Update 2/12/23. Skinny Body Max is “The Most Advanced Weight Loss Product On the Planet,” and makes “Everything else obsolete.” Well, that's what its website says. Skinny Body Max is from the same company that makes Skinny Fiber. Does It really work and how is it different than Skinny Fiber? These are some of the questions I'll answer in this review. Let's see what we can discover. Also, see the review of Skinny Fiber.
Skinny Body Max Benefits
From the product website (SkinnyBodyCare.com, which was not working when last checked), we learn that the product is touted to provide these benefits:
- Maximum weight management
- Antioxidant power
- Support healthy metabolism
Of course, given that the word “skinny” is in the name of the product, weight loss is what most people reading this are probably interested in. In the ingredients section below, we'll drill down to what I feel are the ingredients responsible for each of these claims.
Skinny Body Max Research
The product website (SkinnyBodyCare.com) shows no clinical research on Skinny Body Max itself to prove it works or that it is, “the most advanced weight loss product on the planet.” Likewise, searching clinical databases turns up no studies either.
While the product -itself – may or may not have clinical research – its ingredients do.
Let's look at those now.
Skinny Body Max Ingredients
According to the product website, 2 capsules of Skinny Body Max has the following ingredients:
| Amount Per Serving | Percent Daily Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | zero | |
| Total fat | Zero grams | |
| Total carbohydrate | 1g | |
| Protein | Zero grams | |
| Sodium | 5 grams | |
| Proprietary Blend composed of the following | 1160 mg | |
| Konjoac glucomannan | ||
| Oligofructose-enriched inulin (Orafti® P95 | ||
| Caralluma extract (whole plant) | ||
| Cayenne pepper | ||
| Raspberry ketones | ||
| Garcinia cambogia extract (fruit rind) | ||
| Lactobacillus plantarum (min. 1 billion CFU) | ||
| Proprietary Enzyme Blend composed of the following | 260 mg | |
| Amylase | ||
| Protease | ||
| Lipase | ||
| Glucoamylase | ||
| Papain | ||
| Cellulase | ||
| Bromelain |
In the table above “% DV” is the percent daily value. Percent daily value is based on eating 2000 calories per day. If you eat, more or less than this, then the daily values for you will be different.
The product label tells us to take 2 capsules with at least 8 oz of water, at least 30 minutes before larger meals. The label also states that it may take 8 capsules per day to maximize results. Each bottle of Skinny Fiber max has 120 capsules. If taking 8 capsules per day, a bottle will last about 2 weeks.
Other Ingredients
The product label also indicates that these other ingredients are also present:
- gelatin
- magnesium stearate
- silica
- microcrystalline cellulose
These other ingredients play no role in any weight loss benefits of the product.
The Proprietary Blend
The active ingredients in Skinny Body Max are found in its proprietary blend. Two capsules of the product contain 1160 mg (about 1 gram) of a blend containing these ingredients:
- Konjac glucomannan
- oligofructose-enriched inulin (Orafti® P95)
- Caralluma extract
- cayenne pepper
- raspberry ketones
- Garcinia cambogia extract
- Lactobacillus Plantarum
While we are not told how much of each of these 7 ingredients make up the blend, we can take a guess because ingredients must be listed in descending order.
In other words, the first ingredient is present the most, while the last ingredient makes up the least of the blend. So glucomannan makes up most of the blend while lactobacillus makes up the least.
Konjac Glucomannan
This is a fiber. It's usually called either konjac root extract or just glucomannan. By whatever name you call it, when it comes in contact with liquids, it swells in size. When the fiber expands in the stomach, it gives us the feeling that we are full and don't have to eat as much. This, in turn, reduces the calories we eat.
Several studies over the years have noted that glucomannan might help people lose weight.
For example, in one study involving 83 overweight adults, 3 grams (3000 mg) of glucomannan given for 60 days caused more weight loss and fat loss than a placebo.
Other weight loss supplements that contain glucomannan include:
- Lipozene (click to read review)
- Bystrictin (click to read review)
- Lipothin (click to read review)
And of course, Skinny Fiber
Since glucomannan is the first ingredient in the proprietary blend, it likely makes up most of the 1160 mg in the blend.
