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.
Product absolutely does NOT work. Also, if you try to return it good luck getting you money back when I’ve email them, I’ve received email about a 14 day policy. That’s didn’t chapped. When I called supervisor told me that the warehouse is overwhelmed with quantity of returns and I should wait for at least a month.
She, Karen, didn’t care that I wanted my money back. She was much nicer when I’ve ordered, but obnoxious and insensitive when I’ve attempted to return the product. I’ve followed all their procedures and still waiting for my money.
The statement that product cost $49.95 is false too. I was charged $95.99 and $105.99 without authorization. They sign you up for automatic renewal whether you want it or not. This company sucks. DON’T DEAL WITH THEM!!
Linnette, My daughter who is 8 is overweight. I could never understand why, as she isn’t a big eater, prefers veggies over sweets and is quite active. I share your pain. I know what it is like to deal with bullies and the tears. It hurts so much. In my quest to find an answer, I hired a fitness and lifestyle coach. She introduced us to what she calls the “3 Amigo” program. Simply it is making sure every meal contains protien, complex carb and simple carb in the proper portions. And eating every 3 hours during the day.
We have 3 main meals(breakfast, lunch, supper) and 2-3 snacks(3 snacks if we are having a long day, but usually supper is the last food of the day) She also suggested clean eating to rid our bodies of unnecessary junk and sugars. I have studied everything I can find on clean eating and have made a ton of changes. It hasn’t been easy.
Financially, it has been a challenge but clean eating can be done on a limited budget. It is so worth it!!!! Not only is she losing weight, her mind is clearer = better grades in school, she is even more active(body has more energy). She is overall a happier girl. The kids at school are noticing and making positive comments.
We have a long way to go, but we are on our way. Our whole family is getting healthier. This, I believe, is the real answer to weight loss. Not pills, sprinkles, pre-packaged food like meals, etc. I know what it is like to be a parent of an overweight child, please know there is hope, there are options and there are victories!
I tried the sensa free trial. I got it four days ago and I’m returning it already. I was at first interested, because I was looking for something to help assist me in my weight loss. I started my weight loss journey two weeks ago. I do a basic 40 min work out ( 5 min warm up, 30 min cardio, 5 min cool down) just using my stairs and my treadmill. And I’m doing portion control. I’m not cutting anything out of my diet because I’ve attempted this before and failed but I am adding more water. I love chocolate and cookies and soda. That’s what I crave.
So far in two weeks I’ve lost 4 pounds. I don’t know if its fat or water but its a start.
I tried sensa to help jump start my progress. And I hate it. For me it actually made me want to eat more and I was craving more often. Which was frustrating because just doing my workouts and portion control makes me feel great. I have energy and an excitement about life. I feel more confident and healthy. The sensa seemed to make me take a step or two in the wrong direction.
I also tried a reboot ( rebootwithjoe.com ). I loved it and will be doing it again. If you’re interested it’s an all juice cleanse. Basically just fruit and veggies juiced as meals and water to drink. It’s tough but amazing. There’s a documentary on it called Fat Sick & Nearly Dead, (can be found on Netflix)
Now THAT is a magic bullet.
Kelsey, I really need to watch that documentary! Maybe time to hook up Apple TV and watch it 🙂
I like your reporting style it nice to hear it from a diff. Point of view
Thanks Erica, I really appreciate that 🙂
Joe, So I have been looking all over the web for the actual study done by Dr. Hirsch. Any ideas on where to look? I am doing a research paper for my physiological psychology class on weight loss and I wanted to use Sensa for my example.
Tina
I was never able to find his research either. That said I am listening to an audio book called Sugar Salt Fat How the Food Giants Hooked Us. In that book, in chapter 2 I believe, they mention US army experiments on “Sensory Specific Satiety”, the science of how good tasting food helps us feel full sooner.
Here is a study I just turned up http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/80/4/823.full
This doesn’t necessarily endorse Sensa but it may be something to add to your psych paper 🙂
I wanted to follow up on my previous comment. I had ordered the two-month trial of Sensa in March and my credit card was charged immediately (actually charged, not funds put on hold – that was not how the “trial” was explained to me) which led me to look into the company further and I came across this article (thanks again, Joe!).
