Update 1/31/21. Real Dose Weight Loss Formula No. 1 is a weight loss supplement that claims its ingredients are “based only on the results from human studies.” That statement alone made me want to review Formula 1! Furthermore, Real Dose also says that their products use the exact same amount of the ingredients that are used in research. Both of these are bold statements that I don't see many supplement companies making, so let's review Real Dose Formula 1 and see what we can find out.
Who Makes Real Dose Formula No 1?
Real Dose Weight Loss Formula No. 1 is a product of Real Dose Nutrition LLC located at 2031 16th Street Boulder, CO 80302. To contact Real Dose Nutrition, call (800) 928-5580 if inside the US (or if outside the US,
+1-307-222-6725). In my review I found 2 different websites for the company:
- RealDose.com
- RealDoseWeightloss.com
According to the Better Business Bureau, while Real Dose Nutrition is not a BBB accredited business, the company has a BBB rating of “A.” It appears that the person in charge of the company is Dr. Steven Sisskind. While he is listed as the “Chief Medical Officer” on both the BBB website and the Real Dose website, in a press release, dated June 10th 2013, Dr. Sisskind is called “the creator” of Real Dose Nutrition Formula No 1.
Real Dose Formula No.1 has also been sold on Amazon but it may be unavailable.
Real Dose Weight Loss Formula No 1 Ingredients
According to the product website (Realdose.com), 1 capsule of Formula No 1 has these ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
| Proprietary blend | 300 mg | N/A |
| Dolichos biflorus (seed) extract | ||
| Betel (Piper betle) (leaf) extract | ||
| Decaf green coffee bean extract (Svetol) | 133.33 mg | N/A |
| Siberian Rhodiola rosea (root) | 113.33 mg | N/A |
| Pepper (Piper nigrum) (fruit) | 5 mg | N/A |
N/A = Not applicable. No daily value established.
Real Dose Formula No 1 is non-GMO and free of gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy.
Real Dose Formula No 1 Research
As far as I can see from the Real Dose website, Formula No. 1 has no published peer-reviewed research to show that it helps people lose weight. Also, I'm not aware of any published research that used the entire unique blend of ingredients that are in Formula No 1 weight loss pills.
That said, as I understand the premise behind this supplement, the idea here is that because there is weight research on 2 of the ingredients ―and Real Dose Formula No. 1 uses the same ingredients, in the same amounts used in research―that the same weight loss benefits should be seen with this product. It's an interesting idea. Let's now take a look at the research on the ingredients in the product and see what that research says.
To their credit, RealDose.com not only lists the research on the ingredients, it also links to those studies also, so I will list those studies for each ingredient below.
Dolichos Biflorus (Seed) Extract
There are 2 studies listed in support of Dolichos biflorus. They are:
1. Study title: Efficacy of an Herbal Formulation LI10903F Containing Dolichos Biflorus and Piper Betle Extracts on Weight Management. This was an 8-week study involving 50 overweight people. The participants were put on a 2000 calorie per day diet and exercised 30 minutes per day.
The people received either a placebo or 300 mg of a supplement called “LOWAT” ― a product of Interhealth Neutraceutical Inc. LOWAT is a blend of both Dolichos biflorus seed extracts and Piper betle leaf (which is also in Real Dose Formula No 1). If you read the study in the link above, they call LOWAT “LI10903F” so don't be confused.
Results. Those who received the LOWAT supplement lost significantly more weight (an average of 5 lbs) compared to those who didn't get the supplement. Significant decreases in ghrelin and increases in adiponectin (hormones that play a role in how much we weigh) were also seen in those who received the LOWAT supplement.
2. Study title. Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of a Novel Weight Management Herbal Formulation LOWAT. The Real Dose website states that this study was presented at the 51st meeting of the American College of Nutrition in October 2010. This is a study of the effects of the LOWAT supplement in rats. It may be a fine study but since it's not peer-reviewed (and a rat study), I'm inclined to discount it.
Real Dose Formula No 1 contains 300 mg of the proprietary blend of both Dolichos biflorus seed extracts and Piper betle leaf. I believe the proprietary blend used is the LOWAT supplement. The LOWAT blend is in other products and is a standalone supplement itself. For example, here is the LOWAT supplement on Amazon.
Decaf Green Coffee Bean Extract
The Real Dose website references 2 studies to support the use of green coffee bean.
1. A study titled: Svetol, green coffee extract induces weight loss and increases the lean to fat mass ratio with overweight people.
2. A study in French which is the same study as study #1. This is likely the original investigation that was also translated into English. I'm not sure why the Real Dose website lists the study in both English and French.
The keyword in this study is “Svetol” which is a specific extract of green coffee bean. There is some weight loss research on Svetol although it's less than I'd like. See the review of Green Coffee Bean and weight loss,
For those who want to compare prices, here is Svetol on Amazon.
Siberian Rhodiola Rosea
The Real Dose website lists two studies for Rhodiola Rosea:
1. Rhodiola rosea: A Phytomedicinal Overview. This is a review article that shows that Rhodiola Rosea may help recovery from exercise and play a role in mood. That is likely why this herb is in Real Dose.
2. Standardized Rhodiola rosea: A Unique Phytomedicine. A Current Phytochemical Quality Overview. This appears to be a paper that was presented at a meeting titled, The Proceedings of the 8th International Congress Phytopharm, in 2004. Phytopharm is a pharmaceutical /nutraceutical company. Since this paper was presented, it may not be peer-reviewed.
