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 
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
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
p.s.
While I’m at it. GREEN VIBRANCE ? We’ve been taking it for 8 days. I’m hoping you are famiar with it so that I don’t need to include more info. I believe I have more energy and so does my husband. He actually has been getting more sleep at night, which is a plus for him. My question is, have you used the product and/or what are your findings ?
Bonnie, Ive never heard of Green Vibrance but if you know the ingredients and put them in the search box of my site, they may pop up as parts of other ingredients. Ill add it to my list of things to review and try to get to it at some point. Regarldess, Im really glad you and your husband are having some good benefits from it 🙂
Thanks, Joe 🙂
Wow !
I’m exhausted. I just read through everything and here is what I’ve discovered. Your research site is truly unbiased and pretty much answered my questions regarding the latest, weight-loss break through PLEXUS SLIM.
My husband saw a FACEBOOK friends post ( they just happened to be an AMBASSADOR ) and my husband, of course, figured making money and losing weight at the same time would be a good deal.
I, on the other hand will continue to earn the affectionate nick name THE COP and stick to ” eat less, and move more.” And, he, will, undo my hard work all week long by drinking beer and eating hotdogs on the back nine, golfing on weekends. Slow, yet steady progress.
I’m just going to have to keep pissing him off with my organic, nutrient dense foods, and hopefully, more RAW foods. Anything worth having in life is worth fighting for. Good health is.
Bonnie, thats pretty impressive that you made it through all the comments! My hat is off to you 🙂
Sara
Your post stating that the MLM/Pyramid Scheme is irrelevant to the Site is far from the truth. They go hand and hand, and in my opinion, it would be very hard to discuss one without the other being involved in the conversation. The reason for this, and based on my research over several years, is that PS does not exist without the benefit of being marketed through the respective MLM channels, where recruitment is the goal, not retail sales, and that IS one among many “red-flags” that define a pyramid scheme.
Can people make money, and be successful in PS, you bet, but it won’t be selling product “direct”, it would be through recruiting. And, at that very few are successful.
If your friend’s business is defined as “true” direct selling, not recruitment, I commend her on her success and how she is utilizing her money. But, you did not say whether she was involved in MLM or not, and if that was how she made her income. That would be a whole different book.
The people on the site need to have an unbiased account of PS (Joe, provides this), and be aware of how it is marketed. You need to understand that the main goal of PS is the so called “business opportunity”, and how can you be totally educated on the subject without understand product(PS) and the distribution of that product (PS).
MLM is a valid business model. True MLM companies put the money they would normally spend on advertising an distribution into direct sales through individuals who refer customers and recruit others to do the same. There are reputable companies as well as those who are not, just as in any other business model. True the top people get there through recruitment. However, in Plexus, the ambassador makes more on a preferred customer than they do on someone they sign up if that person does not sell the product or the business opportunity.
I read a testimonial today of a person who said that Plexus Slim products have begun to significantly help her mother’s multiple sclerosis symptoms. I remember some years back when my husband and I were taking Ambrotose powder (by Mannatech, which is another MLM business), that Mannatech representatives also said that Ambrotose could cure multiple sclerosis, as well as many other illnesses. Do you know if there is any substantive proof that Plexus Slim is effective against multiple sclerosis?
Elizabeth, as far as I can tell there is no published peer reviewed studies on plexus slim and MS.
I have a friend that is using this, and I think is an “ambassador”. Her and her mother have both, indeed, lost weight using this product (AWESOME!). With that said, this is the only place I have found just FACTS. No bias. I love the information given here! Thanks!
I will add that the rant and back and forth of the MLM/Pyramid Scheme-ness is pretty off-putting and irrelevant to the product. If some schmuck thinks they are going to be a millionaire, awesome, let them sling product. (of note, I do have a friend that is in direct sales and really did become a millionaire. She now uses her surplus income to build orphanages! I also recognize that this is NOT the norm! She simply got in at the right time on the right product!)
I noticed the PS website no longer lists the ingredients of their products. Does anyone have empty bottles of the following that they could send me:
Plexus X Factor
Plexus Fast Relief (cream and pills)
Plexus Bio Cleanse
Plexus ProBio 5
I’d like to take a look at the ingredients on the bottles of these
They actually do still list the ingredients online. Look under the price and info and then more info. You should be able to find it there.
R James, I went back again and while I do see ingredients for PS itself I dont see any for the Plexus X Factor, PS Fast Relieve or PS Detoxification.
Can you show me the pages the pertain to the ingredients in X Factor, Detox and Fast Relief?
The ProBio5 information is here:
plexusworldwide.com/products/proBio5-more-info.html
Will look for the other two.
