Plexus Slim is billed as an “affordable weight management product” that boasts “no ill side effects” based on “extensive clinical research.” Impressive, but does PlexusSlim work or is it a scam? And does it really have no side effects? I was tipped off to Plexus Slim by one of the readers of this website. After looking at its ingredients, I wanted to write a review of Plexus Slim because of the words used to describe the product and because Plexus Slim seemed to have ingredients that I have never heard of before. Let’s see what we can discover about this weight loss drink.
Who makes Plexus Slim?
According to the Better Business Bureau, the company that makes Plexus Slim - Plexus Worldwide Inc. – was started in 2005 in Arizona. The address of the company is 7440 E. Karen Dr. #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
The “#400″ in the address makes me think the company is located in a strip mall. If anyone lives close to this address can you confirm this? Can you take a picture and send to me?
The BBB gives Plexus Slim a rating of “A” as of 10/14/11 and has no complaints against the company. Plexus Slim World Wide is not a BBB accredited company as of 10/14/11.
To buy Plexus Slim it looks like you either have to buy it from the company or through a PlexusSlim distributor. They call Plexus Slim distributors “Ambassadors“. On the Plexus Slim website they have a calendar of Plexus Slim events. These events serve not only to sell Plexus Slim but also to recruit new Ambassadors. Plexus Slim has a multi level marketing aspect to it.
I’ve said before I have no problem with MLM. If the product is reputable, MLM allows people to make an income which can be significant.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
According to PlexusSlim.com the product has these ingredients. A proprietary blend of :
Polydextrose. This is a type of soluble fiber. In theory this might help weight loss since it has no calories and is a type of fiber. Polydextrose 
might cause gas and bloating.
Citric acid. I can’t locate any weight loss evidence for citric acid.
Beet root. If Plexus Slim uses the entire beet root, the fiber content of the beetroot might help foster some weight loss because it adds bulk to the stomach contents. That said, I can’t locate any evidence that beetroot helps people lose weight.
Grape skin extract. Grape skin contains phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins which act as antioxidants. This is nice, but does grape skin extract help people lose weight? I can’t find any proof that it does.
Be cautious if you take medications. Some components of grape skin might interfere with medications such as Coumadin (a blood thinner) and many others.
Lo Han extract. When I Google “Lo Han” everything I saw- other than the stuff about Lindsay Lo Han – says it’s a sweetener. I tried to find evidence that Lo Han helps weight loss but could not find any.
One problem is that Plexus Slim uses “Low Han Extract”. Exactly what “extract” of Lo Han does Plexus Slim have? They don’t tell us.
Stevia. This is a sweetener. It’s added to many low calorie foods. Maybe it might help weight loss by helping people limit calories but I honestly don’t think so. Research suggests that drinking low calorie beverages does not send the signal to the brain that we are full. As such, we still feel hungry.
There are MANY low calorie foods and beverages on the US market, yet Americans are not slimmer than they were, say, in the 1980s.
Natural flavors. They don’t tell us what these natural flavors are. I doubt any of them play a role in weight loss.
The Plexus Slim website also lists these ingredients :
Chlorogenic acid . One study published in 2010 noted that chlorogenic acid helped weight loss and increased fat burning when in rats that were fed a high fat diet (37% of calories from fat).
This is interesting even though it’s a rat study. As far as I can tell, chlorogenic acid has never been tested in humans to see if it helps people lose weight. Another rat study also noted that mulberries (which contain chlorogenic acid) helped weight loss. But was it the chlorogenic acid – or all the other stuff mulberries? As far as I can tell, these appear to be the only chlorogenic acid weight loss studies conducted so far.
Citrin K (garcinia cambogia). Garcinia cambogia is found in MANY weight loss supplements because of some research that it might reduce appetite and help weight loss. Right now, I think all anyone can say is maybe it works or maybe it doesn’t work.
The Plexus Slim website does not tell us how much garcinia cambogia it has.
Here is a study where 500 mg of garcinia cambogia did not help people lose weight. I mention this because if the garcinia cambogia in Plexus Slim is going to work, I’d guess that it would have to be more than 500 mg. For more on Citrin, see my review of Lean and Fab where I discuss other issues related to garcinia cambogia.
Alpha lipoic acid. This is an antioxidant and it helps it turn carbs into energy. It can also help regenerate other antioxidants, which is pretty snazzy.
There are a few studies of alpha lipoic acid and weight loss. In one study, published in 2011, alpha lipoic acid was randomly given to 360 obese people for 20 weeks. Half got a placebo and half got alpha lipoic acid (either 1200 mg/day or 1800 mg per day). Those getting alpha lipoic acid lost more weight than those who got the placebo. Basically, over the 20 weeks, people lose about 2% of their body mass.
In another study, published in 2011, 1127 overweight people were given 800 mg of alpha lipoic acid a day for 4 months. This study noted that alpha lipoic acid, at the dosage given, helped people lose about 8% of their body weight over 4 months.
So if you were 200 pounds, alpha lipoic acid might help you lose about 200 x .08 = 16 pounds. That is a significant amount.
