Update 3/10/23. What is skinny fiber and does it work? To me, the name skinny fiber is ironic because I thought all fiber was supposed to help people lose weight. I did some digging into Skinny Fiber and discovered that there is some research on some of its ingredients. That will be the focus of this unbiased review. Does it have a secret ingredient? People may have heard about the enzymes in Skinny Fiber. Do they help with weight loss? That will also be addressed in this review. This review will help you decide if Skinny Fiber is right for you. See the Skinny Body Max review too.
What Is Skinny Fiber?
Skinny Fiber is exactly what the name says: a fiber pill supplement that is touted to help with weight loss. There is research on some of its ingredients, and those clinical studies will be summarized below.
Skinny Fiber Research
Is there any clinical evidence showing Skinny Fiber really helps people lose weight? Searching the product website reveals no research studies on the product.
Likewise, searching the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed.gov) for “skinny fiber” and “skinny fiber weight loss” reveal no studies either.
Fortunately, for this review, there are weight loss studies on some of the ingredients in this supplement.
Skinny Fiber Ingredients
According to the label I've seen, each bottle has 120 capsules, and the serving size is 2 capsules. In 2 Skinny Fiber Pills, there are the following ingredients:
| % Daily Value | |
| Calories 0 | |
| Total Fat 0 grams | <1% |
| Total Carbohydrate 1 gram | <1% |
| Protein 0 grams | <1% |
| Sodium 5 grams | <1% |
| Proprietary Blend 1160 mg | N/A |
| Glucomannan (tuber) powder | |
| Caralluma Fimbriata (whole plant) powder | |
| Cha de Bugre (leaf) powder | |
| Proprietary Enzyme Blend 260 mg | N/A |
| Amylase powder | |
| Protease powder | |
| Lipase powder | |
| Glucoamylase powder | |
| Papain powder | |
| Cellulase powder | |
| Bromelain powder |
N/A = no daily value established
Other Ingredients
The product also contains these other ingredients:
- Gelatin capsule
- microcrystalline cellulose
- magnesium stearate
These additional ingredients likely play no role in the effects or benefits of Skinny Fiber. Because gelatin is the first ingredient listed, it makes up most of these ingredients.
Let's look at each active ingredient in Skinny Fiber separately.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan (also called Konjac root) is a fiber that helps people feel full. It's in many weight loss products I've previously investigated, including:
This fiber is added to weight loss supplements because there is indeed some research that shows glucomannan can help weight loss. Studies usually use about 1 to 3 grams per day. Two skinny fiber pills have a 1.15 grams total of its proprietary blend of ingredients.
Since glucomannan is listed first in the blend's ingredients, I take that to mean it is mostly glucomannan fiber.
For those who want to compare prices, here is glucomannan capsules and glucomann powder on Amazon.
Caralluma Fimbriata
This is a cactus-like plant, rumored to have appetite-suppressing effects that grow in India. The idea behind how it works is that chemicals in the plant are said to reduce chemicals in the brain that cause us to want to eat. That is the theory anyway.
The plant is sometimes called a “famine food” likely because it's used during times of famine when there is not much food to eat. Given that it might reduce appetite, some suspect it may also help weight loss. Does it?
Here's what the research says:
In one study involving 43 people, researchers noted that 1000 mg Caralluma fimbriata per day, given for 12 weeks, caused a 2.2-inch reduction in waist circumference relative to placebo and a decrease in the waist-to-hip ratio. Those taking Caralluma Fimbriata also appeared to have a decrease in the smell, taste, and look of food. That of course could lead people to eat less.
The people in this study also followed a lower calorie eating plan. People ate 500 fewer calories than normal. It's also interesting to note that both groups lost similar amounts of weight. Also, those taking Caralluma Fimbriata did not lose more weight than the placebo group.
In another study involving 50 men and women, those who received 1000 mg of Caralluma Fimbriata per day were noted to significantly reduce waist circumference and hunger levels compared to those who received a placebo. There was no clinical difference in body weight.
In this investigation, researchers saw that rats given Caralluma Fimbriata experienced less food intake and reduced body weight gain than rats that did not receive Caralluma Fimbriata.
In a small study conducted on 15 kids with a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome that causes excessive appetite, 1000 mg of Caralluma seemed to reduce appetite when given over a 10-week period. Even though this study lasted 10 weeks, the study does not mention if body weight was reduced.
On the flip side, a study published in 2015 that noted Caralluma fimbriata did not work. This study involved 89 overweight people who were randomly given either a placebo or 1000 mg of Caralluma per day for 12 weeks. Those taking Caralluma did not have any improvements in weight loss or reduction in appetite.
