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?
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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?
Joe
You can make comissions based on seven levels. I have known people at the top to make several thousand per month. When you reach the “Diamond” level, and very few ever do, you can make $10,000 per month. These are usually the “rah, rah” people who are actually paid a certain percentage on top of how their downline performs. Some have even been known to draw salaries in conjucntion to their commissions. These are the people that the company uses for show.
They go around to the events and get all the people fired up in order to take their money and believe they can make this amount of money also. They may live in big houses, and drive expensive cars until the company folds and they end up living in the cars. This is important, this sound great, but ask yourself what are the odds of making the big bucks.
As Robert Fitzpatrick states in his article, “Ten Lies of MLM” you have a better chance of winning at the casinos in Las Vegas, or seeing an alien from out of space. As stated before 98.9% of people fail at MLM.
The seven levels of pay sounds enticing, but in reality should be a “red flag” Based on my research if a MLM company pays over 5 levels, they are headed for financial doom. You will have to understand the math to understand this, and that is a whole new chapter.
Joe
The income and income levels are kept very secret for obvious reasons. There are so many variations, it would be hard to get an average. But, I can honesty say based on the failure rate of MLM, and people dropping out, I would say most people do not make enough per month to pay the $100.00 per month to qualify for commissions.
Pete, yes that’s what I was thinking also. Very sad.
Good review, first I would like to say I have taken plexus slim but not for weight loss per say. I am a 24yr old healthy male. I exercise daily and eat appropriate but one meal a week. With that said I ventured into the plexus slim world to make money. Before I could make money I wanted to try the product, did some research (ingredients) and made my own evaluation after taking it for three months.
The product itself will help shed some unwanted weight, but with anything there must be an appropriate healthy eating lifestyle as well as exercise regime. I work with two people who also sell and take plexus slim that do not workout and eat bad 3-4 times a week. They continue to lose weight with plexus so I am not sure what is going on there. The same case goes for my mom. I put her on plexus after researching the ingredients not just for weight loss but to promote all around health.
To this day she continues to lose weight and feels better all around. The Slim is the only product I have taken to this day and will probably be the only one I do just for overall health. I went to local Health store and looked up how much it would cost per item and the amount of pills that you would have to take. As of last week the price came to 119.89$ for the same ingredients compared to 85$ plexus. There is a price difference but this is the kicker for me..you would have to consume 20 pills and 30 liquid drops to consume what one pack of plexus slim has in it.
That there is monumental to me because I hate taking pills and anything that combines it together is a plus to me. It sounds like I am selling the product and maybe I am, but I will just say from experience that I have seen good results from people who have sustained over years worth of weight-loss or maintenance. I would be happy to answer any questions that anyone has about the product. As far as extensive research that they company says, I do not know about it that is why I agree with you and recommend doing your research before you take anything.
Side note, I am from Mississippi (make fun it’s ok) and this stuff is running wild down here. We all know we are the fattest state (close race with Louisiana and Bama lol) but this product has truly helped a lot of people. I can put anyone in touch with these people for testimonies. This is one fault I do have about the company is the lack of before and after pictures and testimonies. It truly is a great product for promotion of health and in my opinion safer than your hot products like Oxy Elite Pro and Hydroxycut. That’s just my opinion.
Hello Joe !
So what do you think of the Plexus Slim & Accelerator product. Does it actually works ? Is it real ? Is it safe and naturally as they advertise to be ?
Javier, I didnt know they had an accelerator. because it has the word “accelerator” that’s usually a tip off that it has a lot of stimulants like caffeine.
Shane I have a customer who was taking plexus slim and her doctor strongly recommended her not to. But she did. She posted good comments about it to. Then she had to quit taking it because of the problems it caused with her medication she was taking. She then contacted me about Visalus because its a health shake and helps you lose weight. Maybe it does help people lose weight but if there was an extensive study done I would think the study would say not to use it if you are on these medication and list them.
I am from MS also and where I am from plexus slim is not big. Visalus is. I take and sale visalus but I let people know that to loose weight they have to eat healthy and yes the shake replaces meals so the cost of it is off set by the money you safe on food. One customer taking it lost 177 lbs on it and its a health shake not a diet shake. I just started taking it for the vitamins and protein in it cause I did not eat healthy.
