“Decrease body fat

Instant Response

Control Appetite

Lasting Energy” (TFuel Hardcore package).

This TFuel Hardcore review finds TFuel Hardcore is a waste of your time and money; there is NO reason to believe it will lead to weight loss.

TFuel Hardcore Ingredients

• Vitamin B3 does not cause weight loss.
• Vitamin B12 does not cause weight loss.
• Pyridoxine HCL
• Chromium (from Chromium Polynicotinate) has shown varying results in clinical trials.
• Pantothenic Acid (as d-calcium pantothenate)
• Thiamin has healthy benefits but does not cause weight loss.
• Caffeine Anhydrous does contribute to weight loss, but TFuel Hardcore fails to list how much caffeine it contains.
• Synephrine HCL is an effective diet pill, but the important aspect with Synephrine is the concentration contained (the higher the concentration the better). TFuel Hardcore diet pills do not reveal the concentration contained.
• Vinpocetine helps treat age-related memory problems; it does not cause weight loss.
• Rhodiola Rosea (Rosavins) is a mood enhancing ingredient; it does not cause weight loss.
• L-Tyrosine contributes to weight loss when taken in doses of 500 to 1500 mg per day. It is highly unlikely that TFuel Hardcore contains enough Tyrosine to cause weight loss.
• Schizandra Chinensis
• L-Taurine is supposed to increase energy, but research has failed to back up this claim.
• St. Johns Wort
• Ginger Root
• Magnolia Bark (Honokiol)
• Green Tea Leaf (Polyphenols) is an effective diet pill ingredient, but the amount contained is hidden.
• L-Phenylaline is a good diet pill ingredient, but again TFuel Hardcore fails to list how much Phenylalanine it contains.
• Valerian Root
• Passion Flower
• Octopamine HCL has not been proven to cause weight loss.
• Glucoronolactone
• 5 HTP (5 Hydroxy-L-tryptophan) is a mood enhancer; it does not directly contribute to weight loss.
• Evodiamine has been shown to contribute to weight loss in rodents, but more human research is needed.
• Hoodia Gordonii, despite what many diet pill companies claim, does NOT contribute to weight loss.
• Resveratrol
• Chocamine needs more research to determine if it is an effective weight loss ingredient.

Do not be impressed by this excessive list of ingredients. TFuel Hardcore diet pills do contain some effective ingredients, but they fail to mention how much of each ingredient is included. This is usually because there is just a trace amount of each ingredient included. There is no reason to believe TFuel Hardcore will actually cause weight loss.

The TFuel Hardcore package claims it contains “patented ingredients.” The truth is that these ingredients are included in dozens of diet pills; TFuel Hardcore is nothing special.

TFuel Hardcore Price

TFuel Hardcore diet pills cost $59 for 120 capsules. If you take the recommended dose of 6 capsules per day, one bottle will last 20 days. This is very expensive for a diet pill.

Who is behind TFuel Hardcore?

After searching online, the only place we found to buy on TFuel Hardcore diet pills was on Ebay. There is no mention of who manufacturers TFuel Hardcore. It is not even listed on the packaging. This is a huge red flag. There is no guarantee with TFuel Hardcore. Don’t bother with this product; there are just too many unknowns, including manufacturer and ingredient amounts.

TFuel Hardcore Conclusion

This TFuel Hardcore review finds TFuel Hardcore is nothing more than another diet pill out to get your money. Not only does TFuel Hardcore hide how much of each ingredient is included, they do not even disclose the name of the manufacturer. If you really want to lose weight, go with a diet pill that includes proven ingredients in the necessary amounts.

Hydroxycitric Acid Update

On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut-branded products. Over more than 7 years they have received 23 reports of health related issues with those taking Hydroxycut-branded products. The main health concern appears to be serious liver-related problems. Iovate Health Sciences Inc., the makers of Hydroxcut, have voluntarily recalled all of the products under question in the FDA’s report

Common symptoms of liver complications include:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• brown urine
• light colored stools
• unusual tiredness
• stomach pain
• itching
• loss of appetite
• weakness
• vomiting

In light of the recent FDA warning concerning the possible dangers of Hydroxycut-branded diet pills, many believe that the associated health risks are likely due to the inclusion of the commonly used ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. And while according to the FDA, “The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.” you can never be too cautious.

So, while further study and research is needed to confirm the link between HCA and the liver problems, until proven otherwise any products that contain HCA are no longer recommended on this website.

