Can a sprinkle of Sensa on your food really help you lose weight? Well, the website of this product claims it's “doctor formulated” and “clinically proven.” They also have claimed Sensa is backed up by “25 years of study.” I was intrigued by the claims made on Sensa commercials and website – especially all that stuff about Tastants and weight loss – so I decided to review Sensa and see what I could discover. What follows is my unbiased review of the Sensa weight loss system. Hopefully, I can help answer some questions so that you can make the right decision for you. This is an updated review of the Sensa weight loss system that I originally looked at in 2010.
What Is Sensa?
While sometimes called the “sprinkle diet” technically, Sensa is not a diet. Rather, Sensa is a weight loss product that consists of little sweet and salty crystals called “Tastants” which are sprinkled on the food you eat. The idea is that these crystals are absorbed through the tongue and roof of the mouth and trick you into thinking you are full. They do this by – in theory – making you think the food is actually tastier than it really is.
If you look up the word “Tastant” you can see that a tastant refers to anything that stimulants the sense of taste. I mention this because Sensa advertising makes it seem like tastants are something unique to Sensa, when in fact, the word is a general term that could apply to anything that has a taste.
Salty, sugary, and sour foods all are tastants because they elicit a taste.
One on of the Sensa TV commercials I saw, it was said:
“Even though it looks like a seasoning, Sensa really doesn't change the way food tastes.”
This is a very interesting statement that I had not heard before. Previously, I was under the impression that Sensa made food taste better, but now they are saying it doesn't change food taste. I'm not sure why they are changing their language, but I have a feeling I may know why. Keep reading…
According to the product website, Sensa has the following ingredients:
- Maltodextrin. This is a type of carbohydrate.
- Tricalcium Phosphate. This is just a form of calcium. Some previous research has observed that calcium may have a weight loss effect, but most of those studies used low-fat dairy calcium foods (milk, etc.) and not a calcium supplement. Also, not all research shows calcium promotes weight loss.
- Silica. This is basically sand and is probably used to give Sensa crystals their hardness.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors. Since Sensa is supposed to trick the body by altering taste/smell, I'd like to know what these flavors are.
Sensa also contains Soy and Milk ingredients.
Sensa is sodium-free, sugar-free, calorie-free, and gluten-free, and there are no stimulants, drugs, or MSG.
Sensa Research
The idea of Sensa stems from its creator, Dr. Allan Hirsch, who is a neurologist. According to the website Sofapedia, the idea for Sensa was developed after noting that people with brain injuries that reduced the sense of smell or taste tended to gain weight. Would making the food tastier cause these people to eat less – and lose weight?
It's an interesting idea but is there any proof?
Sensa is said to be “clinically proven”. To back up this claim, the website mentions a 6-month-long study that consisted of 1436 people. The average weight of the people in the study was 208 lbs.
At the end of the study, those who received Sensa lost an average of 30.5 lbs (about 15% of their body weight). The people not using Sensa lost only 2 pounds.
I have some problems with this Sensa study.
1. The study does not look like a “published peer-reviewed” study that is typically found in medical/science journals. In fact, the pdf file for this study actually says “Abstract.” An abstract is a summary of a study and may not be peer-reviewed. I often see abstracts listed as “proof” for supplements, but they don’t hold as much weight as a study that has been published in a medical/science journal.
2. The study of the 1436 people also does not mention how much Sensa the people used. How many sprinkles did they use on their food? Was it the same as what is being promoted to consumers? It probably is, but I could not determine this from the Sensa website.
3. The researchers measured “body mass index” (BMI). The people in this study had a BMI of about 30, classifying them as “obese”.
Unfortunately, the researchers did not appear to measure body fat. Considering that they were testing a weight loss supplement, I personally think this was an error.
The study does indicate that people lost an average of about 30 “pounds” but:
- How much of that was fat?
- How much of that was water?
- How much of that was muscle?
- Did the people in the study also exercise?
They don't tell us. That’s too bad because most people want to lose fat, not just “pounds”.
This study is also at the heart of the Sensa class action lawsuit (Correa v. Sensa Products, LLC) that would provide up to $6 million in refunds to consumers who purchased Sensa before August 21 2012.
The Sensa Independent Laboratory Study
The Sensa website used to also list a study conducted by an independent laboratory. This clinical trial, however seems to not be peer-reviewed. This independent study comprised 83 people (78 completed the study) and lasted 6 months. The results:
- The people using Sensa lost an average of about 27 pounds.
- Those not using Sensa lost about 0.3 pounds.
Again, how much of that weight was body fat? They don't tell us.
In both of these studies, very little information about how the research was conducted is given. Peer-reviewed studies give much more information. This allows others to replicate the study and try to duplicate the findings.