Real Dose Formula No 1 contains 113.33 mg of Rhodiola rosea. At least one study noted that 100 mg of this herb helped mental and physical fatigue.
Pepper (Piper nigrum)
The Real Dose website cites 2 studies in support of this ingredient. They are:
1. A study titled, Piperine derived from black pepper increases the plasma levels of coenzyme Q10 following oral supplementation. This study showed that 5 mg of Piper nigrum (pepper) increased levels of coenzyme Q10 in healthy males. Real Dose Formula No 1contains 5 mg of pepper.
2. A study titled Piperine, an alkaloid derived from black pepper increases serum response of beta-carotene during 14-days of oral beta-carotene supplementation. Basically, pepper increased the absorption of beta carotene.
This is why pepper is in the product. It's not because of any metabolism-boosting or weight loss effect, but rather because pepper appears to enhance absorption of other things. Here, the pepper increases the absorption of the 2 active ingredients in Real Dose Formula No 1.
Summary of studies
If I look only at the studies listed on the Real Dose website, here is how they look to me:
- A published human study of Dolichos biflorus and weight loss
- A presented study on Dolichos biflorus and weight loss in rats
- A published human study of green coffee extract and weight loss (listed in both English and French)
- A published review article of the effects of Rhodiola rose (no weight loss effects mentioned)
- A presented paper on Rhodiola rosea and stress levels (no weight loss effects mentioned)
- A published paper on how pepper raises coenzyme Q10 levels
- A published paper on how pepper helps beta carotene absorption
Based on the research presented on the product website, the ingredients in Real Dose Formula 1 that have human weight loss evidence are:
- Dolichos biflorus (specifically, the LOWAT supplement)
- Green coffee extract (specifically, the Svetol supplement)
Here is LOWAT on Amazon and Here is Svetol on Amazon for those who want to compare prices.
It's possible that the unique blend of ingredients in Real Dose Formula No 1 works better than either /both of these ingredients, but since there appears to be no published peer-reviewed research on Real Dose Formula No 1 itself, I can't know for sure.
Real Dose Formula No 1 side effects
I'm not aware of any side effects from using Real Dose Weight Loss Formula 1 and I think in healthy people it's pretty safe. With any new supplement you've not taken before, it's wise to start with less than is recommended to see how you respond. This will minimize any side effects that you, personally, may have.
How to Return Real Dose Formula No. 1
The product website states that Real Dose weight loss supplements have an “Unconditional 365 Day You Must Be Thrilled!” Money-Back Guarantee. Giving people 1 year to return a product is actually quite generous ―and rare.
According to the Real Dose website, people just have to call customer service and ask for a refund. Return the product with a copy of your sales receipt. Customer service can be reached by calling these numbers:
- In the US: 1-800-838-4854
- Outside the US : +1-307-222-6346
To get a refund, the product should be shipped to this address:
RealDose Nutrition LLC
22100 E 26th Avenue #100 Aurora, CO 80019
According to Google, this address corresponds to a company called “At Last Fulfillment” which I assume is the company that actually ships Real Dose products to consumers.
Does Real Dose Formula No 1 Work?
First, let me say that I appreciated the emphasis on research that I saw on the Real Dose website. It's not often I see supplement websites that link to research. I thought that was refreshing.
While there is not a lot of research on the ingredients, it's possible some people may notice weight loss from Real Dose Weight Loss Formula No. 1 especially if they also exercise and eat fewer calories. How much weight loss might occur if someone were to only take the supplement, I do not know.
I personally think that if the product is going to work, that has more to do with its 2 main ingredients ― Dolichos biflorus and green coffee extract― than the other ingredients, but I admit I could be wrong on this. It could be that the combination of ingredients in Real Dose Formula No 1 enhances the weight loss effects of these 2 ingredients but without human trials, I can't say for sure. Real Dose Formula No 1 is expensive with a 30 day supply costing $67 on the product's website.
Here is Dolichos biflorus on Amazon (the LOWAT supplement) and here is green coffee extract on Amazon for those who want to compare prices.
What do you think?
Thanks for your detailed and unbiased analysis. And keep on posting! I skipped the gimmicky video from “Dr. Sisskind” (I’m an MD and his simplistic video is insulting to the intelligence) and went right to your analysis and summary. I appreciate it! I have elevated LFT’s (liver function tests) so I have to be careful of supplements. This sounds like one to be wary of.
Sally, thanks I appreciate that and happy I was able to help.
Thanks Joe for all your research into this product. After watching the presentation which I found to be filled with “fluff” (I like to get to the point of things) I was considering purchasing. Your unbiased research has been very helpful.
Thanks Sharon, I’m happy I was able to help.
After following research and trying to find a better way than paying RealDose prices-I have found you can get all of the same ingredients (many locally) for about $40 total to last 1 month. Lowat being the hardest to find only online for $12.74 sold by Swanson vitamins and on amazon. If anyone else knows of cheaper please let me know.
The green coffee bean-Caffea Canephora-you can buy at Walgreens for $9.99, Rhodiola Rosea also at Walgreens for $12.76, even the pepper extract-piper nigrum 95%-at walmart by Source Naturals for $5.36.
