Plexus Slim Diet Review
 |
By CANDICE GREY ConsumersCompare.org Update: Jul 10, 2024 |
What is Plexus?
Plexus is a supplement business that offers a range of goods intended to enhance general health.
Plexus’ “pink drink” contributed to its increased appeal. Plexus has added items for gut health, weight loss, and skin care to its lineup in recent years.
Even more recently, the business started selling Plexus Pivotal, a 90-day program featuring weekly motivational messages, workouts, recipes, and recommendations to keep clients using the products.
Nevertheless, despite its broadened program and product offerings, the business is still well-known for its aggressive weight-loss plans and health claims.
back to menu ↑Company Reputation
The multilevel marketing (MLM) system is how Plexus is structured. This means that brand ambassadors do the majority of the product marketing and selling.
The organization, like many other MLMs, makes inflated claims regarding the ability of brand ambassadors to generate money. However, according to the Plexus website, the annual salary of a brand ambassador in 2020 will only be $544 on average.
Plus, rather than licensed healthcare professionals, brand ambassadors are Plexus customers. This can be risky because brand advocates frequently suggest products to potential customers despite being uneducated about nutrition and supplements.
The business is infamous for making grandiose claims about the efficacy of its goods without providing any supporting data from independent studies or clinical trials.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent Plexus a letter of caution in 2020 regarding social media posts that said Plexus products might be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.
With such bold promises, Plexus goods and brand ambassadorship attract a lot of people. The efficiency of Plexus products and the revenue of brand ambassadors, however, are not supported by sufficient data.
back to menu ↑Plexus Slim Claims
Plexus Slim, or the “Pink Drink,” is a powdered mix made with a “premium microbiome activating formula” that contains ingredients clinically-demonstrated to improve gut health and promote weight loss. Plexus points to its own “independent” study where participants lost about 1 pound more per month in the two-month study than participants who did not drink Plexus Slim. So the “trend to weight decrease” with the Plexus Slim-drinking group was just over 2 pounds, by their own admission.
Plexus Slim claims to help you lose weight by increasing good gut bacteria and employing metabolism-bumping ingredients, which supposedly enhance Akkermansia microbes by 250 times. It contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, is gluten-free, 100 percent vegetarian and non-GMO.
Each package comes with 30-single serving packets. The whole concept behind this weight loss product is to make your digestive system as healthy as it can be and at the same time, support healthy glucose metabolism. To lose weight, you drink it before meals. If you’re just interested in overall gut health, Plexus says, drink it whenever—just not more than twice a day.
It comes in raspberry, lemon, and watermelon flavors. We’ll see what people think about the taste shortly. The “Pink Drink” must be mixed with at least 12 ounces of water (preferably more) about 30 minutes before meals, twice a day. Plexus Slim by itself is $90 for 30 servings, so it you’re taking it twice a day for weight loss, this is a fifteen-day supply.
Plexus Accelerator-Plus and Plexus Block are the supplements users are encouraged to purchase in combination with Plexus Slim. You take Plexus Block before a meal with carbs; this supplement contains a brown seaweed blend and white kidney bean extract—you could get both of these from kelp and legumes, respectively.
back to menu ↑Plexus Slim Ingredients
Xylooligosaccharides
Because I don’t know how to pronounce it, I’m just going to be cool like my nutritionist and call it XOS. Since XOS is a type of prebiotic, it has no immediate impact on weight loss.
It does this by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your stomach. The business claims that this could lead to a 300 fold rise in lactobacillus.
Although this is entirely feasible, we were unable to locate any studies that would support it. The good news is that if you already use other prebiotic supplements, switching to Plexus Slim may allow you to start saving money.
Green Coffee Bean Extract
Unroasted coffee beans, often known as green coffee beans, have relatively little caffeine. They do contain a lot of chlorogenic acid, which may be important for boosting metabolism and fat metabolism, among other things.
Antioxidant chlorogenic acid has also been demonstrated to reduce blood sugar levels.
It implies that along with the release of fat, your body also releases toxins and increases blood sugar. The removal of these free radicals and stabilization of blood sugar by chlorogenic acid may then help you avoid the terrible roller-coaster effect that encourages munching.
Chromium Polynicotinate
Plexus Slim ingredients include the essential nutrient chromium, which helps metabolize fats—in fact, chromium is the first ingredient listed and provides 167% of what your body needs daily. In other words, nearly twice. Turns out, chromium as a supplement is controversial. According to WebMD, chromium may be helpful for people with diabetes, since there’s some evidence it can lower glucose levels. But it’s usually used as a beneficial supplement if someone is deficient or has “poor overall nutrition.”
Studies that it can aid in weight loss are mixed. And WebMD says 20 to 35 micrograms (mcg) per day is adequate. One serving of Plexus Slim provides 250 mcg—and the dosage is two pink drinks per day—which is about 10 times what we may need, although apparently it’s unclear just exactly how much is not quite enough. Researchers do say that 1,000 micrograms a day “should be considered the upper limit” because “excessive doses’ can worsen insulin sensitivity.