To my knowledge this study has not been published in medical journals.
On the Sensa website -TrySensa.com (site no longer works) – they list several “As seen on” logos such as Fox, Shape, The Washington Post etc.
Who Makes Sensa?
Sensa is made by the company Sensa LLC, which is located at 2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 1150, El Segundo, CA 90245. The link shows a large glass building that likely houses several businesses.
To Contact Sensa, the phone number is (866) 514-2554.
The parent company of Sensa LLC is Intelligent Beauty Inc, a health, beauty, and fashion company that operates other businesses.
According to the Better Business Bureau, Sensa LLC is out of business.
The BBB did list over 777 complaints against Sensa LLC, including 304 complaints dealing with billing and collection issues but all complaints have been resolved.
The Sensa Medical Advisory Board
On TrySensa.com (the website longer works), there is a page where people can view the 7 doctors in the Sensa Medical Advisory Board. There is a brief bio of each, along with their thoughts on Sensa. I was intrigued by what the doctors said about Sensa – and what they did not say. For example:
Dr. Hilton Hudson, a heart surgeon: “He believes SENSA is a safe and effective weight-loss solution.”
My thoughts: Notice they say he believes it. They don't say he “knows” Sensa works.
Dr. Carl Wahlstrom, a Psychiatrist, says, “He found SENSA to be a well-researched, novel non-drug approach to weight loss.”
My thoughts: Well researched? Dr. Wahlstrom, what research have you seen that I have not? How is a non-peer-reviewed study “well researched”?
Dr. Nancy Zamora, an Internist, says “she feels that SENSA provides overweight individuals with a tool to help them eat less. ”
My thoughts: Notice she “feels” it, but she does not specifically say “it works.”
Dr. Jason Gruss, a weight loss doctor, says, “He believes that SENSA allows obese individuals to take a safe, surgery-free approach to weight loss. He is also interested in how SENSA® can help patients lose weight without changing their environments.”
My thoughts: Again, he “believes” it will help. He doesn't say it works.
Dr. Richard Bone, a gastroenterologist, says he was ” Intrigued by the results of the SENSA clinical study, and that he “considers SENSA to be an innovative weight-loss solution.”
My thoughts: So this scientist was intrigued by a non-peer-reviewed study, and he “considers” Sensa innovative. OK, I'll concede it's intriguing… But, he “considers” it innovative; notice he's not saying “it works.”
Dr. Celestine Marie DeTrana, a psychiatrist, says she “believes that SENSA enables individuals to overcome the psychological factors that interfere with successful weight loss.”
My thoughts: She “believes” it but apparently does not “know” it. Also, what “psychological factors” is she talking about? That's a vague phrase coming from a scientist, especially when it's on a website that's being marketed to the general public.
Dr. Paul Jones provided the most reserved endorsement of Sensa when it was said that “Dr. Jones has expressed some optimism that SENSA may provide a novel approach to weight loss that assists individuals in control of portion sizes and in leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.”
My thoughts: “Some optimism.” Really? “May provide.” That's not the most glowing endorsement if you ask me.
Notice that none of the doctors on the Sensa Medial Advisory Board actually said that”Sensa Works!” What's up with that?
Who is Dayna Devon?
On the TrySensa.com website, there is a video from Dayna Devon, a TV personality. She talks of a “landmark” Sensa study where people lost 30 pounds using Sensa. That is the unpublished, un-peer-reviewed study I mentioned above. Dayna Devon is not a scientist, so I will forgive her for using the word “Landmark” when she discusses Sensa. But, According to Wikipedia, Dayna Devon may have a financial involvement with Sensa. According to Wikipedia :
- “In January 2009, Devon became an on-air presenter on HSN, representing the Sensa Weight-Loss System. She also had a regular blog on hsn.com.”
- “In the fall of 2009, Devon moved to ShopNBC, regularly presenting Sensa systems in “Our Top Value” presentations.”
As such, her words about Sensa should be taken with skepticism.
The Sensa Lawsuit
On November 27, 2012, a civil lawsuit filed by California District Attorneys against Sensa LLC was settled. Sensa LLC was fined more than $900,000 for making unsubstantiated claims that the product works. As part of the settlement:
- “Sensa Products, LLC and Intelligent Beauty Inc., the parent corporation, are forbidden from making any claims regarding the efficacy or effects of any of their products without possessing competent and reliable scientific evidence that substantiates the claims.”
- Sensa LLC is also prohibited “from continuing to charge customers for shipments sent after a customer has asked to stop the shipments. The companies may not enroll customers in an automatic shipment program without a clear disclosure of the customer's obligations.”
See the nbcsandiego.com link for a full report on the settlement.