Out of the 4, three can be bought in person with no shipping, also dosage amounts per ingredient can be adjusted, I find this a little better than making a commitment to 1 product if are not sure about it.
There is a down side and that being you are taking multiple pills, RealDose just did the work for us and put it into 1 pill, 3x a day. Most of the above ingredients though only need to be taken in 1 or 2 doses for the same recommended in RealDose. Hope this helps anyone who is on the fence.
As far as the research goes for RealDose, I have been studying health and wellness for 4 yrs now (currently a student for my B.S.) and have done essays and papers over their same claims. I have to say they are truly spot on. I have research these very same logics for my own health. People need to remember that there is no quick fix for weight loss, and if normal exercise and nutrition (dieting is such a horrible word) do not work, then there are probably some hormone issues at work.
I have tried prescription medication for weight loss but I am currently researching a more holistic approach, staying on prescriptions for weight loss indefinitely is not good for my health or pocket book.
Jeannie, thanks for the heads up on the ingredients and I do think you are right about the Lowat. That is what I found also when I looked. Amazon Link.” target=”_blank”>Here is Lowat on Amazon which is the price you mentioned as well.
Thank you too for taking the extra step that very few do in researching these supplements. I was doing the very same thing when I found your link. I read many reviews both for and against the product RealDose. Most complaints seemed to follow symptoms of upset stomach and heart palpitations.
Even though the product is stimulant free (caffeine, which is why I am mostly interested) it does contain magnesium. Both potassium and magnesium are important in cardiac function so ingesting amounts of these if you are already taking them in supplement form or in excess from the foods we are eating, could cause heart rate issues.
It is important for people to consider talking to a healthcare provider and examining these and compare with any OTC product or prescriptions that someone might be taking, including the “other ingredients”. Thank you again.
Jeannie, I’m just glad you were able to find me. I know its hard out there on the web sometimes.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the valuable time you took to research this in order to help us make educated decisions. I have to say, after reviewing the company’s video, I agree with the concept that hormones make you fat. At least that’s what the deal is for me. I haven’t gotten tested, but suspect that I have some sort of allergy to high glycemic carbs.
I’ve heard of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance and wonder if there is a connection. I am a Somercizer (Suzanne Somers’ program), and although I have my ups and downs, I know that it’s MY answer. Once I forgo breads, flour, and other high glycemic foods, and combine protein and fats apart from the allowable low glycemic carbs that are permissible on the program, my skin clears up, I lose the puffiness in my face, my “glow” returns, my stomach problems are gone, and the brain fog disappears. That’s only after a few days!
Anyway, I can only share what has worked for me, but am smart enough to know that doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s solution. Best of luck to you and everyone who has posted.
Jennifer, thanks for the feedback. I remember “Somercizers” 🙂
I have been taking Real Dose formula 1 weight loss pills for 5 days , I have been following the recommended dietary changes and already I have lost 1.7 kilograms I’m feeling great & so far very happy with the programme.
Jackie, Im glad you’ve been losing weight. Continued success to you. Do keep me posted on your progress.
G Frederiksen, well of course I do – as do most websites! I’ve never hidden this from anyone. That doesn’t mean I have an agenda as some others angrily insinuated. I’m giving away my hard work, experience and research for FREE but websites do take money to update and improve. As I am not a millionaire, I do need money to update/improve this site. If ads dont look interesting to you, then dont click. I make nothing and you still get the benefits of my reviews. It’s as simple as that.
The difference between side effects from a pharmaceutical drug and a supplement is that in most cases the side effects may already be known (because prior testing has found many of them) while in supplements their is often very little – if any research. You know as well as I do that supplement side effects are hardly EVER mentioned on supplement websites. Regardless, I dont know why you appear to angry because if you actually read my review you’d see I was relatively nice to Real Dose and your words and mine are not terribly far apart.
I believe I write the most unbiased, and fact filled reviews on the web today with a clear grounding in science and rational thought – AND I give it all away 100% free because I want to help people.
Ruth, thanks and I appreciate you taking the time to write and share your thoughts about your product and how people can contact you.
Hello,
I too reviewed the research articles, and the return policy and the following stood out for me:
(1) Regarding the “365 Money Back Guarantee”: reading it closely, it states the one can “return the unused portion for a 100% refund”. So, say I purchase the 6 month supply for $327, and I give it a good try for ~3 months, to no avail. When I try to take advantage of the guarantee, do I get the $327 back? or only 1/2 that because I’ve used 3 of 6 months worth??? I think the company banks on people NOT reading carefully.
(2) One of the highlights of the presentation were that “human subjects were used”. Nowhere does it mention that mice and rats were used as well. The one study you list that used 50 subjects, actually had 10 subjects drop out. I think that 40 subjects is an awfully small number to warrant boasting about. Additionally, I think that vegans would not be happy about the use of rats/mice. In the study entitled “Efficacy of an Herbal Formulation . . .”, it states that Fetal Bovine Serum was used as a reagent . . . How vegan is that???
Also in the “In Vitro Studies”, “mouse pre-adipocyte fibroblasts” were obtained & cultivated. Also in that study, the “toxicity” issues/results were all about the rats! Not humans! And there’s more: for all the presentations boasting about “double blind studies” it fails to mention that this study was done at a facility (Laila Impex R & D) where 3 of the authors of that study are employed! A bit of a conflict of interests if you ask me!