A possible problem with this study was that it doesn’t appear that there was a placebo group. I was also unable to determine (because I only read the summary of the study) if people combined alpha lipoic acid with eating fewer calories (I think they probably did).
A third study from 2010 noted that alpha lipoic acid increased metabolic rate in older, lab mice. In theory this might help weight loss. It was also noted that alpha lipoic acid might reduce muscle loss in older mice as well.
I am not aware of any human studies of alpha lipoic acid helping metabolic rate or muscle loss. Still, if corroborated, the results of this mouse study are interesting .
Alpha lipoic acid, also appears to lower blood sugar. Because of this, alpha lipoic acid might interfere with insulin and other diabetes medications. Diabetics, talk to your doctor before using Plexus Slim. People who take synthroid for hypothyroidism (low thyroid) likewise should talk to their doctor. Alpha lipoic acid seems to reduce thyroid hormone levels.
Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside. This is a pretty fancy name but you have heard of this stuff before. Plexus Slim doesn’t tell you that this this ingredient - “Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside” – is just a fancy way of saying Hoodia! Here is a study that proves that both names mean the same thing.
I think the makers of Plexus Slim call it Oxypregnane steroidal glycoside because they are trying to make the product sound different and special. In reality it’s just plain old hoodia gordonii.
The other fancy name for hoodia is P57AS3 – you have probably seen this listed in other supplements as “P57“.
I’ve already reviewed hoodia and weight loss. Other supplements that I’ve reviewed previously that contain hoodia include the Hoodia Patch , Thin Gloss Lip Gloss and Healthe Trim.
For at least 10 years, hoodia gordonii has been in more weight loss supplements than you can shake a stick at - but there is no good proof that hoodia supplements help people lose weight! Until its proven to me, I say save your money on hoodia.
In 2011 researchers looked whether Hoodia gordonii would help people lose weight. They used 50 overweight people in this study. People were randomly given either hoodia or a placebo. The study lasted 2 weeks. The people in the study were allowed to eat as much as they wanted from a menu provided by the researchers. At the end of the study hoodia did not cause any weight loss.
While no serious side effects were reported, researchers did note that people who got hoodia had higher blood pressures and heart rates compared to people who got the placebo. Hoodia also seems to cause elevations in bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What caused these changes I do not know.
As I reported in my book on supplements hoodia gordonii seems to share some chemical similarity to a class of heart drugs called cardiac glycosides. In fact, if you Google “Hoodia and cardiac glycosides”, you’ll even see a lot of people who promote hoodia gordonii saying this.
If you have heart or blood pressure issues please see your doctor before using Plexus Slim or any hoodia supplement, just to be safe.
Chromium. While the makers of Plexus Slim does not specifically spell out the type of chromium the product has, they do say “amino nicotinate”. This again is fancy talk for “chromium nicotinate”.
You may have heard Dr. Oz talk about chromium polynicotinate on TV . I reviewed what Dr Oz had to say about this form of chromium and I am guessing that this is why Plexus Slim includes chromium nicotinate over chromium picolinate.
How much does Plexus Slim cost?
One of the slogans for Plexus Slim is “At last, an affordable weight management product.” I guess that depends on how you define “affordable”. On the Plexus Slim website they have different prices depending on whether you want to buy it just once or be billed each month automatically. If you want to buy Plexus Slim one time only, its $84.95. If you want to be billed automatically at the 15th of each month, Plexus Slim is $79.95/ month. Either way, both prices are a LOT of money. Based on the tiny differences in price, I don’t see why anybody would choose to have Plexus Slim Auto shipped to them.
Does Plexus Slim have any side effects?
If you look at the Q and A page of the Plexus Slim website (question 7) where it’s asked: “Will Plexus Slim interfere or react with any medications or other supplements?” the makers say: ” No. Extensive clinical research has demonstrated no ill side effects with any medications or other supplements.”
Ummm, where is all the “extensive clinical research” on Plexus Slim? As far as I can tell Plexus Slim has NEVER been tested to see if it interacts with any medication or health condition. The makers of Plexus Slim never say this fact.
That’ said, I disagree 100% with their bold claim that Plexus Slim does not interact with any medication or health issue. If the makers of Plexus Slim really did look at the “extensive clinical research” they would know some of the possible side effects that I’ve already listed here. Why don’t they mention it?
I would be extra cautious about Plexus Slim if you have any problems with your heart, blood pressure, kidneys, liver, mental disorders, diabetes or digestive problems. I would not recommend Plexus Slim if you had bariatric surgery either. To their credit, the makers of Plexus Slim do say to see your doctor first if you are pregnant. I agree with this.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator
This is another product sold on the Plexus Slim website. The word “accelerator” is a tip off that this product is a stimulant. At $39.95 for a 30 day supply, I say it’s an overpriced stimulant too!
The Plexus Slim Accelerator contains trace minerals (they don’t say which minerals), calcium and magnesium from seaweed (both are useless for weight loss) and vitamin B6 (useless for weight loss). The accelerator also has a “proprietary blend” of:
- Dark Chocolate – won’t help weight loss, unless it has caffeine
- Natural Caffeine – natural or not, it’s caffeine!
