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
My goodness it’s been quiet here lately. Well, here is my Week 5 update and my husbands’ Week 1.
I didn’t lose anything in the way of pounds this week. I decided to change things up a bit with when I take my Plexus and how I take it. Primarily because I was breaking the cardinal rule given to me by a nutritionist years ago. She said always eat within 30 minutes of waking to “wake” up your metabolism. Plexus prevented me from eating until nearly an hour after waking.
So, I now take Plexus 30 minutes after Breakfast and I take it in slightly less water than before. While the scale did not move, my blood sugar definitely did! It’s now down to 212 more than 100 points lower than it was.
My blood pressure is holding at 145/102. Another nonscale victory discovered this past week is that I am able to jog up the steps in our house (I’m all healed up now) without stopping and I am only mildly winded afterwards.
My hubby began his journey weighing 240 lbs. His blood sugar was 357 and his blood pressure was 164/104. After 1 week on Plexus he weighs 243 lbs, he gained 3 lbs but, we’re not concerned at the moment(could be muscle gain because he does a lot of heavy lifting at work).
His blood sugar is down to 322 and his blood pressure is down to 146/102 (just one number off of mine, isn’t that funny?). So, he’s rather pleased with it so far.
Kelly, thanks for the update on your progress. I dont think your husband gained 3 pounds of muscle in a week. I think it might be water weight. This might be possible if your husband also recently started exercising. Weight can also fluctuate depending on when we weigh yourselves (I think its most accurate in the morning, naked, before we eat and after we go to the bathroom). I agree, its probably not a big deal now especially if his blood sugar and BP are better.
You’re probably right about the weight gain and yes, it’s really no big deal. We weigh ourselves weekly, first thing in the morning, sans clothing, before we eat and after we go to the bathroom. Just like you said. We are both really pleased with his blood sugar and blood pressure readings and are not even paying attention to the scale.
M-M-M
What documentation to you want to see? I could fill this whole site, with documentation from third- parties, and my own personal experiences with PS, and other MLM companies. I would be happy to provide whatever proof you need to back what I say, just be more precise. Apparently you missed the fact that I do link a lot of my sources. But, you get tired of repeating yourself. As mentioned before, a lot of my information comes from my own personal experiences in sales and marketing, and studying, and being involved in the MLM model.
I am guilty of going off subject a bit, so try and keep the conversation geared toward PS. I’m sure Joe would appreciate.
Kelly
In you post dated March 7th, you stressed the side effect profile of Topamax. The point you are missing is how many of those side effects were found to be “statistical” significant. If a side effect does not reach a particular value in clinical studies performed on the product, it is listed, but ruled “insignificant.” In other words, in clinical studies, how many subjects were found to have the side effect based on the sample of participants.
Per FDA, if ONE person reports One side effect, it has to be included in the product information that you are quoting, even though maybe not significant. You ever heard of doctors weighing the effects on whether a patient should, or should’nt use a product. That’s where in a lot of cases, he determines the risk of a product compared to the benefits.
I guess you are comparing PS side effects to Tomamax. Can’t be done until clinical studies are performed on PS, and I would not hold my breath on this. Why? They got you. lol
Kelly, I have dealt with side effects issues for many years in the pharmaceutical industry. This information does not just come off my head.
Kelly
As you know, Hoodia has been in, and still is in more weight-loss products than you can shake a fist at. Somehow, you think the Hoodia in PS is magical. It’s a dime a dozen, and because of this, I understand there may be a shortage.
As a result, there have been reports that the majority of hoodia products on the market are not only counterfeited, but suffer from a high rate of contamination If I recall, 85%. If the industry you are favorable to had better regulatory laws these things would be less likely to occur. That, in my opinion, is a pretty good reason to remove it. The regulators, especially after the incidents with ephedra, and most recently, DMAA, are becoming very cautious, and they should be.
Kelly, I understand that testimonials are the only way you basically can sell PS. Very little data is available. It is surprising that supporters in your own industry, Len Clements, for one, says that testimonials are not a good way to promote your products. He states testimonials have little credibility.
Joe, Can you list the ingredients in Plexus again. I am confused after reading all these post. Thanks, DK
DK, very understandable. Here is my review of the new plexus slim formula which should help clear things up
http://supplementclarity.com/plexus-slim-new-formula-review/
Joe, Is Citric Acid another name for Carcinia Cambogia? Thanks DK
DK, the other name for garcinia cambogia is hydroxy-citric acid but this is different than citric acid. they are somewhat related but their chemical structure differs from each other. Good eye 🙂
Joe, I greatly appreciate your efforts on this site. You’re doing the world a great service by researching these products and ingredients. That said, I want to point out a slight flaw in your approach.
First off, Plexus Worldwide is a health supplement company that makes products that address a wide range of health related issues. Each product has it’s own benefits and claims. I say this because of some confusion in the comments section and even in some of your original postings.
For example, someone claimed “plexus has no stimulants” – not true. Plexus SLIM makes that claim (statistically insignificant amounts), accelerator clearly doesn’t. Lumping them together does your readers a disservice, since Plexus makes a product that is stimulant free and safe for those who are pregnant, nursing or have heart conditions. The way your material is lumped together, it’s extremely unclear that this is the case. (as is lumping the candida killers and pain relief products together with the weight loss ones)
Further, Plexus Slim isn’t just a plain old “weight loss” supplement. It’s designed to do other things, such as regulate blood sugars and maintain healthy lipid and cholesterol levels. Yet you rate every ingredient’s effectiveness by one single factor – “does this aid in weight loss”? That’s akin to reviewing a car and commenting that the carbon ceramic anti-lock brakes and 9 airbags are irrelevant because “they don’t aid in making the car go faster”.
If you’re going to give every individual ingredient a thumbs up or down, make sure it’s is based on the REASON that ingredient was included. Doing anything else is simply perpetuating bad information.
Thanks!
Stacy
Stacy, thank you for your honesty and insights. I don’t think that my review and what is said in the comments confused people. In the comments, I try not to restrict what people say although, as you know, I do ask questions of people to get a better idea of what they are getting at, to help others -and me too- better understand what is being said. I also reviewed plexus slim and the accelerator again – as their formulas changed -to help people understand what was going on.
Plexus Slim is primarily marketed as a weight loss. That is how it was introduced to me for example. As such, that is how I reviewed it. Because PS can be expensive, I wanted to boil it down to what I felt were its most active weight loss ingredients for those who were price sensitive.
That said, I didn’t only focus on weight loss in my review. If you read my review again, notice that I also broke things down to which ingredients are probably most responsible for blood sugar lowering effects and those that provided fiber as well.
It is my belief that if PS helps people lose weight, that it is the weight loss – and not the ingredients in PS – that reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol etc. I say this because there is ample evidence for this. The evidence for the ingredients in PS doing these things is far less. Might they also contribute some to these effects. Sure, it’s possible. But if weight loss doesn’t occur, I don’t think there would be statistical differences in cholesterol levels etc. This would be an interesting study though – plexus slim without weight loss vs. plexus slim and weight loss: Which group would have the best blood pressure, cholesterol levels etc?
I hope you do not tell people that PS is safe for pregnant woman. I don’t think Plexus World Wide would say that either. First, I don’t feel women who are pregnant should be thinking about weight loss – and most importantly, there is no published data on how pregnant women respond to the ingredients in PS. The same goes for women who breast feed either.
The same is true for people with heart disease. I wish they would take hoodia out of all bottles of Plexus Slim (not just in Canada) because there is some research suggesting hoodia might be a problem for people with heart disease. Some research has suggested that hoodia might raise blood pressure and heart rate and it might also interact with some medications. Here is a study on this ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21993434
Hoodia has been taken out of all bottles. I really hate you are misinformed, Joe. And, now that my levels are good again since starting slim, I have gained weight….which was one goal for me. I currently use Slim (no accelerator), Plexus 96 and Xfactor. I have tons of energy, no more IBS symptoms and no more fibromyalgia pain. I’ve been very pleased.
I am an Ambassador and originally had no intentions of selling to anyone. I just wanted my products cheaper. People sought me out to buy from me. So, just my input on the products side of things. Quite honestly, reading the business side of things and the posts from people such as Pete is quite exhausting and irrelevant for you site, which I happen to love!
Hope, thanks for letting me know about this. I was under the impression that hoodia was being removed from only from bottles going to Canada. I stand corrected.
I’m glad you are having good results with PS regardless of weight loss. Lets study this phenomenon! From a previous post today we learned that plexus world wide makes a lot of money. Time to put that money into some published research. I know many will say the research doesn’t matter but, there is no excuse not to.
I don’t know how much merit this will hold with you, but I took the products to my doctor to review. He extensively researched everything and agrees that everything was perfectly safe and gave me the ok to proceed with it. And, when he sees fit, he sends people to me to explore the products on their own as well.
Hope, Well, you know I’m all about the research and while I’m glad your doctor looked at it himself and gave you the OK, I’m a little surprised that he would refer people to you for more info on a supplement. I’m no attorney but unless you’re an RD or similar nutrition professional, this might open up a can of worms for your doctor if anything went wrong from people who took the product. I’ll just be happy that its helped you.
I wondered why PlexusSlim (the old formula) made my blood pressure go very, very high and then I read on Joe’s link here that back then Plexus called it a different name, like maybe the name of the plant, but not Hoodia.
I know I can never take anything with Hoodia in it but since it was not listed as such, I had a bad experience. I am glad that Joe has listed each ingredient and given research on each ingredient for all of us. By putting so many ingredients in one product, you know that some people are not going to do well with it.
It seems though, if you have had a bad experience with the product or the MLM plan, that some Ambassadors act like you don’t know what you are talking about. That is just not true. I have even been asked to try the new formula and there is no way that that is going to happen as my doctor told me that “natural” isn’t always safe. To me, natural is just natures medicine cabinet and it has to mixed with other stuff to make it accepted by our bodies.