Oligofructose-Enriched inulin (Orafti® P95)
Oligofructose is a type of fiber called inulin. Inulin is found in different foods such as onions, garlic, bananas, and Ezekiel bread. Another source of these fibers is the chicory plant.
Inulin is often used in high fiber cereals and fiber bars. Sometimes they call it by its other name “chicory root extract.” Still, another name that pops up from time to time is Fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS). By whatever name you call it, it's all basically the same thing: fiber.
Oligofructose (say “oly-go-fruck-tose”) is another type of fiber. Think of it as a sub-type of inulin fiber.
Orafti P95 – the stuff in Skinny Body Max – is a creation of a joint venture between Pfizer a company called BENEO (Beno.com) and refers to a patented blend of inulin and oliigofructose. Orafti P95 has been recognized by the FDA as GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe.
Both inulin and oligofructose -as well as Orafiti P95 are “pre-biotics.” A pre-biotic is the food of probiotic bacteria. As such, they can help foster the production of good bacteria. Here is a clinical review of fiber health benefits for more insights.
Even though oligofructose contains the word “fructose” it's not high fructose corn syrup. While Oligofructose is made up of the sugar, fructose, those sugars are bound together in a way that makes them not digestible by humans. As such it won't have the problems associated with fructose or high fructose corn syrup.
Inulin Weight Loss Research
Here are some of the studies linking inulin fiber and oligofructose with weight loss:
In a study involving 44 diabetics who received either 30 g of inulin or cellulose, those getting inulin fiber showed greater weight loss after 18 weeks (4.5 months) of use. While the weight loss was greater, those taking the placebo also lost weight. Those consuming inulin did show better improvements in blood sugar levels and consumed less food.
In a small study (10 people) researchers in 2006 noted that 8 grams of oligofructose made people feel fuller after meals than did a placebo.
In 2009 a study that lasted 12 weeks, 39 people (mostly women) were given either a placebo or 21 g of oligofructose per day. Those getting the FOS fiber showed weight loss while those who go the placebo gained weight. The weight loss was not much, only about 2 pounds. That's not much given that the study lasted 3 months.
So, the first and second ingredients in the proprietary blend are glucomannan fiber and Orafti P95 fiber. This tells us that a good amount of the proprietary blend is fiber.
Caralluma Extract
The other name for this is Caralluma Fimbriata. Skinny Body Max uses an extract of Caralluma but we are not told what that extract is. There have been some lab animal studies of Caralluma Fimbriata for weight loss.
But what do human studies say?
One study small study noted that 1000 mg per day of Caralluma Fimbriata reduced appetite in kids who had a genetic disorder that caused excessive eating.
In a study involving 33 people who were followed for 12 weeks, those getting 1000 mg of Caralluma lost more weight and had a greater reduction in waist circumference than those taking a placebo. Those taking Caralluma also reported that food didn't taste or smell as good as those taking the placebo.
But, a study involving 99 people followed for 12 weeks found that Caralluma, given at a dosage of 1000 mg per day did not reduce body weight or appetite compared to those taking a placebo.
Summary: Caralluma Fimbriata Weight Loss Research
This table comes from the review of Skinny Fiber. See that for more insights
| Study Year / Type Of Study | Amount Used | Study Results |
|---|---|---|
| (2017) Rat study | 100mg/kg (see above for human dosage) | Weight reduction |
| (2015) 15 kids with Prader-Willi syndrome). Lasted 10 weeks | 1000 mg/day | Reduced appetite. Weight loss data not mentioned. |
| (2015) Human study (89 people). Lasted 12 weeks | 1000 mg/day | No reduction in body weight. No reduction in appetite. |
| (2013) Human study (43 people). Lasted 12 weeks | 1000 mg/day | Reduced waist circumference, reduced smell and taste for food. compared to placebo. No change in body weight |
| (2010) Rat study | various amounts | Rats weighed less and ate less food |
| (2007) Human study (5 men /women). Lasted 60 days | 1000 mg/day | Reduced waste circumference and hunger compared to placebo. No significant changes in body weight. |
Cayenne Pepper
Does cayenne pepper help weight loss? One of the touted benefits of the Skinny Body Max is to “support healthy metabolism.” Cayenne is likely one of the reasons for this claim. Peppers, including cayenne pepper, have been used for weight loss for years because of their reputed ability to increase metabolic rate.