- Green Tea Extract – probably has caffeine or EGCG
- Vanadium Chelate. Fancy name for Vanadium. It won’t help weight loss.
- B-Phenylethylamine HCl – might act as a neuro chemical. Avoid if you take antidepressants.
The Plexus Slim Accelerator also has an inexpedient called GeranaX. Other names for this are, 1,3 Dimethylamylamine or “DMAA”. The name “GeranaX” is a made-up word. In other words, the name GeranaX holds no scientific meaning. Let’s discuss GeranaX a little more.
The ingredient GeranaX seems to act like ephedra or bitter orange (synepherine) which are potent stimulants. As such, it may raise blood pressure and heart rate to dangerous levels. Here is a case report of a 21 year old man who suffered a stroke after taking 2 DMAA pills.
Remember DMAA is another name for Dimethylamylamine (GeranaX)
Di methy amyl amine “looks” like amphetamines (“speed”). This is why question 6 of the Plexus Slim Q and A page mentions that this ingredient may cause a positive result on a drug test for amphetamines. Here is a study showing that dimethylamylamine causes false positive drug tests for amphetamines.
I recommend that all people -healthy and not healthy – avoid the Plexus Slim Accelerator.
Plexus Slim Bio-Cleanse
This is a laxative. Always remember, the word “cleanse” means laxative. The Plexus Slim Bio Cleanse supplement lives up to its laxative name because it contains magnesium, which is indeed a laxative. Remember “Milk of Magnesia.” Either way, laxatives don’t cause any weight loss other than mostly water (and of course, poo). The Plexus Slim website lists 2 prices for this product – $29.95 or $39.95 -both of which are too pricey for me.
Will Plexus Slim work?
Honestly, I’m not sure since Plexus Slim itself has no published proof that it works or is safe for everybody. That means we have to look at the research on the ingredients. Of all the ingredients in Plexus Slim it’s alpha lipoic acid and maybe garcinia cambogia that have most of the weight loss proof. I think they are the active ingredients in Plexus Slim.
That doesn’t mean Plexus Slim works because the product may not have the same amounts of these ingredients as researchers used.
Personally, I would forget overpriced Plexus Slim and get a bottle of alpha lipoic acid and try it for a month and see if it worked. Whatever you try, see your doctor before you experiment Plexus Slim - or its ingredients because of possible side effects.
What do you think?
{ 164 comments… read them below or add one }
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Someone on the site mentioned a comparison between MLM and Cults.. For some good info. on that, make a search on Yahoo for “Stay away from MLM”. This is pretty interesting for a lot of reasons. It explains pretty clear that most MLM companies are immoral, illegal, and go against christian values.
Pete
Red, I’m very aware of what you go through with fibromyalgia so if you say Plexus Slim has helped you, then that is what is most important to me.
I do believe the companies who sell supplements should do their own research but I also know that absence of evidence does not evidence of absense. I try to use what I know about science and the scientific method to help people sort fact from fiction (I think we will both agree that there is a lot of fiction going on in supplement advertisements). My hope is that my posts spur either the companies or others – grad students etc – to do some research so we can get a better handle on what is going on with some of these products.
Have you ever had any good results with Ribose? I posted a review of the ribose/fibromyalgia research thats why I asked. Ive always been intrigued by what Ive read. In case you missed it, here is that post http://supplement-geek.com/ribose-fibromyalgia-corvalen-review/
Pete: You stated the same reason(s) I am opposed to MLM. I have been approached by many to join numerous MLM plans. Every MLM invitation revolved around the same false dream of quit your limited income J.O.B., and join (name the MLM) which will provide unlimited wealth to obtain staff to manage your mansion home, a summer cottage in the mountains, a fleet of luxury cars, private schooling for children, jetting to Paris, yachting in Caribbeans, or whatever individual dream is.
I have yet to see even one person successful in any MLM plan. What I have seen is people rack up tens of thousands in expenses towards books & tapes (purchased thru the MLM company) hotel, food and travel expenses to $500.00 seminars. A host of dynamic speakers tell you how wonderful life is & how wonderful you are, while the money grabbers are back stage counting money you paid to be told you are currently living a worthless life, but that can change by sticking with the plan. 10,000 attendees would gross five million per seminar to the MLM company.
Here is an article on a former MLM who was able to escape the trap: http://attitudeadjustment.tripod.com/Essays/MLM.htm
Joe
After reading Red’s post, I did a little research on Fibromyalgia. Came across a lecture by a Dr. Nasr. Interesting is the fact that Dr. Nasr focuses on treating the disease with nutrients first then drug therapy. May be some nutrients in PS that allows for Red to feel better, but without clinical data still hard to pull the trigger. Dr. Nasr also mentions that exercise should be included in the regiment. As discussed, PS states no exercise is needed to lose weight with PS, so per Dr. Nasr, could be a factor in obtaining relief.
I always get back to the fact that if the things people say about PS giving them relief from this very debilitating disease, why don’t they look into it further. In my opinion, the reasons are obvious.