Sensa Lawsuit Update
On January 7 2014, the FTC ordered Sensa to refund over 26 million to consumers. The FTC alleges that Sensa LLC used deceptive advertising. Furthermore, under the settlement, Dr. Allan Hirsch is barred from making claims about dietary supplements unless those claims are backed up by at least 2 rigorous scientific tests or research studies involving humans.
If you read the FTC press release, Sensa was not the only company the FTC cracked down on. They also went after makers of the HCG diet supplements and others as well.
See the review of the HCG diet for more information.
Sensa and Octavia Spenser
At or around the beginning of 2013, Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spenser started advertising Sensa on TV and other media after the Actress credited Sensa with helping her lose weight for the Academy Awards. But, as reported by the website Hollywood Reporter, Sensa has cut its ties with Ms. Spenser, resulting in Ms. Spenser taking legal action against Sensa.
How Much Does Sensa Cost?
Sensa is no longer being sold but when it was, the website was offering a free 2-month starter kit – BUT if you do not cancel within 30 days, you will be charged $89.95, AND you'll be “enrolled” in an auto-ship program where they send Sensa to you each month (at the cost of about $59.95 a month). To opt out of this, you MUST SEND BACK THE BOTTLES of Sensa (even if they are empty, they say) to not be charged. So, you will have to pay to send them back!
Those who are interested in Sensa and want to compare prices and avoid the auto-ship program can also get Sensa on Amazon.
Sensa Side Effects
In healthy people, Sensa is likely very safe. I could not find any side effects for Sensa from the research I saw. On the website TopClassActions.com some people have reported that Sensa knocked out the sense of taste and caused leg cramps. It's hard to know how prevalent these side effects are or if they are really side effects of Sensa itself.
Sensa does have soy, but how much, I don't know. When in doubt, if you have problems with soy, this might be something to consider.
Other Sensa Supplements
The Sensa website also listed various supplements that it's said will “kick start your weight loss with a targeted blend of vitamins and antioxidants designed to revitalize your body and support a healthy metabolism.”
Those words sound impressive. However, I see no published peer-reviewed proof listed for any of the Sensa Supplements. In my opinion, They were just added “profit centers” to get people to spend more. Let me speak a little bit about each of the Sensa supplements below.
Sensa Complete
This costs $49.95 and is said to:
- Support a healthy immune system
- Maintain healthy muscle
- Strengthen the body against free radical influences
Looking over the ingredients in Sensa Complete, it looks, for the most part, like an expensive multivitamin. It also has other ingredients, notably green tea (which contains caffeine).
Sensa Complete for Men
This product, which was sold for $49.95 and was said to:
- Boosts energy and supports metabolism
- Fuels muscle recovery and cushions joints
- Contains 100% RDA Vitamins A, C, E, and B
This is an expensive multivitamin that has some caffeine (from green tea) and a few other things that I don't think justify the price. Let me speak briefly on a couple of the ingredients that stood out to me:
Sensa Complete for men contains 1000 micrograms of the mineral boron. Back in the 1990s, some men took boron supplements because they heard of a study suggesting that boron might raise testosterone levels. Is this why it's in these vitamins? I hope not because several studies show boron does not raise testosterone levels in men.
Sensa Complete also has a mineral called vanadium (vanadyl sulfate). Vanadyl sulfate might have a blood sugar-lowering effect and that “might” help some people with blood sugar issues (why isn't vanadium in the woman's formula too?). Regardless, exercise has a better blood sugar-lowering effect than vanadium.
The product also has 150 mg of glucosamine HCL. This is likely to help reduce joint pain from osteoarthritis (Again, why doesn't the female version of Sensa Complete have joint support too?). The problem with this is that 150 mg is very little (the recommended dose is 1500 mg per day), AND the type of glucosamine Sensa Complete has is the wrong type. Most of the good research is on glucosamine sulfate – not glucosamine HCL. For more info, see my glucosamine sulfate facts post.
I could say more about Sensa Complete for men but I will end here and say that I just think these products are over priced.
If you are interested, here it is on Amazon for less.
Sensa Quench
Sensa Quench is said to be an “energy-enhancing vitamin drink.” The “energy enhancing properties probably have to do with the 90 mg of caffeine that each serving has. Caffeine can definitely wake people up; however, at $39.95, I think it's overpriced.
Again, since there is no proof that any Sensa supplements add to the effects of Sensa, I don't think they are needed.
Here is Sensa Quench on Amazon.
Sensa and Dr. Oz
On November 16, 2012, Sensa was featured on the Dr. Oz Show. I watched the show as many did, and I wanted to mention a few things that were brought up in the segment.