So let’s be thankful for Joe’s intelligent research information and each one can make and live with their own decisions.
Hope,
If you really understood the business side of “why” PS even exists you would see how talking about the “business” side (MLM) is extremely relevant to the conversations.
Did I misunderstand you? PS helps you “gain” weight. What is it, a weight-loss product or, a product to help you gain weight. Amazing!
Oh, if anyone, including me, is “exhausting” to you on this site,, take another sip of PS. If it cures such a debilitating disease as Fibromyalgia, and all other disease states, it surely should cure your exhaustion.
Hope, where is all that energy PS just gave you? Exhaustion should not be relevant, don’t you agree? Yeah, and “blah, blah”.
Another amazing post by someone selling this stuff. Thank you Hope, you just made a boring day interesting.
Joe, yes he is a nutrition specialist as well.
Pete, Yes, I have gained 11 pounds with the combo of the drink, 96 and Xfactor. I NEVER said it cured my fibromyalgia. I’ll never be cured. My SYMPTOMS have subsided. And reading what you have said is MENTALLY exhausting not physically. 😉
I’m getting tired of some of these people stating that Plexus is the end all be all of everything. I know it is not. There is good and not good about EVERYTHING and anyone who has any sense knows that. I had a bad experience with Plexus Slim and was even encouraged to “try it again” with the new formula. No way. I brought the ingredients to my doctor.
My doc told me that natural does not mean safe and that I should not take it because of my real health issues. I am doing the “old fashioned eat healthy and move around (I don’t call it exercise because I don’t like to do that!). Moving around is fun!
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in 2003 and lost some weight and all my blood and sugar levels have been perfect since then. I tried the Plexus to get more energy but I realized that if I just changed my attitude and moved around more like walking everyday, I did not have to spend money on anything but new walking shoes! Keep up the good work, Pete. You are a thorn in their solar plexus.
Joe,
Here’s Dr Dave Brown, co-developer of Plexus Slim answering questions. At about 4:23 he indeed does say slim is safe to drink while pregnant or nursing. youtube.com/watch?v=pVQMGV7RWGw
I still contend that your methodology is misleading. Here an example, I quote from above..
“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 contain chlorogenic acid) helped weight loss. But was it the chlorogenic acid – or all the other stuff mulberries?”
Your note on this make it sound like it’s basically unproven as a weight loss ingredient. But Chlorogenic acid wasn’t added to aid in weight loss. It’s there to help lower cholesterol. It’s incredibly beneficial for the reasons it was added, but your research didn’t turn up much because you were researching the wrong thing. Without knowing what each ingredient’s function is supposed to be, how can you know what to research? Not every ingredient in the drink is “WEIGHT LOSS.” That’s the overall goal, but not necessarily each ingredients goal.
We’d agree that chocolate is designed to satisfy a sweet tooth, but some chocolates have cayenne pepper in them. Using your method, you’d determine through research that cayenne pepper, in fact, is NOT a sweet ingredient and has no effect at making the chocolate fulfill its goal of being a sweet treat.
Stacy, Dr Brown can say what he wants about PS and pregnancy but that doesn’t mean its true. To be honest I’m shocked he would say its ok to take during pregnancy. Dr or not, there is no published peer reviewed research on plexus slim during pregnancy so how does he know its safe? Babies are not miniature adults. More to the point, Why would anybody take a weight loss supplement during pregnancy?
Stacy we all know PS is marketed primarily as weight loss supplement because, heck, even the FIRST SENTENCE of the Plexus Slim home page says “Having trouble losing weight and keeping it off?” that sounds like a weight loss supplement to me!
As for cholorgenic acid and cholesterol, Cholorgenic acid is said to be the active ingredient in green coffee bean – a weight loss supplement. That is why I reviewed it for weight loss effects. That said, can you provide a peer reviewed study showing it reduces cholesterol in the amount found in plexus slim? Or a study showing it does it at all? I did a quick search tonight and I couldn’t find any but, as I said it was just a quick search.
Here is my review of green coffee bean and weight loss by the way http://supplementclarity.com/green-coffee-bean-weight-loss-review/
BTW, what medical credential and specialty is Dr Brown? I’m curious.
Stacy
In reference to your post referring to DR. Dave Brown, co-developer of PS. Would you please provide proof that Dave Brown is a Doctor of any sort. I have never heard of him being introduced as Dr. Dave Brown, simply Dave Brown. Check the videos. Most are deserving of that title, and almost always introduced as such, out of pure respect. And, I feel if he was a doctor, PS would certainly take advantage of that fact to gain credibility.
Pete, I made a comment on one of your other comments but I forgot to check the box for notify me of follow-up comments. I’m getting weary trying to tell the people I know who are “into” Plexus that is does not work for everyone! I think next time when they bring it up, I will plead the 5th Amendment! Keep up the great comments here.
Pete, You make a lot of accusations and allegations, but where is your proof of it all? Do you have documentation proving an of it?
In response to this:
Pete says
February 28, 2014 at 10:37 am
Stacy
In reference to your post referring to DR. Dave Brown, co-developer of PS. Would you please provide proof that Dave Brown is a Doctor of any sort. I have never heard of him being introduced as Dr. Dave Brown, simply Dave Brown. Check the videos. Most are deserving of that title, and almost always introduced as such, out of pure respect. And, I feel if he was a doctor, PS would certainly take advantage of that fact to gain credibility.
I have been trying to figure that out as well Pete.
I have not found anything on Dr. David/Dave Brown.
He seems to exist only via PS
I’m extremely happy for those that have experienced good health and success. Keep up the good work. It is so rewarding and you should all be proud. I know that I am.
Stacy
In my experience in pharmaceuticals, real doctors would not even pay attention to studies performed on rats. They found them to be insulting, and would tell you up front, “not interested, I don’t treat rats, I treat patients, or humans. Not saying some may be beneficial..
Fact being, rats have a completely different metabolism, and physiology than humans, and in most cases studies performed on them cannot be conclusive compared to humans.
When I found this site, I was excited to know that there was a place to go to get “opinions” and/or “good advice”! I have found that this is simply a place to bash people and it’s really unfortunate.
If something works for someone and they like the goods/products, so be it! Let them alone!!! We all know that everything works differently on everyone. What is good for one may or may not be good for another. That is why our genetic makeup is different from anothers.
A prescription drug may work wonders for one person and have reverse effects on someone else…even with the same problem!
The best advice that I can give here is to not reply to those that are just trying to bash you! Be the bigger person and do not respond….they are simply here to stir up things because they enjoy trouble. If they were as smart as they claim, they would simply say that they disagree and move on!
Just grow up and act like an adult!!!
Jolene
Thanks for the compliment I don’t get many on this site. lol. I understand you wanting to plead the 5th when approached by someone selling PS. It’s not so much the PS. To me the problem lies in the fact they try to interject the so called “business opportunity” which is really the main reason they approach you. Simply, to fatten their wallets at your expense.. PS is just the “bait”.
There is an old quote, “a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still”. As you state, ” most people who sale PS are convinced, or as I believe “brainwashed” to think their products, or product will be effective on everybody.” Most are really decent people who are just misinformed. It is hard to convince 99.9% of people involved that there is no such product, and as far as I know, never has been.
So, I wouldn’t even bother. lol
Hope
As I mentioned before, mentally, or physically exhausted, doesn’t matter. Per you and the other ambassadors, one sip of PS, and problem solved.
Hope, if not please with conversations on this site, my recommendation, and advice (not a doctor), is to take a sip of PS, and simply turn the page. lol
Oh, since you sell this stuff. I would not let it be known that PS is helping you put on weight. Simply, not why most buy it.
Pete,
Again, I’ve made no claims to cures. But, I definitely have had relief from horrible symptoms. Isn’t that great for me?
Again, I signed as an Ambassador to get my products cheaper. People come to me to order for them. And, I gladly do. If they achieve the results they desire, great. If they don’t, they don’t order again. It’s a very simple concept to understand. Nothing works for everyone. Many people know that I’ve struggled to gain weight my entire life and they are happy that I’m having good results with the particular combination of Plexus products I’ve chosen to use. My combination of products is how I’ve gained weight. Others’ combinations of certain Plexus products are helping them to lose weight. Again, everyone’s body is different and WILL respond differently to each product. I sure hope you do understand that.
Did I read somewhere that you used to be a Plexus Ambassador? If I’m mistaken, I apologize on advance.
Hope if I came across as been disrespectful to your conditions I offer my apologies. I’ve never had, but I have known people that have Fibromyalgia My heart really goes out to them and you. What I don’t understand, being around science most my life is how a dietary supplement that consists of ingredients that have been around probably longer than I have can slip through the cracks without someone noticing that the products made from these ingredients are effective in treatment of Fibromyalgia.
Do you realize how much money, and time has been devoted clinically to study this disease over the years. If Plexus Worldwide believes PS is effective in the treatment of Fibro. why aren’t they spending the money to find out. This would be one of the most important discoveries of the century. The information would be shared worldwide, all over the news, also in every medical magazine in the world. Funny, you hear it only from the ambassadors who sell this stuff.
Joe’s site has taught me a lot. He mentioned in the past that if PS helps Fibro., it is “possibly” because PS helps in the loss of weight, and weigh loss may help improve the pain since weight gain and Fibro. may be associated with one another. But, as he states there are no studies proving this . This comes from him being an expert on supplements, and physical therapy.
if the above holds true, then why would you want to put on weight? Just does not make sense, other than people trying to sell PS.
Yes, I am a former ambassador and because of what I witness, mainly the “false” claims of product, and of the business model. I decided to devote time in studying, not only PS, but the entire MLM industry.
I do wish, and hope you are pain free from PS and someday PS is discovered as being the savior for Fibro. It would a blessing to all that suffer from this terrible debilitating disease.
Hope, I wish you well.