Do a search on yahoo, FibromyalgiaHope, lecture by Dr. Nasr. Joe, would appreciate your feedback.
Pete
Pete, I looked at the fibro hope website. looks like the woman is an online coach. I looked at some of the supplement stuff she posted but it just looked very general and I saw no mention of ribose, which I found odd since there is research on that.
I’m sure people say all sorts of things about fibromyalgia online. It does seem that “they” are getting closer to having better treatments as the condition is better understood. I’ve known many who have had it and I empathize with what they go through. It can be very debilitating.
Joe
You allow people to say what they believe true. After reading Red’s post over and over again before doing my research on Fibromyalgia, I think it was a fabrication by an “ambassador” This is a prime example how MLM companies get by with making these claims without clinical data. i ask you a question,” why should the company spend money on studies, they don’t have too.” Even though they say don’t make these claims, they know they will be. Kinda like free advertisement.
Red, if I am wrong, I offer my apologies. But, based on what I have seen and heard with my own eyes and ears, I stand by my statement. Joe, if this gets me kicks off your site, it has been a lot of fun, and I offer you my apologies also.
Pete, no it doesn’t. I welcome freedom of speech. I do think the talk about MLM is drifting away from that of the effects of supplements though. I know there are sneaky ways that some supplement distributors use to make claims not based in facts. I have no reason at this time to feel Red’s claim is one of them but even if it is, there is no way that false posts can compare to the deluge of honest people who report their real experiences with supplements. I think most people are smart enough to see when the preponderance of proof lies for or against a product.
Joe
I understand about the supplement talk over the MLM. Sorry about that, we’ll stick to the subject at hand. Red’s post was nothing but a well thought out sales PRESENTATION… I have heard and written many over the years.
Pete
Joe and Pete,
I definitely am for real and believe me, I have read and tried everything for my Fibromyalgia over 7 years. Every published doctor and holistic cause. I have had regular massages, physical trainers, therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists etc. I have gone to neurologists and every holistic practitioner in my city.
Starting in August I began working out with a Physical trainer 3 times a week up and now exercise regularly. For those with Fibromyalgia who are reading this, it is not easy to exercise regularly when you have this syndrome. When I started, the exercise would debilitate me but then when I got through the worst, I started to get much better and it got easier. Now every once and awhile I will get bedridden again and have to start over. It is not an easy thing to do and it doesn’t cure you…just makes you feel a little better and less stiff.
I have a few friends that also suffer from Fibromyalgia and it manifests itself differently in different people. For example I have pain in all trigger points, I get tired easily after a few hours of walking that makes me bed-written at times and often I can’t think straight enough to read emails.
Many people with Fibromyalgia also have low blood sugar or Hypoglycemia. Not all authors/doctors write about this connection but, as someone who suffers with it and knows many others that do, I think there is a strong connection. I am very intolerant of simple starches and sugar. I have tried Ribose which I felt made my blood sugar unstable… but I hope it does help others. The best supplements for me have been Peter Gillham’s CALM which I take every night (magnesium). It helps me get a deep sleep and makes me feel refreshed in the AM
I am being extremely sincere about how much Plexus Slim has helped me, by the way. I wish Pete wouldn’t discredit what I am saying because again, people with Fibromyalgia need to at least try it. It does stabilize my blood sugar, calms my muscles and helps me sleep. At work I am calmer and I am so focused. Usually I stress which sends me into high alert. My muscles hurt and I start to panic. With PS I am not experiencing that feeling
-Red
Pete, its possible. Time will tell.
Red, I cant think of a biologic pathway through which Plexus Slim would help fibromyalgia but if others with fibromyalgia also notice improvements it might be worth somebody doing a study. Have you ever tried ribose and if yes did it help your fibromyalgia?
Joe
I am tired of talking about products that have no clinical value at all. i am just beating a dead horse, and these people cannot and will not understand that clinical data is real, and if something is real, you cannot be accused of making things up. Most people on this site who make a statement about a product usually has some type of reference, or data to back it. There is none on PS for Fibromyalgia, so let’s get off of it until the data is there.
I find the product Ribose very interesting, and will do more research. as you stated there is clinical data backing it up, which makes it even more interesting.
Pete
Pete, I understand that’s why when people say the supplement did “this or that” I usually follow up with “can you show me any proof” and wait for their response. Odds are I either dont get a reply (which speaks a lot about “proof” vs opinion) or people get mad and think I’m missing something. That also speaks to their knowledge. A lot of people tell me they read all the comments on posts here so when they do, they learn who might know what they are talking about from those who dont. That’s why I think the comments are the most important part of this site. You definitely add to it. you have a unique perspective on MLM that I dont have. Im sure it seems like your beating a dead horse at times but I’m sure there are others who appreciate it.
Sorry for getting sidetracked on the MLM category. Back to supplement’s category.
Your ending article stated, “What do you think.” IMO, these supplements will do nothing for life long weight management. Ambassadors, I am sorry if this is not what you want to hear. You are selling a false health & financial hype.