Other researchers note that chili peppers might activate brown fat, which is more metabolically active (burns more calories) than white fat. Effects like these are often attributed to capsaicin, which is a component in peppers, but it's wise to remember that peppers contain many ingredients, besides capsaicin.
So does it help weight loss?
In 1983, researchers noted red peppers added to high-fat meals increased fat burning more than when they were added to high carb meals.
In a review article, researchers noted that the active ingredient in peppers might promote eating fewer calories.
In another study, researchers noted that eating the active ingredients in peppers might help us burn an extra 50 calories per day. This might take 1-2 years for the weight loss to be meaningful.
Cayenne pepper and capsaicin are popular in weight loss supplements. For example, they were an ingredient in these supplements:
- Phen 375 (click to read review)
- Right Size Smoothies (click to read review)
While the weight loss effects of peppers are interesting, I think they are small and research showing that cayenne pepper -alone – promotes weight loss appear to be lacking. I think this cayenne pepper might best be used along side other things to effect weight loss in a multi-pronged effect. That is in fact, how it is used in supplements.
Raspberry Ketones
While raspberry ketones became a weight loss Hall-of-Famer after being featured on the Dr. Oz show, the evidence that it actually works is very little. For example:
A mouse study from 2005 noted it might help mice lose weight. That same study noted that it might shrink fat cells too.
In another mouse study, raspberry ketones appeared to increase adiponectin levels in mouse cells. Adiponectin is a hormone, made inside fat cells, that appears to raise metabolism and burn fat.
Human studies on the benefits of raspberry ketones for weight loss, however are lacking. Raspberry ketones have some antioxidant properties, but given the lack of human research, there are better options for those who want to defend against free radicals -like raspberries. On the plus side, some research shows raspberry ketones may help regrow hair.
See the raspberry ketone review for more insights.
Garcinia Cambogia
In a video on the product website, they call garcinia Cambogia “One of the most highly sought after weight management ingredients on the planet.” While it certainly is popular, the truth about garcinia Cambogia is that the evidence it works is controversial. Yes, there are some studies that find help weight loss. But, there are also studies finding it doesn't work.
Another name for garcinia is hydroxyl citric acid (HCA). This is often reputed to be extract in garcinia responsible for its effects. Skinny Body Max uses an extract of garcinia. While they don't say what extract, it might be hydroxy citric acid.
See the garcinia Cambogia review for much more information.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
This is a type of bacteria. Could the bacteria inside of us play a role in weight loss – or in gaining weight? Some tantalizing research suggests it may be possible. And, if this is so, could giving people the “right kinds” of bacteria cause weight loss? Much of the research has been done using lab mice. Human research is ongoing. Stay tuned.
Proprietary Enzyme Blend
Every 2 capsules of Skinny Body Max contains 260 mg of these 7 different enzymes:
- Amylase
- Protease
- Lipase
- Glucoamylase
- Papain
- Cellulase
- Bromelain
These are all enzymes that digest protein, fat and carbs. These are also the same enzymes found in Skinny Fiber too. What can be said about them is that the research cannot be located if they play any role in human weight loss.
Ingredients With Evidence
From the research that was available when this review was created, if Skinny Body Max really works, it's effects are likely the result of these ingredients:
Glucomannan has more positive evidence than the other ingredients in the product.
While oligofructose inulin and Caralluma also have some weight loss evidence, it's less than glucomannan. Garcinia cambogia also has weight loss studies but it's controversial at the moment. See the side effects section below for more about garcinia Cambogia.
Glucomannan can be obtained in both pill form and powder form. The powder form is often preferable because of less chance of choking.
How Much Sodium?
The product website states that 2 capsules of Skinny Body Max contain 5 grams of sodium (5000 mg). It's also said that this is
less than 1% of daily value for sodium. Current dietary guidelines, like those at the FDA website, advise eating less than 2400 mg of sodium per day. If Skinny Body Max really has 5 grams, then that is more than 2X the maximum recommended amount.
Is this a typo? I also noticed 5 grams of sodium listed in the review of Skinny Fiber too.
Here is the Skinny Fiber Review.
