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.
I’m a avid cyclist, I want to lose 10 lbs to be lighter on my bike. I bought one month program of Sensa from COSCO. Glad I did I have heard about the shipping nightmares form co workers and the public about the order process. I have been taking Sensa for five days now.
Yes, it seem to control my portions and I don’t go for seconds and I feel fuller faster. I have been training in the mornings about 25 to 30 miles a day. I noticed that I’m feeling sluggish and my energy level is down. The good part of this is that I have lost 4lbs. I like that fact that I feel fuller faster and the energy packets that come with the first month do make me feel better. I am going to attempt to finish this month and see if I continue to lose and if I feel better on the bike if not, I’m done.
Ken, thanks for the information on your experiences!
I just bought a one month supply from Sam’s. It cost me around $35.00. I bought it because my mother has been using it and has lost 34 lbs in about five months. She told me that she feels fuller faster. Well, I got home this afternoon and as instructed, drank an 8 ounce glass of water and then ate one of the caramel chews. I felt fuller right away, but figure that was due to the 8 ounce glass of water more than anything else.
The directions on the package say to eat 1-2 caramels between meals with an 8 ounce glass of water, so if there is one good thing, it encourages you to drink more water. Anyway, I went ahead and used the “salty” sprinkles on my food and noticed right away that my meal indeed did taste saltier. I tend to snack in the evenings, but tonight I feel completely satisfied and have no desire to eat. My meal was smaller than usual too (leftovers from a restaurant dinner last night).
Based on my mom’s results, i’m hopeful. She is addicted to sweets and hasn’t changed what she eats and she also doesn’t exercise. I work such long hours that I don’t really get a chance to exercise much either. I’m also taking a medication whose #1 side effect is weight gain, but I don’t really have any other option, so i’m hoping Sensa works. I guess we’ll see.
The most basic principle of losing weight is calories expended need to exceed calories consumed. Conscious lifestyle changes (eating healthier and exercising) are typically the best way to accomplish this. For those who have lost weight on Sensa, I say good for you.
However…as a practicing PA (physician assistant) for over 12 years, I am a firm believer in evidence-based medicine. My questions/concerns regarding the studies cited include 1)have any unbiased studies been conducted? 2)the lack of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. 3)the number of participants in the available studies is inadequate. 4) what, if any, inclusion criteria {ie. BMI >30, age, exercising <90 min/week} were used? 5) have the results of any of the studies been reproducible?
Best advice I ever received on losing weight was, "whatever you do to lose weight, are you comfortable doing it for the rest of your life?" There is no shortcut or easy way. I say this as a staring 40 in the face, mother of 2, with a current BMI of 27 compared to 29.5 6 months ago. The 15# weight loss has been accomplished by exercising and eating healthier ( although M&Ms are still a part of my diet!).
Honestly reading this page has made me realize people weren’t focused on the money more than the product. Stress causes people to gain or hold weight. So if you’re stressing so badly and not really trying the product, please shut up. I’m an 18 year old CNA. I have been over weight my whole life, I tried this. Just doing what it said and I’ve gone down 20lbs. I was 227lbs and now I’m a wonderful 200 &still going down. Don’t hate if you didn’t really give it a chance.
Ree, I’m not a hater. I presented the facts and you made a decision to try the product which is what I hope people will do. you said you lost 20 lbs so that’s a win if you ask me.
It wasn’t towards your research, I respect the fact you put out half and half to both sides of the product argument. BUT the comments running down people haven’t even tried because of money. Go to the GNC store, its 40$ there. My issue is people complain they want to get the weight off fast & then complain when something isn’t perfect like they want it to be.
Ree, oh ok. well I never ran down anybody and I do moderate comments that I feel are hateful etc. I understand though that the tone of some comments may seem bad to others. if I let comments like that slip in Id guess its because the comment also contained other info that I felt might be helpful. Regardless, I can appreciate your feelings on this. I feel the same as you.
My thing is, I tried the product and it didn’t work for me. I wasn’t so much mad about the money as I was their businesses practices. I don’t know if I just overlooked that part of the terms or if it wasn’t clear but I wasn’t aware that they would automatically take that money. had I known I couldn’t be mad at anybody but myself for going along with it. I only commented on my personal experience after trying it and not being pleased with the outcome. I can’t speak on anybody else.