Evidence & truths will be negated by ambassador’s up-lines. Perhaps ambassadors and consumers will heed expert advice:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20040113a1.asp
Pete, thank you for speaking from experience. Joe, thank you for your well researched facts. Little more I can state. Time to move on. Best to everyone.
Elaine, no problem feel free to share your thoughts about MLM if that’s what people want to discuss. Just didn’t want others to feel left out.
Elaine
Please don’t leave us. I always look forward to your posts because they are posts everyone can learn from. They are always well written and documented, and I believe that’s what Joe wants to see.
Pete
Ditto Elaine
Elaine
Would love to hear your thoughts and research you may have done on Ribose to treat Fibromyalgia.
Pete
Gosh, thanks for the feeling of being welcomed. Are you guys married or have brothers.
Sorry, couldn’t resist–off subject again. ~~
I continue to do things the hard way–aerobics class tonight. And, I am not opposed to supplements, just those that promote false hype. I actually take vitamins, minerals and vita juices everyday.
How do you make your vita juices? For the record I’m single
Joe: I follow Dr. Oz and Jack LaLanne websites.
http://www.doctoroz.com/
http://blog.powerjuicer.com/
I can only advise the establishment of healthy habits in younger years, so there will be no need to seek useless medicine man potions. Again, no-one need take my opinion as fact. Here is another article: Bloomberg Business Week. http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2008/01/the_diet_indust.html The slow, steady race worked best for my life.
Elaine
Looks like competition!!. I’m single also, but probably too old, and Joe is better looking. Darn! I was in the gym at 6:30 this morning. Would rather had been with my buddies at my favorite grill eating good ole scrambled eggs, hot buttered biscuits with gravy, and grits covered with butter. But, would have been dead by noon. LOL
Sorry Joe, need to shoot the bull sometimes.
Pete,shooting the bull is always good. I dont live by supplements alone
Darn, wish we could take this offline. You two are great. Thanks for the smiles. I don’t live by supplements alone, either.
I grew up on grits and butter. Yum. And how about the Cafe du Monde! Yep, I would be dead by noon if I gave in. Now where are my Sketcher runners. Just the thought of all those yummies sends me in a downhill spin. Have to keep temptations under control.
Joe
One more point concerning MLM, and I will do my best to get off from it unless challenged. A friend of mine ask me if I could sum up MLM in one word what would it be. Almost immediately, the word “Pernicious” came to my little mind. LOL
It can be Pete. MLM is definitely an aspect to many lines of supplements
A friend invited me to a meeting. I should have seen thru the manipulation but place responsibility on myself. No one forced me to buy the product which produced no results. The person I bought from is herself grossly overweight but continues to post overstated weight loss stories. Just so you know, any photo shop program can alter pictures. As for the mlm part, I think scam. You make money recruiting not selling product. Oh well, this is just my results which according to plexus people are not typical. But I still don’t believe all those melt away the fat stories.
Judith, just curious, do you remember anything specific they said that particularly appealed or swayed you to buy plexus slim? I did not know ambassadors could make money just recruiting people. Thanks for letting me know about that!
I have been a Plexus user since Aug. 12th. 2011 and I have to say this stuff is AWESOME I have not dieted at all and have lost 28 pounds and went from a size 18 to a 12 so there has to be something in it that works…. I have a ton of energy and can honestly say I never get tired and run down anymore. I became and ambassador after being on it for one week because I saw it really does work. I do realize what works for one may not be the answer for all but I have approx. 35 VERY HAPPY customers who are having the same success as me on Plexus.
Patti
If it is thats great, then why doesn’t the company spends a few bucks to do some studies to find out why. Do you think for one minute if PS is the miracle product you claim it is, PS, or any other company in their right minds will trust it in the hands of so many people uneducated in sales and marketing. I don’t think so! Meaning no disrespect, but if I had to bet you were very overweight, and still are. What you lost was water. Now the hard part will start, and that is losing fat, impossible to do without dieting.
The company knows PS is just a fad, and they will buy as much time as they can to milk you and your friends of as much money as you can. Read up on BIOPHYSICS, and it will tell you if you follow the plan you are on now, you will gain your weight back and then some.
Since, promoted as the #1 weight- loss product in the world, which i don’t understand due to it not being available in most areas, (more BS for PS) why doesn’t some other company start making it. To my understanding there is nothing that can be patented in PS except maybe the name.
Pete
I wanted to lose weight without dieting, that is what I believed. The mlm situation. The more recruits you bring in who sell, the bigger your slice of the pie. Saying you make money off recruiting, not selling product, was my error in words. One question, and I leave it alone. I am not an MBA, so my business knowledge is limited. Why do these sort of miracle products sell thru individuals instead of thru retailers?
Judith, I think they go through MLM mostly is because there are less hoops to jump through. Walmart for example, has a lot of red tape before they let a product be sold in their stores. with MLM, you just have to create buzz and get people to sell it and track their progress. Im sure Pete and others can speak a lot more in depth on MLM than I can.
Joe
Hope I am not treading on Judith’s post. Maybe I can help, since I was an ‘AMBASSADOR”.