In clinical studies, diabetics were given doses of around 200-plus micrograms in split doses throughout the day. “Some experts recommend that no one should take more than 200 mcg/day without medical advice. Doses of 1,000 mcg/day may be dangerous—theoretically there could be an increased risk of cancer. There is also risk of cognitive and motor dysfunction from high doses. So don’t use chromium in high doses without talking to your doctor first. And, too much chromium may damage the liver or kidneys.
For me, this is a full stop! Plus, you can get all the chromium you need naturally from many different foods, from dairy to whole grains.
Slim Hunger Control (Polydextrose)
Because it contains polydextrose, Slim Hunger Control, according to Plexus, is created to make people feel satisfied.
In commercial food products, soluble fiber called polydextrose is frequently employed as a thickening and bulking agent.
According to certain studies, polydextrose may enhance satiety, reduce overall calorie intake, and enhance bowel function. It may also improve postprandial blood sugar levels (blood sugar levels after a meal).
However, both human and animal findings are included in the review. More study of humans is required.
Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta)
According to Plexus, grains of paradise, which are derived from the Aframomum melegueta plant in West Africa, provide advantages for the metabolism.
In a tiny study, it was discovered that healthy young men who regularly consumed grains of paradise experienced thermogenesis, an increase in energy expenditure, and a decrease in body fat.
A different study hypothesized that grains of paradise and other herbs might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Although encouraging, further study is still required, especially in the form of sizable human clinical trials.
L-theanine and caffeine
The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in Plexus MetaBurn, according to the company’s website, is intended to boost mood and mental alertness.
L-theanine may help lower stress and anxiety levels, according to some study, but more extensive long-term studies are required. L-theanine and caffeine together may enhance focus and attention, according to certain research.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola, according to Plexus, promotes a positive attitude. A plant known as an adaptogen, or one that is believed to offer benefits for reducing stress, is the herb rhodiola.
Rhodiola may also have anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-stress qualities, according to study. There is, however, little proof that rhodiola supplements improve mood.
Brown seaweed blend and white kidney bean extract
The glycemic index of foods is decreased by the brown seaweed blend and white kidney bean extract in Plexus Block, according to Plexus, helping to lessen blood sugar increases after meals.
By helping to control blood sugar, brown seaweed may benefit in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome as well as other disorders, according to several test-tube studies. Clinical tests on humans are yet required.
Alpha-amylase inhibitor, found in white kidney bean extract, prevents the absorption of carbs. It’s not clear, yet, whether white kidney bean extract significantly affects weight reduction and glucose absorption.
Last but not least, it’s significant to remember that this is a secret blend and that the precise ingredient amounts are not revealed.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid has been the subject of extensive investigation, and some modest human studies have indicated that it has a beneficial impact on fat burning.
It’s a fatty acid that might accomplish this by causing thermogenesis, a fully normal metabolic process. By increasing your body temperature, a regular intake may assist you in burning off additional calories.
And if you follow a good diet and exercise plan, you should be able to lose weight more quickly as a result.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract
Tropical fruit Garcinia Cambogia is now widely used in diet plans by many people. The intriguing aspect of Garcinia Cambogia is how much hydroxycitric acid it contains (HCA).
When taken as directed, this might help your body process fat more effectively. However, Garcinia Cambogia might also prolong your feeling of satiety, making calorie restriction for weight loss a little bit simpler.
White Mulberry Fruit Extract
Then there’s so-called “superfood” mulberry. Mulberry may, like other ingredients, help lower blood glucose, but there’s no proof. Since it’s an herb added to dietary aids and not a “drug,” it hasn’t been approved or even clinically studied by reputable, peer-reviewed medical science researchers. Will it hurt you? I don’t know, but I suspect probably not. Then again, what’s the right dose when it’s a powder, if you can even be sure of its purity? I mean why pay for this, when it’s efficacy is debatable at best? Eat actual mulberries if you want to experiment.
back to menu ↑The Science Behind Plexus Slim
So you now know the science behind the main ingredients. The one we’ll talk about here is Xylooligosaccharide (XOS).
Here’s the thing: if you have a very specific metabolic disorder, XOS can potentially promote an optimal gut microbiota profile, and consequently reduce the risk of the disorder called T2DM. But not all probiotics help with weight loss, and some of them may even cause weight gain.
The effects depend on the probiotic strain, and may also vary between individuals. Xylooligosaccharide is a non-digestible dietary fiber “that preferentially stimulates the growth of prebiotic Bifidobacterium and other lactic acid bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. XOS provides a plethora of health benefits and can be incorporated into several functional foods, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
A clinical trial found simply that: “Prebiotic XOS may be beneficial in reversing changes in the gut microbiota during the development of diabetes.” Improved gut health is great. And if you lose a pound or two because of it, even better. But don’t pay $100 a month for a diet drink that contains XOS. Don’t take it from me—ask your doctor.
back to menu ↑Does Plexus Slim Work?