Skinny Body Max vs. Skinny Fiber
How does Skinny Body Max compare to Skinny Fiber?
| Skinny Body Max (2 capsules) | Skinny Fiber (2 capsules) |
|---|---|
| calories 0 | calories 0 |
| Total fat 0g | Total fat 0g |
| Total carbs 1g | Total carbs 1g |
| Protein 0g | Protein 0g |
| Sodium 5 g | Sodium 5 g |
| Propriotary Blend 1160 mg consisting of: | Proprietary Blend 1160 mg. Consisting of: |
| Glucomannan | Glucomannan |
| Oligofructose-enriched inulin (Orafti P95)) | Caralluma fimbriata |
| Caralluma extract | Cha de Bugre |
| Cayenne pepper | Enzyme Blend 260 mg. Consisting of: |
| Raspberry ketones | Amylase |
| Garcinia cambogia | Protease |
| Lactobacillus plantarum | Lipase |
| Enzyme blend 260 mg consisting of: | Gllucoamylase |
| Amylase | Papain |
| Protease | Cellulase |
| Lipase | Bromelain |
| Glucoamylase | |
| Papain | |
| Cellulase | |
| Bromelain |
Which is better? Evidence cannot be located.
How Much Does It Cost?
The website for the product (SkinnyBodyCare.com) did not list prices when this review was created but distributors in the comments section have said a bottle costs $59.95 plus shipping and handling. That is for a bottle that has 120 capsules.
If trying to purchase through the product website, you will be asked for the name of the distributor who referred you. This is actually a good thing for those who sell the product. This means the company is not in competition for sales with its distributors. This is good. It says a lot about the company. They want their distributors to be successful.
Where To Buy Skinny Body Max?
At the time this review was created, Skinny Body Max was only available either through the product website (SkinnyBodyCare.com) or from a distributor. It's not sold in Walmart, Walgreens or other stores. Update 2/12/23: The skinny body care website no longer appears to be working. This may mean the company has gone out of business.
The Guarantee
When purchasing Skinny Fiber supplements directly from a distributor, they come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In the comments section below, a distributor stated that the 30 days begins the day you order the product -not when you receive it. Consumers should remember this when ordering.
How Many Do You Take?
According to the product label, it's recommended to take 2 capsules of Skinny Body Max with at least 8 oz of water with the biggest meals of the day. If you can take the capsules 30 minutes before eating, this might work better. So, if you eat two large meals per day, then this would be 4 capsules per day. If a bottle has 120 capsules, then a bottle would last about a month.
When starting a new supplement, it's usually wise to start with less than is recommended for the first week. This is to reduce any side effects that you might experience. For example, start with only 1 capsule with a meal for the first week. Then, if everything is ok, take 2 with a meal. Slowly work up to 4 capsules per day and see how that goes. Don't start off with 8 capsules per day.
By starting off slow, you will get a better idea of how much works for you. This will also save you money too.
Skinny Body Max Side Effects
In healthy people, Skinny Body Max is likely safe. Here is a list of things to consider and /or discuss with a doctor for those who are not healthy. This list is not complete.
- The product is not intended for women who are pregnant. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
- Stop taking the product at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Make sure to drink a full glass (at least 8 oz) of water with Skinny Body Max. This is to reduce the remote possibility of choking. Because glucomannan can also be purchased in powder form, this might be better for some people.
- Some might experience GI discomfort due to the fiber in the product.
- Garcinia cambogia might interfere with how some medications are processed in the body.
- Some reports have implicated garcinia Cambogia with liver problems. At least one person needed a liver transplant. Given the popularity of Garcinia Cambogia, the risk of liver problems is probably small, although because of the severity of this, it might be wise to avoid garcinia supplements until more is known. See the garcinia Cambogia review for more on this.
- Raspberry ketones might have a stimulant effect. Avoid taking close to bedtime. See the raspberry ketones review for more on this.
Does Skinny Body Max Work?
If Skinny Body Max works, I believe it's mostly because it contains a fiber called glucomannan (konjac) that some research has noted may help people lose weight. Online testimonials appear to support this too. While it's possible that all the other ingredients work together to produce a better effect, it would take clinical research to know for sure.
Here is Skinny Body Max on Amazon.