The “AMBAASADOR” is recruited and pays $199.00 to buy the title, along with the right to share in commissions. You do get product for this money. The person who does the recruiting gets paid a certain amount, I think $50.00 and the rest of the money is funneled up through the upline. There are several different levels of commissions depending on where you are in the upline. People at the top get the top dollars. Keep in mind the new “AMBASSADOR” has to agree to purchase at least $100.00 worth of product per month, and be autoshipped to get the best price.
You can see where this has “pyramid” written all over it. What PS is doing is covering ‘pyramid” elements up by offering a product. (per FTC guidelines) You can see from above the main money is made through recruiting, and the company getting that consistant $100.00 per month.
Without recruiting, the company would fold for obvious reasons. Based on FTC guidelines, selling product should be first, recruiting secondary. Per guidelines 70% of product should be sold to the general public, or you are breaking the rules and could be held accountable. In my opinion Judith is right, nothing but a scam.
Pete
Thanks Pete I thought you’d be able to shed light on this!
Judith
Adding to Joe’s comment on why MLM companies sell their products through those particular channels. Joe is right on. But, one other reason and probably the most important, is that in the the regular marketing channels PS could not sell the product for the ridiculous prices they charge due to competition. Try selling that “junk” (my opinion) for the price they are charging in a Wal-mart, or some other outlet like that. $70-$84 WOULD NEVER HUNT, because their are too many weight-loss products on the market already that are making the same claims. Would’nt you go for the most inexpensive one?
An example, and Joe correct me if I am wrong. When Acai Berry hit the market, the pure form was selling for about $100.00 a month. After the “FAD” faded,and people realized it was a rip off, you could buy it in Wal-mart for about $12-$15. They could hardly give it away!! PS will milk this as long as they can until people catch on. And, they will!
I think Joe makes it clear that because of hardly any clinical trials on PS ,and not knowing whether it works or not, go with something less expensive.
And Judith, you don’t have to have a MBA to have good ole common sense, and it seems like you have plenty of that.
Pete
Pete
Pete, yes Acai berry supplements have dropped precipitously in price over the last couple of years.
I have become very curious about this product and have been trying to find out whether it is save or not. I came across this site http://www.cafemom.com/group/33200/forums/read/14613418/If_you_are_drinking_Plexus_Slim_aka_The_Pink_drink_or_thinking_about_it_to_loss_weight_you_might_wan
Is what this post saying true?
Thanks for this information. Ive been curious about whether this worked from the moment I first heard about it.
Chris, Hydroxycut was pulled and reformulated because people were having problems. was it hydroxycitric acid or ephedra or the combination. I dont think anybody knows. There were liver problems with hydroxycut but again what caused it I dont think anybody is 100% sure. I would have left a comment on her site to try to help but they wanted me to join and since I wasn’t sure what that was about I didn’t do it. I think it might be better to focus on how Plexus Slim is nothing special rather than what it might or might not do.
I came into contact with an Plexus “ambassadors” this weekend. My first red flag went up when I noticed that the ambassador that was informing me about this product was well…. a little on the heavy side. My second red flag went up when I asked the ambassador what were the main ingredients in the product. Of course I was told that they didn’t know but I was handed a brochure and was told to go to a Plexus website.
Of course the claim of helping diabetics control sugar levels caught my attention since my Mother died of the disease. So, yes I bought my five dollar 3-day sample. After reading this very informative review, I want to say “Thank you” for giving me the insight to get up from my kitchen counter and throw this stuff away. Not real happy about losing five dollars but so glad it wasn’t a lot more. “Thanks again” Joe and Pete.
Liz, thanks for telling YOUR story. Its interesting that the ambassador didn’t seem to know what was in Plexus Slim. I wonder if they say that to get around the law somehow? Pete would know more about this than I would I’m sure.
Liz
Joe is the expert, not me. Don’t know if you know this or not, but Joe has written SIX books on nutrition. I have been helping three others to just gather information for one chapter on MLM. Isn’t it scary though when someone gets up in front of a group to sell a product and don’t even know what’s in it. If I would have been you, I would have felt like the smartest person in the room, and I assure you, based on my experience with muti-level marketers, you were.
Good luck, and thank you for the compliments. Keep sending people to Joe’s site. I have been to meetings where top “ambassadors” could not, or would not answer my questions. Ended up being completely ignored. Don’t show any type of intelligence, or stand a chance of being kicked out of the meeting.
Liz
I don’t think the “ambassador” was holding back anything that may have been against FTC guidelines. They were just ignorant of the product. There does not seem to be any biological pathways (per Joe,and based on data) that allows this product to perform up to the claims they make.
So, when you start making false claims about a product, you can be held accountable by the FTC. Not only the company, but the person making those claims.. But, it is very hard to get the FTC involved and that is the reason most MLM companies get by with it.
FTC is very different from the FDA. Most people are unaware of this, but based on an article written by Robert Fitzpatrick, “Ten Lies of MLM”, most MLM companies are involved in fraud (giving people false hope, false dreams, overstating income, etc.). It is in the same category as security fraud, and that is a felony. Based on my research the lucky ones in MLM ane the ones who drop out before this happens.