(3) From the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, there is an “authors disclosure” statement noting that “Naturex has a commercial interest in this publication” (might have well have said “outcome” vs publication), so as above, a serious conflict of interest. Double-blind or no double-blind, serious studies strive to eliminate any conflicts of interest.
My BMI is high . . . high enough to make me a candidate for weight loss surgery without co-morbidities, so this product does/did(?) sound appealing, but doing my research put their credibility in doubt.
I certainly do appreciate, however, their suggestions about how to enhance or combat these 4 hormones: increase magnesium with seeds, green leafys, etc; get more sleep; deep breathing for decreasing stress/anxiety and maybe looking into Rhodiola rosea with rosavins and salicydes (I’m sorry I cannot specifically recall the pronunciation, and therefore the spelling) in a 3:1 ratio; and apple cider vinegar, which purportedly has a whole host of benefits, so taking that even if one took the pills would likely be of benefit.
The point I harped on a couple of times about the vegan issue is ONLY because Dr. Sisskind seems to list all the potential deal-breakers for people/consumers (i.e., soy free, gluten free, kosher, etc), and as such proclaims that the product is vegan.
I am not a vegan, but were I one, I certainly would not have appreciated the use of fetal bovine serum, nor the inclusion of other animals in the study/development of a product that boasts “human studies” in such a way (re-iterated on at least 2 or 3 occasions) as to give the impression that only human subjects were studied.
Mary, those are some very good insights and I appreciate you adding them to what I wrote. I obviously missed the part about only the unused portions” being eligible for the 365 day money back refund.
Mary’s comment on the refund are incorrect….
here’s my chat response from Real Dose 6/22/2014:
“if I bought 6 bottles, used 3, and was not happy, I would return the remaining 3 and get a refund on 3 or 6?
Pia: You will be getting a full refund. We stand to our 365 days guarantee full refund.”
But if you only buy the 30 day supply and have 20 capsules of 90 left and you are not happy, I don’t think they are going to prorate the 90 and send only enough money back to cover the 25 capsules. That being said, I would EXPECT the full money back guarantee to cover 100% of your purchase (less shipping), or they could face a law suit. Don’t you think? I see nothing in this guarantee that states “unused portions.”
From their site:
Our Guarantee
We’re so sure that you’ll love our RealDose natural products, we protect you with our Unconditional 365-day “You Must Be Thrilled!” Money-Back Guarantee. We want you to have plenty of time to experience and benefit from our products so you can discover for yourself how great they will make you feel.
If you’re not happy with your results, simply notify us up to one full year after purchase by calling (800) 928-5580 (Outside U.S. +1-307-222-6725) or visiting http://www.realdose.com/ContactUs and we’ll make arrangements for you to receive a 100% refund (less shipping, if applicable). No questions asked. No unusual hoops to jump through.
We understand many people are skeptical when they hear what a new product might do for them. Realizing this, we decided to offer our “You Must Be Thrilled!” Money-Back Guarantee program so that new customers would get the opportunity to experience the same health benefits our satisfied customers have already enjoyed, with no worries!
You must return the unused portion. That doesn’t mean they only refund you for the used portion. I would expect you would get the full amount back.
But if you only buy the 30 day supply and have 20 capsules of 90 left and you are not happy I don’t think they are going to prorate the 90 and send only enough money back to cover the 25 capsules. That being said I would EXPECT the full money back guarantee to cover 100% of your purchase (less shipping), or they could face a law suit. Don’t you think? I see nothing in this guarantee that states “unused portions.”
From their site:
Our Guarantee
We’re so sure that you’ll love our RealDose natural products, we protect you with our Unconditional 365-day “You Must Be Thrilled!” Money-Back Guarantee. We want you to have plenty of time to experience and benefit from our products so you can discover for yourself how great they will make you feel.
If you’re not happy with your results, simply notify us up to one full year after purchase by calling (800) 928-5580 (Outside U.S. +1-307-222-6725) or visiting http://www.realdose.com/ContactUs and we’ll make arrangements for you to receive a 100% refund (less shipping, if applicable). No questions asked. No unusual hoops to jump through.
We understand many people are skeptical when they hear what a new product might do for them. Realizing this, we decided to offer our “You Must Be Thrilled!” Money-Back Guarantee program so that new customers would get the opportunity to experience the same health benefits our satisfied customers have already enjoyed, with no worries!
I am trying this product for the second time. The first time I tried it I lost a some weight but I am not sure if it was because of Real Dose or not. I am a 28 year old girl who is super active, eats healthy and play roller derby. I have hypothyroid and am having a heck of a time losing weight. It has taken me three years but I am down from 218 to 165. I have 20 more pounds to go and I hope this is the added push I need to get there. I am very frustrated because I should be losing weight considering my activity level and nutritional standards.
I have had hormonal issues because of my thyroid and I hope real dose will help with that too…it said it should. Fingers crossed. Not looking for a magic pill just something to make all of my hard work pay off.
Miss E, I hope it helps you. let me know how it goes -and that’s very cool about roller derby 🙂
I came to your website via a post by RealDose on my FB feed. First, I commend you on the due diligence you have done in researching the product. Nice work. Second, it really bothers me when manufacturers of “diet pills” try to prove their product with testimonials and other “marketing” tactics to get the public to buy into the product. There is only one way to lose weight. Only one, just one, and no other. That is by taking in less calories than you burn.