I started Sensa 1 week ago and I have told co-workers that I don’t know if it is Sensa or a placebo effect that I did not binge all weekend. This was before reading reviews on Sensa. The amazon reviews were all horrible. The ones at the bottom of the Dr Oz article were from Facebook and mostly positive. I do not know if I have lost any weight since I do not get on the scale weekly. If this product will help me from boredom eating that I am happy to continue with the 1st month.
Dana, for what its worth, I do hope it helps you. Please let me know.
I tried Sensa and it wasn’t clear that after the 30-day trial I would be automatically billed and if I didn’t send it back there was no way to get a refund. The product never worked for me. I didn’t feel full and if they later promoted portion control then they aren’t really saying it’s the product that makes you lose weight but the change in your diet.
I appreciate these reviews because people get extremely desperate when it comes to losing weight and everything sounds good. But products like these are the reason I have vowed to stick to reduced calorie intake and regular workouts. I will say I never had this problem with caffeine-free NV Clinical but even still it’s not worth losing money that I don’t have to lose.
I’m a stay at home mom with a wedding to pay for and that $100 (because I got a $10 service fee charged from my bank for overdraft protection) was something that I could’ve used elsewhere. I am so disappointed at how companies take advantage of people.
Thanks, I really appreciate the research and reviews. I am always a skeptic of all these weight loss diets ands a firm believer in portion control. I am 83 and holding my own thank you. 🙂
At the end of the day, people can argue all day long on the internet. What you need is one…(or better SEVERAL) PEER REVIEWED double blind studies with LOTS of participants. I’m a physician and have seen these studies for extremely rare diseases in medical journals. Do you know how hard it is to find 50 people with histoplasmosis choroiditis so you can study a drug’s effectiveness on it? Now…. how hard is it to find FAT PEOPLE in America to do a study? Give me a break. The reason there is no study is because it doesn’t work.
Burned out my senses, made my throat swell and tongue numb.
Mazie are you ok now?
BTW, Joe, I like how you TOTALLY disregarded the 6 RANDOM women that Dr. Oz brought on to test the product. While a couple showed no difference, ALL of them said they would continue to use Sensa.
Matt, I don’t disregard those 6 women on the Dr Oz show but I will point out that if you give something to enough people you will have those who excel more than others. Where they outliers I don’t know. I believe Dr Oz also mentioned that all the women who appear on his show got Sensa for free. That could have influenced the results. I am guessing of course but I don’t think it should be overlooked. Dr Oz mentioned it so hes aware of this potential influence as well.
Sorry Joe but it seems to me, by the means/words you used to ‘analyze’ Sensa that you had preconceived notions before you even began your research.
I grant you that not having a ‘peer-reviewed study’ is something noteworthy that needs to be mentioned BUT picking apart every little word that everybody (doctors AND clients) involved with the product tells me you assuming, not only that the product doesn’t work but, that Hirsch and Assoc are hiding some ‘nefarious secret’ to swindle people.
Like any other weight loss plan, there are going to be people who have success stories and people who the program doesn’t work for. I bet there are still Adkins Diet people out there that believe they have lost weight because they eat an unlimited supply of bacon but no bread.
Finally, even if Sensa doesn’t work, if the ‘placebo effect’ causes people to eat less and motivates them to exercise, then they have gotten their money’s worth.
(For the record, I am CONSIDERING trying Sensa but I have not taken it and am not affiliated with Sensa in any way.)
Matt, I really had no preconceived notions about Sensa before I reviewed it, but I really felt what I wrote needed to be said. As for as, you say “picking apart the words” (I assume you meant the advisory board here) I felt that needed to be done because as a rule we take doctors seriously. I wanted to show people what they were not saying. Also, as somebody recently pointed out to me on another post, what is the advisory board actually “advising” on? If Dr Hirsch is supposed to be the expert on this, why is an advisory board needed?
I don’t for a moment think there is a “nefarious secret” going on with Sensa (sorry I couldn’t help but quote you – great phrase!). They are selling a product. Thats all they are doing. As such, they use marketing to help sell it. That’s capitalism and there is nothing wrong with that. I just feel people should go in with both eyes open before they try something like this.