I returned my shipment unopened to the company, canceled the auto-ship and asked that my account was credited.. After about 3 weeks, my credit card was credited back the $96.00. I have to say that I’m relieved now – this company throws up all kinds of red flags. I’m so thankful I found this article when I did.
From now on, I would certainly do my homework before I ordered a product such as this, But – I;m very happy to say that I went on WeightWatchers in mid-March and am down 6 pounds. I’m not looking at this as a “diet”, but as re-learning how to eat and learning the triggers that cause emotional eating to start with.
Theres no easy way out of losing the weight – and as far as Sensa goes, theres no doubt in my mind that a person could use it and believe that its making a difference in how they eat. But at the end of the day – it’s all about eating the right foods and stopping before you eat the whole pan of lasagne or the entire quart of ice cream. You don;t need to pour silica on your food to learn moderation.
Best of luck to all of you
Mia, glad you got your money back and congratulations on losing weight with weight watchers 🙂
Thank you, Joe! Your article was really invaluable. You’re onto something here.
Thanks Mia 🙂
Thank you for giving us your honest review Joe!
I tried Alli and I’m not sure if it’s because of having my gallbladder removed, but my body couldn’t tolerate it. I have noticed a difference obviously since having the surgery and it (Alli) was like it made it much worse..
I’m just wondering if a majority of these “diets” would have the same effect..
Kat thanks! People do have issues with fat digestion after gallbladder surgery. Not sure if Sensa would have the same effect or not.
I am not debating what you just mentioned about people having problems with fat digestion after gallbladder removal…BUT, Iin 18 years of imaging gallbladders AND andomens before and after removal of the gallbladder, NONE mentioned digestive problems, just after or months after, including me.
Had my gallbladder removed in December 2001 – horrible mistake… On most days I would rather have the pain than the horrible inconvenience of having “Digestive Issues.” Most people don’t go around telling other’s about the frequency and or consistency of their bowel movements – it’s rather embarrassing.
I would be more than happy to tell you in complete detail about my digestive problems since having my gallbladder removed, but that’s not what this webpage is about. I felt I had to come to this persons’ defense, as well as Joe’s (although he really doesn’t need my help, seems to do well on his own), as just about EVERYONE I’ve come in contact with who no longer have a gallbladder has this same issue.
Besides, if you were just imaging my abdomen, it’s not really YOUR business about my digestive problems, you should leave that up to the experts – last I heard, they’re called Doctors, not radiologists!
Bree, its always nice to have somebody come to my defense 🙂
Can we locate the actual study? If there is a treatment and a control group, and group assignment is random, and if the control group received a placebo sprinkle, then the scientific evidence is as good as it gets. However, if all these 3 conditions were satisfied, the study would probably be published somewhere. So I’d guess there is no control group.
Another note, I agree with one of the comments. The endorsement is there. Scientists always talk in probabilistic terms. You will not hear absolutes from their endorsements.
Ayse, Ive never been able to locate any published studies on the product.
My 15 year old daughter began Weight-Watchers with her 23 year old brother 4 months ago. I did not try to influence her, because she got angry with my suggestions. When she started tracking her foods and making changes on her own, she lost 25 pounds without exercise.
She has a much more positive outlook on life, looks at the foods she eats everyday, and has had to buy a new wardrobe for school. It was an easy transition for her, because she held herself accountable and planned for the extra calories when she was going to a party or away for the weekend.
She was finally in charge of what she was consuming, and she saw the results on the scale and in her clothes every week. When her friends started noticing and commenting, it just gave her more motivation to keep up her daily diaries.
She has changed her life for the better, and it was all on her own. I didn’t need to remind her about her choices or eliminate any foods we would normally have in our home. I have never been so proud of her!
Tressie, that’s wonderful. Im really happy for her also 🙂
Glad to have found and read all of this info before ordering Sensa!! Thank you!! I realize portion control and exercise work best, but is there anything over-the-counter that can aid this Forty something in her newly started weight loss journey?
Lori, I get asked this a lot. First check out the “weight loss” section of my resources page http://supplementclarity.com/resources/ I have a post called “what weight loss supplements work” where I detail my thoughts about these types of products. Also do a search on my site for “glucomannan” its a fiber that’s been in several wt loss products. No promises but there is research on it.