You can enhance that process by continuing to take in less calories and adding exercise to it. However, exercise only accounts for about 28% of your weight loss efforts that means that the other 72% comes from…you guessed it…taking in fewer calories than you burn. There are no magic pills, foods, or any other adjuncts to make this happen. We are speaking about a healthy individual with no metabolic or physical obstacles, of course.
Please, folks, don’t waste your money, invest in clean food and a good pair of tennis shoes. Ok, I’m hopping off my soapbox and thank you for letting me throw my two cents in.
SoCalMel, Thank you much for the feedback and Im glad you were able to find me!
SoCalMel – your response so angers me! Without doing anything much to control my weight, I stayed within 5-10 pounds of what I considered my ideal weight (102) most of my adult life. I entered full menopause when I was 45 – with peri-menopause the 3-4 years before that. And that is when I started gaining weight. Over 25 pounds. 5 years ago i started training for Triathlons at the age of 55.
I swim/bike/run sometimes 6 or more times a week. One year I faithfully completed a P90X program in 3 months. I count my calories. I tried eating vegan. I’ve tried the various programs that send you your food. I have had my thyroid checked (told it is OK). And while I have lost a few pounds here and there, I mainly continue to fluctuate at the same weight (while my waist line gets bigger and bigger).
Another example – my first year training for Tri’s I kept a detailed food diary (eating under 1400 calories) along with an estimate of my exercise calories spent (I was swimming up to 2000 meters a workout, running 3-4 miles, biking 25 miles) and in a three week period where I should have lost 3 pounds – I gained two! Please explain that! There is much more to this than “calories in and calories out”!
That is why ads such as this are so enticing. It seems there must be something missing in my metabolism that I cannot lose weight no matter what I try.
Donna, Your experience is similar to mine with peri-menopause and weight gain, exercising on treadmill daily for an hour, sprinting, eating celery – did not lose anything. I too had my thyroid levels checked when I reported my concerns about weight gain.
I regret that I didn’t insist that I have the thyroid levels tested several times following and get ALL the thyroid tests, not just TSH, because I learned later I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis an autoimmune cause of thyroid malfunction.
So I was untreated for almost 9 years, because I accepted that “my thyroid test came back as in the normal range”. Check out books on thyroid problems by Dr. Datis Kharrazian.
Just a note on the the Thyroid…. Some in my family have Thyroid problems. Some started researching their own thyroid numbers and found out that their “normal” was only a couple points off from needing prescription with insistence they are on Thyroid Meds and are doing much better.
Sad to say but, “Do your research !” Don’t be afraid to question tests ( what’s the normal range, what was my range) or your Doctor. You hired your Doctor for their skill, let them prove it they are a Good Doctor.
Best of Health.
Donna:
Even though I am a man, I have had some experience with weight gain similar to yours. I believe I have learned a few key things that helped me lose unwanted fat, gain muscle, and maintain within 2-3 lbs for over a year now, and get stronger and faster on my bike. I am 5’7″, 160 lbs (5 lbs over high school weight).
What I learned is this: don’t count calories!!! Watch the TYPE of calories you eat. Healthy fats and proteins (butter, olive oil, bacon, steak, eggs) are much better for you than the same number of calories from sugars, pastas, or most grains.
Also, it is possible you are over-training, since you exercise 6 days a week…esp as we get up in years, it seems to take longer to recover. If we keep on exercising before our muscles rebuild, we just tear them down further and actually get weaker.
Try talking a whole week off from hard exercise, and see how you do. I use Strava.com when I ride, and it tracks my rides, and segments, and I can not only feel the difference, I can see it quantified as faster (we often go p 15% grades).
I have been athletic all of my life: running on track and cross country teams in high school & on the tennis team. After high school I back-packed in the Sierras for years, took part mountain climbing, biking, downhill skiing, powder skiing, cross country skiing (all the way UP Squaw Valley ski resort)…you get the picture. I never went on a diet, and never gained more than a few pounds, and was always in great shape….
When I turned 50 we went to Europe for 5 weeks, and I gained 10 lbs from all the good eating we enjoyed, and it seemed to go straight to my gut. When we returned, I was on my road bike, riding hard, 60 miles a week….20 miles 3x/week, but I could not lose the weight! I tried for 10 years, and finally gave away my old suits that I could no longer fit in!
I did not realize at the time how much weight loss has to do with not only exercise, and how much you eat, but the KIND of calories you eat.
That is where I believe many go astray. After 10 years of hoping and trying to lose weight, I gave up, and packed on another 10…
Long story short, at age 62 I did a round of hcg (hcgchica.com) and lost the 20 lbs, and the diet changed my eating habits quite a bit:
I have cut refined carbs and sugars extremely! Rarely eat bread (except when at the restaurant and they bring that nice hot bread with butter or tapenaud)…cereal never….rarely pasta…and I limit sweets, but I do eat them (M&Ms when I crave them once a week). I still do eat chips, which I have always liked, and they do not seem to and weight on for me.
What do I eat day to day? Lots of protein (grilled steak, lamb, hamburger, salmon, baked chicken, fried bacon and sausages, lots of pasture raised raw eggs in certified raw milk shakes), and lots of organic vegetables, steamed or raw (raw salads w kale, spinach, spring greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, pomegranates, dried cranberry accents) with my favorite dressings (olive oil and vinegar w feta cheese, or blue cheese). I drink a glass of wine most nights, but rarely drink beer (as it is estrogenic). My food is well seasoned with lots of sea salt and real butter, or salt, lemon and olive oil…it tastes good, is satisfying, and I am full when I’m done. I enjoy eating good food!