AmbiSlim PM Ingredients

AmbiSlim PM contains a proprietary blend of the following ingredients:

Decaffeinated Green Tea–Green tea has been shown to contribute to weight loss due to the caffeine it contains. Thus, This AmbiSlim PM review finds the Decaffeinated Green Tea in AmbiSlim PM diet pills will not cause weight loss.

Slimaluma is made of Caralluma Fimbriata Extract. There has not been sufficient research done on Caralluma Fimbriata Extract.

Chromium Polynicotinate has shown varying results in clinical trials. Some studies have found it contributes to weight loss while other studies have found it does not.

Magnolia Bark

Guggulsterone is supposed to increase thyroid function, leading to weight loss. However, more research is needed to prove this.

Dandelion Root

Coleus Forskohlii has been shown to contribute to weight loss. Unfortunately, AmbiSlim PM includes Coleus Forskohlii in a proprietary blend, so there is no way of knowing if there is enough of it to contribute to weight loss.

Garcinia Cambogia contains HCA, which has been proven to contribute to weight loss. However, AmbiSlim PM does not list how much garcinia cambogia it contains.

Cinnamon Extract is supposed to help control blood sugar, but research has not proven this.

Valerian Root promotes restful sleep.

Hops flower

Jujube Extract

Passion Flower promotes restful sleep.

Phenibut

Chamomile Extract

Ashwagandha

Melatonin promotes restful sleep.

AmbiSlim PM Cost

A one month supply of AmbiSlim PM diet pills costs $19.99. The AmbiSlim PM website claims this saves you $40 per bottle. This is a common tactic among diet pill companies; they want you to think you are getting a great deal so you will buy their product. Don’t be tricked into buying AmbiSlim PM. AmbiSlim PM contains only a couple proven ingredients, and the amounts of these ingredients are not disclosed. Thus, any amount of money for AmbiSlim PM is too much.

AmbiSlim PM Guarantee

AmbiSlim PM offers a 30 day money back guarantee. We would really prefer to see a 90 day guarantee, and be assured you will use the AmbiSlim PM guarantee if you buy it.

AmbiSlim PM Conclusion

This AmbiSlim PM review finds AmbiSlim PM is nothing to write home about. It is a typical diet pill–it contains a couple proven ingredients but fails to mention how much of those ingredients are included. Don’t get stuck with a diet pill you regret; look for a diet pill that contains clinically proven ingredients in the necessary amounts. Look through our recommended products for some good options.

Xylestril Ingredients

Xylestril diet pills contain the following ingredients (although they do not list how much of each ingredient is included):

• Chocolate is a mood enhancer, but has not been directly linked to weight loss.
• Green tea is proven to increase metabolic function, leading to weight loss. Xylestril fails to disclose how much green tea it contains, making it impossible for this Xylestril review to determine if there is enough green tea to be effective.
• Cinnamon has been used for many years to regulate blood sugar. Unfortunately, there is no research to prove this.
• Soy is supposed to reduce the symptoms of menopause; again, there is no research to substantiate this.
• Ginger root reduces nausea and vomiting.
• Kelp
• L-Tyrosine synthesizes protein, leading to weight loss. However, for L-Tyrosine to be effective, you have to take 500 to 1500 mg per day. It is extremely unlikely that Xylestril contains enough L-Tyrosine to be effective.
• Dong quai is supposed to balance Estrogen and increase sex drive. There is no research to prove this.
• Damiana, when combined with Guarana and Yerba Mate, has been shown to contribute to weight loss. However, Damiana has not been proven on its own.
• Wild Yam
• Avena sativa
• Mother’s wort
• Blessed thistle
• Fennel seed
• Fenugreek
• Magnolia bark
• Elderberry
• Passion Flower promotes restful sleep.
• Raspberries–Raspberry ketones have proven to induce weight loss in mice. However, no human studies have been done.

Only a few of the ingredients in Xylestril diet pills have been proven to contribute to weight loss. Xylestril fails to list how much of each ingredient is included (probably because there is too little of each ingredient to be effective) so it is impossible to know what effect Xylestril will have on weight loss.

Xylestril Cost

Xylestril diet pills $39.99 for 90 capsules (with a discount for buying in bulk). If you take the recommended 4 capsules per day, one bottle will last about 22 days. In other words, you will spend about $53 per month on Xylestril. Although this is a fairly average price for a diet pill, it is too much to spend. There is NO evidence that Xylestril will cause weight loss.

Xylestril Guarantee

Xylestril has a 90-day guarantee. We like that they give 90 days, but they only give refunds for unopened bottles. In other words, if you buy only one bottle and it does not work, you cannot return it.