R James, Thanks if you can find the others Id appreciate it 🙂
Richard, thanks for the link, and other info. in response to PS. Aug doesn’t understand that she is also going against FTC, and especially, FDA regulations by even referring to PS and ANY disease state such as Fibromyalgia. If done, and per the FDA, PS is no longer considered a dietary supplement, but put in the category of a drug which has to have gone under extensive clinical trials for each indications mentions. It would cause millions upon millions of dollars to file, and get approval from the FDA for EACH indication, or claim.
My advice to Aug. If you think PS is helping your Fibromyalgia, great, but I would be careful promoting the product as such, or even mentioning it.
Aug
Per the FTC, and the FDA, a distributor for PS, or any other MLM company CANNOT make income claims without proper disclosure of that income. Don’t need to talk to a lawyer, years of studying the MLM model has shown me this. When a person makes unsubstantiated claims of income, don’t you feel that is “fraud”. Common sense should tell you that.
You mentioned the company does not allow the distributors referring to PS treating, or even curing disease states. Then, why do the distributors do it? Answer. Company knows they are, but turn their heads the other way. And, like most MLM companies, will continue to so until the authorities come knocking on their doors. Don’t tell me false claims of income, and product are not being made by PS distributors, unless your head has been in the sand.
If Karen makes an income claim, per The FTC, and the FDA, she is obligated to disclose that income.
Let me refer you to your very on PS Policies and Procedures you obviously have not read. The income issue, and the product issue are both covered, not to cover your tail, but to cover theirs. If PS would enforce the policies and procedures, they could discontinue 99% of the PS Ambassador distributorships for deviating from the truth.
I’ve talked to many lawyers in reference to my research on MLM, pro and con. What you need to do, after your little “honeymoon” with PS, as I am pretty sure you are a new ambassador, is to open up the gate, and observe the other side of the fence. Open up your mind, you will be amazed at what you may find.
Angry? I don’t feel angry, just unlike you, educated on the subject. I think you need to look YOURSELF in the mirror. Lol
Always a pleasure!
Hard to believe consumers are still falling for this scam, even after all the truthful evidence has surfaced. Plexus Slim ambassadors are, indeed, making false claims as to cures. All one has to do is a google search on “Plexus Slim cured.” Go to youtube, also. The brass is fully aware of the false claims, but ignore the deception. It is NOT about weight loss. It is about money.
As to the statement, “Karen has no legal obligation to prove an income.” According to federal trade commission, yes she does: http://thompsonburton.com/mlmattorney/2013/07/02/mlm-income-claims-basic-guidelines-for-companies-and-distributors-ftc/
Jackie, at one time, I had a problem obtaining my return money from PS. They will hold on to your money as long as you let them, then make up some excuse why you want get your refund, or why you want get as much back. This part of the scheme.
I solved my problem by going on-line and filing a complaint against PS for not refunding my money, through the Better Business Bureau The money was put back into my credit card account within days.
Very simple form to fill out, and the BBB employees were very good at keeping me informed of the situation.
It will probably be handled through the BBB of Arizona since that is the home office of PS.
Good luck!
Thank you, Pete, for telling me that info. I will have a Plan B then if they don’t respond this week. I do have the postal receipt that I had sent it back with THEIR own refund number on the package. I am calling my bank tomorrow to see if any attempt to refund my money from Plexus was made. The lady told me they would send out the credit TODAY! We shall see. I am going to re-name their product “PERPlexus Slim.”
I have been trying since Sept 14th (when they received my Plexus Slim return) to receive my refund. Was trying to get it on-line but to no avail. The credit card I used was compromised so I closed that account and have a new account. I was told that if the refund was sent to the bank and they denied it because the account was closed, Plexus would send me a refund check in the mail.
I waited a couple of weeks and then was told via their website customer service that a check had been sent. I wrote back and said that I did not receive it. Was told it would be re-issued. I actually called Customer Service today and talked to two people. The first person could not understand the issue so I called back and talked to someone else. That person told me the company NEVER sends out refund checks and only credits credit accounts.
Thus the retelling of my credit card story to her. She said she would put through the credit request to the bank today. I asked why it had not been done in Sept and she did not know. I forgot to tell her that I have an e-mail that says they DO issue refund checks.
So now I am waiting for the refund on my account to appear. I am totally not impressed with their Customer Service and I am glad I will be done with them when I get my refund. My doc told me “natural isn’t always SAFE!” So beware!
Do you know anything about Raspberry Ketones?
Niki, here is my review of raspberry ketones
http://supplementclarity.com/raspberry-ketones-weight-loss-review-side-effects/
I have tried everything under the sun to loose weight. I eat a very healthy diet, have tried The Plan, The 8 Hour Diet, Jillian Michaels DVD’s, running, dance classes, aerobics, weight training, working with a trainer and nutritionist, everything. All it did was cause more weight gain & inches. I can’t figure out why, but it has. I rarely eat processed junk foods, and I focus on healthy meats and fruits and veggies, and very little dairy & grains, and very occasionally have a treat.