Joe, I took the PlexusSlim with the Hoodia in it (because on the label it did not say Hoodia, it said something else like the plant name) and it raised my BP level way up and I stopped it immediately. The fiber stuff made me bloat up like a balloon so I took GasX to deal with that.
Granted I only took it a few days, but I sent the rest back. I am happy when people have success with the product but I have found that when people lose weight naturally with good diet and moving around more (exercise), their BP goes down, as does other vital numbers. That is why losing weight is so important.
So many health issues are do to excess weight. The diet exercise takes more discipline but it’s just changing things so that it becomes one’s lifestyle.
Jolene, glad your blood pressure is better now. Yes, on the original plexus slim formula they called hoodia but its more scientific name “Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside”, which may have confused people.
Yes, Joe, how would a regular person know that that was Hoodia? Also for people who are saying you keep researching Plexus Slim as a weight loss product and they tell you it helps with lots of other things? Well, if they were not “promoting” it as a weight loss product, they should not call it Plexus “Slim.” They could call it Plexus “fixes everything that’s wrong with you” or Plexus “miracle” drink instead.
Jolene, that’s a good point, Plexus Slim is a reference to weight loss. Sometimes I miss the obvious LOL 🙂
Week 3 Update, sorry I’m late but, I’ve had an extremely rough couple of days. Scale says I gained 1.4 lbs but, I’ve noticed that I am able to do some things I wasn’t able to before so, something has changed that the scale is not reflecting. Good thing, I don’t rely on the number on the scale.
Anyway, my blood pressure dropped from Stage 1 hypertension to pre hypertension. Blood glucose is still getting lower though, I don’t yet have a percentage. My husband has become so impressed by the results so far that he has asked to join me. He will start Plexus in March when my next order arrives.
I can keep you posted on his progress too if you’d like, Joe. He is also diabetic and has high blood pressure.
Kelly, great progress you are making! do keep me posted on you and your husband. Really happy for you 🙂
Good for you Kelly 🙂 Keep it up
Thank you, Claudia! You reminded me that I didn’t give my 4th week update! So, here goes. I lost 4 ounces (not significant I know) and 4 more inches. My blood sugar and blood pressure are holding for the moment. I had a cookie bender this last week. I took my 30 day pictures and was able to physically see some changes in my body.
Several of my followers on facebook saw them as well. My husband just started his first week and now, I have entered into my second month. There was a lapse of about four days so, we will now be weighing in and stuff on Saturdays as opposed to Mondays.
With all due respect to those that have posted, are ambassadors, are customers and that manage this site.
I have done my homework and I must say that this company is a scam.
The products are only distributed by ‘Plexus Worldwide’, they are manufactured elsewhere.
Many products are shipped overseas from China.
The claims and studies they submit are taken from an alternate source; nothing is done ‘in house’.
They are just regurgitating info.
Do your homework.
Plexus doesn’t even Ship to China and you expect people to believe that it is made there? I don’t know why you hate this company so much that you’ve decided to take to the web and spread viciousness and lies but, I can tell you what I do know. I DO know that you are an ambassador or at least you were one and that you still have ambassadors in your circles on your Google+ profile. So, please enlighten us what did Plexus do to you to deserve such vicious attacks?
Kelly, What was said was
The products are only distributed by ‘Plexus Worldwide’, they are manufactured elsewhere.
Many products are shipped overseas from China.
As in, this company is buying in bulk from other sources, China included.
Refrain from making personal attacks and assumptions.
People who launch an offensive against a company or another person should not expect to be protected from supporters of that company or person. That being said. I did not attack you. I pointed out what you were leaving out. The fact that you are or were an ambassador. I also asked what, if anything, this company did to you to deserve such muck being slung at them. There was no attack but, it is clear to see you have an active imagination. We’re still waiting for complete honesty by the way.
Carriesterma
Many small companies like PS do not manufacture their own products. In some cases, cost is a lot less, without investing in a manufacturing plant, machinery, etc., so they contract it out. This probably includes the raw materials to make the product. This is a common practice with smaller companies. Most of the generics you find on the pharmacy shelves are manufactured by larger companies with the facilities to do so, and sold and warehoused by a smaller company with an entirely different name. It is simply a cost factor.
I personally don’t know if the PS products are manufactured and imported into the US from another country such as China, but if that is the case, I would prefer the business to stay in the US. We need the jobs.
I speak from my experience in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical industry.
Carriesterma,
Plexus Worldwide makes only a few products in-house, namely their breast check kits (since this was their original business). Since then, you are correct in that they have licensed and distributed a ‘best of breed’ products in each health category they have expanded into.
Dr spencer’s breast/body cream was the best formula they could find in skin care. Slim and Accelerator were the best weight loss and glucose regulation products they could find.
ProBio5 is by FAR the best Candida fighter you can buy, so they acquired a license.
The FAST Relief products were the very best non-prescription pain relief products on the market.
X-factor has a proprietary vitamin, aloe and antioxidant blend that can’t be matched.
So yes, they DO license and distribute the products they sell BECAUSE they are the best of breed. These are each highly specialized products that take years to test and develop by their respective scientific or medical fields.
But you’re wrong on the other front. They use the highest quality ingredients available, across the board. Where possible, most products are manufactured here in the USA (I’m checking with the company to see if ANYTHING isn’t). That can’t be said for the VAST majority of supplement companies out there, including most of what you get at GNC or your local pharmacy shelf.
Don’t take my word for it, grab your favorite multivitamin and a bottle of X-factor and take it to a lab and have both tested for quality and purity. Report back here with your findings, and your apology.
What is your association, if any, with this company?
Stacy
Of course you have the “best” in the categories mentioned in your post. For goodness sake, you sell this stuff. Most people on this site are intelligent, you don’t think they are thinking just that?. lol
Let me give you some advice from a person that was in sales for many years, you make those sort of claims about your product being the best on the market, it would be wise to have documentation supporting what you say. Other than that, in a “true” selling situation, your credibility is a big fat 0. Saying you are the best, and actually being the best are two different things.
Stacy, all your products are “generic” in the ingredients they process, and in reality, and even though a “proprietary blend”, can be copied by any company that cares enough and wants to spend the money to do so. Basically, nobody really cares except those like you who sell this stuff.
And, Stacy, don’t embarrass yourself and compare Plexus Worldwide to GNC. Trust me, if GNC felt your products were as worthy as you state they are, GNC would find someway to have them on their shelves. In my opinion, ludicrous.
And, if you can’t find documentation to back what you say, YOU come back on and offer your apology. lol
Carriesterma, I don’t think you should be asking anyone what their affiliation is when you won’t even admit your own.
yuMiss Kelly,
You clearly have a PERSONAL issue with me, how unfortunate.
You write:
Kelly says
February 26, 2014 at 12:54 am
Carriesterma, I don’t think you should be asking anyone what their affiliation is when you won’t even admit your own.
To answer this:
Stacy and I, perhaps a few others, seem to be more knowledgeable of what is going on.
Stacy can answer if she or he likes.
Again, do not make this a PERSONAL issue. This is regarding a company and their products.
Regardless of who I am, information is posted for anyone with some time and common sense to seek and find.
Apologies are due, but not from me.
2 Week Update: I did not start exercising like I planned this week due to a slipping incident that caused my injury to reignite the pain. I did stick to my calorie goal which is still more calories than recommended. As of this morning, my blood glucose is down 24%. My blood pressure has gone from Stage 2 Hypertension down to Stage 1 Hypertension. I’ve lost 3.2 lbs and 6.5 inches in total. I did not change what I ate but, I did stop drinking Dr. Pepper because it lost its appeal.
The week ahead (starting today) will see the exercise addition that I’d planned for this past week thanks to warmer weather and some melting of ice and snow. I’m also lowering my caloric intake to closer to recommended but, maintaining the type of food that I eat although, I am craving salad so, there will be a few of those eaten this week and probably will continue to be a part of my menu from now on. I’ll see you next week with my next update.
Kelly thanks for the update and Im glad your blood sugar and blood pressure are doing better. Sorry to hear you slipped. If it snows tonight there like it is supposed to here, dont shovel any snow if your in pain.
Thanks, Joe. Don’t worry no snow shoveling here. We’re getting a nice coating of ice and then a massive melt down the rest of the week. Hubby put some salt down before he left for work and will do so again tomorrow. Thankfully, I got my walk in tonight before it started and am not planning on going again until Wednesday when it will be far into the melting process if not gone already. 🙂
As promised here is my first week assessment of Plexus Slim. I am only drinking Plexus Slim. I am not taking the accelerator or any other Plexus product at this time. I did not change my diet nor did I exercise (am recovering from a knee injury).
The first day I was extremely hungry all day long. I did get a little worried after discovering that I had consumed nearly 6000 calories in addition to drinking 10 16oz bottles of water. A friend of mine assured me that it would pass and it did. The next day and the rest of the week I ate like I normally do. By day 5, I could no longer stand the taste of Dr. Pepper which is my beverage of choice. My calorie intake varied between 2800 and 4000 depending on what was on the menu.
I logged everything on my fitness pal and learned rather shockingly that my meatloaf is as bad as eating a fast food meal. Anyway, as I said I didn’t change anything. I just drank Plexus Slim and drank my 8 bottles of water every day.
As of this morning, I’ve lost 1.2lbs and my blood sugar has dropped from 314 to 288. Yes, it is still too high but, I have been off my diabetes medications for months now. It’s going to take some time to get it down to where it needs to be and after one week, I’d say that’s pretty good.
Kelly, thanks for the update and congrats on bringing down your blood sugar. Keep it up and keep me posted 🙂
We all should be glad with Kelly’s report of how she is doing on PS. Her post brought to mind a visit I made to my Urologist, and we had a discussion of how much water a person should have each day, for weight-loss, or other reasons. Surprisingly, he told me that a person should drink water when they are thirsty. I found this interesting information backing what he said.
butterbeliever.com/8-reasons-not-to-drink-8-glasses-of-water-a-day/
Absolutely. This week I’ve set a calorie intake goal and am going to work in three small walks (I’m not trying to over stress my knee). I’m hoping to increase my loss by next Monday.