For what its worth I really do hope it helps you – and I really do mean that too 🙂
I’m curious… Sensa is a nutritional supplement, is it not? So, what is this “advisory board” that you talk about. I’m familiar with advisory boards for drugs that are up for FDA approval. These are committees of scientists and physicians who specialize in a range of disciplines. They are expected to review new drugs and advise the FDA whether or not a drug should be approved. Please correct me if I am wrong, but Sensa is not a drug, so clearly this has nothing to do with FDA approval. What is this “advisory board” of which you speak?
G. Christine, that is an excellent point! What are they advising on? I must admit that I see advisory boards for so many different products that fail to question myself what they actually do. Thanks for reminding me about this 🙂
Joe, Have you ever found a weight loss product that works as advertised? The simple formula is “eat less and exercise more” and you can lose 2 to 3 lbs of fat per week. That means a focused person could lose up to 36lbs in 3 months which for most people would be impressive.No gimmicks!
Jay, I keep looking but most weight loss supplements, exercise gizmos etc require people to eat a little less. Its worth noting that small print in most ads say “results not typical.”
I was skeptical too, however I have lost 7 pounds in two weeks using Sensa. It works, that’s all I can say.
I tried this when it first came on the market years ago. Not only did it not work AT ALL….not even one pound lost. But it made me sick to my stomach……I entered the class action suit. DON”T BUY IT…yet another weight loss scam
I have tried lots of diet programs in the past. Some ‘programs’ require us to buy special foods, that are expensive, and I can’t live on those programs forever. Sensa, took about 3 days use to start working. I feel full after just half a sandwich or less. I eat the same foods, even fried foods and pastas. I have no lack of energy, nor do I get shaky or nervous feeling from lack of food. I’m in my third month and have lost 21 pounds. I follow an active lifestyle everyday, and that has not changed. Would recommend Sensa to anyone needing to lose weight.
Joe, thank you so much for your research on SENSA and sharing your findings. As well, thank you to those of you who have replied. Joe and others have saved me from getting caught up in a tangled web of unwanted, expensive purchases.
I was thinking about trying sensa due to my frustration with being middle-aged and struggling with weight gain. I know what to do, having spent my life being an athlete, certified trainer, model, and dancer… what I am gathering experience in is being an older person in an older body with huge demands and therefor less time for the youthful lifestyle I used to lead.
Upon seeing the sensa ad, I had a momentary fantasy that I could sprinkle this formulated dust on my food and I would start to regain my young, thin body, with less struggle. HA! There is no magic dust in life.
For all our achievements, we have to follow scientific knowledge and apply ourselves with diligence and perseverance. There is no easy way out. So, I will embrace that struggle, save my money, count calories, recalculate my nutrition program, and get to the gym.
Jena, thanks. Im happy I was able to help.
I bought Sensa in Costco..much cheaper. Used for a month and have lost about 5 lbs. I haven’t been as consistent with use as I should be..I forget to sprinkle sometimes. But I have a noticeable lack of appetite after dinner when I use to snack for hours. No side effects and haven’t noticed any taste difference in food. I will buy the 2nd month and see what happens. I didn’t like the Sensa website and would never order product through them.
excellent advice, i think ill try it your way
Alexandra, thanks 🙂
-it may be difficult to patent this mixture because of the GRAS, hence if he gets it peer-reviewed he would have to provide the full list of ingredients. However, drug companies publish internal studies all the time so this is still suspicious. If it really worked and they wanted you hooked, they wouldn’t make you send back the unused product; every pusher knows a free hit can lead to a life long customer if it works. That being said, just tried my first sprinkle- had a vague ‘new’ tough to describe taste in my mouth… no anaphlyaxis, no leg cramps, no mouth sores yet. Will update after 2 weeks when I am set to get my RMA #.
Richard, I hope it works for you for what its worth 🙂
I think it would be very easy for a drug company etc to take Sensa into the lab and see whats in it. Just because its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) doesn’t mean it cant be patented. Fish oil (EPA /DHA) is GRAS but there is a drug version of it.
Well i got a 2 month trial for 2 bucks. I used a pre paid visa so they cant charge me haha 🙂