Again, all that was happening was weight gain. So I heard about PS, and thought “What the hell, I can’t seem to loose weight no matter how good or how hard I work, so I’m trying it.” In just one week, I have lost 5.5 lbs, I feel amazing, a chronic pain I have had is gone (not claiming any cures here, just what I have experienced).
After all of the commercials and stories I read of people going on “FDA Approved” pharmaceuticals, and having life threatening diseases and problems from them, and all of the lawsuits being filed because of death and illness they are causing, I would much rather go this route than anything the “FDA” approves. What about the side effects blood pressure, arthritis & cholesterol lowering medications and so many other meds?
I signed up as an Ambassador to get the wholesale prices on the products to try it out, if it results in weight loss & a little extra cash, what does that hurt either? Alcohol causes liver damage, but people don’t stop drinking it. “Everything” causes “something” and most have some type of side effect, you just can’t avoid it.
Awesome response. I was wondering when someone was going to advocate this product just because of how it worked for them. I was trying to read ALL the responses, and quite frankly, got bored.
I have used this product for quite a while. Im not a large person by any stretch on the imagination, but a great diet and regular exercise just wasn’t cutting it. I started PS and didn’t lose a lot of weight (didn’t have much to lose anyhow) but lost the love handles and the extra flabby bits i have been targeting for the last 12 months.
Im not sure how it works, i just know it did for me. IMO, everything works differently for different people. I have been on some pretty strong AD’s for the last 6 years and have just started to wean myself off, for no other reason other than how good i am feeling. I dont really care about the politics and MLM, i just know it works for me and I feel awesome. I ran out about four days ago and can honestly say i have been feeling a little flat.
It is like anything, what affects you one way will/may affect someone else differently. I applaud people for doing research because it shows you are not a mug. But don’t dismiss something based on how it negatively affected another person. Look at all the AD’s on the market. Most drugs are trial and error. I thank god there are people out there creating medicines and supplements to help. I for one have been saved from a life of misery…….in saying that though, i no longer want to be a slave to a chemical. Thats just how i feel personally.
I will continue to use PS for the pure and simple fact that a) I like the taste b) I like how it makes me feel and c) the ingredients (which i have researched) don’t seem to be any more sinister than half the crap out there in the processed world.
Each to their own……but kudos to you all for having an opinion and taking the time to put them out there for people like me .
I recently took a trip to South Louisiana, and South Mississippi. I saw several of my friends who were some of the first to try PS when it first came on the market (about 1 year ago). Initially, most lost weight, but now, have seem to put the weight back on. A couple complained of stomach problems.
I’m going to chime in along with some others here…thank you for this post and all of your research!!
This morning I was thinking of going the PS route (due to my slow weight loss progress and lack of motivation)…but I’ve already changed my mind!! I had even contacted a friend who is an ambassador and told her I wanted to talk more about it, but I didn’t want to sell anything and I was going to do some research before we talk any further. Now I can confidently tell her I’m no longer interested.
The fact of the matter is…and someone already mentioned this…is that weight loss is achieved by living a healthier lifestyle. Not by chemicals and false promises! Nothing worth doing is going to be easy! I know this…I just needed a kick in the butt to set my mind straight!!! I’m so glad I didn’t get suckered into the PS scam!
Thanks again! For the first time in weeks, I’m actually looking forward to working out later!!! 🙂
Cari, thanks and have a great workout! 🙂
I would like to know who you partner with.
Maria, I don’t work for any supplement company or pharmacy.
I have never tried diet pills or the latest diet trend. I’ve gained about 15 pounds over the last 2 years and decided to try PS after seeing results from a few friends trying it. I’m on day 3 and can honestly say that it definitely suppresses appetite- which should cause weight loss. We shall see!
“… can honestly say that it definitely suppresses appetite- which should cause weight loss. We shall see!”.
This is what’s wrong with the whole industry. It’s not about losing weight, It’s about losing fat without losing ANY muscle tissue, yet people continue to go about weight-management the wrong way.
People have to understand that when they lose muscle as part pf their weight-loss, they are in essence doing more damage to the body’s ability to burn calories at rest, which is the key to long-term weight-loss.
Wow. Thought about selling and using this product, but now that I have read this thread, I’m glad I’m one of those people that do research before I sell things to people that may harm them. Good research 🙂
Shannon, thanks I’m glad you found my website helpful.
Wow! I checked out your article as someone posted on Facebook that since the government shutdown is over, they could now afford this product. I had never heard of the product. This was a very interesting article, and the posts are even better!