Kelly, I cannot imagine that your doctor would want you to just stop your diabetes medication.
Please make sure you aren’t putting your health in danger by doing so. While I believe Plexus Slim will help you, you should only gradually reduce your meds with your doctors supervision as milestones are met. Please be careful and don’t risk your health and/or life jumping of your meds to soon.
I appreciate your concern but, I didn’t voluntarily go off of my medications. I lost my job and my insurance which also included prescription coverage. I can not afford my medications any longer and I have been unable to find another job. That is why I signed up to become an ambassador to bring some income into our house to help with our living expenses until full time work can be obtained.
Plexus costs less than 1/3 what my medications cost and the cost comes directly out of my monthly income so it doesn’t impact my household finances.
Kelly, try contacting the pharmaceutical company directly about your medications and explain your situation. I hear companies have low cost programs to get medications for less. Also, please speak to your doctor about this. he/she may be able to help you too. If not, then ask your pharmacist if they know how you can get your meds for less.
@Joe – I already did all that. My husband “makes” too much money. Nevermind what he actually brings home and what has to go out in expenses. They only care about gross income. My doctor knows my situation and is not inclined to assist. He won’t rewrite the prescriptions until we have our “checkups” that means 2 $90 office visits and two sets of blood panels done at around $150 each.
Kelly, I am so sorry to hear that…
Kelly
Joe is right. I was in the pharmaceutical industry for a long time, and there are all kinds of programs provided by pharm. companies to aid those who may not be able to afford the medications. But, if they caught wind of you spending well over $100.00 for PS, and its add-ons, you may have a problem. And, Drs. keep samples in their offices, which are frequently given to people in your situation. All you have to do is ask.
Doesn’t make much sense to me how you can complain about the price of your past pharmaceutical meds then spend the ridiculous high price for PS. Does not matter where the money comes from, still an expense, and an outlay of dollars.
Go back and read RJames post. By making the decision to discontinue your prescription meds, you may be exposing yourself to more serious health problems, which can possibly cost you a lot more money.
As far as you making a significant income with PS, don’t count on it The majority of people in MLM do not even make enough income to pay for there products for personal use each month. Meaning most lose money, and I assume, not a good situation for you. For the most part you will be doing nothing more than supporting the life-style of those who actually care nothing about you, or your financial situation. You have heard the old saying, “if you have a problem, 20% of people are glad you have it, and the other 80% don’t give a crap!” This is particularly true for most those involved in MLM such PS.
Kelly, keep your eyes open. Good luck.
Kelly .. for whatever it’s worth, feel free to reach out to my good friend Dr. Gabriella Juris, a very good medical nutritionist who specializes in natural and alternative therapies.
Good luck!
Marc, I emailed Kelly Dr Gabriella’s info to cut down on any spam she might get from having her email/phone posted online.
Good point! Thanks Joe! I hope you’re doing well.
@ Pete – You know, I decided after our last interaction that I was just going to ignore you because, it doesn’t matter what anyone says you’ve always got something negative to say and I don’t like to associate with negative people but, now you’ve gone and called me a liar and I feel compelled to respond. I AM NOT going to discuss my income with you.
I said it’s more than enough to cover my monthly usage and that’s exactly what I meant. I am going to point out for the third and final time that I am ONLY on the beverage. Nothing else as of yet but, I am well able with my income to add other products as I choose. Mine and my husbands’ medications without insurance coverage would cost us $462.53/month per our pharmacist. PS costs us $155.21 which is obviously significantly less.
My husband and I were talking about you after your last post and neither one of us could come up with a viable reason for someone who spent so much of their life working in an industry to just suddenly and violently turn against that same industry. We both came to the same conclusion. There is only one reason and that would be if YOU did something wrong and got yourself tossed for it. A vengeful person would do just that and we agree that you probably are just that kind of person. So, stop responding to me. I want nothing more to do with your nasty, vicious comments and fyi that site you referenced about the water drinking is one I’ve seen before and was created to justify those who do not like to drink water. Everyone knows that water is essential it’s always been essential and always will be. Denying it is futile.
@Marc – I’m not exactly sure why you’re sending me your friends information because I live in Ohio and she’s in California and so, I can’t exactly become a patient of hers. If it’s just for nutritional consultation. I appreciate the information but, I’m 40 years old and I’ve been battling my weight for 30 years.
I have numerous files filled to near bursting of nutritional information passed to me by doctors and clinics and well meaning friends. I honestly don’t think there is anything new that your friend can tell me. I can’t become a vegan or vegetarian because there is precious few fruits and vegetables that I can eat without literally vomiting. I’ve tried and the only other thing they eat is grains which I’m supposed to eat sparingly because of the diabetes.
I did the low carb diet and felt like I was starving. If I have to starve then it won’t work. I do not have the will power nor the patience to SUFFER through the latest fad diet. And that is exactly what they all are. Fad diets. I had an emergency room doctor tell me that if I didn’t go vegan then I should get ready for the amputations that my husband and I will require. I had another doctor tell me that we needed to go low carb. Another said that a well balanced diet was good enough to get my weight and sugars under control.
So, who’s right? Who’s wrong? They are all doctors. All highly trained in the care of the human body. I appreciate the effort and I appreciate Joe emailing me the information but, I’m at my wits end with doctors.
As far as I’m concerned there should be 1 answer to the question “What should I eat to be healthy?” I’ve gotten too many different answers to trust any of them. I’m taking matters into my own hands. But, rest assured if I find another job with health care benefits, I will go back on my medications without argument until the doctor takes me off of them. In the meantime, I’m going to let Plexus do what it is supposed to do.
Kelly, it doesn’t matter that you live in Ohio and she lives in California, she’s helped people from all over the world. Did you check out her LinkedIn profile? She specializes in helping people get off the Pharmaceutical system if it’s possible. I was suggesting a phone call, if you don’t want to, then that’s your decision.
In regards to being 40 years young and battling your weight for 30-years, based on current statistics, you’re in the majority in this country, and sadly, increasingly around the world. And that trend won’t change as long as people continue to unwittingly sacrifice muscle tissue as a percentage of their weight-loss. For every pound of muscle a person loses either by the natural aging process, or exacerbated by protein deficient caloric restrictive diets and meal programs, your losing the ability to burn 50-60 calories per day. So if 12 lbs. out of the 30 someone loses is muscle, they just cost themselves the ability to burn about 660 calories each day.
With your diabetes, some extra precautions need to be taken, so that’s why I recoemmended Dr. Juris, she excells in that world.
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you well!
Kelly,
Have you tried an alkaline diet? Lots of good for you foods that has helped my wife with her weight and thyroid issues. She’s lost almost 80lbs and feels amazing.
Kelly
You don’t support “fad” diets? What in the world do you think PS is?. Products like it are a “dime” a dozen. You concerned about money, take Joe’s advice and buy products that are what he feels are the “active ingredients of PS, and they are Alpha Liporic Acid, and Garcinia Cambogia. You can buy these products pennies on the dollar at you local Wal-Mart. As far as the pharmaceutical industry compared to the industry that you support, that is laughable, and you should know better.
Somebody, most probably one of the ambassadors, are pulling the wool over your eyes. You seem smart, let us know when you realize this. Paying the ridiculously high price of PS, and more importantly putting your full confidence it at this time, is simply ludicrous in my mind. Nobody has called you a liar, but in opinion, you are most probably, and maybe unintentionally being lied to by people selling this stuff.
Keep in mind, this is not just my opinion, but from my actual experience as a one time ambassador. I have first hand experience in listening to what I feel is nothing more than BS.
What Plexus Ambassadors are telling customers;
“Some people feel as though they are going to have a heart attack or panic attack when they take a full one. However, these are the people that don’t eat before they take it. So my suggestion is to make a bagel in the morning, eat it, and then take the Accelerator. Just as long as you eat something, you should be fine!”
Many have said the when tried the Accelerator/Slim combo they thought they were going to pass out/drop dead/fall asleep right then and there.
What is in this stuff? really?
What people need to realize is that many of these products are using thermogenics and or other stimulants as so-called “fat-burners” and appetite suppressants and they’re doing nothing to address the ongoing metabolic dysfunction that exists which is a major contributing factor to people’s inability to keep the weight-off long-term.
The bottom-line is that episodic weight-loss is not a long-term healthy weight management solution, and you can add Plexus to the mix. People might be losing weight but they are also doing harm to their body’s ongoing ability to burn fat because up to 40% of the weight-loss consists of calorie burning muscle.
Marc
Interesting point. Thanks.
Adam
Won’t resort to name calling. But, after 6 yrs. of studying several hundred MLM companies as well as PS, I understand the defensive efforts on your part. All the companies I have resourced operate the same, just use different terminologies. Example, PS distributors are called ‘ambassadors’, and Amway distributors are “IBO’.
You say:
” The difference between pyramid schemes and MLM isn’t the fact one is legal and one is not (are you kidding me with that, Pete?) The difference is a product or service being sold. MLM’s sell products and services, pyramid schemes do not.” One of the most important “tricks”, or “illusions that MLM companies use. Here’s is the take on what many experts in the field of MLM, as well as myself have found.
Adam, the sale of products is in no way a protection from anti-pyramid scheme statutes or unfair trade practices set forth in federal and state law. MLMs that sell useful, quality products have been successfully prosecuted under anti-pyramid scheme laws by state and federal officials. MLM is a legal form of business only under certain rigid conditions set forth by the FTC and state Attorneys General.