Caralluma Fimbriata Video Review
Watch on my youtube channel too
Summary of Caralluma Fimbriata Research
Studies can be complicated so here is a quick rundown on the Caralluma Fimbriata research to help you
| 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. |
Here is Caralluma fimbriata on Amazon.
Chá de Bugre
Also called Cordia ecalyculata and Cordia salicifolia. The Skinny Fiber website says that Chá de Bugre can “support a healthy metabolism” and is an “appetite suppressant.” Is there any proof it does this?
No human evidence on Chá de Bugre and weight loss could be located. A mouse study published in 2017 noted that Cha de Bugre, both alone and when combined with Spirulina, reduced appetite in mice.
Another mouse study noted that acha de bugre did not reduce body weight or food consumption.
The Enzyme Blend
When Skinny Fiber first came out, its website said this about the enzymes:
“The biggest CHALLENGE to losing weight is that most of us are NOT getting enough enzymes from our food to properly DIGEST what we eat.“
That working has changed and they now say that:
“When we don’t get enough enzymes from our food, our bodies can’t properly digest what we eat, causing use to often have a weaker immune system and gain weight.”
But it's important to know that our bodies make enzymes. While there are enzymes in food, they are quickly digested in the stomach when we eat them. Might enzymes help someone with digestion issues? Maybe. But for healthy people, evidence that they help weight loss is lacking.
The label says that 2 Skinny Fiber pills contain 260 mg of the following enzymes:
- Amylase (carbohydrate digesting enzyme)
- Protease (protein-digesting enzyme)
- Lipase (fat-digesting enzyme
- Glucoamylase (sugar-digesting enzyme)
- Papain (protein-digesting enzyme)
- Cellulase (carbohydrate digesting enzyme)
- Bromelain (protein-digesting enzyme)
One thing to remember is that enzymes that are eaten are quickly destroyed by the stomach's acidity soon after they are consumed. Because of that, those enzymes don't get into the blood to do anything.
Enzymes are safe and won't hurt anyone. They might add a little bit of protein but as for helping with weight loss, it would take human studies to know for sure.
How Much Sodium?
If you looked closely at the label above, you saw that 2 capsules contained “5 grams” (5000 mg) of sodium, which the label also indicates is less than 1% of the Daily Value for sodium. But 5 grams is not 1% of the Daily Value for sodium. In fact, 5 grams is far
more than most people should be consuming. Most medical experts advise people to keep sodium to 1500 mg to 2300 mg (1.5 to 2.3 grams). If Skinny Fiber really has 5g, this would put people way over what they should be getting.
Could this be a typo and that the product really has only 5 mg of sodium rather than 5 grams?
If I am wrong, and Skinny Fiber really has 5 grams of sodium (in only 2 capsules), then people watching their sodium intake should be aware of this.
Skinny Fiber Active Ingredients
Looking at the research on each of the ingredients in Skinny Fiber, I see two ingredients that might help people lose weight:
And of those two ingredients, I feel glucomannan has the most evidence.
Ingredients With Limited Evidence
No human weight loss evidence could be located or the following ingredients in Skinny Fiber:
- Enzymes
- Chá de Bugre
This review will be updated as it becomes available if the evidence is found. If anyone is aware of the evidence for any of these ingredients, please share in the comments below.
Skinny Fiber On TV
On January 22, 2014, Skinny Fiber was featured on The Balancing Act, a TV show on the LifeTime Network. The interview featured the CEO of Skinny Fiber and a woman named Kayla, who lost 40 pounds while taking the product. Kayla has a Facebook page where she lists she is a Skinny Fiber distributor. Nothing is wrong with this, but it was not mentioned in the Balancing Act segment.
In the Balancing Act interview, when speaking about why Kayla was able to 40 pounds, the company CEO said:
“The reason that this product was able to work is because the enzymes were able to get her body in a condition where losing weight was possible.”
But, as already mentioned above, there is a lack of evidence that enzymes help weight loss. In fact, the very name – “Skinny Fiber” – tells you that it's the fiber -not the enzymes- promoting weight loss.
Think about it, they don’t call it “Skinny Enzymes” do they? The simple answer is that Skinny Fiber is a fiber supplement.
Segments seen in the Balancing Act are called “Branded Entertainment Segments.” In other words, the segments feature different brands (products) in a way that is meant to both inform and entertain people.
When I called The Balancing Act, I was told that while the Skinny Fiber segments are not “infomercials,” the companies featured on the show do pay a “pre-production fee” prior to being on the show.
I was told that companies that do not pay this pre-production fee would probably not be featured on The Balancing Act.
So how is this not an infomercial?
There is nothing inherently wrong with this partnership between companies and broadcast media. I bring this up for those who didn’t know what they were watching.
