved this to be true, whether from the root or the leaves. The natural form of the geranium plant IS from which DMAA is extracted.
Can you please tell us how much of Geranax is harmful, or not? Nope, always get back to clinical data supporting an issue, and you, nor your company has any.
Stacey, whoever is feeding you this off-the-wall information is not very educated on the subject.
I can appreciate your enthusiasm, and passion you have for PS, but you are letting it get in the way of “rational-thinking”. When you are dealing with products that go into a person’s body, not thinking rational, gets people hurt.
This is exactly why MLM needs to be better regulated, and they will be.
When I read the USATODAY headline news on Matt Cahill’s prison sentence, I immediately thought of the poor souls who are continually being fed the lie that PS is a natural solution to diabetics, pain, diseases, weight loss.
Have you seen the Hydroxycut products in Wal Mart. The Pink Drink, Accelerator and Sprinkles $63.00 for a 90 day supply with no expensive shipping.
Just saw 30-day combination of PS and PS Accelerator for $67.00 on E-Bay. (California, listing). I would take this real serious if I were a distibutor. This situation will not get better, only worst.
Hmm I’m not seeing that listing anywhere.
After reading this reviw I decided to use the drink but not the accelerator. I just found out that the accelerator has now been banned in Australia as they contain “the undeclared banned chemical DMAA”. Sale of the accelerator is now illegal in Australia, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration will be working with customs and border control to help stop future shipments entering the country. Thanks for your review!
http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-plexus-slim-accelerator-capsules-130716.htm
Lee-Ann, glad to help and thanks for the link. I wasn’t aware of this.
The Accelerator will be reformulated to meet Australia’s standards. The DMAA claim is a precaution and I commend them for it. There appears to be no DMAA in the Accelerator, it’s the GeneraX that could “possibly” create a natural form, not the chemical drug. It is also a very trace amount of GeneraX, nothing that can be considered harmful.
Stacy, if you read through the comments, people have reported side effects after taking the accelerator, DMAA or not. If PS really works as well as they say, then the accelerator should not be needed.
That’s actually correct. The Accelerator is not needed. It is only taken by those who also want the extra energy. Plexus Slim alone will do all the other wonderful things for you, with no stimulants at all.
Donna
I have been on this site for a long time, and one of the reasons is because the author,Joe Cannon, is fair and unbiased. He may disagree with someone, but his reasons are based on clinical data, or his professional experience as a weight-loss, and exercise expert.
Donna, almost all know what the conseqences are, or will be when they experience eating at McDonalds. Unhealthy lifestyle, with possible serious complications due to becoming obese. The data is there supporting this over the many years that fast-food restaurants have been around. Unhealthy, period., whether long-term, or short-term. Very simply, where is the data supporting whether PS is safe short-term, or long-term, or even effective long-term, without serious changes in lifestyle. THERE IS NONE!
I think of a good friend of mine, who joined PS in its early stages. Has been taking PS since it came on to the market about a year, or so ago. Developed serious stomach problems as of late attributed to PS having to many minerals in it. Had to have a colonos. Dr. recommended no more PS. What are the dangers, or consequences of eating at McDonalds, we know, the dangers, or consequences of taking PS, we don’t know.
Does anyone know if it blocks the absorption of dessicated porcine thyroid? Or is it just the synthetic thyroid supplements?
Jayci, I dont know but a pharmasist might be able to give you an answer. Generally Id say its best to not take any supplements within 2 hours of taking your thyroid med.
I take Plexus Slim and I also sell it. It is so funny how the same people you see getting on here and bashing the product, saying how it could have possible side effects years down the road that no one is aware of, are the same people who go thru McDonalds week after week ordering Big Macs and McDonalds. Funny how you don’t see them bashing McDonalds for the side affects they will face years down the road from high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
People make excuses for things they do want to do and for things they don’t. we are all gonna die sometime, some of us prefer to be skinny when we do. Get a life people
Donna, I don’t think I’m bashing anything. Since my site isn’t about fast food, that’s why McDonalds etc. doesn’t get mentioned much.
“”We are all going to die sometime, some of us prefer to be skinny when we do. Get a life people.” This is hilarious coming from someone who sells ps. No thank you. I prefer not to die from consuming dangerous products.