Many MLMs are currently in gross violation of these guidelines and operate only because they have not been prosecuted. Recent court rulings are using a 70% rule to determine an MLM’s legality. At least 70% of all goods sold by the MLM company must be purchased by non-distributors. This standard would place most MLM companies outside the law. The largest of all MLMs acknowledges that only 18% of its sales are made to non-distributors. The “product” is just the disguise covering up the real engine that fuels the company, and that is recruitment. To the contrary of you statements, this, my friend is the most “dangerous form of MLM, as it is performed today.
Understanding the 70% ruling? 70% of products must be sold to customers outside of the organization, or retail. The argument in front of the courts today is “what constitutes a retail sale? Should the 70% of products sold, include the products that is being bought or consumed by the distributors. Some states have already made the ruling and say no. When other follow, it is going to mean trouble for the entire MLM industry. The commission programs will change drastically, and the restraints put on small companies resources, like PS, will be too hard to bear.
You’re right, the 70% ruling was established mainly to prevent what is called “front-end loading”. This too has been turned around and used to the benefit of most MLM companies. PS requires those who want to participate in the commission program to purchase a certain amount of product per month. This is the illusion, you are still buying product up front, just maybe not $5000 worth. It is extended over a period of time. Here’s my take on that, and I use an example.
If someone held you at gun point and said, ‘you have a choice, I can shot in the head, and end it quickly, or I can shot you in the arm and take you to the desert drop you off to suffer and die over time. You get the point. The “pain” is over early not dragged out over time to where a lot people suffer financial ruin.
You are correct in saying very few people have success MLM, and I will include PS. I have done the math. My question to you, if you are an “ambassador” and you know this, then why do you do it? Let me help you out here. Based on data available, the failure rate for those involved in MLM is about 97%, some say as high as 99%.
Good luck.
Sorry, Joe, little off subject. Just responding to Adam’s post.
Pete, The numbers of those who have reached success in MLM are NO different from the numbers of those who reach success in other industry. Pete, are you berating other industries like real estate, finance, etc. on other blogs or forums as well? Let me liberate you here, Pete. The only difference between success and failure in MLM is that those who are successful developed the willingness and discipline to do the things that need to be done on a daily basis in order to build a large business, and you, did not. Period.
Adam
Your numbers are a little off concerning those that reach success in MLM industry compared to those that have success in other industries. Only 1% of those involved in MLM make enough income to be considered successful, 39% in other industries. Of course, would depend on what a person would consider successful.
I would be the last to compare what you obviously do (MLM) to respectable industries such as real estate, finance, etc.
You say, ” the only difference between success and failure in MLM is that those who are successful develop the willingness and discipline to do the things that need to be done on a daily basis in order to build a large business.” If that is not a “crock” of MLM BS. How has that been working for you, Adam? Are you helping yourself, or the people positioned above you who you are really helping to succeed.
Adam, I don’t know this, or not, but I assume you have been with and attempted MLM more than once. We have talked about the documented, and extreme failure rate of MLM. Yet, people continue to waste their time, money, and relationships time and time again while the odds are stacked so heavily against them.
So I leave you with this thought, based on your remarks about “success and determination” as it relates to MLM.
“If a person runs smack-dab into a brick wall, shall we encourage them to do it again with more determination, telling them “success is up to each individual” and directing their bandaged heads back to the bricks, or should we rather direct them to run in the open fields. Sure, they may trip over a rock out there, but their “chances” of success go from near zero to something rather hopeful.”
Adam, Joe has been more than fair in letting us express our opinions on the “business” side of PS. Obvious, we are on the opposite side of the fence.
I wish you well.
Forwarding an email sent to me.
Appears that 99% of Canadians have been fooled into conspiring with Plexus Worldwide to Cover Up their illegal activity.
This is an unaltered email that was sent out:
To my fellow Canadians,
While Plexus is going through the process of obtaining approvals to do business in Canada, Health Canada allows Canadians to order Plexus products on a program called NFR (click here for complete details from Health Canada). That translates to “Not-For-Resale.” Here is what that means:
You can order product for PERSONAL USE ONLY. And, the most product that you can order at one time, is a 3 month supply. PERSONAL USE also includes you immediate family.
That’s what NFR means.
For clarity, here is what you cannot do:
1. You cannot resell the products you bring in.
2. You cannot runs ads talking about the products or the business opportunity.
3. You cannot try to recruit people to do the business.
4. You cannot run ads or put up flyers promoting the products or the business.
5. You cannot have web-sites promoting the products or the business.
6. You cannot promote or hold Plexus meetings.
7. You cannot arrange and conduct conference calls about Plexus.
Until we obtain our approvals to do business in Canada, here is the ONLY THING that you are allowed to do:
You are allowed to Order Plexus Products – up to a 3 month supply — for personal use only. That’s it.
One of the consultants helping us obtain approvals to do business in Canada said that the NFR program is being abused by so many companies and so many people, Health Canada is considering shutting down the program altogether. Let’s not be part of the problem. Let’s be part of the solution.
We are doing our part to ensure that our Canadian Customers are following the strict guidelines of the NFR program. If we discover that you are in violation of NFR policies, we will send you a written warning. If you are caught violating the NFR policies again, you will be suspended. It is that simple.
We are also going to refuse to ship to Canada any product packages or tools which are available in the USA for promoting or building a Plexus Business. Until we have our approvals, they are not permitted under the NFR program.
We are working very hard to obtain our approvals to do business in Canada. The end is in sight. Do not screw things up for yourself or for Plexus. Please work with us and comply with the NFR regulations.
Alfred Pettersen,
International President of Plexus
Hometown: Victoria, BC.
carriesterma
Even though I applaud Mr. Pettersen for being upfront with the Canadian PS distributors in regards to PS, I feel he is not telling the whole story.
The truth is that Canada has developed certain laws to protect people from the “fraud” that most MLM companies represent, resulting in massive loss of money. There is a ‘trick” that MLMers use, and that is promoting their “business opportunity” as what is called an “endless chain”. Those blinded by “unlimited income” promises made by the MLM and the testimonials of “$10,000 per month” have a hard time seeing the “endless chain” trick. That’s why it works!
Most all MLM companies play this trick on the recruits. They offer “unlimited” income based on a chain of recruits that never ends. The last person to join is offered exactly the same incentives to recruit as the first people were when the company was started, as if the market size never reduces. It is always “unlimited.” This promise is inherently deceptive and is at the root of why MLMs cause huge failure rates. This is the problem PS has in Canada, and the reason’s why the things mentioned cannot be performed. Sorry folks, PS fits in this category.
Simply put, and due to Canadian MLM laws, the ‘business opportunity” cannot be offered by PS due to the “pyramidal” attributes of its marketing design. Recruitment of distributors
recruiting more distributors, etc., etc. If PS is depended on PS surviving in the Canadian marketplace, recruitment will have to be prevalent, or, I promise you, it won’t survive. And, when, and if that happens, nothing more than a pyramid scheme.
Link to Canadian Marketing Laws: canadianadvertisinglaw.com/multi-level-marketing-mlm/
Canada, thanks for protecting your citizens from the “fraud” that most MLM companies represent,
Pete,
I’ve watched you drone on for 20 posts now. You seem to be making this stuff up to suit your arguments. MLM businesses are completely legal in Canada.
competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/01230.html
Plexus Worldwide has broken none of the regulations that allow an MLM business to operate there, and the “Not For Resale” stipulation has absolutely nothing to do with their business or marketing model. Almost all products shipped from the US have the NFR stipulation, which is usually tied to Canada’s strict labeling procedures (everything in both English and french, for example). For most businesses, the retail location would receive these alerts, but in the case of an MLM company, it has to be disbursed from corporate to distributors (individual resellers). That’s exactly the purpose of the letter above.
All the nuance and differences between a pyramid scheme and legitimate MLM business can be boiled down to one simple fact – people in pyramid schemes make their commission off the membership fees paid to become a member. MLM distributors make their commissions from the sale of products, not memberships. It costs $34.95 to become a Plexus Ambassador – that pays for your personal website, maintained and hosted by the company, all the order processing, shipping and product storage/distribution, customer service, payroll processing, etc. That is one heck of a cheap entry considering the company does ALL the administration for you. No commissions are paid on that $35.
I’m sorry that you failed at your attempt to sell Plexus, but your numbers make no sense, and neither does your complete lack of knowledge about the company (starting with the name – Plexus Worldwide, Plexus Slim or PS as you call it, is a product). Maybe this is why you failed so miserably despite your self-proclaimed years of marketing experience. You stated your costs as:
$200.00 Product >>slim/accelerator combo costs less than HALF this!
$83.00 Selling materials >> every month? $80 is about a half year’s supply of materials, which aren’t really even needed.
$27.00 Gasoline to meetings >> I’ve never once held or attended a meeting, neither did my sponsor before attending the rank of Emerald.
$47.00 for meals at meetings >> I’ve never once held or attended a meeting
______
$357.00/mt. Average expenses
Your monthly costs should be closer to $100, and 90% of that are your own products you take to lose weight and get healthier. I’m guessing you made up those numbers on the spot, again to support your made up argument.
Again, as an ambassador, how can you not know any of the company’s financials? Let me do the heavy lifting for you, since you somehow slept through your entire ambassadorship:
2009: Sales were approx $280,000 (first full year selling slim)
2012: Sales were just under $36 Million
2013: Sales topped $100 Million before December (last report)
2015: [Projected sales of first $1 Billion year]
July 27, 2013 – First $1 Million day.
Oct 25, 2013 – First $2 Million day
For the past two years, Plexus Worldwide has been growing at a rate of 14-17% PER MONTH. Companies don’t grow that quickly for that long without products that WORK.
Since you laughed at the comparison to GNC, it had approx $2.6B in sales from its 8500 stores in 2013. If Plexus’ projections are correct, it will be 1/3 the size of GNC in sales in under 2 years… and potentially bigger than GNC by 2017. 2000 products on GNC shelves vs about a dozen for Plexus.