The first thing that jumped out at me was when Dr. Oz said “The big question is how much does it cost and where you find it.” Huh? That's not the big question because everybody knows about Sensa; it's TV commercials are on all the time!
The BIG QUESTION I would ask Dr. Hirsch is why you never published your Sensa research in a peer-reviewed medical journal. How did Dr. Oz miss this important question? If you ask me, he didn’t miss it.
I think his producers preferred Dr. Oz not get into the discussion of peer review of Sensa research for fear of boring the audience.
The Dr. Oz segment also featured Dr. Lewis Aronne, Director of the Comprehensive Weight Control Program at NY Presbyterian Medical Center and Kristen Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.
When Dr. Oz asks Dr. Aronne what he thinks about the Sensa research, noting that people can lose 30 pounds in six months, Dr. Arrone says, while “theoretically it's possible,” “that amount of weight loss is an extraordinary result” AND —and this is the important part — “this really is not a research study.”
This is a VERY important point to remember —and it was the only time this glaring fact is ever brought up.
Dr. Aronne rightly points out that the research people see on the Sensa website and TV commercials is no real scientific proof because it is not published in a medical journal. Published research showing significant effects is the holy grail of science.
Failure to publish the Sensa research – after all these years – makes me wonder why. Why not publish the research?
To respond to this criticism, Dr. Hirsch talks about a study done at Duke University in the 1980s (decades ago!) – but Sensa was not around in the 1980s, so this study is not valid in my view.
Dr. Hirsch then talks about a current study at “a major university,” —but he doesn't tell what university it is or when we might see the results of that study.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD of the Cleveland Clinic, made an interesting point about one of the Sensa ingredients—Maltodextrin. She mentioned that if maltodextrin is derived from wheat, it may contain gluten, which may be a problem for those with celiac disease or gluten insensitively. Unfortunately, Dr. Hirsch did not respond by telling me where the maltodextrin in Sensa comes from.
When Dr. Oz asked what the natural flavors were in Sensa, Dr. Hirsch didn’t specifically respond except to say that the ingredients were “GRAS”
GRAS means generally recognized as safe. Foods /ingredients can be called GRAS if they have been in the food supply for at least 50 years.
But, when Dr. Oz pressed further by asking, “But why wouldn’t you put those ingredients more openly on the label?” Dr. Hirsch didn't really answer him, instead choosing to return to his mantra that the ingredients cause weight loss.
When Dr. Oz pressed further by saying, “But it would seem me that you could write what those actual flavors are on there. Why not?” Now, Dr. Hirsh struggles again to answer, finally responding, “Sure, that would be another mechanism of doing it.”
Are the natural flavors in Sensa critical to how it works (if it really does)? I don't know, but if they are, I can see how keeping them a trade secret would be important. Another idea is that maybe the people who make Sensa didn’t think their omission of these ingredients would be a big issue. Either way, I don't know.
Does Sensa Work?
When I originally reviewed Sensa, I was skeptical about whether it would help people lose weight. I had hoped that Dr. Hirsch would eventually do some peer-reviewed research on Sensa to prove me wrong. However, that still does not seem to have happened. The lack of good science to support Sensa and even the carefully worded statements from its own Medical Advisory Board raise big red flags for me. I want to keep an open mind about this, so if Sensa has helped you – or not – I'd like to hear from you.
AdamKanoa says
What is your opinion on thinogenics
Joe says
AdamKanoa, Others have asked me about it. I just posted a question about it on my facebook page to see if anyone can tell me who makes it, its website etc. I had a hard time figuring out this info when I searched for it online.
Hmp says
I researched Thinogenics for hours on end because I took it for 6 weeks. It definately decreased my appetite greatly. I ate very healthy and exercised while taking it. I only needed to loose 10 lbs and I lost about2 lbs per week. The reason I researched it so intently was because I could not believe herbs could decrease my appetitive so much. I though maybe there was something in it that they were not being truthful about. Plus it kept me up at night.
I also noticed changes in my heart with fluttering feelings. I mentioned several times to my friends at the gym that maybe I should get a heart stress test done because of how I felt when I exercised. At the time I didn’t even think about it being related to the Thinogenics.
So during this time I went to the dr for a regular check up and my rhr was 116 and my Bp was high! I have never had any problems with either in my life-im 33 and very healthy.
So I started my Thinogenics research and found that one of the herbs is aka bitter orange. If you do enough reading on bitter orange you will find that there is tons of opposing research on whether it is safe or not as it has similar affects as ephedra.
So maybe it’s ok for some ppl but I would caution everyone to check your Bp and rhr regularly if you decide to take it. And I do not think its safe to use all the time. I did come across someone in a lawsuit against the co because their 33 yo daughter died of a heart arrhythmia after using it off and on for a year.