I was only one click of getting the trial for me and my teenager daughter, but I found you and there is not way I will pay for it. I am more afraid of have to deal with the overcharge in my credit card AND wearing my time calling them to request to fix it than try the product.
I have been using Ali and I like it. what do you think?
Anonymous, Ali is a fat blocker drug. Prescription drugs are outside my area of expertise but if its been working for you then Id say stick with it. As you know, you have to be careful with eating fatty foods, or you have the “leaky stool” side effect people often report. Still, if something is working, I say, stay the course. Glad you found me 🙂
Joe, Alli is not a prescription drug.
Sue, regardless, its a drug. it maybe OTC (I forget) but it started out as a prescription.
Hi Joe! I was just surfing the net and found your column. It is totally awesome and informative! Like everyone else out there that’s trying to find the “magic” formula for weight loss, I’m curious as to your opinion on the BEST weight loss product (or program) out there today? Of course, I would like “fast” results, but I know that’s not the best. Keep up the good work.
Hi Karen, Im happy you found me! Do share my site with your friends as Im sure most websites never link to me as they dont want people to know Im out there.
As to your question, I get asked this a lot, so much so that I wrote my thoughts on the topic here on my personal site. I try not to recommend specific products as I want to remain unbiased. I will say that I think the safest are those that have fiber. do a search on my site for “glucomannan” as its an example of one such fiber found in various supplements Ive already reviewed and its a stand alone product also. Fruits and veggies also have lots of fiber.
Thanks Joe for the info, i will definitely be passing on this one.
Betty, thanks I appreciate you sharing my info with your friends 🙂
I hate to admit this but I got caught with this hype also, i just ordered it last week, is there anyway that I can cancel it before it arrives at my apartment? Btw thanks for the review
Mark, call the company and tell them to cancel your order. you might also try calling your credit card and asking for their help too.
I just ordered the 2 month trial – and my credit card was charged right away for $95.83. Not a hold on the money – actually charged. That made me uncomfortable right away. I wish I had taken a moment to read your review before I ordered, but admit I got caught up in the hype.
I haven’t opened the box, just having rec’d it yesterday – so I’m sending it back, canceling the auto-ship, and demanding a refund. I’ll do this through weightwatchers and exercise. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my refund. Thank you for writing this, Joe!
Mia, sorry you went through all of that! Yes please keep me posted with the refund and also please share my review with your friends etc so they can learn from others before they buy.
I too almost caved a bought these “magic crystals”. First I read your article and then the next link for reviews was on a very popular site that sells Sensa. There are 112 buyer reviews. Sensa received 2 out of 5 stars for customer satisfaction. Review after review not only mentions NO weight loss, but also some pretty nasty and sometimes very SERIOUS side effects.
Research into product claims are important but NOTHING speaks louder then 100+ customer reviews. Sensa sounds like just another dieting scam. I’m sorry people nothing less then a sensible eating and regular exercise will yield the results this dieting fad promises.
I am on week two of the sensa diet… It hasn’t curbed my appetite yet… I will give it til the end of this week before I return it or keep on going… First week shows no major loss in weight… 1lb. But I’ve also been eating healthier, I will keep you updated on the upcoming week but I believe this product falls short of its promises
Enzo, thanks for the update!
In reply to the report that Sensa gave you diarrhea…Maltodextrin can have a fiber effect when it is derived from natural sources like bananas and legumes. Many people get diarrhea if it is consumed in significant quantity.
Interesting! I just watched a TV commercial for Sensa and they make it sound like it’s the magic bullet everyone has been looking for. It also sounds like it’s a lifetime “sprinkle” program or you’ll gain the weight back. Hmmm – why not just decrease your calories and add some exercise for free? The only guarantee that Sensa will give you is that your wallet will definitely lose weight!
Thanks for the straightforward and thorough analysis. I’ll be passing on Sensa. Seems like nothing more than hype and a money grab. Any company which makes it so difficult to stop a program (i.e., the automatic transfer of your money to them) gets a huge red flag from me. You can get his stuff at Costco, in case anyone still wants to try it.
Have you heard of Brenda Turner’s Lean Secrets? Do you have an opinion?
Zoe, I haven’t heard of Brenda Tuners Lean Secrets. But I have added it to my list of things to look at (yes, I really do have a list of things I review 🙂 )