Researching a Weight Loss Product - How My Mind Works

Written by Michelle Melson Mock on Jun 1, 2012 1:45 pm

Someone recently asked my opinion about a particular weight loss product...

If you have followed my Michelle Melson Mock, MD page over on Facebook, you know I don't believe that there is a "silver bullet"…a "magic pill"…just one product that is a weight loss miracle. (I once heard someone say that if there was such a thing, Oprah would have told us about it!)

But I had not heard about this product before, so I wanted to learn more about it…

First off, I want to say that I don't often do product reviews, and I'm NOT going to mention the name of this particular weight loss product...so no need to scroll down looking for it.

That's not what this post is about. It is about me sharing the THOUGHT PROCESS I go through when I'm evaluating whether or not I would personally take a supplement, whether it is a weight loss supplement or some other health and wellness supplement.

I'd like to point out that the statements made on the website about the product have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. However, when you see something like this, it doesn't mean a product is unsafe or bad...

The reason the claims made and the product have not been evaluated by the FDA is because these types of products are not required to be regulated by the FDA. All products like these are required to publish this notice. However…

I have to say that I AM ALL ABOUT RESEARCH.

Just like when I went to med school and law school, I still like to see what the research shows.

I want to see *EVIDENCE BASED SCIENCE* to support a product, NOT just experience based stories (a.k.a. testimonials.)

When I went to this particular product's website, the RED FLAG went up for me...

I found absolutely NO RESEARCH on their weight loss product.

I only found personal testimonials. There was NO EVIDENCE BASED SCIENCE provided on this official company website about their proprietary blend of ingredients.

Wouldn't you like to know WHY the ingredients are supposed to do what it is they are claimed to do? I would.

ANOTHER RED FLAG went up when I saw statements by the website such as "smooth clean energy" and "kick you into gear" and "be energized" on the site. Then I looked at the product ingredients and noted the product contains caffeine. Personally, I like to stay away from caffeine because it is a stimulant, and I don't like experiencing the after-crash. But that's just me, and I understand if you love your morning cuppa coffee.

Now the amount of caffeine looks to be equal to one cup of coffee, but there is also cocoa and green tea extract. That *might* be additional caffeine, but it just isn't clear, AND...

That is ANOTHER RED FLAG for me…the site itself doesn't go into what each specific ingredient in the product is supposed to do. Based on my own research, I think I have an idea what they would claim some of the ingredients do. The website doesn't do much to educate the consumer.

Just for an FYI - The site lists "natural source ingredients" as: Vitamin B6, cocoa powder, chromium, spirulina, green tea extract, geranium flower, and "natural sourced caffeine." Also on the picture of the Supplements Facts label, these additional ingredients are listed: trace mineral complex, phenylethylamine, and vanadium.

I bet most of us would need to do an online search to figure out the benefits and risks of these ingredients. And that's actually okay...

Trust me...I'm going to confirm the research that a website gives me, but I'd still feel a lot more comfortable with the product if the website came out and shared research and ingredient info to support their product.

Otherwise, it feels like they're trying to hide something...even when they're not.

As a side note on weight loss...

My thought is that any product that suppresses appetite to where you are severely restricting calories, that's not a good thing. (And my appetite isn't what made me overweight, but I do understand some folks experience an increased appetite.)

Once you stop restricting, there's a good chance your weight will bounce back up. With restrictive dieting you lose fat, organ, and muscle tissue. If you gain the weight back, it is usually more fat which burns less energy. You need fewer calories to maintain this heavier weight than when you weighed that much before.

I also believe you will find more energy naturally as you move away from eating processed foods, fast foods, soda and lots of sugar.

If you plan on using any kind of supplement, even if it's natural, do your research and please consult with your trusted healthcare provider, especially if you are taking prescribed medication, over the counter medication, natural supplements, or have a medical condition. Even natural products may be toxic if taken in high enough doses.

P.S. If you think you recognize this product by the ingredients I listed, no need to give a testimonial here. If you are restricting and reducing your calories while using a stimulant, I'm sure you can lose weight. I really posted this for you to see my own thought process when I'm evaluating whether or not I would personally take a supplement. I just don't happen to believe that relying solely on a single product is the answer.

We need to change our lifestyle habits and our food choices for lasting health, wellness, and weight loss.

Here's to Taking Back Your HEALTH & Taking CONTROL of Your LIFE!

I'd love to hear how you go about researching a product to decide if it is something you want to use. Do personal testimonials make a difference for you? Where do you go to find out more information? Leave me a comment and let me know.

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