Plexus Worldwide was awarded the fastest growing company in the Weight Loss industry by Morgan Stanley’s B2B CFO in 2013
(lobenewswire.com/news-release/2013/05/30/550890/10034635/en/Smart-25-Award-Winners-Announced.html)
Approx 50% of product sales came from non-ambassadors in 2013 – almost unheard of in an MLM company.
Last time I looked, there are about 253,000 members in just one of many Plexus Testimonials facebook groups. That’s an incredibly high number of people who have somehow been fooled into believing plexus helped them lose 10, 50, or 150lbs – all of which you seem to attribute to drinking more water…?
I have no idea why you have waged war on a company you seem to know almost nothing about, even though you clearly claimed to be a former ambassador. Your failure is not the company’s fault. These products won’t affect everyone the same way (nothing does) and I’m sure there are plenty of people it didn’t help. But there are hundreds of thousands it did help, myself included.
Stacy, applause to you for setting “Peter” straight. He sounds like someone who has not become accomplished yet, for obvious reasons, and is as bitter as can be. I feel sorry for individuals like him.
I’ve had great success with Plexus and so has every one of the people that I’ve recommended it to. I am not an ambassador, so my recommendations aren’t financially motivated, but when a product works and I’ve seen the results with my own eyes and experienced it myself I will promote it.
Thanks for your information in this post.
Stacy
Sorry I missed your post.
You are right MLM is legal in Canada. MLM is not all together bad, IF companies play by the rules and most don’t.
Here in my opinion, why Canada is, and should cautious about new MLM companies entering their country. Several big MLM companies have been found guilty of operating “pyramid schemes’ and people have been duped out of millions of dollars as a result. Here is my take;
Like multi level marketing, pyramid schemes depend on recruiting people to become distributors of a product or service. Like multi level marketing, the pyramid scheme offers the opportunity to make money by signing up more recruits and by accomplishing certain levels of achievement. Would you deny PS operates in this manner.
The big difference between multi level marketing and pyramid schemes is that multi level marketing is legal in Canada and pyramid schemes aren’t. (Participating in a pyramid scheme is an offense under the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable by up to five years imprisonment.) But it can be very difficult for the person looking for a business opportunity to tell the difference between a legitimate multi level marketing opportunity and a pyramid scheme at a glance. The law in Canada as well as the US is not well defined and it is very hard to determine if legitimate, or a scam.
As far as, the numbers on people making money with PS, or any other MLM company. Most people tell you I got a check, but that check most probably is not profit. As far as business expenses go, apparently, you are not working your business properly. If you are not spending more, you are not working your business to be successful. I would feel safe saying you lose money each month since stats show that only 83% of MLM participants even get a check at all. Gotta pay those folks at the “top”.
Morgan Stanley. That’ impressive, but don’t know all the details, andI bet you don’t either. After all, it was announce at PS rah-rah” convention. If, and when the company goes public, I’ll pay more attention.
Will not deny PS got out of the box well financially. But, can the momentum continue, that is the big question, and only time will tell. Even at a billion dollars, not a flea on Amway’s behind.
Last point you mentioned. 50% of PS sales come from people outside of PS. That too is impressive since Amway only sell to about 17%. I would applaud PS on this one, if proven. Even if so, still does not meet the regulations of the FTC, that states, ” in order to not be considered a “pyramid scheme” 70% of product has to be sold to non-participants.”
This is based on the “Amway suit of 1979”. Yes, Amway gets by with this because of lax regulatory efforts, and the reason PS is able to perform business as they do.
As far as owning your own business, you own nothing but the right to compete with thousands of other distributors for commissions, that it. The company holds all the marbles, and pulls all the strings.
If I missed something please let me know.
Pete again displays his ignorance of all things business. The difference between pyramid schemes and MLM isn’t the fact one is legal and one is not (are you kidding me with that, Pete?) The difference is a product or service being sold. MLM’s sell products and services, pyramid schemes do not.
Second, I have no idea where you come up with the 70% of products must be sold to non participants. You’re just flat out wrong, but no surprise there. The 70% rule applies to distributors who must sell 70% of their inventory, or personally use it themselves, before purchasing more. There is a minimum amount of customers a distributor must maintain.
Lastly, it is true that a small number of people obtain high levels of success in MLM, however, the same can be said of EVERY industry Pete.
i bought the plexus slim, and the accelerator in feb of 13, now i haven’t tried it yet…got a lil put off when i read the accelerator could mess ur heart up. im just wondering the accelerator i have is it safe? im in the us, and ive been thinking of trying it, but after reading so many mixed reviews on the safety i just dont know what to do, i dont want any heart problems. let me know what u think. thank~
If you have high blood pressure it is not advisable for you to use the accelerator but, I have not heard that it will “mess up” your heart. Take the products to your doctor if you are unsure. You should ALWAYS consult your doctor before taking any supplement or beginning any diet program.
I’m sensitive to caffeine. I was told it didn’t have caffeine in it.(but it does) I thought I was gonna have to go to the dr.
It made me “have energy” but I crashed about an hour later and could not function. It lasted over 24 hrs.
If you have a medical condition or sensitivity to anything then you should ALWAYS check with your doctor before trying anything. Ambassadors are not doctors, nor are the scientists. It is not their fault you had a reaction.
Kelly, while Id agree that ambassadors are usually not doctors or scientists, one potential problem with MLM is that the lure of money (“the opportunity” as its often called) lures natural-born salesman to the profession. These people can sell and can make people feel they are smarter than the ambassadors really is.
Kelly
What do you mean, “not the ambassador’s fault that Moria had a reaction to caffeine’? Is it the ambassador’s fault that he, or she deviated from the truth about the caffeine, or just not properly educated on the product through training, etc?. In my experience both hold true. Most people do not check with their Dr. before trying a supplement even though it may be recommended. Kelly, this could be dangerous.
In my opinion, you are the typical MLM newby who does, says, and believes anything your upline, or company tells you. It’s called “brainwashing”, a very common MLM tool, utilized in particular with new recruits.
Kelly, you are letting “enthusiasm” get in the way of “rational thinking”.
How did I know you were a new ambassador? A lot of statements in your posts make it obvious, but the main one was “as I continue my journey with PS.” Almost every new PS recruit has made this statement, and is a reflection of their upline. I find it a rather amusing statement since I have never known anyone to come back and post the results of their journey. Do you think on their journey, they hit the end of the road, and just don’t want to admit it.
My issues are truly not with PS, or its products, they are the way the ambassadors are allowed to break the rules in promoting their products under a proven flawed marketing design. Just one point proven, at the beginning of this post.
Good luck.
Kelly
I am not a healthcare provider, but to my understanding, high blood pressure, as well as low blood pressure have an affect on the heart. Think about it, blood is pumped through the heart. The heart either beats normally, slows down, or speeds up depending on the constriction, or the dilation of blood vessels. Many physical factors, and products such as the Plexusslim Accelerator could be a factor. I believe this would be what you call “messing” with the heart.
The phrase used was “Mess Up” the heart. If the person has no issues with blood pressure the Accelerator should have NO adverse affects on their heart. No more than drinking coffee or pop would. The accelerator has or had (I believe a new formula was recently released) less caffeine that a cup of coffee.
As a person with high blood pressure I am well versed in what happens within my own body. I’m also intelligent to know that caffeine is bad for my condition which is why I gave it up a long time ago. When I start my Plexus journey I will not be taking the accelerator for that very reason. My doctor has, however; given me the go ahead to use Plexus Slim and Xfactor and the other products that they offer, should I choose to.
Oh and by the way, Pete. If you were an ambassador, are you aware that you are breaking the contract you “signed” when you did? I seem to remember distinctly when I signed it myself that both present and former ambassadors agree to never speak ill of the products or the company. Should an ambassador violate said agreement the company could justly seek retribution. Just saying.
Kelly, does the ambassador contract really say ambassadors can never speak ill of the company even after they leave it? Ive never heard of this before. is it something all MLM contracts stipulate? Do you have a copy of this contract?
Kelly
New ambassador, aren’t you? Can smell-em a mile away. lol How are you qualified to determine what a healthy heart is, and who are those who may have one. The Hordenine in the new Plexusslim Accelerator is associated with bitter orange, which based on studies, is a stimulant. In other words, it speeds up the heart, and therefore the body, and can lead to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and possibly a stroke, etc (healthy, or not).
Probably dose related, but the danger is PS does not tell you how much Hordenine is in the new PSA (Plexusslim Accelerator) There is not a whole lot of information on Hordenine available, but whose to say the same issues will not arise compared to the Geranax (DMAA), in the old PSA. It is ill-advised to use the word never (no adverse effects) when referring to any product someone is putting in their body. Especially, one with hardly any clinical evidence supporting it.
You stated, you know your own body, that’s great, my problem is you thinking you know other people’s bodies with your obvious limited knowledge.
Kelly – store.plexusworldwide.com/JoinAgreement.asp
I failed to address the “confidentiality” issue. And, yes, I am familiar with the PS policies and procedures, and I commend you for you personally reviewing it. Most ambassadors don’t even know they exist.
There is a section in the policies and procedures of PS that address confidentiality. I believe section R.
Most all companies have this type of agreement, to supposedly protect trade secrets. Are they enforced, hardly ever, as a matter of fact, in 33 yrs of marketing, I have never seen, or heard of a single law suit, but I’m sure they do exist. They policies are usually too generic to hold up in a court of law. Not an attorney.
Talking ill about a company, and exposing trade secrets are entirely two different issues.
In other words, enforcement of a confidentiality agreement are just words written on a piece of paper.
Good luck on your journey.
@ Joe – Apparently I was mistaken. The contract does not say anything about after an ambassador has severed their connections. Those types of stipulations do exist in severance contracts. I signed one with my former employer. I can never say anything negative about the company or anyone employed by or sponsored by the company or I risk serious financial ruin.