Xylestril Marketing

Xylestril wants you to believe this is a new, spectacular product; it isn’t. There are multiple fat burners out there specifically for women. Xylestril is nothing new and it is not any different from so many other diet pills, despite what their testimonials claim.

Xylestril Conclusion

This Xylestril review finds that Xylestril diet pills are more of the same thing we see over and over–mediocrity. They hide how much of each ingredient is included and make outrageous claims that they could never back up. If you are serious about losing weight, look through our recommended products; they contain proven ingredients in clinically proven amounts.

Hydroxycitric Acid Update

On May 1, 2009 the FDA issued a warning to consumers to stop taking Hydroxycut-branded products. Over more than 7 years they have received 23 reports of health related issues with those taking Hydroxycut-branded products. The main health concern appears to be serious liver-related problems. Iovate Health Sciences Inc., the makers of Hydroxcut, have voluntarily recalled all of the products under question in the FDA’s report

Common symptoms of liver complications include:

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
• brown urine
• light colored stools
• unusual tiredness
• stomach pain
• itching
• loss of appetite
• weakness
• vomiting

In light of the recent FDA warning concerning the possible dangers of Hydroxycut-branded diet pills, many believe that the associated health risks are likely due to the inclusion of the commonly used ingredient Hydroxycitric Acid, or HCA. And while according to the FDA, “The agency has not yet determined which ingredients, dosages, or other health-related factors may be associated with risks related to these Hydroxycut products. The products contain a variety of ingredients and herbal extracts.” you can never be too cautious.

So, while further study and research is needed to confirm the link between HCA and the liver problems, until proven otherwise any products that contain HCA are no longer recommended on this website.

Herbalean PM Ingredients

Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate is supposed to increase the production of the growth hormone. However, there has only been one study to substantiate this claim; more research is needed.

Hoodia Gordonii is overhyped and overused. There is NO scientific evidence to show that hoodia gordonii actually contributes to weight loss.

Chamomile Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) comes from the fruit Garcinia Cambogia. HCA has been proven to contribute to weight loss.

Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG) 5-HTP is an amino acid which mood enhancing effects.

Gymnema helps control blood sugar levels. Valerian promotes restful sleep.

Theanine is an amino acid which is supposed to reduce stress responses. There are no studies directly linking Theanine consumption with weight loss.

Pyruvate can increase metabolic rate. However, subjects in the studies proving this took 36 grams of Pyruvate daily. Herbalean PM does not disclose how much Pyruvate is contained in the formula, but odds are you would have to take dozens of Herbalean PM diet pills per day to equal the amount of Pyruvate in the study. (DO NOT TAKE MORE HERBALEAN PM PILLS THAN RECOMMENDED!)

Passionflower, or maypop promotes restful sleep.

Banaba has been proven to lower blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, Herbalean PM fails to list how much Banaba is included in their formula.

Hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP) is basically gelatin. You might as well eat jello; it would have the same effect.

Magnolia bark

Herbalean PM Claims

The Herbalean PM website claims Herbalean PM does the following: “* Promotes loss of fat and inches * Supports weight loss * Promotes lean muscle development * Supports overall fitness * Supports increased energy and stamina * Promotes better sleep * Helps shorten workout recovery time * Enhances body’s ability to rejuvenate and repair itself” (website).

This Herbalean PM review finds that while Herbalean PM may serve as a sleeping aid, there is NO proof that it will cause weight loss. Herbalean PM does contain some proven ingredients, but since the amounts of these ingredients are not listed, there is no way of knowing how effective Herbalean PM will be at causing weight loss. Herbalean PM Dosage The Herbalean PM website gives the following dosgae directions for Herbalean PM diet pills: “Start with two capsule in the evening before bedtime and drink 8oz of water. Do not exceed 2 capsules daily. Remember to drink 8 – 10 glasses of water each day”.

Herbalean PM Cost

One bottle of Herbalean PM diet pills costs $34.95. If you take the recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day, one bottle will last one month. This is not expensive as diet pills go, but since Herbalean PM fails to disclose how much of each ingredient is included in the formula, this Herbalean PM review finds Herbalean PM is too expensive.

Herbalean PM Guarantee

According to their website, Herbalean PM has a 30-day 100% money back guarantee. Unlike many other diet pill companies, Herbalean PM will give refunds for open bottles. We like that they will take back open bottles, but we would like to see more than a 30-day guarantee.