Protandim has also been featured on The Balancing Act, so see that review for more information.
Skinny Fiber 90-Day Challenge
There is a Skinny Fiber 90-Day Challenge. To quote Ben Glinsky, in the Balancing Act interview, the reason for the 90-day challenge is that:
“the enzymes that we have in this product have to build in your body and until your body gets healthy enough with those enzymes to be able to let go of that extra fat, losing weight is almost impossible.”
What enzymes is he talking about? He doesn’t tell us.
In my opinion, the reason for the Skinny Fiber 90-Day Challenge is to get people to do something on a regular basis. If they do something regularly, it becomes a habit.
If people spend 90 days trying to lose weight, many of those people will be successful to some extent. There is nothing wrong with it. It gives people goals to aim for, and that is a good thing.
Many weight loss companies offer a “challenge” that lasts about 90 days or so. In my opinion, this can all be traced back to the book Body For Life by Bill Philips, which got people to exercise, eat well, and take supplements made by EAS (Bill Philips was the owner of EAS).
It was a win for people because many lost weight, and it was a win for EAS because they made a lot of money from people who purchased their supplements. For those who are curious, the supplement company, EAS, was later purchased by Abbot Labs, a pharmaceutical company.
How Much Does The 90-Day Challenge Cost?
Let's do the math for those who are thinking about doing the Skinny Fiber 90-day Challenge:
1 Bottle of skinny fiber costs $59.95. 1 Bottle has 120 capsules which is a 2-month supply (if taking only 2 pills per day). If you take 4 pills per day, a bottle of 120 pills will last a month (120 ÷ 4 = 30 days).
If taking 4 capsules per day the 90-day challenge would cost:
59.95 X 3 months = $179.95 (shipping and handling might be extra).
I believe glucomannan is the active ingredient in Skinny Fiber. And Glucomannan is a lot less expensive.
How Many Pills Per Day?
Some distributors advocate taking 2 capsules daily Skinny Fiber at least 30 minutes before eating. This should be done with the biggest meals of the day. For some, this might be 4 pills per day. Take pills with 1 -2 glasses of water.
As with any new supplement, it's best to start with less than is recommended. For example, starting with only 1 pill per day for the first week, followed by 2 pills the following week, and so on until reaching what the company recommends.
How Much Water?
People need to take Skinny Fiber with enough water to swallow the capsules completely. This is to ensure they don't get stuck in the throat. Drinking water during weight loss programs is also advocated because it can also help curb appetite.
Water is good, although it should be remembered that drinking so much water drinking too much is not always the best. There is a medical condition called hyponatremia (high-poe-nay-tree-me-ah). Also called “water intoxication.” This condition results when too much water is consumed.
Basically, the water consumed dilutes the electrolytes in the blood. This can cause headaches, fatigue, confusion and even loss of consciousness. In rare cases, people have died from hyponatremia. This very rare condition is mentioned not to scare anyone, but to rather give people something to think about if they encounter advice that places an unusually high emphasis on drinking water while taking weight loss supplements.
As a rough estimate, aim to drink half your body weight in water per day. So, for someone who is 180 pounds, this would be 90 oz per day. Looking at the color of your urine can also give an indication too. Yellow urine might mean you are becoming dehydrated.
While the urine test is popular, it should be remembered that the vitamin riboflavin can also make urine look yellow too. Those who are taking multivitamins should check how much riboflavin is present if using the urine test for hydration. Skinny Fiber does not have riboflavin.
Does It Contain Caffeine?
Skinny fiber has no caffeine or other stimulants. It is basically a fiber pill supplement.
Does It Contain Gluten?
Skinny Fiber appears to be gluten-free.
Is It Organic?
There is no mention of whether or not Skinny Fiber is organic.
Does Skinny Fiber Contain HCG?S
Skinny Fiber does not contain the HCG hormone or any other hormones. Here is the review of HCG diet research for those who want to know more about this.
Skinny Fiber vs. Metamucil
As stated above, it is believed that glucomannan (konjac root extract) is the main active ingredient in Skinny Fiber. Metamucil is another fiber supplement that is marketed to help people lose weight. Metamucil contains a fiber called psyllium. As mentioned in the Metamucil review, there are studies that psyllium fiber can help with weight loss too.
So what's better: Skinny Fiber or Metamucil? At this time, there are no head-to-head- clinical studies comparing these products to each other. There are also no studies comparing glucomannan fiber to psyllium fiber either for weight loss.
Could the other ingredients in Skinny Fiber make it better? Of course, it's possible. But that would take clinical studies to prove.
Skinny Fiber Customer Complaints
When looking at online complaints about any product, ask yourself if what you are reading is reasonable or not. For example, someone might complain that they did not receive a product on time. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person complaining and ask yourself if what they are saying would be a problem for you.