@ Pete – Yes, I am a new ambassador. I am not ashamed of that fact and you didn’t “smell” anything. You would never have known had I not TOLD you that I was an ambassador to begin with. New or not, I am college educated and I am not dumb enough to enter into any contract without first reading it in its entirety. Even the fine print! Very little gets past me.
Although, I can not commit everything to memory and do need to review from time to time as was evidenced by my minor mistake. Still, you’re blatant hatred for the company and its products after having been part of the organization says more about you, I’m afraid than of the organization. As for the heart thing, I was not claiming to be a judge about who has a healthy heart and who doesn’t. Where you came up with that I’ll never know. What I was saying was, a smart person consults their physician before purchasing such a product and it is something that I recommend to ALL of my customers.
There are stimulants in almost every “fast” weight loss product on the market. There are FDA warnings about them as well but, people still use them and they do so at their own risk. As I said, I will not be taking the accelerator because of the stimulant in it. Whether it’s caffeine or not, I don’t care. It’s a stimulant and I don’t want it. I am starting out on the drink alone and then I will add the Xfactor, probably next month. I’m the exact type of person this product was designed to help and I am either going to prove that it works or I will prove that it doesn’t. I intend to try every product available and document EVERYTHING.
Can someone just tell me if PS is safe to take with lexapro
Lucy, Im not aware of any but Im also not aware of any PS – drug studies either. Why dont you do this, Here is my review of the new PS formula http://supplementclarity.com/plexus-slim-new-formula-review/
Print up the ingredients list and show it to your pharmacists and ask him/her if they are aware of any interactions with Lexapro. I think they can give you the best information on your question.
Thank you
Joe, I am an over weight person and my cardiologist mentioned this product to me this week, but said she has seen that people are losing weight, and that she has heard that it was first used to treat people with diabetes.
Do you know if this is true? I believe that an opinion is only as good as it’s evidence, and that people’s testimonies of losing weight is not evidence. Is there science proof that this product is safe, or at least safer than being over weight? Thank you
Dk, they say PS was first used to help diabetes because of a small non-published investigation using only 8 people. I mention this study in this review and I go into a bit more depth in my review of the New plexus slim formula, here is the link
http://supplementclarity.com/plexus-slim-new-formula-review/
Im not aware of any published research on plexus slim so that’s why I tried to break the product down by which ingredients had the most effect according to research. Anything that gets people to lose weight should lower blood sugar levels and hence, help people who have type II diabetes. While I dont think plexus slim is going to hurt anybody who is basically healthy, re-read what I mentioned about hoodia and cardiac glycosides. If it pertains to you, show it to your cardiologist, just to be on the safe side.
Plexus Slim no longer contains hoodia. They took it out a few weeks ago.
RJames, thanks for the heads up on that. How come they took out the hoodia? The more of the original ingredients they take out of plexus slim, the less they can point to that clinical study as proof that it works. I also have a review of the “new plexus slim formula, recently which still had hoodia when I reviewed it.
Hoodia was removed because it’s endangered.
That’s awesome that your cardiologist recommended it. That speaks volumes.
Hope, Please understand that my cardiologist did NOT recommend Plexus. She only said that some people in the large clinic that she worked was using it and that they were losing weight. She said that she did not know anything about it. That is why I ask my initial question to Joe on this blog. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
DK, I would add that since the makers have removed hoodia and grape seed extract from PS, the product sold today is different than what they did their initial unpublished study on. While PS may offer some convenience, I feel that what I identified as its probable active ingredients still holds true.
Joe, After reading all the research on the ingredients in Plexus you posted, I realized here are several that do not contribute to weight loss. I wonder if you bought just those ingredients that do at your vitamin and herb center if that would work just as well and cost less. I feel I also would have more control on where these ingredients came from.
DK, its possible. Because of the price of supplements, I like to try to boil it down to what I think might be the active ingredients. If you try it and it works let me know.
I am a skeptic, but I’ve tried everything. And I have to say this is the first thing that has worked for me. I started taking Plexus about a month and a half ago, and have done nothing else. So far I’ve lost 18 pounds. The weight is falling off. I am proof it works.
Kim, very glad you found something that is helping you.
Hi Kim, great job. Did you use any other the other PS products in conjuction with Plexus Slim, or just Plexus Slim on its own?
Great job Claudia. Isn’t it a great feeling. I think the diet is so easy to follow and tastes great.
Joe, we have heard from “ambassadors, and others claiming that PS cured or controlled their fibromyalgia, blood pressure, arthritis, migraines, ADD, glaucoma, and many other medical conditions, even allowing some to stop taking their meds. Here is the “KICKER”, a poster listed today on a weight-loss blog that PS actually allows women to get PREGNANT.
Joe, I would love to heard you comment on that. lol Can you believe this? Without clinical data supporting PS, the “ambassadors” are making a total mockery of the product. Yes Sir, Folks, pregnancy is the new indication for PS. HAHAHA!!!!
Pete, can you email me a link to that picture. Id like to take a look at it. Ill email you privately.
I find it odd that you claim to have been an ambassador and yet you do not understand how the products are supposed to work. They are supposed to work from the inside out. Balancing the bodys’ system to function as it is intended. I have seen several testimonials from women who were overweight, diabetic or suffering from PCOS who struggled with infertility because of these conditions.
They used the products and achieved a greater balance and their bodies began to function properly and yes, they were able to conceive. The ambassadors are not making a mockery out of anything. These women are telling their stories and sharing their experiences with the products. You should be ashamed of yourself for making a joke of their struggles to conceive. They said Plexus is what helped them to do so and you’re calling them liars?
As a woman who knows all too well what that struggle feels like, I can say that if I start Plexus and suddenly turn up pregnant then, I will scream it from the roof tops. I will tell everyone I know that Plexus helped me to get pregnant and I will urge all of those in my support groups to try it. In fact, in a few days, I will be on Plexus. I have tossed my hat in the ring. I am the very image of the type of person this product is supposed to help and I intend to document every single, solitary thing.
Every measurement, every blood pressure reading and every pound on the scale. I am very overweight, diabetic, plagued by insomnia and nerve pain. I have not had a cycle in 9 years and NONE of my doctors can figure out why. I don’t have PCOS and I have not gone through menopause. I can not lose weight on my own. I’ve tried and lost only 16lbs in nearly a years time. I’ve tried slim fast, weight watchers, lean cuisine and every other diet pill, shake and snack bar imaginable.
If Plexus works for me then I’d say it’s a good product and I will proudly advertise my success and allow others to do the same. Joe, if you’d like I can return to this article and keep you updated in the comments as my progress through this journey.
Kelly, sure thing, do keep me in the loop on your progress and how you are doing. I do hope plexus slim helps you.
Thank you. I certainly will.
Hi Kelly. I am having similar difficulties as you. I’m not diabetic but I’m we’ll on my way being 140lbs overweight. I have been on my cycle for 6 months now. I was in the army and after a fall off a 15 foot wall I went from 140lbs to 400lbs. I’ve worked my way down but its a huge yo-yo affect that I’m sick of dealing with. I’m not looking for a miracle. Just a push. I look forward to seeing your results.
Can someone please tell me what the daily protein prescription is with the PS program? What is the formula for someone to determine how much protein they should consume? And at what intervals? Or is it the same for everyone?
Marc, dont worry about the timing of protein. For most people I dont feel its a big deal. The RDA for protein for healthy adults is about 0.4 grams per pound. People need a wee bit more protein if they exercise. Generally, the range of protein for most is about 0.6 to 0.9 grams per pound. If people are doing both strength and aerobic type exercise (treadmill etc), about 0.65 grams should be fine for most healthy adults. Hope that helps.
Thank you, Babs. I’d invite you to friend request me on Facebook but, I’m not sure Joe would allow that. 🙂
I am curious about the physical side of using Plexus… I have been trying to find reviews on different sites…It is hard to find reviews that do not come from “ambassadors” I did read that Australia has banned Plexus from their country because of bad side effects. I would like to find more reviews tho…
Deb, As I understand it, Australia banned /or alerted the public to plexus slim accelerator because they felt it contained an ingredient called DMAA. I linked to Australian health alerts in my review so see those for more information. I could be mistaken but I dont believe they banned the entire line of plexus slim products. I believe -but have no proof of – that this and other bad press about DMAA was one of the reasons that caused the accelerator to be reformulated into what is now called Plexus Accelerator plus. I linked to my review of that product so check that out also. I compare both old and new accelerator formulas there.
http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2014/37721a-eng.php
This is banned in Canada also
wow, Health Canada found DMAA in the PS accelerator – is that the old formula or the new accelerator plus? the report is dated Feb 7 2014 which I believe is after the old PS accelerator formula was replaced with the accelerator plus supplement. The date makes me wonder if Health Canada is referring to the accelerator plus supplement. Or is it possible they tested the old accelerator formula? Can anybody shed light on this?
Read that alert more carefully. They state that Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration found DMAA in plexus Accelerator. That means they are simply piggybacking the old alert issued by Australia for the original formula. The source is named and the product is named (accelerator, not accelerator plus). Canada found nothing itself, it’s just regurgitating old news and causing more unnecessary grief.
Stacy, thanks for that! It makes more sense now 🙂
deb what i dont understand is how they say australia has banned it from here and all over ebay aussie sellers are selling it and some poeple are actually bidding up to $160 for a 30 day supply????
Pete…
I am sorry you are so unhappy. I don’t sell PS but am involved in another MLM. I am also a marketing teacher so I am well aware of all the marketing concepts you speak of specifically the product life cycle. Most companies are actively changing product lines due to PLC. Michael Jordan shoes are a perfect example of this. Are tennis shoes really worth $250 a pair?
While you may have had a bad experience with a MLM they are a business much like Apple, Kroger, Microsoft, etc. Each business choosing a specific marketing plan for their target audience. This marketing plan includes distribution and how to sell. MLM’s are not for everyone.