PS is not a cure for years of pumping your body full of toxins and McDonalds. Change your lifestyle and it will change your life. Do not be fooled into thinking that disclaimer on your website will exempt you from legal responsibility. Do a google search on Mark Cahill.
Just saw where the PS and PS Accelerator combo (30-day) selling for $102.00 on E-Bay. This the lowest price I have seen on these particular outlets, with highest been $160.00 for the combo.
I used it (drink and accelerator) for two months. While on it, I drank 8 glasses of water AT LEAST each day. I lost two pounds. I cant even attribute it to the plexus and accelerator. It was a waste of money for me. It was disappointing because there are tons of sites with testimonials. It was an expensive failure for me.. 🙁
Angela, that totally sucks. I’ve had a friend that happened to. She has a lot of hormone imbalances so it takes time for all of that to even out. She didn’t lose anything from month 1-3, but from month 4 -8 she lost 56 lbs. Not many are willing to wait that long.
Stacey
I don’t deal in who’s right, or who’s wrong, I am a scientist, and I deal in facts. I know exactly where you are in this, you are a new recruit who has been “brainwashed” so bad that you can’t even think for yourself.
So many people get on this site and say things like, ” I’ve lost 100 lbs. simply using PS. Could that be true, maybe. Fact being most do not tell the whole story in what other things they did or are doing to help the weight-loss. Ex: “I take PS, and only take in 1200 calories a day and exercise. Not an expert on weight-loss, but do you think taking in 1200 calories a day and exercising had something to do with the results. HELLO!
Hey Stacey
Your are right, there are very large companies like Amway that have been around for a long time. But, based on research of experts in the field, Zig Zieg. for one, says since 1950, thousands of MLM have come on the scene, but based on statistics, less than 1% have survived more than 5-10 years. The companies you mentioned are a few. At this point in time, you cannot compare PS to these companies when it comes down to resources. I would not get into a shouting match with any of the companies you mentioned, they would crush PS. Needless to say each one of these companies have been, and will continue to be above the radar when it comes to been investigated as operating as a pyramid scheme. PS uses the same marketing strategies, just uses different definitions for their terms.
Why have these companies been in business so long. Good question, but would take a whole book to answer. The shortest would be this: Amway, PS, and the other companies depend on the recruitment of distributors who pay for products each month to qualify for commissions. If you lose a recruit,(90% will drop out, or quit within 1-2yrs), they have to be replaced by other recruits, or the company will sooner or later collapse. The companies you mentioned are so large, and with resources that they are able to replace a recruit as soon as one quits. Short of like a revolving door. Question is will PS be able to do this in the future. In my opinion, no, unless they come out, with new products that are as popular as PS, or expand to other markets. Yes, PS does have some new products, but PS is the “flagship” and is the product that pays the bills. In my opinion, if something happens to PS, the company is done.
Stacey, I would’nt hold my breath waiting for PS to be accepted in mainstream medicine as a legitimate tool to help those with diabetes, ADHD, and depression. That is probably the most ridiculous statement I have heard ever since I was an ambassador. And, believe me I heard a bunch. You don’t understand what’s involved in that process. (FDA, etc.)
We will just have to agree to disagree. I feel like you are too far out of the loop to speak intelligently on the subject. More products? They are already way ahead of you. The facts are Plexus changes people’s lives for the better. It will be around for a very long time. 🙂
You are a seller of PS, so IMO, it is YOU who is too far out of the truth loop to speak intelligently on the subject. See my post on Matt Cahill. Be very careful in telling people P.S. cures diabetics, depression, ADHD. I am a medical professional at a New Orleans medical center and can speak intelligently on this subject. The markets are filled with weight loss products and none work.
If one wants to manage their weight, Weight Watchers is the recommended program. You are aware MLM has a 97% failure rate. You say PS will be around a very long time, I say it will wont. Both are opinions and my opinion is this product will give way to the next “latest, greatest weight loss pill ever.”
I disagree about you being able to speak intelligently on this subject, as that would require having knowledge on both sides of the subject. I too am a medical professional, and have been for 20 years. Ive seen weight loss fads come and go, and none work for everyone, including weight watchers.