The Skinny Fiber Lawsuit
In the comments section below, I was made aware of a lawsuit involving Skinny Fiber. It appears to involve another company called Master Strategies LLC which it said, owns the trademark to Skinny Fiber. Instead of going into detail here, I'll just refer you to the bloggers website to read more about this. Update. It appears the judge has dismissed this lawsuit.
Skinny Fiber Side Effects
Skinny Fiber is likely very safe for most healthy people. That said, here are a few things to consider if you are not healthy. This list is not complete.
- Stop taking Skinny Fiber at least 2 weeks before having surgery.
- Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Drink sufficient water to completely swallow the pills. This is to reduce the chance of choking if the capsules get stuck in the throat. This is a remote chance but it should be kept in mind. Remember, glucomannan expands when it comes in contact with liquids.
- One mouse study noted that at very high levels, Chá de Bugre might break chromosomes. That would be bad if it did because it might lead to conditions like cancer. However, another mouse study noted that Cha de Bugre – both alone and when combined with Spirulina – did not have any effect on chromosomes. Better research should be done to resolve this issue.
Skinny Fiber And Breast Feeding?
Women who are breastfeeding to speak to their doctor about the supplements they take. This is because of the possibility that some supplements may pass from the mom to the baby in the breast milk. It's probably wise to not use this product while they are breastfeeding.
Who Makes Skinny Fiber?
The company is called Skinny Body Care and its website is SkinnyBodyCare.com. This website now redirects to another site called Valentus which has its own dietary supplement line. Update. The Skinny Body Care website no longer appears to be working.
The company address was 341 W 6100 S Murray, UT 84107. MS #1420.
423 Bussen Underground Rd St. Louis, MO 63129.
It's not known if these addresses are still valid.
How to Return Skinny Fiber?
The contact page of the product website does not list a phone number. They do, however, list this US address: 423 Bussen Underground Rd St. Louis, MO 63129. This address corresponds to a company called United Fulfillment Center. This company may take orders and ship Skinny Fiber to customers. The phone number to the fulfillment center is 314.894.3200.
This address is different than the original address found for this product: MS #1420 341 W 6100 S Murray, UT 84107. For those who purchased Skinny Fiber from a distributor, it's best to get return information from the distributor rather than just send the product back for a refund. There may be extra steps needed to return the product.
Does Skinny Fiber Work?
Skinny Fiber is a fiber supplement. Because it uses a type of fiber that has been shown to help weight loss, I would not be surprised if some people said it worked. The main active ingredient in Skinny Fiber is likely glucomannan (konjac fiber). Depending on cost, that might be the lesser expensive way to go.
Heres glucomannan/konjac on Amazon
I take SF for 9 days and lose 3lbs to 5lbs, but I stop taking to now bec I did not lose fats instead Body WATER that could put me into a shock and might not able to revive.
The best way to lose weight is eating right and exercise. Simple as that. Thanks Joe for the review. I too will be passing on the SF
You are right, Tanya. I agree. I have asked some of the SF distributors on facebook what happens after they stop taking it. Each has responded that no one has reached their desired goal yet. Well, I can tell ya, just like stop eating right and exericising….you will gain it back. And NO I am not dissing SF and neither did Joe.
Thank you so much for all the research you have done. I am the same way I dissect things like you do I just do not take someone at their word, now thanks to you I WILL NOT BE purchasing skinny fiber.
Linda, I’m just glad I was able to offer some useful info as you as you did your own research.
Joe
Just wanted to say thanks for what I found to be both informative and interesting information. Like everyone else I’ve seen SF popping up all over FB and wondered whether it was worth a try. I admit straight up, im skeptical of any of these “amzing weight loss” products. my theory is if it were that great and safe too, doctors would be recommending it to everyone, but i admit i did find the SF stories intriguing. so many people seem to be having success!
Yours is the first of many reviews I’m sure ill read on it, as its captured my attention, at least for now lol … What concerns me with all these type of products is there is no information available about long term effects, especially a little disturbing knowing that in the 1920s cigarettes were marketed as an appetite suppressant!!
Oh well back to the treadmill… It might not be a quick fix, but damn it its safe and honest 🙂
Chunky, happy to help and have fun on the treadmill 🙂
It’s hard to believe so many people are upset at the review. What I understood from your review was that two of the ingredients were proven to aid in weight loss, one more-so than the other, but still both. You mentioned one ingredient as possibly risky, but that it is a low dose in SF. To me, this means SF may work for many people. I did not feel you were bashing the product.
But, since I am looking for the most economical way to improve my weight loss, I decided to purchase the two ingredients that appear effective and at a much lower price than SF. Glucomannan & Caralluma. Hoping it helps, but if not, I’m only out a small amt of $.