In a nutshell, people, if you want to lose Weight, please learn to eat better. Find out the source of your over eating, or keep a notebook of what you eat, and your overall calorie intake throughout the day. Adding exercise to your day will also help.
I am also a part of a virtual franchise, but if anything, I have learned how to eat better, make smarter choices, and have experienced better health for my entire family!
Companies like this, that seem to pop up out of no where, with little or no valuable research, scream red flag to me.
Thank you for this post. Very informative, without being biased. I appreciate your work.
Jodi, thanks I appreciate you taking the time to write.
Mel
You have done your research! I for one applaud you. If more distributors, or ambassadors researched the other side of the fence, like you did, and THEN decide to be on the “business opportunity” side, that’s fine. But, most who do educate themselves, are not going like what they find. PS, may be a good product, but, all be wary of the “business” side, that’s where most will be had.
I thought I had replied on here before. But here goes,
I took PS & it worked The first day I was energetic(the accelerator) and I CRASHED after a couple of hours. I thought I would faint if I didn’t lay down. Dry mouth all day!
I was crazy and tried it again. I have never had heart problems but that day I got scared. I felt awful!I thought my heart was beating out my chest! I was told there was no caffeine in this. I am very sensitive to anything with more caffeine than a cup of coffee.
I do know of a lady had to go to the ER after her first dose of the accelerator
I lost about 6lbs. It took my appetite away for 2 days at a time.
I was told to try just the drink. It did nothing for me.
I have several friends that have lost lots of weight (taking the accelerator ) but if they stop taking it the weight comes right back. No exercise or change of diet of course.
I would highly recommend a physical check up and don’t take the distributors word on anything.
Like I said I tried it twice because I was told I may have the yeast in my body. Yep I fell for that too. Anyway , I bought my lesson.
That’s why I found your website through Google because I was researching skinny fiber before I made another mistake. Thanks
Moria, sorry you went through all that!
Thanks. I have learned my lesson. I won’t take anything without checking it out. Thing is I’m not sure I would have found that there was that much caffeine in the accelerator. They just say it’s all natural.
I do have a question for you Joe….I looked up the black cohosh online and the webmd says it can cause liver damage. Were you aware of that? I thought probably not.
Moria, black cohosh, is usually used for menopause symptoms but I cant really put my fingers on many good studies to show it does this. There have been several case reports of black cohosh causing liver problems such as this report from 2012
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16721764?dopt=Abstract
Case reports are interesting but they only tell about what happened to one person. Still there are several reports of liver issues reported so its hard to say what is going on. Herbs can be tricky because they may be adulterated with other things like pesticides that may cause problems. sometimes herbal products might even contain hidden drugs if people do business (see my reviews on male enhancement products and bee pollen wt loss products like xi xiu tang for more info on this). Always best to do business with well established companies you have heard of.
I never trust the phrase “all natural” because its not a regulated term. you can say all natural for pretty much everything. See my FAQ Page for more about this and other stuff.
WOW I just learned so much about MLM. Most of them are in fact pyramid schemes and people just don’t know or see it. I was recently approached by someone to sell PS and I said sure but only if I can do some research and write a full honest review on my website. If people click from there and decide to buy at minimum I’ve given them the good and bad.
I’m 52 and have never dieted in my life. I’m a perfect size four, eat healthy, exercise my mind and my body. to this day I don’t understand why people would put themselves at risk by taking diet pills and supplements to lose weight. You can lose a few pounds by reading a book or learning a new subject, cleaning your house etc. You don’t need to risk your health.
Food for Thought
As for MLM I would never do it. There’s a reason the companies focus on the lower middle class and the poor to market their products, few of these people will question what they are told and fully understand business, marketing and finance. Once they figure it out and some do, they have already lost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. The Executives of these companies as a result are worth millions.
There are now MLM for everything from jewelry to furniture to vitamins. Everything can be MLM but few products are worth 1/2 of what they are sold for. But of course that’s no different from items we buy from big chain stores. Most of the items we find in boutique stores and big chain stores are worth and cost pennies on a dollar wholesale but they have to pay for salaries, insurance, rent for store locations, state, federal, local taxes, unemployment taxes etc. They can justify the cost of the product. Most MLMs put the money in their pocket, while the poor distributors get no insurance, benefits, unemployment or retirement. On top of that they have to pay taxes on that $25 – $30 check they received in commission.
By time you add up the total cost of being a distributor you’re better off working for minimum wage at McDonalds. At least at MickeyD you get unemployment if the store closes or you get laid off. With MLM you et nothing, not even contributions toward your SSI retirement. Commission is ideal for MLM distributors, as they take no responsible for the people making them rich or buying the products. Its the haves vs have not and it will get worse before it gets better.