PS is not a weight loss product, but some people have that side effect. I have seen some amazing results for some people first hand, none for others…same as with most products, including prescription meds. If it works for you, great. But dont take the word of someone with limited knowledge.
Mark, you are, of course, entitled to your opinion but, I respectfully disagree that I cant speak intelligently on this subject.
You said PS is not a weight loss product. If that is so, why then, when I just went to the PS website, I see these words – as the very first sentence – for Plexus Slim : “Having trouble losing weight and keeping it off?” If its not a wt loss supplement, it sure sounds like they are marketing it as such.
“PS is not a weight loss product.” Agree. The only thing consumers will lose is big money. But weight loss is exactly what PS claims. According to the website: “Having trouble losing weight and keeping it off? You’re not alone. But don’t worry! Finally there is an all-natural, healthy solution to help you lose weight for the long term. Plexus Slim is the all-natural way to lose weight and inches by burning fat, not muscle. Slim also helps keep blood sugar, cholesterol and lipids at healthy levels. In addition, Slim helps reduce binge eating and increases your willpower over food. Simply pour into a bottle of water 30 minutes before a meal, drink, and experience the results you’ve been dreaming of.”
“You [are not] able to speak intelligently on this subject, as that would require having knowledge on both sides of the subject. Disagree. I was an ambassador and since you questioned my ability to speak on this subject, with permission from “The Geek Guy (Yes, Stacey, I did research Joe Cannon) I will post the brainwashing, selling tactics at those meetings and rah rah rallies.
“But don’t take the word of someone with limited knowledge.” Agree. That is why I did not take the word of PS ambassadors who spend two hours in training, but rather consulted with the experts, medical professionals from the top rated medical center in Louisiana.
Again I will just agree to disagree. I am not the type of person to blindly follow. I have done my research on Plexus and I’ve seen legit info and then I’ve seen the opinion sites like this one.
I know for a fact that the FDA has no beef with Plexus. I can appreciate your medical experience, but I also know of 3 MD’s personally who put their patients on Plexus. So there’s that medical opinion too.
I don’t know of a single time I’ve seen anyone claim Plexus CURES anything. It CONTROLS conditions, just like Rx drugs do. They do not CURE either. If you trust synthetic manufactured big money drug companies with your health then stick with that. I prefer a more natural route. To each his own.
Speaking of research, have you researched the Geek guy much?? Perhaps you should. I did. I am glad I found this site. It made me work hard to prove to myself, that Plexus is safe for me. Now I can say, it served it’s purpose and I can move on.
Stacy, You can call me Joe, nobody calls me “the geek guy” LOL. Glad you found my site also and glad it helped in some way.
“I know for a fact that the FDA has no beef with Plexus.” Please provide the FDA Facts. I would like to review the report.
“I also know of 3 MD’s personally who put their patients on Plexus.” There are 617 general practitioners in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. That does not include specialists. 3/617. Not impressive.
“I don’t know of a single time I’ve seen anyone claim Plexus CURES anything. Do a youtube and Google search. Many testimonies claiming Plexus Slim cured diseases, pain and diabetics.
“If you trust synthetic manufactured big money drug companies with your health.” I trust no one but me with my health. You are assuming I even have health issues. I don’t. Never have.
“Have you researched the Geek guy much.” Yes, I have. Again, google search,
“Plexus is safe for me.” You sure? Did you read the article I posted on the Matt Cahill, who is headed to prison for the deaths incurred from his “natural” weight loss products. Do as you wish with your life.
Penny
Yes, you are right, PS does set the prices of their products. But, in my opinion, the prices listed are based on simple “supply and demand”. Since, and in most MLM companies, the engines that fuel the company, is recruitment of distributors, not product. The more distributors, higher demand for products- Price remains same, or is increased. The less distributors, less demand- Price lowered. In other words, the “supply and demand” of “recruits”, not product, is the driving force for the company setting prices. Example: PS doing well now, adding on recruits, etc. PS can maintain current prices, or can afford even to raise prices. Let the company have a major decline in recruitment, prices would have to be lowered in order to move out inventory.
So, in my opinion, Ambassadors are the driving force in company setting prices. Hope this makes sense.