Alina, thanks for that and I do hope it helps.
Joe, thanks for providing what appears to me to be a very unbiased review of Skinny Fiber. I have been hearing about this on FB and thinking maybe I would try it, because so many people on this one page keep saying how wonderful it is. I decided to do a little research first, and yours is the first review I just happened to click on, and will be the last because all of my questions have been answered just reading your review and the comments.
I think rather than waste my money on yet another “miracle pill”, I’ll go back to what I know works – drink more water, eat more fruits and veggies, eliminate sugar and white flour and junk food with all their preservatives, etc. etc. etc. It’s not easy, but it’s the only sure-fire way to lose weight and stay healthy. Thanks for the wake-up call!
Kathryn, thank you for the nice words and I’m glad I was able to answer your questions.
Thank you Joe for your input. i have been on a weightloss journey for 24 months now doing only exercising and “eating clean”. i have lost 103 pounds with no powders, pills, potions, special diets or surgeries. just hard work and like i said eating clean. i am 43 years old and a mother of 4 sons and grandmother of 1, and i have no thyroid which makes my weight loss seem so extremely SLOW! i admit, i am human, i am always looking for the next “miracle pill” or something that will help – yes, i admit that, but i also won’t take anything until i read all reviews NOT FROM THE SITES THEMSELVES because obviously why would they put something negative on their own site – that would be “dumb” in their eyes. anyway. thank you for your research, and this will be another one that i will stay away from and until that newer, better and greater thing comes out, i will continue to sweat it out at the gym and continue to eat clean.
Tamara, congrats on lowing 104 pounds! That is fantastic! I understand it may seem frustrating at times but you really did lose weight the healthy way. I did some math and your weight loss came out to an average of 4 pounds per month which is very good. Slow and steady wins the race 🙂
Thank you again so much Joe – encouragement is so much appreciated because with how slow this journey is – discouragement sure does creep in and try and take ahold, but sheer determination, will, drive and a whole lot of prayer is what keeps me going. thank you again for those words of encouragement that i AM DOING this the right and healthy way – we all want that miracle pill, that quick fix, the microwave society, but good things come to those who wait, and work their “tails” off. have a wonderful day Joe – again you are very much appreciated.
Tamara, you are very kind! You have a fantastic day also 🙂
Joe,
Thanks for doing all the research. I think you did provide an objective overview. If the research is missing and/or not there, why would I put it in my body? There have been too many “miracle” pills out there touted to help you lose weight that have destroyed people’s bodies…fen-phen being one of them, that my doctor pushed for me to take. I am glad I stopped short of heart valve damage like most other people had. Being skeptical helps you weigh the potential risk involved. I applaud your article and appreciate the information you’ve presented.
Ann, thanks, I appreciate that – and I’m really glad you are ok 🙂
Joe, thank you for your honesty here about SF.. I have seen this product on FB, but I needed to get more solid information.. All the “reviews” could very easily be bogus. It is all one sided, the side of SF being so great. No critical reviews, which is just suspect. So, thanks again for your unbiased breakdown about SF. Some of us don’t have extra money to purchase something and then not be able to get a refund if or when it doesn’t work.
msmerquin, you are very welcome 🙂
I have been considering purchasing SF but as a nurse I want “evidence based” before taking something for weight loss. I did not feel that you were trying to tear down SF but merely presenting the evidence you found. I will not take the word of someone earning a paycheck from this product since they are biased.
As for the claims of this curing medical conditions… As you lose weight some conditions will improve naturally. Blood sugar levels improve, high blood pressure will decrease because of less work on the heart, sleep patterns improve for many reasons (decreased apnea, less work on the body, better breathing leads to better oxygenation of the blood..etc) thyroid levels can improve and the list goes on and on.
I appreciate your research and it has given me more to research myself. Those that are attacking you seem to be the ones selling this product. I however will continue my research for unbiased, evidence based reviews
Deb, thanks for the feedback and I agree with your assessment of what happens when people lose weight. Have a great day! 🙂
i have been taking Skinny Fiber for about 6 weeks and prior to taking it I did my own sort of research.. I took the list of ingredients to my Doc as well as to my pharmacist as it is really the pharmacist that are aware of any interactions and side effects that could be caused by the ingred. They both told me that they don’t see anything wrong with me taking it.. I am on meds for Thyroid and high cholesterol.
As for the part of being a distributor..i may be one as i have registered for that, I do not push the product but I tell everyone that they should take it to both their Dr. and pharmacist before starting to see if it is right for them.. I have only lost 6 lbs in 6 weeks but bloating, cravings have stopped and I have edema also.
