National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Can Meal Replacement Shakes Help You Lose Weight? Plexus offers four weight loss combination packs, all of which recommend replacing two meals per day with a Lean protein shake, in addition to using other supplements, like Slim Hunger Control, Slim Microbiome Activating, and others. Read our. In the second phase, protein, vegetables, and fruit are on the menu, and youll start the plans DVD workouts, led by buff, pink-clad trainers. However, human clinical trials are needed (31, 32). However, evidence supporting the income of brand ambassadors and the effectiveness of Plexus products is lacking. One review found that taking chromium supplements was linked to weight loss and reductions in body fat percentages in people with overweight and obesity. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Plexus claims that these digestive enzymes will make it easier for you to digest the protein found in Plexus Lean. One published case study reported adverse effects that were traced back to Plexus products. While we dont recommend Plexus for weight loss, there are more realistic and sustainable alternatives worth considering. How Do the Plexus Weight Management Regimens Work? Cost: The kit -- three DVDs and the Nutrition Guide & Workbook -- will set you back $49.99. Another study showed that the actual caloric decrease is only about 50 calories at a meal when 12.5 grams of polydextrose are consumed prior to the meal. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Instead, start by simply replacing processed foods with real foods. Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce the risk of some disease, such as heart disease, cancer, and some neurological disorders (14). Support is operated through a Facebook support group. You can have one to two servings of alcohol a week after the first 9 weeks. However, evidence on the effectiveness of rhodiola supplements on mood is lacking. The brand ambassadors are not regulated health professionals. How Plexus weight management regimens work, Herbalife Diet 2022: A Dietitians Review of How It Works, Downsides, and More, Can Hydroxycut Help You Lose Weight in 2022? Plexus supplements are not third-party tested for quality or safety and may cause negative side effects in some. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Lean also contains 23 vitamins and minerals, as well as flaxseed powder. The company is also known to make bold claims regarding the effectiveness of its products without clinical evidence, or third-party testing, to support them. In the absence of studies on Plexus products, the next best alternative is to examine published research on the ingredients in these products to determine safety and effectiveness. However, the fullness is fleeting and doesn't reduce calorie intake by much. Chromium: Fact Sheet for Professionals. ALA is an antioxidant. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Losing weight helps control diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even heart disease. The main difference between the two is that the Hunger Control contains polydextrose, a type of soluble fiber, while Microbiome Activating contains prebiotics called xylooligosaccharides (XOS). The study cited as evidence on the Plexus website concludes that chromium provided no significant effect on lipid (fat) or glucose (sugar) metabolism in people without diabetes. Like any fiber, polydextrose can help you to feel full.
doi:10.1111/obr.12528, Zhang H, Ma Z, Luo X, Li X. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2020;12(11):e11413. Below is an overview of the ingredients found in the Lean shakes. 2016;8(9):553. doi:10.3390/nu8090553. A balanced diet and active lifestyle is a more achievable and sustainable goal compared to 'weight loss.' Obesity Reviews. More human research is needed (17). This extract is an ingredient with a history of use in Chinese medicine.
What to Know Before Buying Garcinia Cambogia. Clin Obes. 
Always check with a health care provider before trying any supplement. The strength of the P.I.N.K. Specifically, the companys website recommends replacing two meals a day with a Plexus Lean shake, one serving of which is about 250 calories when mixed with nonfat milk, depending on the flavor. The Plexus pink drink powder alone costs about $100 per month. If you have any health issues, get your doctors OK before jumping in. White kidney bean extract contains alpha-amylase inhibitor, which blocks the absorption of carbohydrates. Vegetarians and vegans: Many of the recipes are meat-free. Limited research suggests that L-theanine may help reduce stress and anxiety levels, though more long-term data is needed (25). The Plexus website alludes to clinical studies that support the efficacy of the products, but there are no cited references, and no links to any published studies. Plexus MetaBurn is a capsule thats marketed as a way to boost fat burning and reduce abdominal fat. On a similar note, theres no research supporting the safety of Plexus supplements. There have also been reports of more serious negative outcomes, including one person who developed a blood disorder known as secondary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) after consuming Plexus Slim (36). Plexus claims that grains of paradise which come from a West African plant, Aframomum melegueta have metabolism-enhancing benefits. Nutrients. While some research supports the use of chromium supplements for aiding weight loss, more studies are needed (22). Furthermore, as Plexus doesnt provide education on other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, such as nutritious food choices, label reading, or regular exercise, Plexus weight loss regimens dont set you up for long-term success. Exercise: Required. Volumetrics Diet Review: Does It Work for Weight Loss? Plexus customers may lose weight due to the caloric restriction that occurs with meal replacement shakes. The companys suggested weight loss regimen is also extremely restrictive and doesnt teach important skills for building long-lasting, healthy habits. program lies in the healthy diet and exercise.
As with many MLMs, the company makes extravagant claims about brand ambassadors profit-making capability. Why the Plexus Pink Drink May Not Be Safe. Plexus Slim Blend: 531mg (this is made up of green coffee bean extract, garcinia cambogia, alpha lipoic acid, and white mulberry fruit extract. GOLO Diet: Pros, Cons, and What You Can Eat, Your Complete Guide to Weight Loss Pills and Supplements. In the absence of an overall safety study for Plexus supplements, here is the safety profile for each individual ingredient: Learning to implement a lifestyle that includes a balanced eating plan, physical activity, stress reduction, and plenty of sleep is a healthier approach than using unproven, expensive, and untested supplements that may do more harm than good. Remember that supplements can have side effects and may interact poorly with existing medical conditions or medications. 