Herbalean PM Conclusion

This Herbalean PM review finds Herbalean PM is a mediocre product. There is no evidence that Herbalean PM will help you “Lose weight while you sleep” (website). Look for a diet pill with proven ingredients in proven amounts.

Decreases Appetite
Increases metabolism
Stimulates thermogenesis
Acts as a mild diuretic
Increases energy
Help regulate blood sugar levels

This Phentramin review will reveal the truth behind this product and help you determine whether Phentramin diet pills are right for you.

Phentramin Ingredients

Chromium – research falls on both sides of the fence with Chromium. Some clinical studies have shown that chromium is effective, while others have shown that it’s not. Its purpose is primarily to regulate blood sugar levels, which can help control weight problems.
Caffeine is proven to increase metabolic rate, leading to weight loss. However, Phentramin fails to disclose how much caffeine is included, so it is impossible to determine if it will be effective.
Hoodia Gordonii Cactus Powder – Hoodia is a popular diet pill ingredient, but there is NO clinical evidence to prove that Hoodia actually contributes to weight loss.
Magnolia Bark
Glucomannan is a dietary fiber which absorbs water and makes the user feel full. Studies have found that for Glucomannan to be effective, the user must take 1-2 grams per day. Again, Phentramin diet pills do not say how much glucomannan they contain so no one can know if it is enough to be effective.
Green Tea is a clinically proven ingredient which increases metabolic rate. However, Phentramin does not disclose how much green tea it contains. Therefore, impossible for this Phentramin review to determine if the green tea in Phentramin diet pills is enough to be effective.
Theobromine
Guarana extract has been proven to contribute to weight loss but ONLY when combined with damiana and yerba mate. Phentramin does not contain either of these ingredients. There has been no research to determine the effectiveness of guarana by itself.
Cha de Bugre is fairly common in fat burners. However, there is no evidence to prove that Cha’ de Bugre provides any benefits for weight loss (read: it likely doesn’t).
Maca Extract
L-Theanine
Banaba extract
Gugglesterones are supposed to increase thyroid function to promote weight loss. However, studies have had varying results.

Phentramin–no guarantee

The Phentramin website has something we have not seen before; Lazarus Labs (the Phentramin manufacturer) specifically says there is NO guarantee of any kind for Phentramin diet pills. In fact, in order for to place an order, you have to agree to the following conditions:

“I acknowledge that no guarantees have been made to me as to the results as there is no known product that gives 100% satisfaction to everyone, nor are there any guarantees against unfavorable results, risks or complications.  I understand that I am buying this product with the full knowledge that I may not benefit from its use.  I hereby release LazarusLabs.com and all of its employees and contractors from any and all liability whatsoever associated or connected with the use of any of their products and any adverse effect that I may suffer from consequently, if any, on account of the use of their products. I am solely responsible for any adverse effects I may suffer from taking or continuing to take any of these products.  I am fully aware that NO refund is given if I change my mind and decide not to take the product or upon my physician’s opinion that I should no longer take the product.” (website)

Phentramin Marketing Tactics

Phentramin employs the use of multilevel marketing (MLM) techniques. In other words, you make money if you get someone else to sign up. The good news for those who choose to join into the MLM scam is that no one can return Phentramin, so you will make commission whether the customer likes it or not.

Phentramin Cost

A 30 day supply of Phentramin will cost $62 (assuming you take the recommended dosage of 2 capsules per day). While this is not especially expensive for a diet pill, Phentramin does not disclose how much of each ingredient is included. Thus, it is too expensive.

Phentramin Conclusion

This Phentramin review finds that Phentramin diet pills do include some proven ingredients. However, they do not disclose how much of each ingredient is included. The fact that there is no guarantee is disturbing. Why would you want to buy a product from a company that does not back up their product in any way? We recommend choosing a diet pill that is backed up by the manufacturer, one that includes proven ingredients in proven amounts.

This Zalestrim review will take a hard look at the ingredient profile and determine whether this is the diet pill for you.

What are the ingredients in Zalestrim?

The Zalestrim website lists the following ingredients:

• Green Tea 50% Extract
• Ginger Root
• Black Cohosh
• Cinnamon Extract
• Dong Quai
• Damiana leaf
• Metabromine Chocolate extract
• Soy Isoflavones 40% Extract
• Magnolia Bark
• Passion Flower
• Wild Yam Root
• Barberry

You will note they do not disclose how much of any ingredient is contained in Zalestrim diet pills.