So now I have gained most of the weight back even tho I exercised and ate healthy while on it…my appetite came back when I quit taking it. So ultimately the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to learn to control your own impulses to over eat, exercise, and eat balanced healthy food…not easy to do always but the only way to keep it off.
Joe says
HMP, thanks for that information. Thinogenics has been on my list to review for a while. look for a big review on it in the near future.
Billie Marie Matteo says
I have looked at Sensa but the obvious money grab has turned me off. The ingredients do not justify its high prices and from experience, when something is very expensive its just a money grab.You can buy a lot of salt ad pepper for the price of Sensa.
Elena says
I’ve been on Sensa for 6 months and what I can say is that I’ve lost 8 lbs in the first 2 months by reducing the food intake and exercise’. As my work schedule doesn’t allow me to find time to go to gim, in the last 4 months I gained 2 lbs. I posted today my comments on Sensa site and I found out that it is published just after being reviewed. I didn’t have any side effects and I didn’t notice any craving decrease.
For those who didn’t start Sensa my advise is to refrain from spending money on something that doesn’t work as advertised. You can do without Sensa: reduce the portion and exercise.
Deb says
I just completed my 6th month with Sensa. I’ve had no adverse affects from the product, nor have I had any dramatic weight loss. I like that it does help limit my appetite. I was already a healthy eater and question how valuable this is for those not obese. I wonder about the weights of the people who “lost 30 lbs in 6 months”- what was their average weight upon starting?
I’m also upset about the ” 6 month program” that they hype so much- be warned: yesterday they shipped me another shipment even though the program is only supposed to last for 6 months. If it’s only a 6 month program- why are they shipping me more product? ( another batch of the original first 2 months). Clearly they don’t expect it to only last 6 months, but that’s not what all their marketing tells you it is. And they auto-charged me $90 for the shipment- I have to arrange shipping and pay to send it back. Not a reputable business practice.
Tom says
I’d just send a letter to my credit card company stating I didn’t order it and ask them to reverse the charges. I’ve done this before. Credit card companies are aware of scams like this and generally side with their card holders. Also send a letter to your state Attorney General and a copy to the company. You don’t have to pay for or return something you didn’t order.
Chris Bullens says
i started Sensa in November 2012 and i have lost 12 lbs since , i don’t notice any weight lose in my stomach are but i do in the waist, plus people have been telling me i look like i am losing weight in my face
Joe says
Chris thanks for the feedback and I’m happy you are noticing a difference.
Anonymous says
I have been using SENSA for three days, and my stomach has begun to hurt. Prior to using SENSA, I purchased Raspberry Ketons and experienced the same abdominal pain. I believe I can’t tolerate green tea extract because I can’t tolerate coffee. Could this be it?
Joe says
I dont think green tea is in sensa so I don’t think that’s it. It just could be you are one of those people who have strange reactions when they take some supplements? Ive met a few people like that before.
Jan says
Interesting that it contains carbs. I was put on a low carb diet by my doctor so how do I know how to count them in sprinkles? Think I’ll pass..
Antoine Charles says
Well, I have been on this stuff for two day’s now. I don’t have much weight to lose. I was wondering did any of your research turn up anything about Sensa being a laxative? Because I think that’s what it really is. It makes me go a lot. I’ve been taking green coffee bean extract as well.
Part of me thinks that this Sensa stuff is just mind over matter and power of suggestion, like there’s a subliminal message is hidden on the box or in the commercial or something. lol. IDK… Maybe I’m a bit paranoid about this stuff and should stop using it before something happens to me. That lady up there ended up in the hospital, is this stuff safe or not? What are your thoughts?
Antoine Charles says
Thanks for the research, it is an eye opener.
Joe says
Antoine, everything I saw about the ingredients made me think it was safe. I don’t have an explanation why people sometimes report odd things with Sensa. I wish I had a better answer for you…
Anonymous says
Thanks for all of the wonderful information. I just think we get desperate to loose weight sometimes and we just want to feel hopeful about something;this time it was Sensa. Even with all of your pertinent information, I will still try it. Thanks, Vera
Maria says
I HAVE BEEN USING SENSA FOR 1 AND HALF WEEKS. I HAVE LOST A TOTAL OF 3 LBS ALREADY. I CAN GO 9 HOURS WITHOUT GETTING HUNGRY, SO I HAVE TO FORCE MYSELF TO EAT BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER. I THINK IT MAKES MY FOOD TASTE BETTER. I LOVE SENSA.
Katy says
Maria, i have had the same results. It has made a huge difference in my life. Its my 2nd month using Sensa, and i already lost 24lbs. They weight is coming off quicker because i am an althletic and practice 5x a week. It has changed my life completely.