It sounds as if you have a strong marketing background and could be beneficial to a company that could use your help versus convincing people not to use a specific product. Your talent is being wasted. People are going to do what they want to do. To be honest your posts seem angry which will not lead people to trust you anyway.
Teacher
I do have an extensive background in marketing, also some in MLM. Am I angry? Nope! Just presenting the facts. If people want to purchase, in my opinion, an extremely overpriced, and unnecessary product such as PS, so be it, it’s there money. But, as a marketing teacher, you should understand why the price of PS is so ridiculously high.
Your opinion of comparing MLM to Apple, Kroger, and Microsoft is incredible, and rather amusing coming from a fellow marketer. They are successful, and thrive in the real market place, where the laws of supply and demand determines the life cycle, the price, etc. of a product, not the recruitment of people. In most MLM, product is there just to make what you think is legitimate, legal. Recruitment of people is the engine that fuels the company, not the products. Question: Would you still buy your MLM products, and pay the high prices if you were not affiliated with the company. Based on research, most would not. NOT A REALISTIC MARKET!.
Teacher, you are right, there are ways to slow down the life-cycle of a product, and saturation. Some ways: Change the product, make it better. PS has done that, but based on Joe’s review, did not make it better. Change the packaging, go into new markets, etc. PS has not done any of these successfully. You think they are serious with just, as far as I know, one person in marketing. But, only three companies are still in the growth/maturity stage of product life-cycle. they are Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and believe it or not, Ivory Soap. Why, unbelievable marketing.
Have you even looked at and studied the marketing design of MLM. It’s amazing how someone with the experience you claim to process cannot not see at one point or another that MLM, PS, or not, is nothing more than a mathematical, and marketplace hoax. Do the math.
I think you are comparing all MLM’s to PS which is not fair. .. the demand for home party sales is valid. I pay a $40 membership fee and purchase products I want. No one said I have to sell. Shipment to my home is convenient for me. I have no quota or minimums. If I don’t order no big deal. If I want to sell or recruit I can. My choice.
If stores could charge maximum for items they would. It is called capitalism. It is competition in the market that keeps the prices down. Believe me plexus has lots of competition but people are still buying. Sensa was not as an MLM and people were spending millions.
Sensa recently lost a suit over misleading claims much like you speak of. When it comes to weight loss people need to decide what works for them. Companies will always claim their products work best. Common sense goes a long way. True marketers know how to get people to buy whether a MLM or not. Successful business use marketing to get people to buy.
But hats off…YOU WIN.
By the way, I do drink the PS. I Do not sell PS and don’t care to. I can only speak for myself but have noticed a decrease in my migraine severity over the last two months. No weight loss but not being in bed with a migraine or having to have an injection is definitely a positive for me.
Teacher, I do have a review of Sensa, in case you or others didn’t see it:
http://supplementclarity.com/sensa-weight-loss-review-tastant-side-effects/
Hey Teacher there are quite a few of your comments concerning PS, and its marketing strategy (MLM) I would love to comment on, but unless Joe okays it, I prefer not too. Most would be off subject. Love discussing it with you with the obvious knowledge you have in marketing.
I wish you all the luck in the world with your MLM endeavors, and find it very interesting, and glad you are getting relief from your migraines. Been there done it, and as you have experienced, not fun. I have heard this from other posters, being interested in science, as well as marketing, would love to know if it is the result of PS since I have never read any data supporting your’s, or other’s claims. Not saying I dispute your results, just would be interesting to know for sure from a science perspective. No matter what, you are getting relief, and that is wonderful..
Again, good luck.
I read this thread and I just hate that people think this is worth getting snarky over. People who disagree with Plexus practice have their reasons. Maybe their misinformed, or just have this opinion due to their experiences. We should all respect that. Personally I’m not going to waste my time convincing someone who has their mind set about a product or a business plan. Nor will I result to name calling and passive aggressive comments.
Anyway, thanks Joe for posting information about Plexus. I’m an Ambassador, but not before I tried the products to see if I liked it. My upline bugged me for 2 months to try the product. I finally caved in with no intention of re-ordering or having anything to do with this product. Fortunately for me the products worked and I lost 17 pounds in 35 days with documentation that my blood pressure was lower. I was skeptical and then became a fan.
I posted my results on FB and friends started asking about it. Since so many wanted to order it, I thought why not make money off of this. I don’t see one thing wrong or unethical about this. Like you Joe, I believe MLM companies are legit as long as the products aren’t bogus. If the products suck, I want nothing to do with it and I’m sure as heck not going to lie by talking them up just to make money off my friends. That’s unethical.
Plexus might not work for everyone, but it did for me and all my customers are repeat and they have had results. Not one refund or dislike. However, I know that not every customer will be satisfied and I will gladly accommodate them when the time comes.
So my point is, either me and my customers are really lucky and it’s a coincidence or Plexus really is doing what it claims. I’m a happy user of the products and so are the people that buy from me. The money is great is you work hard to build up your customers. One this I have learned though…building up customers is not as easy as most ambassadors say. It has taken a while for me to get to where I am. I almost gave up, but stuck it out and not I’m getting commission checks sometimes as large as $600. I would say that is some killer SIDE income.
Renee, thanks and I’m glad you are doing well with PS 🙂
Renee
Super that you have such a positive opinion of PS, a lot of people do at this time, most being “ambassadors” as yourself. Only time will tell whether the product will continue it’s positive trend in the future. Most all products go through a “life cycle”, they are introduced, they grow, they mature, then they decline. Where is PS in this cycle? Who knows since no financial data is available on the company. But, this a law of marketing, it’s coming.
Renee, you also stated that you SOMETIMES made up to $600.00/mt. as an “ambassador”. Is that before, or after you deduct your expenses. When I was an “ambassador”, I spent on average/mt: ( based on my experience, and your income clasim )
$200.00 Product
$83.00 Selling materials
$27.00 Gasoline to meetings
$47.00 for meals at meetings
______
$357.00/mt. Average expenses
Keep in mind, this not include the big convention meetings you may attend.
So,
$600.00
– $357.00
_______
+$243.00 mt
If these numbers are close, and I bet they are very lenient, you are making approximately $8.00/per day (234 divide by 30) which is equivalent to about $1.01/hr. ( $8.00 divide by 8)
Success means different things to different people, and if making $1.01 an hour is success to you then I congratulate you. This scenario does not even account for the time, and effort you put forth in selling PS, and we both know those are worth something.
I wish you well.
I used it to lose 11 pounds to make my goal weight. It took me one month of using the Plexus Slim/Accelerator to make my goal weight and I’ve kept it off since July 1st. I now take Probio5 and BioCleanse daily, and the XFactor vitamins most days. I love the products and they work for me. That’s all I really can say….that they have worked for me (and many others that I know).
I continue to take the Slim for the added health benefits, and feel better now than before I had my kids (I also no longer suffer from migraines and I sleep better). If you take it will you have the exact same result as me? Of course no one can say that…but it worked with my body chemistry and I’m happy with the products. The good news is that the company gives you a full 60 day money back guarantee. So if you are not happy with it, you can get a full refund. That helped make the decision to purchase it easy.
I personally have seen nothing but positive results, so to answer your question Kathy…for me…yes it works 🙂
Does the stuff work is all I want to know!
Been on it since Nov 12th and I haven’t lost much. I think people think it’s a great product but probably not giving themselves enough credit. I think they think it helps and in turn they eat better and exercise. And they push lots of water! That is the key to weight loss in my opinion!
What products are you taking? It’s slower for some people than it is for others. While you may not be showing huge results on the outside, have you had a blood panel done? Plexus works from the inside out so, if there was a lot of damage or things that were out of whack on the inside then that is what it is going to take care of first.
I’m getting ready to start my own journey here in a couple of days. My order is in transit. I will be logging blood glucose readings, blood pressure readings, weight and measurements and sharing them on my Facebook page.
I invite you to follow me or friend me at Kelly Heuser look for a heavy woman with long dark hair for the profile picture also, I am an Ambassador. I’m also trying the body cream on my husband and will be reporting all changes where that is concerned as well. 🙂
Kelly, I hope it works for you but just so you know, while PS might facilitate some weight loss, its the weight loss -and not PS itself – that caused positive changes in other things. Most people probably dont care about that and in the grand scheme of things, Id be in that camp too, just being glad things are improving. I just wanted to mention this.
can someone with all honesty please let me know how long (how many months suppluy) does one need to take to show any form of weight loss??
Sue, how much you lose and how quickly depends on you and your body. What many are ignoring here is that Plexus was created for diabetics to regulate lipid levels. It works from the inside out. If you have a lot of damage internally (ie: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and etc…) It may take a bit longer to see external results. Plexus is about getting your inside healthy and then reaping the external benefits. So, if you’re going to try it. I suggest you go to your doctor and have a blood panel done first. Start with Plexus Slim (the drink) first and nothing else.
Please keep in mind that it will take your body a little while to adjust so commit at least 30 to 60 days. There is a 60 day money back guarantee so if you don’t see any results you can return it and get a refund. Take your measurements, keep track of your calorie intake by way of a phone app or website. My fitness pal is a great one. Drink 1/2 your weight in ounces (ex. if you weight 150 drink 75oz) of water. Exercise helps too. Be sure to let your doctor know what you’re doing especially if you’re on medication. He/She may want to change doses on meds that may interfere. Most importantly stay in contact with your ambassador.
They are there to help you succeed. If for some reason you don’t see any external results and are deciding to give up. Go back to your doctor and have another blood panel done. I’m almost certain you’ll see results there. I also must say, if you’re expecting a magic formula to take care of the excess weight without you putting forth any effort what so ever then, I’d say Plexus is not for you.
No diet or product works without some effort. FYI in my first two weeks I lost 3.2lbs and 6.5 total inches. My blood pressure has gone from Stage 2 hypertension to Stage 1 and still falling. My fasting blood glucose readings are down 24%.