Thanks for the response. I was just wondering if it was true that it contained the same ingredients in it as Hydroxycut did that they FDA took off the market and perhaps another company came back with the same product that caused the damage to those people.
Pete, thats fascinating that they would ignore you when you asked questions! Actually Ive only written a book on nutrition and a book on supplements. The other books are about exercise – but I appreciate the plug
Chris, plexus slim doesn’t have ephedra as far as I can tell. It does have hydroxy citric acid. Ill have to looks at at a bottle and see whats in it now. There are different types of hydroxycut on the market. I think most are pretty much the same but Ill look next time I see it to make sure.
Joe
Your site is #1 in my book. But, i was surfing to try and find more info. involving Chris’s post on Hydroxycut. Even though you have to be a member to post, only women can do so. Still will allow you to read the post.
The very first is by Who Dat Mom9, and she gives some very informative info. on the subject.
Pete, interesting – and interesting they would discriminate against us because of our gender. We could definitely add to their discussion. Oh well, we tried…
Joe
Feel bad about putting someone else’s address on your site. Sorry about that. For some reason I was able to read the post. I will try to remember what I can and post it. I will put in my own words so I won’t plager. myself.
Pete, go ahead and post it. I’m fine with it. I usually just hedge when sellers of supplements start leaving their links in their comments etc. (go to my “shakeology review” and you’ll see the convo I just had with somebody today about that). If people would get good information out of a link or a website, I’m fine with it.
Joe
I cannot find an answer to Chris’s post and it’s driving me crazy.LOL
This is only my opinion. Hydroxycut, Hydroxycitric Acid, and Hydroxycinnimic Acid, to my knowledge, all come from the same molecule, and that is Hydroxyl. Correct me if I am wrong!! Therefore all should be very similar. So, why did the FDA and the FTC take only Hydroxycut and Hydroxycitric Acid off the market and allowing PS to use Hydroxycinnimic.
As we know, these are all in the vitamin category and not highly controlled unless something obvious happens. Is this deception by PS, similar to the deception they use for the Accelerator. (Geranax) All MLM companies want is time, and maybe that is their goal before the FDA and FTC become aware.
My opinion again, do not use any product that starts with Hydroxy without consulting your healthcare provider first.
Pete, I think they yanked it because people were having some problems with that particular product, not because of any particular ingredient (although Im sure they had an idea of what the more problematic ingredients were). Its hard to tell what ingredient in hydroxycut caused the problems but regardless, it was reformulated and thats why its back on the market. Thats a good rule of thumb about products starting with “hydroxy”
Thanks Joe
I came across this post and after reading the comments decided to add one. As someone who has suffered from insulin resistance, PCOS, and now full blown diabetes I have always had a hard time fighting my body from putting on pounds. I have done a great deal of research on different supplements that can help me. Nutrition and supplements are nothing new to me. Many of the diabetes medications have side effects and I personally am not happy about being diabetic.
This is not something I chose or made myself become. I have struggled with keeping my weight off for years. In November I met an Ambassador and was introduced to the Plexus Company and its products. I immediately thought this was a scam. I took the info home and proceeded to research. I didn’t base my decision to try Plexus Slim off the website, but off things I found on the internet and a couple of people I knew that were taking it. I wanted real honest opinions and not those of just those trying to sell it to me.
My aunt decided to try it and so I waited to see what her opinion was. She is very honest and I knew she would give it to me straight up. Either it worked or didn’t. She sent me a text a few weeks after she started and said it was at least worth a try for me. She was losing weight. I waited an entire month before trying a three day sample pack.
I am very skeptical of everything and really wanted nothing to do with a MLM company (been there done that). I noticed in the first three days that it did indeed decrease my appetite and stop my cravings for certain foods. I decided to get a month supply and try it for myself. I don’t care if everyone in the world says it works for them, it has to work for me before I believe it. That was Dec 26th. As of today, February 19th, I have lost 21lbs. My mom started Dec 28th and has lost 25lbs.
Does it work for me? Yes.
Will it work for everyone? I dont know.
Have I personally known others that it has worked for? Yes
My conclusion…until you have tried it for yourself you can’t say whether it works or doesn’t work. I have two small children and I have to be around to see them grow up, so for me, finding something that helps me to drop a few pounds is worth every penny.
I am not rich and Plexus isn’t cheap, but neither are my meds or test strips. The more weight I drop the less I have to have of those. Every one has to make their own decisions. Your health is up to you and I believe that God did put things on this earth to help.
And I will say this in reply to one of the other comments….many of the ambassadors sign up to get the product at wholesale with no intent of actually selling it, but as you lose weight you get very excited and want to share it with the world. So in response to the Ambassador who was still overweight that the lady referred to earlier…she is probably using it, having great results, and wants to share it with others. Personally…I would rather have someone like me sell me something that works than someone who has never been over weight a day in their life sell me something that doesn’t. TRY it before you decide to hate it.