Joe says
Katy, are you loing weight because of sensa or because you changed your life completely? Im glad you are losing weight regardless and dont want to jeopardize anything. Whatever you are doing keep doing it. Just wanted to toss this out to you.
Matt says
Joe, Katy said she was ‘athletic and practice 5x a week’. She didn’t say that Sensa CAUSED her to become athletic. Unless I am mistaken, she said that being athletic has caused the weight to come off quicker but she says that Sensa “changed my life completely”.
Joe says
Matt, maybe I misread what she wrote. If that’s the case then I apologize to Katy.
Jen says
I think Sensa works purely through the placebo effect and the development of “mindful” eating. Sensa is to be sprinkled on EVERYTHING you eat, with the hope that you will become fuller, quicker. Anyone willing to believe this is going to be eating their meal, bite by bite, with an extreme focus on when they begin to feel full.
Essentially, for those individuals who actually lose weight, they are honing in on their satiety signals and actually beginning to recognize when they become full. This in itself decreases portion size and the consumption of excess calories.
I choose to believe this because Sensa makes no sense to me! How can one become more full from food tasting and smelling better? Naturally, when something tastes great…it’s harder to stop eating it. However, Sensa also claims to not change the smell, taste, or texture of food. Huh?
My other concern regarding Sensa is the vagueness surrounding the natural and artificial flavors. While the ingredients listed may be GRAS, we don’t know what the “flavors” are and cannot check up on their safety ourselves. Sensa is a supplement, not a food, so it is not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, we cannot begin to predict the long term effects that these “flavors” may have. As they are consumed with every single bite of food, I find it rather worrisome that we have not the slightest idea what they are composed of.
Thank you for this review!
Anonymous says
Thank you for this article. An excellent reminder to us all that marketing of any weight loss program can be dubious at best.
Linnette says
Is this safe to use for a child who is being bullied at school for being fat. My daughter saw the commercial and said to get her that so she could loose weight.
Joe says
Oh Linnette, Believe me when I say that I really feel your pain and that of your daughter. Since Sensa doesn’t have any strong proof that it works – and no proof that its safe in kids -I just don’t have a good answer for you on this. You didn’t give your daughters age but can I suggest weight watchers. I love how it has a social aspect to weight loss. People will support your daughter and they even have online help.
I also wonder if there are programs at school that might help also. I wonder if it is possible to meet with school administrators and see if there is funding for an after school program for your daughter and other overweight kids in the school. They could learn to eat better, exercise and make new friends. This is at least worth a phone call to the principle to ask about it.
I know this is very hard on you as it is on your daughter. I know it seems like you may be alone in this. you are not. Your daughter does have options.
I am saying a prayer for you both that you find the answers you need.
Kate says
Linnette, I think if you’re willing to buy her diet supplements, you might try investing in a personal trainer and Weight Watchers for her and/or amping up the amount of chicken breast you guys eat at home. I hope this doesn’t sound critical or mean or anything because I’m purely trying to be helpful. I’m a firm believer in “old-fashioned” diet plans, especially for kiddos, and I have seen Weight Watchers work wonders for people.
I mention chicken breast because the skinless ones you can buy have so little fat in them. My mom put my stepdad on that diet when I was younger (he cheated but he lost weight). Even if you consult a nutritionist, that would probably be better than supplements that aren’t approved by the FDA yet.
I’m very sorry to hear about your daughter. I work with kids, and it makes me crazy how mean they get to each other. They rarely see when they’re wrong, too, and it’s so unfair. I was bullied repeatedly as a child myself. Now that I think about it though, I’m not sure if Weight Watchers is OK for kids, so maybe just go with a trainer and nutritionist. I hope I’ve been helpful and not mean, and I wish your daughter the very best of luck – being a kid isn’t easy.
Nancy says
Lynette should enroll her daughter at the Y or some place where she can get on an exercise program and she can also feel good about herself. Most Y programs are around $50.00 to $75.00 a month. You will need to check at your local Y. Sensa cost about the same per month. Not only will your daughter loss weight, but she will have fun with other children her age. She should loss weight on an exercise program at about the same rate as the Sensa plan claims.
The Y isn’t the only place she can go, It came to mind since they offer many different programs. She could enroll in a dance class, or self defense class. I am older but I love water aerobics. Good luck to your daughter and to you.
Like the First Lady, Michelle Obama says. Move It. Keep active and eat well.
Matt says
I notice how everybody ASSUMES that Lynette’s daughter doesn’t exercise! Some kids have issues with feeling hungry while others can be ’emotional eaters’. Going to Weight Watchers, the Y or MARS will help if any of these are the case.