Green tea is an ingredient which has been proven to increase metabolic function, leading to weight loss. However, Zalestrim fails to disclose how much green tea the formula contains (this is not uncommon in the diet pill industry — we just wish some people would step forward and do it!). Therefore, it is impossible for this Zalestrim review to determine if the amount of green tea in Zalestrim is enough to be effective.

Ginger root reduces the acidity in the stomach, thus reducing vomiting and nausea.

Dong Quai is a Chinese herb which is supposed to balance Estrogen and restore sex drive.

Damiana is supposed to restore sex drive and delay the onset of menopause. Studies show when you combine Damiana with Guarana and Yerba, the combination leads to weight loss. Damiana has not been proven to be effective on its own, however.

Metabromine is an appetite suppressant and metabolism booster. Clinical studies are lacking at this point.

Soy supplements are supposed to delay or reduce the symptoms of menopause.

Barberry Bark is a laxative which cleanses the system.

How much does Zalestrim cost?

According to the Zalestrim website,

“This Body Transformation kit once sold for $237. We developed a 3-in-1 formula and were able to drop the price down to Only $129. And now for this week only you can buy each 120 capsule package for only $50. A savings of $90 per bottle!”

This is interesting because if you look farther down the page, you will see the price is actually $39.99 for one bottle. This is probably just an error that will be corrected.

Is there a guarantee with Zalestrim?

Zalestrim offers a “100% lifetime money back guarantee”, but only if you buy in bulk. You will only be reimbursed for your unopened bottles.

What are the side effects of Zalestrim?

Side effects include anxiety, nausea, irritability, high blood pressure, and increased heart rate. Black Cohosh can cause miscarriage; pregnant women should not take Zalestrim. (Pregnant women shouldn’t take diet pills period).

Zalestrim and the breast enhancement pill controversy

Breast enhancement pills are controversial. One company, Bloussant, was sued by the FTC for false claims. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/07/wellquest.shtm
While Zalestrim claims it will help with breast enhancement, this will have to be your own call.

Zalestrim Conclusion

This Zalestrim contains Green tea, and that’s the only ingredient we can fully stand behind.  Other ingredients are needing more research before we’ll stake our claim.

What does Accomplix contain?

Chromium Dinicotinate Glycinate 175 mcg
Vitamin B-6 4mg
Vitamin B-12 375 mcg
Vitamin C 50 mg
Hoodia Gordonii
Banana Leaf Extract
Clary Sage
Guggelsterones lipid extract
Citrus Aurantium
Cinnamon Bark
L-Tyrosine
Magnolia Bark Extract
Guarana Extract (50% caffeine)
Green Tea

Hoodia is one of the most hyped weight loss ingredients in years. Too bad all the hype can’t make it effective. There’s been one study published about the effects of Hoodia and I found it very interesting. Just a few caveats though: the study was done on rats, and the Hoodia extract, P57, was injected directly into the brains of said rats. MacLean, the researcher conducting the study, asserted that the Liver processed the P57 so easily that an effective (high enough) dosage would likely be impossible.

Citrus aurantium contains Synephrine. Studies on Synephrine have been conflicting. While some studies have found Synephrine to be beneficial in weight loss, others have shown Synephrine could be dangerous. A study done in 2004 states that the required dose of Synephrine necessary to promote fat loss in humans is very high and that such a high dosage would have harmful side effects. We’re 50/50 on Synephrine.

Tyrosine is a building block for neurotransmitters, which are chemicals used to relay, amplify and modulate signals between a neuron and another cell. It has been proven to be beneficial in weight loss if the dosage is equal to 500 to 1500 mg daily. Since we don’t know how much Tyrosine is contained in Accomplix, we cannot determine if it will be effective in this supplement. (History would tell us that there’s not enough Tyrosine in there).

Many studies have found Green Tea to be effective in promoting weight loss. However, without knowing exactly how much green tea is contained in Accomplix, it is impossible to determine if it is effective in this weight loss supplement.

Accomplix Video Review

What do the Accomplix Clinical Studies Say?

Accomplix leads consumers to believe they have conducted research on their specific product–they have not. The Accomplix website states the following:

“In a ‘Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover’ clinical study the Accomplix™ formula was shown to be effective for 87% of all people. A study of this quality and depth is virtually unheard of for a ‘natural dietary supplement’.”

We find it interesting that there is no mention of who performed the study, when and where it was performed, and what the specific findings were. The study was conducted NOT on Accomplix but on the formula. As noted before, some of the ingredients in Accomplix CAN be effective in promoting weight loss IF they are used in the proper amounts. Once again, Accomplix does not list the amounts of each individual ingredient so the effectiveness of Accomplix cannot be determined.