Charlene, I’m really happy for you that you lose 6 lbs in 6 weeks and I hope it continues. Despite what your doctor and pharmasist told you, Id bet if you told them the mouse study showing Chá de Bugre breaks chromosomes, they would change their mind about that ingredient. Did your edema begin after you started taking Skinny Fiber?
My mom has a friend that has lost 46 lbs so far in this, so we’re now trying it. I would not have spent the money I’d I didn’t know someone personally that’s taken it.
Kassie, I hope it works for you. Keep me posted on your progress.
Just because you think “MS” means mail stops here doesn’t mean it does!!!! Stop putting a damper on things.
Denise you are correct. I was assuming this based on what someone told me in another reivew I did where the address also had an MS in it. Because you may be correct, and I dont want to assume things, I have amended that part of my review. Do you know what MS stands for in the SF address?
joe thanks for the info on Skinny Fiber, i have diabetes and i look what the ingredients are Glucomannan is really bad for people like me . you probably saved my life also heard once you stop this skinny fiber you gain every thing back,, so thank you
Sims, I’m glad I could help you!
That is interesting about the diabetes and being bad for you. I am pre-diabetic and my doctor reviewed the ingredients and said it was fine for me to take.
Vicki, Ill assume that was a unique case, I have not seen any studies showing that the ingredients are “bad” for diabetics.
As a diabetic, I would rather not “take the chance”.
Vicki – (Pre-diabetes) Prediabetes is the state in which some but not all of the diagnostic criteria for diabetes are met. It is often described as the “gray area” between normal blood sugar and diabetic levels. …as per Wikipedia – anyway, your doctor may not have been concerned with your choice of weight loss aid because by losing weight you decrease your chance at becoming a true diabetic and with there not being enough scientific and medical (none in fact) studies on SF your doctor had no basis on negative or positive side effects to your diabetic state.
Joe, did you even try Skinny Fiber when doing this review? Or is this just based on info you found??
KandisKai, I wanted to look only at the evidence on the product or ingredients as I feel this would be more useful to people.
And I would not expect you to have tried it, when I want to know how people are finding it I ask people using it, when I want to ask or look for evidence of ingredients I would check this sort of site
I can say that I don’t think it works, I know it works. I have been taking it with plenty of water and have seen amazing improvements!! I have to remind myself to eat and never in my 41 years of life had I had to remind myself to eat. It really seems to help my cravings as well. I don’t have crazy cravings like I once did. I have struggled with my weight my entire life and after 41 years on this planet coming from a high weight of 325 pounds ago. I can honestly say I am smaller now at 172 than I ever was.
bought it. it did not work. i find it odd all these people raving about it, are connected to it. i did not get my money back. very disappointed in it. thank you for a honest review. wish I read it before I bought it.
Leslie, sorry you were unable to get your money back.
Joe, what pill did you recomend the most? Thanks,
Denia, I really try not to recommend things. I prefer to present the research and let people make a choice.
Joe, I’m not sure where all of the attacks are deriving from, but obviously the people who are attacking you because you stated the facts with research studies as backing do not understand the importance of taking research to heart instead of falling for the okie doke because the truth may be a reality that they just don’t want to accept.
In other words, “who cares if there is a harmful and unnecessary ingredient in the product, if it will make me lose weight then I’m willing to take that chance” is obviously how many people who read your review feels. You never bashed SF one time in your review. Not once! You only revealed research on the ingredients and left it up to the individual’s discretion. Well done on your review and I appreciate your courage and willingness to share it.
Shirley, Thank you very much. I appreciate that 🙂
My distributor contacted me and send the info to return for a refund. The same info I got From cc
I am sorry that your distributor took so long to help you, Marjorie. Skinny Fiber is like anything else… It either works or it doesn’t. For me, it worked.. Unfortunately for you, it didn’t.
I always recommend customers to bring the label to their doctor before starting anything new. I hate that you didn’t do that, and didn’t seek advice from your doctor when you started having issues. It could have been Skinny Fiber, but it could have been something else as well.
Either way, I hope you have a great day. Good luck with your weight loss journey outside of Skinny Fiber.
Hey Joe. Of course I am here to say that I love Skinny Fiber, as pretty much all distributors will say. I’m not saying that because I am selling it. I am saying that because I have actually lost weight from it. I was skeptical and didn’t think it would work. I did a lot of research myself, one in which was this article.
I just feel I can’t ‘not’ like something until I try it… If that made sense. So I went ahead and tried it. Sure it was expensive, but it didn’t bother me much because there was a money back guarantee. (After you purchase, you have access to all Product Return Addresses which are in Germany, Canada, Australia, and here in the US.) So my thought was, “Well, if it doesn’t work, at least I tried!” And I’d be getting all my money back for trying it!