If people are still eating unhealthy and losing weight that’s good for weight lost but what is the benefit to a healthier body. If I’m eating fast food and losing weight then I’m not getting myself healthy only losing weight. Maybe there are things about visalus I need to know that they have not informed me. But on the bag it tells you all the vitamins and amount of protein.
I guess I’m wondering why not encourage people to get healthy and lose weight instead of just losing weight. Plexus slim and hydroxycut has many of the same things in them so is plexus slim safer ? If so then why is it on their website this is not hydroxycut? If you not the same why point this out? And if anyone knows of negative things about visalus please let me know. I don’t take it to lose weight. I drink one for breakfast for the vitamins cause its a health shake.
Shane
GREAT PRESENTATION!!! Almost makes me want to use PS. Glad it’s working for you. Shane I have nothing against PS other than I think it’s a “fad” and will go away soon just like the Acai Berry. I will not take up any more of Joe’s website talking about MLM unless asked. Just remember Shane the odds of anyone making substantial income in MLM is very slim. If you’re at the top, you make money, if on the bottom, and 99% are, you will lose money.
This is a “pyramid” An example, if there are just over 3600 members in an organization, only 31 will make enough money to sustain a business. (1%) This has been proven by many non-profit consumer advocates out there fighting for you so you don’t get scammed. If you want to know anything else about MLM contact me at rnstcole@yahoo.com. Shane, there are legitimate MLM companies out there, just do your homework. There are several good questions you can ask a recruiter in order to help you make that decision. I will not put those on this site unless ok’d by Joe.
Yes, they have an accelerator that you can take with the Plexus Slim. This is optional of course but that is just to boost/make it faster to work and yes the accelerator does has caffeine. The Plexus Slim itself does not.
Pete, sure post the questions, I’d be interested in knowing those myself.
Javier, I think the accelerator product is just another way for the company to make money. Since it has caffeine, why cant you just drink coffee or diet soda? That should do the same thing since they have caffeine too. I dont think the accelerator is needed.
QUESTIONS TO ASK RECRUITERS BEFORE JOINING A MLM COMPANY:
1. Do you have to pay for your sales job? Beware of any scheme where you have to first pay money for the chance to make money from selling or recruiting. KEY TERMS TO WATCH OUT FOR; registration fee, renewal fees, “back-office charges”, web-site charges; certification tests cost; “success system”; auto-ship.
2. Is the company really about selling? Could you sell enough products to customers at the retail price to earn a substantial profit? And, could you do this month after month without recruiting other salespeople. IF NOT, WATCH OUT! KEY TERMS TO WATCH OUT FOR; Anyone can do it; no selling required; no sales experience needed; our product sales itself; virtually no selling cost; make money while you sleep; just invest 3 hours per week.
3. Does the company put recruiting before actual sales. IF THEY DO; RUN. Most likely a “pyramid scheme” disguised by offering a product. KEY TERMS TO WATCH OUT FOR; fast start; fast-track; build structure; right-leg and left-leg; 24-hour game plan.
4. Do the recruiter and the upline make money when you the sales person, make a purchase (even if you don’t make a sale)? If they do, put your wallet in a safe place. KEY WORD TO WATCH OUT FOR; Be your own customer.
5. Are you PAYING to be trained and “motivated” by the company or upline you work for? If so, they may be profiting and you may be getting scammed. KEY WORDS TO WATCH OUT FOR; you really need to attend this seminar; you have to invest to succeed.
6. Does the company provide enough information for your own “due diligence”? Average incomes, drop-out rates, actual business costs, etc. KEY WORD TO WATCH OUT FOR; “Disclosures”.. ( ex. how many reps. are active at each rank, etc.)
In conclusion, please remember, it is your money,your time,and your life, The decision and action you take are your own. MLM uses many group pressures to enroll each individual. They hold large and exciting meetings with rousing music. They may sponsor sports events, feature famous celebrities, offer inspiring testimonials, and charm you with smiles, hugs, and charismatic speakers. They may lead you to dream and envision wealth, while offering little or no facts.
Pete: I found your post on http://www.dietsinreview and responded back. At least I think it is the same Pete here as on that site. I also did a Google key word search Plexus Slim reviews and found this site. I offer a hearty thank you for relaying the wisdom you possess on MLM companies. I attempted to explain the fallacy of these pyramid schemes and the probability of ever making the large salaries promised. I was branded the “spoiler.” Except to protect my daughter from these schemes, I do not try anymore to educate people. Mr. Joe, if my post is inappropriate, please feel free to send into cyber space. Thank you.