How much does Accomplix cost?

Accomplix costs $74.95 for 150 capsules. If the maximum recommended dosage of 6 capsules per day is taken, one bottle will last 25 days. Compared to other weight loss supplements which contain the same ingredients, Accomplix is very, very expensive. It is no more effective than other products with the same ingredients.

Accomplix Guarantee

Accomplix has a money-back guarantee. However, like that of many other weight loss supplements, the Accomplix guarantee has fine print which you should know about. You have to return your unused portion with the invoice within 30 days of purchase. You must also return all unopened packages. There is a 25%
administrative fee and it takes up to two months for you to receive your money back.

Accomplix Review Conclusion

Accomplix is no different from dozens of other weight loss supplements. Despite their claims to be backed by clinical research, they have proven nothing except that they are misleading. Accomplix is very expensive and will not give you the results you are looking for.

Cortislim’s Claims Challenged by FTC

Based on a press release from October 5, 2004, the FTC wasn’t too happy with the marketers of Cortislim (and CortiStress), saying they had made false or unsubstantiated claims:

The FTC alleges that the defendants promoted cortisol control as “the answer” for anyone who wants to lose weight, especially abdominal weight. According to the FTC’scomplaint, the defendants’ broadcast ads, print ads, and Web sites claimed that persistently elevated levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone,” are the underlying cause of weight gain and weight retention and also claimed that CortiSlim effectively reduces and controls cortisol levels and thereby causes substantial weight loss. The FTC alleges that the defendants claimed that CortiSlim: (1) causes weight loss of 10 to 50 pounds for virtually all users; (2) causes users to lose as much as 4 to 10 pounds per week over multiple weeks; (3) causes users to lose weight specifically from the abdomen, stomach, and thighs; (4) causes rapid and substantial weight loss; (5) causes long-term or permanent weight loss; and (6) causes weight loss. The FTC also alleges that the defendants claimed that the effectiveness of CortiSlim and its ingredients is demonstrated by over 15 years of scientific research. According to the FTC’s complaint, these claims are false or unsubstantiated.

The FTC also reached far and wide, contacting multiple websites hawking CortiSlim with this this letter.What was the end result with the FTC’s complaint against CortiSlim? While the Final Agreement is stipulated according to the FTC, wikipedia states that Cortislim eventually paid $1.2 million (in conjunction with many other diet pill makers for false or unsubstantiated claims) ((http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CortiSlim)) ((http://www.barryyeoman.com/articles/weight.html)).

Cortislim Also Gets Mixed up with the FDA

On August 19, 2004 the FDA sent a letter to Stephen Cheng and Window Rock Enterprises, makers of CortiSlim and CortiStress. The FDA stated the following in their warning letter:

the dietary supplement CortiSlim is misbranded and violates the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act). According to the FDA’s letter, CortiSlim’s label and accompanying information make unsubstantiated claims that CortiSlim “eliminates cravings,” “controls appetite,” “burn[s] calories more efficiently and naturally through thermogenesis,” and “diminishe[s] hunger and stress eating.” The FDA also asserts that claims that CortiSlim “supports healthy cortisol levels” or “supports weight maintenance efforts” would be unsubstantiated.

But Does CortiSlim Work? Maybe the Cortislim Peeps Just got Claim-Trigger Happy?

According to an article in O, The Oprah Magazine by Barry Yeoman, the connection between Cortisol and weight gain is “loose at best”:

Experts remain unconvinced that the product works at all. For one, they say the stress-cortisol-weight relationship is a loose one at best. “Not everyone who reports high stress is producing a lot of cortisol,” says Elissa Epel, PhD, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. And while some investigations have linked excess cortisol with weight gain, the New England Research Institutes, which conduct trials for government agencies and commercial enterprises, recently found that obese men had significantly lower amounts of the hormone than normal-weight guys. “Despite popular claims that reducing cortisol levels could lead to weight loss, we find little evidence,” wrote the study’s authors.

So what we’re unsure of here is whether the hormone cortisol is connected to weight gain.The next question goes one step further — does CortiSlim even affect cortisol levels? According to the same article, the unfortunate news (if you sell CortiSlim) goes something like this:

A thorough review of the medical literature on each of its ingredients found little to suggest that it would. “I don’t think there is remotely sufficient support for the claim,” says Stanford University neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky, PhD. “Certainly not support of a type that would satisfy the vast majority of metabolic endocrinologists.”