They have since changed their labels, but continue to make claims that are not backed by science. Appetite. Some test-tube studies suggest that brown seaweed may help in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome, as well as other diseases, by aiding in blood sugar management. This is a detailed review of glucomannan, a natural dietary fiber that has been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. The vegan variety of the Lean shake contains a protein blend made from pea, rice, and ancient grains, rather than whey protein, which is derived from cows. 
However, more research is needed on guar gum before confirming its benefits for gut health. Weight loss may even lessen your need for medicine. Garcinia cambogia is a diet supplement made from the rind of the garcinia Cambogia fruit (Malabar tamarind), which is native to India and Southeast Asia. Some customers complain of side effects after taking Plexus products, including bloating, gas, nausea, stomach ache, and constipation. Rhodiola is an herb thats traditionally used as an adaptogen, or a plant that is thought to have stress-relieving benefits (28, 29). Seven or more hours of sleep per night: A health necessity for adults. The pink drink is sold as a stand-alone product, but is also marketed in combination with other Plexus products. Leptigen is a weight loss supplement with four active ingredients. Whats more, brand ambassadors are Plexus customers, rather than qualified healthcare professionals. One study on 44 adults suggests that taking a guar gum supplement for 3 months was effective in increasing Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria that may be beneficial in digestive conditions (10, 11). These statements have not been supported by clinical trials using the product, so there is no evidence that these claims are true. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Its unlikely to have a negative impact on your health since that phase lasts no more than a couple of weeks. 2018;37(2):419-428. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2017.06.002, Kucukgoncu S, Zhou E, Lucas KB, Tek C. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Antioxidants. While promising, more research, particularly in the form of large human clinical trials, is needed. Heres a closer look at the ingredients and nutrition facts of the main Plexus weight management products, including Plexus Lean, Slim Hunger Control and Microbiome Activating, MetaBurn, and Block. Meal replacement shakes are intended to provide the nutrition of a full meal. Risks and Benefits of Taking Diet Supplements, Why Losing Weight Fast Isnt a Good Idea, and What to Do Instead. diet, but the low-calorie diet mixed with vigorous exercise will certainly drop the pounds. Cara Rosenbloom RD is a dietitian, journalist, book author, and the founder ofWords to Eat By, a nutrition communications company in Toronto,ON. Overall, the diet includes foods that are not only low in calories but also rich in nutrients, and it limits bad stuff that puts on the pounds. Plexus is an MLM company thats known to make bold and often unsubstantiated claims when it comes to the effectiveness of its products and the amount of income its brand ambassadors earn. But the intensity of the program may not make it ideal for people living with certain health problems. But youll have to dig deep to get through it.
Some of the products that are sold in conjunction with the Plexus Slim Hunger Control pink drink include: It's unknown if there's a specific combination of products that work best together because it has not been clinically tested. But can they also help you lose weight? Additionally, the potential risks generally outweigh any conceivable benefits. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Does Plexus Pink Drink cause weight loss? Your doctor may need to adjust your medicines. Children and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldnt take Plexus products. Does It Allow for Restrictions or Preferences? Inflammation Research. This program is ideal for people looking to lose weight more quickly, but the intensity of the P.I.N.K Method will make it hard to stick with for some. 2005 - 2022 WebMD LLC. It may, if used in conjunction with an overall diet and exercise plan, however, this is likely not a long-term, sustainable, weight management solution. Regular consumption of XOS, specifically in the form of a rice porridge, has been associated with an improved microbiota balance (19). Additionally, all customers have the option to sign up for a monthly subscription with a 10% discount. The NIH states that there is no convincing evidence to support the fact that garcinia cambogia has any effect on weight loss. However, due to a lack of research and third-party testing, its unclear whether Plexus supplements are truly safe or effective. Research shows that some individuals, such as those with a lactose intolerance or cystic fibrosis, may benefit from digestive enzymes (13). But like many fad diet supplements that have come before it, Plexus pink drink is another quick fix that doesn't work in the long term to help with weight control. The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is purported to aid in appetite suppression and weight loss. DMAA in Products Marketed as Dietary Supplements. Plexus is a multi-level marketing company that sells supplements marketed to promote weight loss, gut health, skin care, and more. You wont be able to meet the requirements of the program if you eat out much or like to splurge. diet could improve all these conditions. Jenny Craig Diet Review: Cost, Foods, Benefits, & More, Nutrisystem Diet Plan Review: Foods, Products, & More. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A large meta-analysis concluded that ALA supplementation had no effect on waist circumference and only a very slight effect on weight. Below is a closer look at the main ingredients found in Plexus MetaBurn. Guar gum is a water-soluble source of dietary fiber that may help improve gut health. Plexus claims rhodiola supports a healthy mood. This is an intense program, so check with your doctor first to make sure its right for you. Some medications can interact with supplements, so it's important to make safe choices based on your personal health and medical conditions. Plexus weight management combos are designed to provide 30-days-worth of product and vary in the types of products included. Limitations: If youre used to eating a lot of frozen foods, packaged foods, or fast food, you may find this diet very challenging. Plexus Lean is designed to be used as a meal replacement for 2 meals per day for weight loss, or for 1 meal per day for weight maintenance.
The plans smoothies call for whey protein; check the product you buy to make sure its gluten-free (some are, some arent).
The plan shut down their website and now sells through The Book Nook and Facebook, as well as on Amazon. Dairy is not a big part of the diet. There isnt any research specifically on the P.I.N.K. DOI:10.7759/cureus.11413, Do Carmo M, Walker J, Novello D, et al. Warning Letter Plexus Worldwide, Inc. Ibarra A, Astbury N, Olli K, Alhoniemi E, Tiihonen K. Effect of polydextrose on subjective feelings of appetite during the satiation and satiety periods: a systematic review and meta-analysis.