I’m 63 now, and still do a lot of mountain biking, often with 30-40 year olds, and that is keeping me in good shape. I typically ride twice a week. If I ride more often, I can tell that I am not recovered and weaker. If I want to really ride hard and set some PRs (personal records), I take a full week off…when I come back my legs are much stronger and can push on the big hills much harder than after 2,3, or even 4 days. I do take high carb “GU”-type energy supplements when I ride, as you do need carbs for glucose…and I do eat organic fruits.
So I believe a well rounded life-style is imperative: you can’t be healthy (thin does not mean healthy) if you’re not getting enough sleep and eat lots of prepared, boxed foods, and don’t get the right dose of some kind of regular exercise.
The other thing I’ve learned is that aerobics are counter productive: exercising at 80% of maximum heart rate trains your heart and lungs to be efficient, but smaller and weaker (see Dr Al Sears book “PACE” for proof): As you do, high intensity intervals train the heart and lungs to get stronger and bigger, able to do more work, and then burn more calories for 24 hours AFTER exercise….and following this exercise, replenishing those depleted muscles with a proper mix of carbs to protein for recovery and uptake of glucose into those muscles is very important…it needs to take place in 30 minutes or so…so a good recovery drink is valuable, I believe (I use Mike’s Milk after a 1-2 hour hard bike ride, which has lots of hills and some very hard riding). Ironically, recovery drinks have a lot of sugar, but after a hard workout, the sugar helps the muscles uptake the carb/protein faster than without.
George, while I do appreciate the idea of eating better types of foods, with respect, I have looked at the HCG diet in the past -including the work of Dr. Sears. I have come to these conclusions:
1. The HCG diet is basically a really low calorie diet (500 calories per day) and that is likely why people lose weight.
2. There is a LOT of research on the HGC diet and 99.9% shows it doesn’t work
3. All the research is on HCG injections. There is no research on HCG drops, like what is sold in stores. I doubt if the stuff sold in stores even has any HCG.
Here are links to my reviews which shows this (I linked to the actual research too)
http://supplementclarity.com/homeopathic-hcg-drops-weight-loss-review/
http://supplementclarity.com/hcg-diet-evidence-based-review/
While I am genuinely happy that you were able to lose weight with it, I just dont understand why, other than it was because you ate very few calories (500 calories a day if you followed the Dr Sears protocol).
Joe…
I have no financial interest in promoting hCG however, thousands of people have lost weight using it, and I personally know many who have.
Yes, the primary reason it works is that for a short time, while you are on a very restricted diet, the hcg causes the body to primarily burn your fat for energy, rather than muscle, so you lose weight. Hydrostatic body-fat tests show this will primarily come from fat. I’ve done this myself and know others who have down this testing before and after the diet as well.
While on the diet though, it is not recommended that you do hard physical training, as you are not taking in enough protein to rebuild muscle….that is for after the diet is done. So all the weight loss in my case is from the diet alone, not Dr Sears protocol. I did the diet for 4 weeks; thereafter you add in fats, then gradually carbohydrates.
That being said, if one does not learn to change bad eating habits, they will only regain any weight they lost. Proper exercise is obviously important to good health and fitness, and building muscle can actually add more weight, but often less ‘inches’.
George, thanks for writing back. people have said some pretty interesting stuff about the HGC diet. I can only go by the research but I do admit I wish somebody would take a fresh look at it. The past research looks good to me but it appears nobody has investigated it since the 80s. I also have never seen any research on the drops of HGC that are sold in stores.
Hi Joe….those are good questions on hCG….all I can recommend is check in with hcgchica.com…..that’s where I learned about it….she has done tons of research and I believe she could answer your questions, including the effectiveness of homeopathic form hCG. She is pretty good about responding. (I think with the drops you have to take them 3x/ day before meals, whereas with the injections it’s just once a day before breakfast).
George, thanks. I’ll check her out.
Please tell me you aren’t downing salt at your age. Salt (no matter sea salt or table) is not good for your blood pressure. The AHA recommends no more than 1500mg of sodium per day. At 468mg of sodium in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt that’s already more than 25% of your daily allowance of sodium. As per your protein diet you should research “rabbit starvation”. Take care.
The AHA salt recommendation is too low. Check Paul jaminet’s posts on salt.
Shannon, I don’t think 1500 mg of sodium is too low considering that most Americans eat about 4000 mg per day
Not all salt contains the same amount of sodium, and sodium is what we need to be concerned with if there are blood pressure issues to be considered. Sea salts contain less sodium and more important minerals that are needed by the body for proper thyroid functioning. So please don’t talk about “salt” needing to be limited when the issue is sodium.
I have been using this product for 3 months. It has definitely helped with cravings and hunger. I have lost 20 pounds, and my mood and energy levels have improved. I think you can credit some of that to my improved diet while taking this product, but in the past the cravings and hunger have been an issue, so I can only credit that to real dose. My blood sugar levels and blood pressure have also improved. For me it has definitely helped.
What I liked about the offer was that it was made clear this is not a miracle weight loss product. We all know there is no such thing. You still have to reduce calories and choose the right foods. This is just a helper and the hormone adjustments make sense to me, and I believe this product has done that for me.