CortiSlim Ingredient Profile

• Vitamin C and Calcium – a vitamin and a mineral with undisputed healthy benefits and very little to do with weight loss through cortisol reduction.
• Chromium (see the Chromium review) is a bit up in the air with research falling on both sides of the fence. CortiSlim’s 50 mcg dose is far too little to effect any weight loss result.
• Proprietary Blend: Cortiplex Cortisol Control Blend
  • Magnolia Bark
  • Licorice Root PE
  • Beta-SitosterolL-Theanine

• Leptiplex Thermogenic Blend
  • Green Tea
  • Orange Peel (Citrus Aurantium)

Insutrol Glucose Control Blend

• Banaba Leaf
• Vanadyl Sulfate

The vast majority of these ingredients are simply eye candy and, as was mentioned above, with thorough medical research done on each of them, there was little to no evidence showing the cortisol hormone being affected. As a diet pill stands, cortisol aside, CortiSlim is weak weak weak. The Themogenic proprietary blend is a total of just 125mg, clearly not enough to have much of a weight loss effect – even when both ingredients used have been shown to be excellent at metabolic enhancement.

CortiSlim Review Conclusion

There are several things I don’t like about CortiSlim:

• They made unsubstantiated and false claims in their advertising, misleading consumers. Even if CortiSlim were an effective weight loss supplement, I wouldn’t recommend it for that very reason.
• The connection between the cortisol hormone and weight is weak — very weak.
• CortiSlim’s ability to reduce cortisol levels isn’t proven — at all. The creator himself said that in this industry, clinical studies aren’t necessary…

There are many other better alternatives when you’re looking to lose weight. Stay away from CortiSlim.

Phentramine’s Ingredients

Phentramine’s ingredients are outlined on their website, but the supplement facts aren’t given, so the dosage amount is unknown. This makes it tough to evaluate. Many diet pill companies these days mask the dosage in a “proprietary blend” and Phetramine is no different. It would be nice if they at least listed their ingredients from greatest to least amount so we could get a general idea.

• Hoodia Gordonii is a fad diet pill ingredient where the claim that it suppresses the appetite. The little research that has been done on Hoodia has shown that it would most likely be impossible to ingest enough Hoodia to make it worthwhile, since most of the active ingredient (P57) is metabolized by the liver. Notice how the Phentramine website tries to legitimize Hoodia by simply quoting media outlets about it. The media is in the same business of selling hype — they do it all day long — so it’s no surprise that their quote about Hoodia sounds mysterious and amazing. They’re trying to sell a story. How exciting would the story be if they simply reported what I just mentioned above?
• Guarana, in conjunction with Yerba Mate and Damiana (sometime seen as GYD, or GDY) has been shown in research to aid in fat loss. However, Phentramine went the less effective (less expensive) route and didn’t include the Y and D of this effective equation. The result is that Guarana stands alone in Phentramine — not having nearly the weight loss effect it would have if it were formulated properly.
• Cha de Bugre – is an ancient herb known for its appetite suppressing abilities. Hard and fast research related to Cha de Bugre, however, is extremely limited.
• Ginseng – an herb popularly used for energy and its ability to aid in lowering blood glucose levels, there could possibly be some merit to it ((J Food Sci. 2007 Oct;72(8):S590-4)), though some researchers are demanding more research before being able to recommend it ((Am Fam Physician. 2004 Nov 1;70(9):1731-8.)).
• Phentramine also contains Citrus Aurantium. The active ingredient in Citrus Aurantium is Synephrine. Synephrine has been shown to be an effective stimulant. This doesn’t mean Phentramine can be recommended however, since we have no idea hos muc Synephrine is actually present. The level of synephrine in Citrus Aurantium can vary wildly from selection to selection. It would have been much better for the Phentramine group to purchase Synephrine as an extract, so the inclusion could be measured.
• Both Magnolia Bark and Piper Nigrum are more label eye candy than anything else.

A Call with Phentramine’s Customer Service

I contacted Phentramine’s customer service at 1-877-445-1034 and was pleasantly surprised that a person answered the phone after just one right — not a machine, but an actual person. Kudos to them for that.

Of course, the call went downhill from there. The rep told me where I could find a list of ingredients but admitted they didn’t provide the amounts. He also was excited about Hoodia, which is unfortunate, since it’s a scam. (The “thing” he mentions when he’s trying to explain the 20:1 ratio idea is the P57 extract that I mentioned above).