That being said, I would be leery of giving someone under 18 anything diet related. Their bodies are still developing and you don’t want to do anything that might screw up her internal chemistry.
Celeste Louise says
The reason why everyone assumes that is because there are no fat running animals. There are fat animals who lumber, there are fat animals who slumber, but there are no fat animals who make a habit of running. This is especially true in a child, for whom an endocrine disorder would be extremely rare.
Elaine says
Linnette, my son was very overweight until age 11, he started playing at the YMCA, and lost many pounds over the winter.
John says
Great review, thanks. I’m going to pass on this magic bullet
ERICA says
If you look at the reviews on amazon and eBay alone I barely saw anyone who lost a substantial amount of weight all I saw we’re complaints of mouth soars, weight gain, diarrhea or no weight loss or gain. I’m not saying that you will go through the same but this is by the people not a commercial website which is most of the time bull crap.
I had a friend who did infomercials and she said it was all lies she was always skinny they just took a picture of someone else’s stomach (this is 4 another product but gives u an idea of how it works) good old fashion exercise and healthy dieting there are tons of healthy recipes online that taste amazing and it’s fun to cook with your kids I love cooking with my 4 year old and dance class is fun too.
Anonymous says
Great review, thanks for all your hard work. Given the unknows I think I’ll pass on this one.
KENT says
I ordered the trial product. I will see how it goes. Im on a low salt diet for BP and my doctor wants me to shed a few pounds. I will be definitely let people know what my results are. Glad you put the cancellation policy on here!! Thanks
Joe says
Kent, thanks for saying that! For what its worth I do hope it helps you. Since you said you were on a low salt diet becaues of your blood pressure, I thought Id mention the DASH diet to you. its been shown to reduce blood pressure in people who have high blood pressure. Here’s a link in case you have not heard of it
http://dashdiet.org/
Tamara says
Thank you for your article. Very informative and helpful. Octavia Spencer was just on The View today and had lost 20 pounds in 3 months, all because of Sensa. Octavia looked great and stated that she had not changed her diet but that the product affected her portion control. I had heard of this product before but her appearance led me to your website.
I will not be purchasing this product. Once again I am reminded there is no magic bullet. Portion control, calories and exercise are the “magic.” Boring but true.
Joe says
Tamara, thanks glad you found me. I heard also today about Octavia Spencer as the new Sensa spokesperson.
Dina says
I also watched The View today and saw Octavia Spencer’s endorsement for Sensa. Your site helped me sort things out and realize once again (I had checked into Sensa about a year ago and came to the same conclusion) that this product is most likely a waste of money. Thank you!
Erin says
I’m not agreeing or disagreeing about whether Sensa works or the validity of the science, but i do want to point out something. I am a trained scientist in a TOTALLY different field (I’m a environmental geologist) but I see nothing particularly peculiar, wrong, or shady with the statements from the advisory group. I see scientific professionals not making statements of absolutes. That isn’t odd. Absolutes are not something you get a lot of in scientific professionals.
Always, will, must, yes, and no are generally hard to get out of a scientist. We don’t say stuff like that often because the nature of our profession is frequently exploratory and subject to interpretation. “Gravity works” seems like a logical statement of basic fact, but that statement from a physicist is often followed with “but…” and “except…” thus the birth of particle physics and string theory. The chemistry of how the brain works is a multi-layered and complex thing. Heck, even psychiatric drug commercials often describe things like ” (Drug name) is believed to work by…whatever process they think it dose.
You have placed a lot of emphases on something that doesn’t seem to particularly warrant highlighting. When you consider that everybody’s biochemistry and reactions are different then the only professionally responsible thing to say is “maybe” and all its associated indefinite words. They can’t just say “Yes, it works.” because the implication is that it will work for everybody, all the time, and in the same way. That’s just not possible. Those kind of absolute statements are far more irresponsible than the mis-perceived hedging you are going on about.
Joe says
Erin, I understand what you are saying and I agree its very unusual to hear definitive yes/no statements from scientists. I pointed out the words of the advisory board because their presence on the website is there I believe to engender confidence – even subtly – that medical professionals are “endorsing” the product. That is why I wanted to look at what they actually said.
Using medical professionals is a common practice in the world of health and wellness products. We believe doctors and scientist becaukse they are smarter than the rest of us. I’ve heard that one of the strongest predictors of why people will do something is because their doctor told them to do it. It’s why we often see people in white coats, with stethoscopes around their necks in ads for products (sometimes those ads have in small print “doctor portrayal” to say they are not doctors) and its why we sometimes see Dr Oz in his scrubs. Its why “The Doctors” TV show usually has them in their medical garb too.
If medical professionals are going to be used in ads for supplements then I feel people should have a better understanding what they are saying and not be impressed by all the letters behind their names.