Jeanie, just curious, after you got the plexus slim info from the Ambassador and did your online research, did you find this website quickly? This site shows up very high in Google rankings I am told. Just curious if you read this and the comments before you used plexus slim. Either way I am glad it is working for you and I want you to know that plexus slim or not, your type II diabetes can be cured. I will be posting an interview with somebody who cured herself of type II diabetes this week. It will be on my personal site Joe-Cannon.com.
Jeanie
How in the world can anyone believe that PS, which does’nt have any substantial studies done on it could possibly take the place of insulin, and other diabetic products on the market that have had 15-20 years of clinical research, and clinical experience behind them, is beyond me.
This is BIG NEWS!!!! Where are all the TV stations that would, or should be covering this “miracle’ product. First of all without proof, and there is none, there is no story. Like most intelligent people they would laugh in your face. You need not be on this site, you need to be at some media outlet.
If you watch your diet and exercise, your sugar can be controlled. illiterate people are the breeding ground for MLM success. Why do you think PS came to Louisiana and Mississippi first, two of the most, or the most illiterate states in the US. I was born and raised in Louisiana, and I love it, but let’s call an orange an orange. And yes, this is based on research.
IN MY OPINION, MORE BS FOR PS!!!!!
I found your website by doing a google search. I wanted to try, so I called three different numbers 1st -I am busy. Can I call you back. 2nd-recording with info on business. 3rd-leave your name & number & I will return your call. For info on the business opportunity go to my website. >I am not the brightest star in the universe; could someone explain how money is made if all one is doing is getting others in, but not selling anything?
Relieved I could not reach anyone. I think all I would have lost was money. And from reading posts, even if I would have lost weight, it would cost about $10.00 per pound. One site I found said she lost 20 pounds in four months. $100.00X 4/20=$20.00 per pound. Walking instead of eating ice cream is free.
A. Reed
The money is made through MLM that has a product (Plexusslim) sold through a “pyramid” scheme. To be able to make money you have to join as an “ambassador” in order to share in the profits of the company. There really isn’t much product sold to the public, the majority of product is sold to the “ambassadors” themselves who have to pay at least $100.00 per month to the company.
Only about 20% of product is actually sold directly to the public, which is way below the FTC guidelines. The $100.00 per month is funneled upward just like a pyramid. People at the top make the big bucks (2%) as long as the company lasts, which is on average 3-5 yrs., people at the bottom (98%) hardly make enough money in commissions to pay their $100.00 per month.
By the way, this is based on extensive research. Hopes this helps, any other questions about MLM, let me know.
Am I understanding you can buy an ambassador title, who in turn get others to buy an ambassador title, who in turn get others to buy an ambassador title, who in turn get others……. Is any product actually sold. Is there anyplace I can find other info on ps, not just from someone selling.
A Reed
That’s exactly how it works, and you can see the “pyramid” element here. As stated before, some people just buy the product either directly from the company, or through an “ambassador”. The ‘ambassador” does get product for the amount of money they spend each month. These are the ways the product is sold. But, you can see where the money is made, by recruiting people, not by selling product. In other words the people you recruit will automatically buy the product, or will not qualify for commissions. The “ambassadors” are auto-shipped each month, and charged at least $100.00.
Joe can answer any questions you may have about the ingredients in PS, and I have done extensive research on the muti-level marketing aspect of it. I was actually an “ambassador” at one time.
Pete, I didn’t know they charged the ambassadors $100 per month. Wow that is steep! Is this something new in MLM? Ive heard of other MLM products where the people who sell it pay a sign up fee and a yearly fee to maintain their status but not a monthly fee.
Thank you for the info. I am hesitant to purchase from an individual; think I will pass. I would love to believe the videos and testimonies but don’t. Sellers I am not up to your poison arrows, so please no “try it before you hate it.” I never said I hated it. I am saying I am not trying it.
Joe
This is part of the deception of MLM. You may, or may not, consider the $100.00 per month a fee since you do get product in return. You get product simply to allow PS not to be considered a “pyramid scheme”. I refer you to the Amway lawsuit of 1979, and FTC guidelines. Yes, believe it or not, something can be illegal, and the same time legal. So, based on my research, PS is a “pyramid scheme” covered up by a product.
The $100.00 plus per month allows the “ambassadors” to have product shipped to them each month, and it is charged to their credit cards. I consider this a fee because the $100.00 gives the “ambassadors” the right to buy into the commission program, and the right to market the company’s products.
If the $100.00 worth of products is not met you lose your commissions for that month, and the dollars move to the people above you in the upline. Keep in mine you probably have credit card debt from the month before, and you will have to pay it out your regular income. Since, based on research only 98% of MLM people succeed, you can see how this can lead into considerable debt.
This $100.00 month does not even include the cost of attending the “rah, rah” meetings, the cost of tapes, selling brochures, etc. It is a racket, and a very lucrative one for the people at the top, and the owners of the company.
I used to hear people at the top (upline) brag, “don’t worry about paying the $100.00 per month for products, and other stuff, let the poor SUCKERS in you downline pay for them.
Hope that answers your question Joe.
Pete, it does thanks. Amazing people would fork over their money like that. Were you ever able to figure out what the average plexus slim ambassador makes per month?
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