People looking to slim down want to know how effective Plexus Slim is. Do you really achieve weight loss by drinking the pink drink? Plexus Slim authentic reviews are not easy to find—at least what appear to be objective or not paid/promoted endorsements.
Weight loss products and diet supplements can often be found on Amazon; Plexus Slim is not one of them, but it can be found on eBay. Reviewers there—the small number of them—had little to say about the product specifically, save a very recent review by a customer who said, It works but you have to give it at least 60 days.
On the Plexus Slim site, with 239 reviews, you won’t be surprised to learn it earned a 3.9 average. That said, there were a number of poor reviews and even a number of very poor reviews as well, including a recent one by user “Debbie” who said:
“Something in the new slim has put my bladder on overdrive. I stopped taking it and it went back to normal. So I must be having a reaction to it.”
User and Ambassador “Melissa,” said:
“The new Slim is awful, I have extreme itching and neck stiffness just days after starting it and I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to something in it.”
Plexus Slim’s MLM distributors are called “ambassadors,” are shown how to write a good review, and cautioned to be careful of staying within the right lane—the FTC lane—by avoiding health claims and to not “exaggerate what an average consumer can expect to lose if mentioning your weight loss.” And then provides an email address for more information on how best to write a good review.
Plexus is not a Better Business Bureau-accredited company, though they have a profile on the BBB site. But since 2006, the BBB has received almost 700 complaints and features more than 180 reviews.
MLM companies have tight rein on reviews, as the products must be purchased through the official website—or, preferably through distributors—so you have no idea if a review you’re reading is from a real person not connected to the company, or an “ambassador” looking to earn a few dollars. I say a few dollars because, in almost all MLM businesses, the tiny top tier make big money while the widest part of the distributors’ pyramid makes little to nothing.
back to menu ↑Pros
The pink drink doesn’t taste phony or overly sweet, and the Plexus Slim powder looks to be fairly simple to mix with water. Just combine it with 12 ounces of water and consume it an hour prior to your main meal.
Additionally, the suggested dosage is up to two of these every day.
Online, there were a lot of comments on the weight loss help from people who had previously struggled or reached a plateau.
That might mean there has been a major change in metabolic rate and the body’s capacity to start burning fat.
And after using Plexus Slim consistently for roughly four weeks, customers reported that their gut health had significantly improved.
Cons
Plexus Slim does indeed have a few minor drawbacks. People who used the product reported feeling a little bloated for a few days, but that feeling quickly subsided.
Now, it’s crucial to balance any prospective advantages with any negative impacts, whether they be little or severe, or just general drawbacks.
Although the beverage is excellent, it might not be the most practical if you intend to consume Plexus Slim while traveling or at work.
Additionally, take in mind that the Plexus Slim combination is secret, so you aren’t quite sure how much of each ingredient is in it.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Plexus not FDA-approved?
Supplements are subject to different FDA regulations than foods and medications. Before producers can make products like food and medicine available to customers, they must first be shown to be safe.
Before supplements are generally available for purchase, the FDA is unable to certify their safety. Not just Plexus products, but all dietary supplements, are true of this.
This is so that supplements can’t be legally approved by the FDA before being sold to customers.
What Is The Pink Drink?
Plexus Slim Hunger Control is the official name of the pink beverage from Plexus. It is a powdered supplement that, when dissolved in water and taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, is meant to reduce hunger.
A soluble fiber called polydextrose is used to make the powder. Researchers discovered that the fiber may help reduce overall food consumption by promoting satiety in preliminary animal studies. However, more study is required.
Is Plexus Safe to Use for Weight Loss?
Because Plexus products have not been specifically examined or approved by other organizations, it is unknown whether they are secure for use in weight loss.
It’s also important to note that there have been a few reports of more severe issues from using the goods, as well as anecdotal complaints of adverse effects.
back to menu ↑Bottom Line: Is Plexus Slim Worth a Try?
Definitely not. I agree that a healthy gut is an overall win for your body, so incorporating prebiotics into your diet is just smart—but from plant-based foods, not Plexus Slim.
Eat more garlic and avocados, for starters. Drink Pink and Shrink? Come on. Even in the study Plexus Slim touts, participants who drank the mix twice a day for two months lost just two pounds more than the people who didn’t drink it. Two. Pounds.
All this talk about getting your metabolism going? This isn’t rocket science. Some people have slower metabolisms than others; that’s a fact and is part of the biology (and genetics) that help to define our body types. But we have the power to adjust that by eating foods that naturally boost metabolism—beans, berries, even dark chocolate —and ultimately, just by being more active overall.
Plus, instead of forking over more than $100 a month for Plexus Slim, you could spend that instead on healthy, fresh foods. And, I am absolutely convinced that weight loss products sold by MLM distributors—whatever they’re called—come with claims that cannot always be verified at best and not trustworthy or erroneous at worst. It’s just that simple for me.
