Multi-level marketing OTC.... save your money.

Yes to the above posts. I think over a year ago a few of my FB friends were going on about losing weight so easily and it was always a message me for details.... They did look very good, but now a year or so later, they have put the weight back on. I also believe it is multi level marketing which is a big turn off to me.

I know, I am sorry too that it is not what we have been hoping for- the MIRACLE.:)

I have a friend who has tried every single weight loss scheme out there. Literally everything but bariatric surgery. She's done Medifast, Isagenix, dozens of different MLM weight loss schemes, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, Weight Watchers, Zumba classes-she'll drop about 20 lbs then gain it plus. I think she had her best weight loss with Medifast, but she quit that after a few months and gained it back. She's also Type II diabetic but won't do what she needs to do to lose the weight. She takes medication instead.

I got notice from my health care team that my A1C was in the pre-diabetic range-that is super scary! So I started to change my diet-and so far I've lost almost 30 lbs. I just don't eat sweets, added sugar, extra carbs-and it's coming off. My last blood draw I was out of the pre-diabetes range! I'm going to keep at it-I need to lose more but I'm doing it the old fashioned way-healthy eating and exercise.

My BFF ran into an old friend who'd lost 50lbs-she was on some crazy scheme diet where she could only eat a super restrictive diet. It was utterly unsustainable. Sure, she lost 50lbs, but had to be miserable! I'm working on my BFF to eat sanely (she's another Type II diabetic) but she keeps carbs & candy in her home...she's not a fan of veggies & fruit. I've got her at least bringing healthier snacks with her to work and eating a lunch during the day instead of starving herself then gorging when she got home.

I wish there was an easy way to drop pounds-a pill or a drink-but nope. It's all about intake and output-fewer calories in-more calories out (burned) and you will lose weight.

I agree with the comments above. These MLM schemes are pure hype, and these "supplements" either do nothing to promote weight loss, and in worst case they may actually harm you.

I firmly believe that there is no pill, no powder, no formulation whatsoever that can really assist with weight loss in a healthy manner. It's all down to caloric consumption and caloric expenditure. I realize that sounds like an over-simplification, but it is what it is.

I'm not on FB, but am on Instagram and I'm so tired of the MLM crap. "I'm looking for THREE people today -- THREE people -- who want to change their lives forever!" ... "I never would have believed it unless I tried it myself, but IT WORKS WORKS!" ... Ugh. Spare me. ;-) ETA: I think the only way that these systems "work" is if they finally provide the motivation that a person needs to start making healthier choices all around. In that case, though, the supplements are still just a placebo, but the person taking them may decide that "this is IT" and the usage of these products becomes a springboard to a lifestyle change.

Thank you for answering everyone. I guess deep down I knew it was a gimmick but just thought I'd ask.

Neetsie, I agree with you on all accounts except Weight Watchers. I am a lifetime member. It works, as any diet does if you are diligent and actually follow it.

I think most people don't realize just how much they are eating. A simple sandwich can amount to hundred of calories. "All I ate for lunch was a sandwich!" But that was half your caloric intake for the day in that sandwich that you chose. Which on WW would not be recommended but still could be okay if you account for it.

It's all down to caloric consumption and caloric expenditure.

I think it is more complicated than that, and most people gain lost weight back. Not because they are weak willed, but because there is information about metabolism set points and hormones such as insulin that science is only beginning to understand.

Dr. Jason Fung has good explanations on the internet from general to particular. The most general one is that if one simply cuts calories but continues frequency of eating, the body will drop its metabolism rate and this drop can last for a long time, making a weight regain oh so easy.

Actually two of my sisters use it successfully. They each lost 25 pounds and it's been two years of eating healthy and no weight gain. Just saying.

I also have heard success stories. I have a friend who did this program. It's not just supplements, there's meal replacement and the "real" meals eaten are healthy eating. Along that line I have several friends who have lost a sizeable amount of weight using the Advocare line. I have two different friends who now sell the products in order to get the lower costs for themselves. One of these gals did not need to lose a pound, says the supplements make her feel better, more energy, etc. She works with preschool kids and need the energy I guess! My close friend did this program and the supplements are alot of vitamins, etc. He loved the spark drink, as have many. I was interested in that, but it has caffeine. But I think that line in particular has helped many get off soft drinks, offers healthy snack options (bars, etc.) and your regular meals are healthy. I think some people need a program like this to get them started. Even though we all should know how to eat healthy, I think the advocare (in particular because I know several who have used it - all successfully) helps in this. Two of my friends who have lost big amounts are men and one has kept it off probably 5 years. His wife successfully used it after two of her pregnancies. Yes, it probably is expensive, but if it is what works for some people, and is healthy, then I don't see a problem.