Holly, that’s great I’m glad Real Dose is helping you achieve your goals 🙂
I have been using real dose for about 3 months. I didn’t notice any changes In the first month or maybe 2 but then some where in month 2-3 I noticed my cravings were gone, my energy was good. I’m eating clean meals. My clothes are fitting me better. Im consistently doing sprints, HIITS, weight training and restorative walking 30 minutes every day.
The Metabolic Effect by Jade and Keoni Teta has made a enormous impact on my getting fit and healthy. I do believe real dose has played a role in my success. I’m 52 and in menopause. So I’m a happy customer. It’s been a big struggle getting fat off my body.
Thanks Cindy and continued success! 🙂
I am one of I’m sure many success stories of weight loss formula 1. I started in February at 160 pounds and now weigh 125 pounds. A size 12 down to a size 2. I have changed my diet, cut carbs and walk/run an hour each day. My body doesn’t process carbs the way some bodies do it stores carbs. I’ve tried just dieting and exercise alone with not the same results. I’m thrilled as I am almost 62 and thought it was impossible to get these results at my age. This is something you can take for the long term and the cost is a small price to pay!
Robin, that’s great and congratulations on your weight loss!
Thank you. I watched the entire video and was intrigued and then I found your website. Thank you for the information. I am struggling with 12 pounds and I exercise at the gym 4 days a week and do 40 minutes of intense cardio 4 days a week yet losing weight is difficult. I have cut out wine and sugar and trying smaller portions. It is frustrating. I am also close to 70 and am wondering how much metabolism has to do with it. I am thinking of trying a 30 day supply
Empi, metabolism drops as we get older but I’m not convinced that this plays a big role in weight loss because as we lose weight, our metabolisms drop. On my personal site, I listed 13 different things that might help people lose weight. here is the link
http://www.joe-cannon.com/what-weight-loss-supplements-work/
The important thing is you are working out most days of the week so 12 lbs or not, you are healther than probably 99% of people in your age group and most everybody else overall as well!
Empi what I know of weight loss is you need more muscle to burn fat, cardio is good but weight bearing exercise burns fat. If you are only watching lbs and not inches you may be surprised! I’m 65 and cardio is needed but to feel strong and slim Weights are important. I too struggle with this change in body composition. But am now way down on carbs and seeing a change. I also started some injections that are vitamins and other nutrients that are helping with generalized pain and fat too.
Bea, what vitamins are you injecting? B 12?
Yes and also others b-6 complex and lipotropics also Adenosine mono phosphate which is what is probably helping with the pain I had in my body. Also cutting down simple carbs which turn into sugar that can cause inflamation.
Thanks Bea.
I am 53, was always thin and muscular, then hit menopause. I got pudgy and lethargic and was desperate to try something. Like the reviewer, I was impressed that there appeared to be at least a modicum of science behind the product and read everything offered. I tried the supplement and promptly lost six pounds in less than two weeks. I thought it was probably due to the fact that I was watching what I ate and was following the blog suggestions by the founder – eating lots of beans and vegetables.
Then I got cocky and went off the pill and promptly gained all the weight back. I am back on it and immediately lost two pound, seemingly overnight. It could be coincidence, it could be the product, but I am planning on sticking with it for the next month at least to see what happens.
Diane, keep me updated on what happens.
Ditto…(Silverberg) Appetite is suppressed just enough to say no to foods you want.
Diane Silverberg, I too never really had a ‘weight problem’ til I hit menopause, when I was 50. I ate as I always had, but I began to steadily gain weight. I am now 56, & I can’t believe how much weight I’ve gained in 6 yrs! It’s beginning to cause me health problems. I was considering trying a 30 day supply of Real Dose. I tried another product, which caused me to have the jitters,..caffeine..& I had to stop taking it.
Same problem here! Stupid menopause! I started taking Real Dose a week or so ago, and have noticed a HUGE increase in energy, and mental clarity and mood are improved toO. No weight loss yet, but I imagine being able to be much more active will eventually have an impact! I only tried 1 bottle but I think I will order more.
Wtf use the thing and give us a review nit something we can read on their website… this is a review of their website not the product used… waste time of time..
TreathSeeker, you are wrong and here is why.
1. trying a product is just the testimonial.
2. since you dont know me, how would you know I didnt make stuff up if I said it worked/didn’t work? you wouldn’t.
3. How would you even know I actually tried the product? You wouldn’t.
4. If you read my review you’d see I covered the research on all the ingredients. The company/website was a very small part of the review.
Bottom line, as a truth seeker you should be interested in the research on the product/its ingredients, which I showed you. By the research you will know the product.
Reading all of this makes me so grateful that the products I use actually have the benefit of real science behind them. They also provide the right balance of Leucine to prevent muscle loss and maintain metabolism. I am not trying to be commercial here so I am not naming the company. Suffice to say that they have over 90 studies published on their products in peer reviewed journals.
Thanks for doing the research.
Thanks Shandy, I appreciate that 🙂
truthseeker: how rude! I’m sorry if you’re having a bad day, but it will make you feel better to go run it off than to swear nd arant.
You are by far the rude one here. Why bother even speaking if you aren’t going to be nice? Go away.
this was for ‘truthseeker’ so yes, I actually agree with you!!!! Truthseeker was being very rude!!!!