Finally, the best part about the call was the fact that I discovered they don’t offer a moneyback guarantee. A shame. At least 90% of diet pill companies will offer a moneyback guarantee so it’s suspect that Phentramine won’t do this.

You can listen to the call here if you’d like: Phentramine Review Phonecall

Phentramine Review Conclusion

Phentramine just doesn’t have an ingredient profile that I can be excited about. Their inclusion (and excitement) about Hoodia Gordonii means they’re hawking a product whose flagship ingredient is absolutely worthless. Their pricing is extremely high for what their ingredients could possibly bring. The one upside is that their customer service was quick to answer the phone. It’s extremely unfortunate that Phentramine won’t stay by its product enough to be able to offer a moneyback guarantee. I won’t recommend a product unless the guarantee is in place.

Phentramine’s simply trying to capitalize on the confusion with the similar name of Phetermine. It’s a common ploy, but they don’t have nearly the ingredient profile needed to be even comparable. I do not recommend Phentramine.

What’s the scoop on Relacore?

Relacore claims to rid you of your stubborn belly fat. It’s an interest marketing twist. What they do is talk about how yeah, you’re probably losing some weight, but you’ve still got that pesky bulge around the middle…well, Relacore will take care of that!

Or perhaps it won’t.

Apparently, the whole reason you have any belly bulge is from a little hormone called cortisol.

Relacore Takes on Cortisol?

Cortisol is involved in your body’s response to stress, so it’s sometimes called the “stress hormone”. The idea behind Relacore is that cortisol causes weight gain specifically around your midsection. Despite looking for quite some time for any research even remotely supporting the premise behind Relacore, I couldn’t find a single thing.

An article in Good Housekeeping mentioned the FTCs crackdown on Cortislim (along with the makers of Trimspa and Xenadrine) for making unsubstantiated claims regarding their product’s ability to help users lose weight. In that same article, Relacore got an honorable mention, with the ingredients of Relacore exposed.

Relacore’s Ingredient Profile

According to the article, Relacore contains vitamin C, a host of vitamin Bs, herbs, and magnolia bark. This ingredient profile is not given on Relacore’s website. Why? Because there is no research to support Relacore’s claim that any of those ingredients decrease cortisol levels at all (there isn’t even any research to support that the cortisol hormone directly contributes to belly fat, remember).

Alright, I did a bit of digging, and placed a few phone calls and found that their .tv site does contain the ingredient profile (half of it was a proprietary blend, which is lame, but you don’t see anything not proprietary these days). The phone call was actually pretty interesting, take a listen to my call to Relacore. Notice that when I’m on hold during the second call that they say all of their products are clinically proven. So I ask the second girl, Cherise, if they have any of those studies available and, unfortunately, they don’t. For this call, my name was Jesse Smith.

Normally when I review a diet pill I go through each ingredient. In this case, I’m not even going to bother. Read on to find out why it’s not worth your time or mine.

The Company Behind Relacore

While the press release said that the company behind Relacore is the Carter-Reed Company, in actuality, the Carter-Reed company is a subsidiary of Basic Research out of Salt Lake City Utah. Basic Research is by far one of the sleeziest diet pill companies out there. They’ve had entanglements with the FTC and use extremely deceptive marketing tactics. A few examples:

• They produced a very dense, scientifically appearing research paper by a doctor whom they represented as medical doctor. He does have a PhD, but his specialty was in herbs.
• They used the same very dense research paper on another product, simply taking out a few paragraphs and replacing mentions of the first product with the new product (the new product in this case is Zantrex-3).
• They sell a diet pill for $150, then turn around, start a new company and sell a generic sounding diet pill for $80 (which is still extremely expensive) claiming in the generic pill’s advertisments that the company received exclusive rights to market the generic version (the two products are Leptoprin and Leptopril).
• They make claims of clinical studies and show nothing for it.

A quick whois search on relacore.com reveals that it’s registered to Western Holdings LLC, who is also the registrant of zantrex-3.com, leptopril.com, and leptoprin.com. What’s interesting to note is that the registrants email address is @basicresearch.org.

Anyway, I’ve been through this before with the other products I’ve reviewed from these guys. Same old story.

Relacore Overall Conclusion

The foundation of Relacore is built on shaky ground (at best) that increased cortisol levels lead to belly fat. It then proceeds to build a house of cards, claiming that their Relacore ingredients are clinically proven to reduce cortisol levels when, in fact they’re not. Finally, Relacore is hawked by Basic Research, who hawks a bunch of other scam products. I’d stay away. Far away.