Research is great. Like I said before, I did it myself, using your site as one. It is good that people are doing their research before buying anything that is put into your body!
Good research… Bad research… Either way, Skinny Fiber has helped me lose weight, for which I am happy about. If it didn’t, I would have gotten my money back and moved on to try something else. SF has helped many, yet there are those who it doesn’t help. It’s like taking Tylenol for a headache. Tylenol doesn’t help everyone.
First you make sure it’s safe… Then you try it… It’ll either work or it won’t. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, get your money back! 🙂
Have a great day, Joe!
Sarabeth, Im happy that SF has helped you. Just a thought regarding what you said about SF being safe. I mean no disrespect but dont you think there should be proof that Chá de Bugre doesn’t damage chromosomes in people before its put in a supplement?
Since there seems to be no proof that Chá de Bugre does anything to help people lose weight, why not just take it out?
It’s kind of like saying, why don’t they just leave Arsenic out of cigarettes, since it’s on the market for people to buy. Same goes for fast food.. Well, food in general.
When I did my research, I didn’t find anything that’s worse than what the FDA allows in our foods.
When it comes to Chá de Bugre, the research I found showed that there’s not enough known about it to know if there are any safety concerns or if it is safe to take, yet it is used to treat cellulite, cough, fluid retention (edema), gout, cancer, herpes, viral infections, fever, and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It is also used as a general tonic to improve blood circulation and heart function in Brazil.
I’d take a natural, chemical free supplement over what the FDA says any day 🙂
Sarabeth, I’m sure you dont mean to equate Cha de Burge to arsenic so I won’t pursue that.
If there not enough to know the safety of Cha de Burge, then again, why is it in the product – especially if there is no known weight loss benefits?
Really, Joe? Cha de Burge equivalent to Arsenic, obviously you didn’t comprehend the sarcastic comparison.
Orally, Cha de Bugre is used for weight loss and obesity, cellulite, cough, edema, gout, cancer, herpes, viral infections, fever, and cardiovascular disease. It is also used as a general tonic to stimulate circulation and heart function. Topically, Cha de Bugre is used for wound healing. It’s been used in Brazil for years.
In Brazil, Cha de Burge is botanically classified as Cordia salicifolia. Check pubmed.gov for that one. There hasn’t been any research studies written about weight loss, but there are positives that you would probably not note.
I will not be giving your website any more hit words, with my comments.
You, being a self-proclaimed ‘ supplement investigator’, should know that you need to look up all names associated with a supplement before giving such bad reviews.
Thank you for sharing your opinion piece with the world.
Sarabeth, I wasn’t sure you were being sarcastic about arsenic or not and that’s why I didn’t really pursue it. That said, I dont feel that my showing what I felt were the active ingredients (based on the research I could find on the ingredients) constitutes a bad review. Yes I gave my opion on what I felt the active ingredients are but I backed it up with research on those ingredients.
Sarabeth, if you re-read my review you will see that I listed Cordia salicifolia as alternative name for Cha de Burge. I still found nothing for weight loss for this when I searched pub med.
I’m not perfect and I’m very open to the possibility I am wrong if you care to discuss this. Just show me studies (not websites that say it works without showing proof) on cha de burge causing weight loss in people. If you can find them on pub med, I’d be very interested to take a look at them.
I have tried sf… I did not add anything new nor did I remove anything from my diet! the third day on sf I managed to gain 10lbs. all of this was in my feet, ankles, legs and stomach! I was very concerned about this without thinking about sf to be the cause. I had drank quite a bit of water during this time.. I took pictures off the swollen areas and sent to my niece who is a dr. I did not mention sf to her because I didn’t think about it.
I stopped taking the sf the third day of the swelling. this was on Monday I finally “came back to normal today and was 15lbs lighter. I’m not blaming sf for the swelling and im not giving it credit for the weight loss. I’M JUST SAYING……… so on to today. I went thru all emails to discover not email from my order. looked in box for a way to contact co. NO GO!
Ok I went to FB were the distributor has become my best friend and sent on a comment from her post to please contact me I needed to talk privately. NO GO! not only that but when I checked later to see if she had hit like which she does to all comments she hadn’t only not hit it it wasn’t there!
I looked on my page and yep I sent a comment and she took it off before it got to her page> and no she hasn’t contacted me! NOW WHAT? oh yea you can the credit care company you used to order this fine product! they will give you are phone # which I wont post because I don’t want someone else to get all the nice phone calls….. but wait when you call they cant come to the phone because everyone is soooooo busy taking new orders! you can send an email.
please if you haven’t tried, don’t! save money and go to a health food store and get ing they will tell you don’t want to do that cuz you don’t know what your talking! BUT GUESS WHAT? WITH SF YOU STILL DONT KNOW!
and for sarabeth there is no info anywhere on how to return for a refund! my next call will be the atty gen!