This is why MLM is not a “real market” where competition determines pricing. If a person buys a product, the product is their’s, they should be able to sell it at whatever price, and whatever outlet the market warrants.
Pete, as a ‘real’ business owner, I would have to point out that almost all commerce is based in supply and demand. My husband is a contractor, he charges less for his services now than he did in a booming economy with lots of construction going on. My traditional business also is based on market. For instance- do u remember chic jeans? They definitely charged more then than now. This is logic. Mlm companies are just like any other. I for one would not like the idea of my customers buying ps off my retail shelf. If it was just as simple as go grab a pill and be instantly thin noone would have a weight problem. Getting healthier requires consistent steps forward in the process, and I feel that part of the service people get when they purchase from me is the benefit of the knowledge I gained in my now over 100lb weight loss. Also, I would like to point out that I have many distributers in my downline that routinely sell several thousand a month+ to customers. I do not encourage them to stock the product unless they have orders to fill. The wonderful thing for my husband and myself is that we have lots invested in our ‘real’ business and may never see it all returned but none invested in plexus other than our membership fee and the product we use, which we purchase right before we run out. If I can help others to do the same and be paid for that then I feel that it is a blessing. I hated to disagree with you, but I felt that because you have had a bad experience that you are not completly unbiased. There is no miracle cure for any disease, only the right combo at the right time. For me, plexus combined with a desire to feel better was like finding a four leaf clover. Maybe you will find yours 🙂
Hey Sharon
To answer your post:
MLM (PS) is not a “business” but, convenently, and often thought of as one. MLM is a “marketing strategy”.
Lots of reasons why MLM companies, such as PS, are not considered a legitimate business. One that stands out is this. MLM is not defined and regulated like a legitimate business- MLM’s true constituency is not the consuming public, but rather “hopeful” investors, or recruits. The SBA (Small Bus. Ass.) does not even recognize MLM as a legit business. Go and try to get a loan to start one. Won’t happen.
As for as defining a “real market” in reference to MLM (PS). MLM is a deceptive market that plays upon treasured cultural beliefs, social and personal needs, and some economic trends that account for MLM’s growth, rather than its ability to meet consumer needs.
Sharon, did PS tell you that the company was in the top five growing companies in the US. I can’t find that info. anywhere. The info. I did find was that PS was down 10% in sales for the second quarter of this year. Its only a $20 millon company, meaning a loss of $2 million. To compare, the A company is a $ 12 billion company.
If the company did grow as you say, it is not true growth. Most of the sales generated by PS is from distributors obligated to buy product on auto-ship to qualify for commissions. Very little product is sold to the general public, or non-participants. This is revenue, but from capital investments.
With the high cost of PS, it would’nt last a day in the real market place. The reason for the, in my opinion high price, is PS has to pay so many levels of distributors.(7) Your competition is not other companies, or other products, you competition is in your back-yard. What do you mainly compete for. “People”, Which you will sooner or later run out of. Recruits, recruiting recruits, and so on, like a run-away train until the reality comes to play. “Satuation” of people and product. MLM, whether PS, or others, can be compared to death, “you know the end is coming, you just don’t know when.”
Joe, hope not too far off subject. Just answering a post.
While I get the destain for MLM companies, since it just isn’t for some people who do not like to be in Sales. However to say that it’s time is limited is kind of odd to me. When I was a kid, it was Amway and then came Herballife and Melaluca. They are all still here. And as far as the cost of Plexus Slim goes… it’s MUCH cheaper than other popular weighloss and health supplement lines. Compare it to Advocare, which is also another booming business. It’s crazy expensive and while you see results it’s nothing compared to Plexus. Plexus was originally made for those with diabetes and there are published studies that it works and Chromium plays a large role in controlling blood sugar. There are now Doctors and Pediatricians that sell Plexus out of their offices for their patients because they see how amazingly well it works, compared to the “normal” diet and exercise plans they have prescribed for their patients. I know of a Pediatrician personally, that sells it and also gives it to her 7 year old son to treat his ADHD, VERY successfully. I don’t think it will be long before it is accepted in mainstream medicine as a legitimate tool to help those with diabetes, ADHD, and depression.