I hope that clears up where I was coming from Erin and I really do appreciate you writing.
Erin says
Their presence IS a endorsement of the product. The statements are endorsements. No quarrels. You say that you FEEL people should have a better understanding and then you pick the statements apart for not speaking in absolutes. That comes with the connotations that it is a negative thing because they wont say YES. It is not a part of the scientific reality that you endorse.
You say “Notice that none of the doctors on the Sensa Medial Advisory Board actually said that”Sensa Works!” What’s up with that?” Scientists (of which medical is a complex one) don’t talk like that. I mean… you know this. You have a MS and a BS. You are yourself a medical professional. You know it only takes one exception. It only has to not work for 1 person for those kind of absolute statements to be wrong.
The apparent raison d’être of this site is for the education of consumers.(That’s how I got here after all) Your books and your business are dependent on well educated consumers. However, you have (perhaps unwittingly) created a false expectation for unreserved endorsements. You have put up the expectation that they should when they can’t(and shouldn’t). That is not a expectation that you want to engender when you are trying to educate people on how to take responsibility for their own health.
Joe says
Erin, when medical professionals align themselves with a product – such as appearing on TV ads or websites etc, it’s their credibility as members of the health care system that is going to sway people into using a product. All those letters behind their name impress people. When they endorse products -without providing facts to back up their endorsement, in my opinion, they are leaving the world of science and entering the world of marketing.
I know there are few absolutes in science. But in marketing there are a lot of “implied absolutes.” I wanted to lift the veil from those implied absolutes a wee bit by looking at what they actually said.
Gayle says
Erin , you are missing his point. It is obvious that the doctors quoted do not have much evidence by which to endorse Sensa. They could say something like, “Sensa appears to work in about 70% of the people who use it,” IF there were any true clinical trials done on it. We know that scientists and doctors are cautious, so this kind of info would be convincing enough, without the professional fully committing himself.
The point is, they have no evidence at all, so they are saying, “Well, it looks like it could work.” Duh– that is so obvious, it renders their statements meaningless. So why even bother with such endorsements?
liz says
sensa is a deceptive company if there is one! I spoke to a customer service rep who told me that my trial had been extended and I later found it was not. The deal is that I would have been charged the approx $90 on the date my trial ended. The same rep told me that she would do me this great favor of using her employee code and get me the drink for 50% off. I later found that I had 50% off on all products I purchased because I was on the trial.
I am now trying to cancel my order and I am running around in circles to get a RMA number and the label and the return address!!!
AVOID THIS COMPANY!!!
Karen Snow says
Erin, like you mentioned, you are in a completely different field than medicine! I was a Radiolgic Technologist for 18 years and find your comments worthless on this medical subject. Go study some rock formations and stop wasting the time of others with real problems!
mele says
Wow that Was Very mean….what should you go study???
Matt says
Karen, YOUR field doesn’t provide you with any ability to ‘throw stones’! Being a Radiology Technologist doesn’t make you an expert on medical science either. Erin wasn’t speaking about the medical authenticity of Sensa, just giving insight into the fact that ‘certainty’ is a BIG word in the Science community.
Thomas Fisher (@fish1552) says
Karen, maybe you need to go read up on what an environmental geologist actually does. The entire point wasn’t about the medical part of the claims but on the way scientists speak or refer to studies.
Your REAL problem is falling for studies that give everyone a shortcut to losing weight. Short of medical issues that prevent it, the only real way to lose weight is to cut calories and burn calories. In other words, get up and get moving and eat better (read: healthier). Fad diets and shortcut tricks do nothing but make those sellers rich and you just getting your hopes up.
Angela says
I hardly see how a position equivalent to a CNA can put down a scientist. Rad techs require 60 college credits (an AA usually). The person you are trying to fight with probably has around 200, with some in graduate research methods. That said, you sounds like a mean and bitter person honestly.
Anonymous says
Joe Thank you for all that research, I 49 I did get caught up in all the Sensa Hype, I see now that I have made a
mistake ..Thank you for your research , I just ordered free Trial 12.95 I was skeptical – Now I know why thanks
to your extensive research , thanks for that
Mona says
I tried the Sensa product and on the 3rd day after my lunch I started itching all over and my throat started to close up. I was taken to the emergency room here in Scottsdale AZ and immediately put on an IV drip with steroids and medication to take home as well as prescriptions to buy. It took over 4 weeks for it to leave my system and for the hives to stop appearing.
I contacted Sensa and got a “I’M sorry to hear you had a problem” My advice be careful. It would be interesting to hear if anyone else has had this problem.
Joe says
Mona, yes I believe if you read through the comments you will see a few who had similar symptoms.