We are real people, we are not fake. We sell this because we believe in it! I am proud to be a Skinny Fiber Distrubitor. 🙂
Joe,
I happen to be using Skinny Fiber, LOVE it, have lost 26lbs since beginning it July 14th (now Sept.5), and for as much as you try to tear it all down, it does work. As for it causing chromosome damage, you yourself stated that Skinny Fiber could not possibly have the amounts it would need to do so.
I loved this product so much that I began selling it and it’s funny to see all the attempts to tear it apart. There is no mystery, headquarters are in Texas, manufacturing is in Utah and yes it does come factory sealed…oh and BTW…we are not allowed to sell Skinny Fiber on Amazon so what you see there are RIPOFFS and I would not suggest anyone buy them as you will not bet getting the real deal.
Barbara, glad SF has helped you but I must say that I have not tried to tear SF down. I just presented the research and nobody has been able to refute this so far.
About the chromosome damage, I do believe SF has only a little of Chá de Bugre but what amount might cause chromosome damage in people I don’t know. This was a mouse study and it did use more than is in SF. That said I didn’t say the amount of Chá de Bugre in SF wouldn’t do it. I just don’t know either way. Lets leave the chromosome damage alone then Barbara – I challenge you to show me a published peer reviewed study (not a website, a study) showing that Chá de Bugre helps people lose weight.
Since nobody has been able to prove to me that the stuff on Amazon isn’t authentic, Im sorry but I cant take your word for that.
Of course you can’t take my word on it Joe, you seem to be bent on dissing the product because of a study that found HUGE amounts of Cha de bugre caused chromosomal damage in MICE (we do not have a lot genetically in common with mice…last time I checked mice were rodents and we are human).
I would like to see your source for the mice study as well. Cha de bugre has been used in Brazil for several decades for many things including weight loss. and like many things like those found in Chinese herbal medicines there have been few studies on, but people still use them. Of those studies here are the findings:
Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
anticancerous, antiviral, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart)
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
appetite suppressant, cough suppressant, diuretic, febrifuge (reduces fever), stimulant, wound healer (Source: wellnessadvantage.com/Weight_Management/Slim_NRG/_chadebugre.php)
Funny but just because there is no scientist there to validate the figures, there are still thousands of people all around the world that have validated it’s benefits. There will always be skeptics like you out there to try to tear it down and that’s ok…to each his own. I use it, I like it, I do not fear the findings in mice and I have had huge success with it. It’s unfortunate you choose to talk so poorly of something you have neither tried or studied.
Barbara, I have not been dissing anyone but rather, just stating the facts that I found.
I linked the the cha de burge mouse/chromosome study in my review. I am the first to admit that its a mouse study and I noted that in my review and I also said that the amount used was a LOT more than is in SF also. I was completely honest about this. If I really was trying to be controversial, I would be using much stronger words than I did. I just want people to be aware of this.
you say that cha de burge has several decades of weight loss benefits with people. If it is really has been used successfully for decades, dont you think it would have caught the attention of somebody somewhere who might want to test if it really worked? Barbara, even the wellnessadvantage website you quoted still did not give any evidence that cha deburge helps weight loss.
Barbara, I’m not trying to make you angry, I’m just wondering why its in the product given that there is no proof that it works.
Good job Joe, you were fair and neutral. Bad marketing Barbara, you were obvious, defensive and did not respond in a way a typical user would, revealing you have some vested interest of some sort in this.
Wolf thanks, I’m happy I was able to help.
I didn’t see any place where he tried to “tear it down”. He gave a good review of the breakdown of the product.
Bev thanks, I appreciate that feedback 🙂
There are plenty of great reviews of Skinny Fiber, including mine, however, he seems to feel decades of use with no documented side effects aren’t good enough Bev. But, that’s ok, because what he chooses to criticize only leads his followers to allow him to make the decision for him and not get to reap the benefits of the product. Skinny Fiber will be on Lifetime’s show The Balancing Act~Health and Wellness Series beginning in January 2014. Perhaps you all should check it out for yourself.
Barbara, with all respect, skinny fiber has not been around for decades. I will be watching the Balancing Act.
I also noted, that Barbara, you must be selling skinny fiber, “oh and BTW…we are not allowed to sell Skinny Fiber on Amazon…” so of course you are going to give it a good review. I wouldn’t trust a review from someone who makes a living selling the product!
BTW Joe, I found this article very helpful, I was tempted to try skinny fiber, but have decided against it after I read this and the information in the provided links.
Rhianna, I’m glad you found my review and links helpful.