This may’ve already been asked, but I was put on Metformin for Insulin Resistance. Can Metformin still be taken with PS & will PS help to correct my Insulin Resistance???
Lea while there are people taking this product while on metformin and having having great success it is always imperative to get your doctors ok first as Plexus Ambassadors are not qualified to give advice re: medication 🙂
Sharon
I’m sure you are aware of this. But, I see prices of PS products all over facebook. If PS and other MLM companies were legitimate businesses, in a REAL market, prices would be determined by that market, not by the ambassadors, who actually compete against one another.
Pete
Can you define “legitimate businesses” and “real market’ for me please? Plexus Worldwide was in the top 5 growing companies in the US last year and is managed financially by Morgan Stanely. If you purchase products from their websites, included the ones set up for their ambassadors the prices are all the same. In saying that ANY business can choose to sell their products at whatever price they choose, it doesnt have to be a MLM associated business. Its no different than going into 2 different stores that sell the same product and one sells at RRP and one is more or less expensive. Business is about competition, If there was no competition people would charge what they wanted to anyway.
Prices are not determined by ambassadors, but by the company. Ambassadors are not allowed to deviate from the set price of any product! If they are, they are going against policy.
Stacey
PS does have a fairly decent return goods policy, but really no better than other MLM companies I have researched. A 60-day return goods policy is not uncommon.
Here is my opinion based on research I have performed on PS (ambassador), and other companies concerning MLM returned goods.
PS, or any other MLM company’s “bluff” is that you will not ask for your your money back, so most don’t. If you choose to ask for yor money back, you might have to endure a nasty “deprogramming” session and you’ll be putting yourself in harms way for even more “sales pitch.” So,it is socially awkward.
But, in my opinion, ask for your back,if you really want out,or dissatisfied with a product. Otherwise, the victims will just pile up, and this “friend” (upline, etc), who recruited you, and others, will be holding up a fat check at the next “rah-rah” meeting boasting of his/her “success”, at your loss, and the exploitative cycle will just go on. So, just brace yourself and ask for your money back, you might be surprised to find that since so few have the guts to try,that you might even get your money back without much fuss.
One very large MLM company (A) is very good about refunding people’s money who want to discontinue their distributorship, or return product for any reason.
Point is, how many are brave enough to ask?
This is how PS, or any other MLM “works” for those who make money at it. This is the game.
By the way, after my little “deprogramming”, I did receive my money back from PS, it just took a while.
Uncomfortable to ask for a refund??? Yes for some. Personally i think its harder to ask for a refund face to face in a store than by email or telephone. I know which i would prefer. The issue of obtaining a refund and its pros and cons applies to both MLM businesses and those that operate behind a shop front. Its not specific to Plexus.
So I tried a 30 day trial of ps with accelerator, one pill in am with ps drink, and one ps drink at lunch, after 30 days I lost 14lbs and drink water all day, then the next month no ps or accelerator and added 1 hr exercise, at the end of the month only a 5lb lose.
Im a everyday ordinary guy with nothing to gain from ps, but results and I have seen results as well as 5 out of 6 of my friends, why the one friend didn’t lose weight I don’t know, but it works for me Im back on it this month and gonna continue my journey maybe try just the drink this month and see what I lose without the accelerator. Hope this helps if your trying to decide to use ps or not
Can you tell me why someone on antidepressants should avoid B-Phenylethylamine HCl? Does it reduce the effectiveness of the antidepressant or does it cause a dangerous interaction?
Hi Jessica, I mentioned the Phenylethylamine / antidepressant warning because of the possibility that there may be a bad interaction with anti-depressants. What are the odds of this I do not know. I would depend in part of the type of medication taken and how much of Phenylethylamine is in Plexus Slim, as well as how long/how frequently PS was used. It may be a million to one happening but snce I don’t know who reads my reviews I wanted to try to be as complete as possible and give people things to hopefully talk to their doctor /pharmacist about.
People are so desperate for answers to health issues and obesity because the medical system fails us everyday! Same reason why we have alcoholics.. pill heads, etc. People just want to have a better well being! If the medical system doesn’t come through, what else do we have? People making a fortune from selling us a dream? Seems like it’s made many dreams come true to me.