I’m seriously interested to see if this works. I’m strongly considering a 30 day supply first. I want to keep hearing real reviews from real people on your site here. Thanks!! 🙂
Sheryl, thanks and Im looking forward to hearing more also from people. if you try it and it helps you (or doesn’t) do let me know 🙂
I’ve used the REAL DOSE weight loss formula for 2 and 1/2 weeks and have lost 4 pounds. However, I’m experiencing a swollen, coated tongue with a pretty serious canker ulcer. I am familiar with normal detox symptoms, but this is something else. Is there anything in the formula that would cause a detox?
Laura, I don’t think your symptoms are due to any kind of detox. the swollen tongue sounds like an allergic reaction to me? I recommend you stop taking the product and see if the symptoms go away.
Yes, I quit taking the product yesterday and the symptoms are better already! I wonder what could be allergenic? I did a search for betel leaf and found that it has been used as a chew in Asia for a long time, but is combined with other items that are not very healthy. Interesting!
Laura, yes very! Either way, Im really glad you are feeling better now 🙂
Canker sore or as we call it in the healthcare field apthous ulcer is caused by your bodies immune system turning on itself and viewing soft tissue as an invader and a coated tongue is caused by bacteria accumulation from bodily excretions. There is a component in the product that your body cannot utilize or breakdown.
Well I wish I had read your review before investing in a 30 day supply of this expensive dietary supplement with dodgy details.
C Brittle, no worries. it sounds like they have a pretty good return policy if you decide not to use it. If you do try it, you should know in a month if its going to help or not. If it does /doesn’t, I do hope you will let me know. I’m glad you found me 🙂
2031 16th St. in Boulder is a house converted to an office space and is offered as “available” on a real estate site.
C Brittle, thanks for that information!
Hi C Brittle, I work for Realdose at that address in Boulder. It is corporate headquarters for the executive, marketing and development teams.
Michael, thanks for the heads up on the address.
http://www.coloradohomes.com/property/details/873136/MLS-753794/2031-16th-St-Boulder-CO-80302.aspx C Brittle is correct. It’s a home converted to an office and for sale
Thanks for your information, I’ve been taking Realdose for almost 2 months, I have been in a much more positive mood, Losing weight slowly, but steady, but im also eating much healthier and becoming more active. Do I think Realdose is a magic pill. NO, I think that losing weight is hard work and needs a lot of commitment . But I also think realdose helps me by being more positive and definitely more energy. Im even sleeping better at night.
My anxiety levels have come way down. So im gonna keep trudging along and taking realdose because so far I like the way im feeling. 🙂
scarlett, sounds good to me! Glad Real Dose is helping you achieve your goals 🙂
Hi Joe, Have you tried this yourself? It would be good to know if you were to maintain your eating & exercise habits (without changing anything), if when you introduced RealDose to your own diet for say 3 months, how it affected you? Thanks
Hi Sarah, I did not try Real Dose Formula 1 for my review. I review so many different products that it’s not possible to do this. I prefer to just look at the research – and let you see the research too – and let you draw your own conclusions. That way, you can balance what others say against what the research says. I think this can give you a better picture as to whether something might be right for you.
unless we know that person, personally, I always felt their words amount to just another testimonial.
Fair enough, I understand your thought on this. I live in the UK, so would probably purchase the individual products via Amazon or a health/nutrition shop. If I want to replicate what they’ve done with this product, would you suggest I just look up the following names, and try and get as close to the mg they put in the RealDose product as possible?:
Dolichos biflorus (seed) extract
Betel (Piper betle) (leaf) extract
Decaf green coffee bean extract (Svetol)
Siberian Rhodiola rosea (root) (FREEZE DRIED – apparently this works the best)
Pepper (Piper nigrum) (fruit)
Sarah, That’s what I would do if I were going to try what you suggest. For what its worth I think the piper nigrum is present to try to increase absorption of one or more of the ingredients. I dont feel it plays a direct role in any weight loss effect. As such you might leave it out. For what its worth I’ve been skeptical of green coffee bean since one of its best supporting studies was retracted due to problems with how it was conducted. That said, Svetol does have some research on it. If you are going to try this, another option is you might start with just that product and add in the others later to see if they improve the effects. Do let me know what happens.
I’ve only been using this product for a couple of days so I don’t know about weight loss results yet (I’ll keep you posted) but I have to say it makes me feel phenomenal…… very peppy and energetic without any sort of jitters. Feel very bright eyed and ready to go with a positive mood. I have to say I like it so far. 🙂
dianedaigle, great! I am glad Real Dose is helping you 🙂
How’s it gone for you, now, after 15 months?
Excellent, as always. Thanks for doing what you do. Here is a behind the scenes tour of “the office” denverrealestate.com/property/16978042/2031-16th-St-Boulder-CO-80302
Patti, is this the actual address? It says its 2031 16th street in the link but the address they list on their website is 22100 E 26th Ave.
Do you guys have any updated review for RealDose formula 1 since 2013?
AlphaOmega, As far as I know there is nothing new to report on the ingredients. Do you have any specific questions?
My question is have you had any other real success story about ReadDose Formula 1 since 2013?
AlphaOmega, I try to update my reviews as new evidence comes to light. I have not heard anything so far new about Real Dose (if anyone knows of any, please let me know). The comments may shed light on success stories so do read them if you have not already done so.