GracieN, thanks for writing. I’m sure your daughter is glad for your efforts
GracieN
This is me. I normally do not go to other sites because I enjoy Joe’s so much. I highly recommend this site for you and your friends. I spent so much time on this site I felt I was stepping on Joe’s toes. This is actually a site for nutrition, not MLM. You will be glad you protected your daughter. Just go by Joe’s rules diet, exercise, and throw in some supplements you can trust. Any questions about MLM you can contact me at rnstcole@yahoo.com. Thanks for your kind remarks.
hey pete, my toes are fine – and so are you
Joe
Thanks, what a pleasure it would be to meet someone of your expertise in person some day.
I was reading Javier’s post about the PS accelerator. If he would go back to your initial info. of PS and scroll down to The Plexusslim Accelerator, you explain exactly what is, and the potential dangers of it.
Pete, thanks for mentioning that, it slipped my mind
So what are the dangers of the Accelerator ?
Javier, well, if its stimulant effects are very dramatic, it might raise your heart rate and blood pressure and make you anxious/jittery. If your taking any other stimulants, their effects might add together with the stimulants in the plexus slim accelerator.
I work for plexus and all of you are really ignorant when it comes to this MLM thing. The mlm method they use for ambassadors is VERY fair and includes profit sharing checks sent out every month. I have not tried the product personally but plexus is not an illegal or immoral business, they treat their customers and ambassadors very well. If you do not like the products do not buy them, simple as that but don’t sit around knocking the product and the business when you are completely ignorant of both.
Roger
Roger, I will not sit here and teach you about MLM. Go to the Amway lawsuit of 1979, and it will explain it to you. The marketing design of PS, and how the money flows upward makes it a “pyramid scheme”, and therefore against FTC regulations. Per the ruling on the Amway lawsuit, companies like PS offer a product (PS) to make it appear to be legal. As far as immoral, anytime you deceive your friends and relatives in believing that MLM is their savior, in my opinion, is immoral.
As far as people getting a pay check each month, SO WHAT!! If you understood MLM for what is, how money is generated, and distributed you would see where the conn is. I’ll keep that our little secret, in hopes you will find out on your own. By the way Roger, what level are you. I bet you don’t make enough commission to pay for your products you have to buy each month for you to qualify for comm. That statement is made due to the 99% failure rate of MLM. Now,if you are at the top, you may make some money,(1%) but if not you are headed for financial doom. Sounds like a pyramid to me, how about you?
Roger, open up your mind, and don’t let these people brainwash you. Good luck, pal.
Well, all I can say is experience speaks volumes over theory. I have tried every diet out there, have juiced, gone low fat (which means tasteless), no carbs, low calories,etc., and I might lose a tiny bit of weight, but nothing significant. Last summer I began the Plexus Slim and have lost 35 pounds and 4 pants sizes. I understand people being skeptical because it is a MLM, but I regained my health with another MLM product about 15 years ago – so MLM doesn’t scare me. I am working this as a business – didn’t intend to, but when people started asking me how I was losing weight I couldn’t help but tell them. So now I have supplemented my income with a product that has helped me and many others in my area.
Jo
Theory? My information on MLM is no theory, it is based on many years of research by many well-known consumer advocates against MLM. If anything is theory it is PS. There is no sufficient clinical data out there proving how, and why it works. But, all fairness, I have seen people that stated they loss 50-60- lbs. on PS and they still looked like a water buffalo. Why does it only seem to work quickly on those people that are huge, then levels off because that person was to lazy to get off the couch and exercise, and diet. Jo, very simple, you lose water first, and since the body is 70% water that’s easy. Then the hard part comes, no exercise and diet, no more weight loss. Biology 101.
As far as the money you are making, good for you, you are in an elite group. Take the money you make, subtract the products you have to buy each month, cost of your selling materials, and the cost of attending those rah-rah meetings, and I bet you are in the hole. MLM on average last 3-5 yrs., that is why only about 30 out of 15,000 MLM have made it since the 1950′s. Good luck if you expect PS to be any different. Wow! you Miss. and La. people amaze me.
I took this stuff for 30 days followed exactly as instructed. I gained two pounds. I do not know how others are losing, but it did nothing for me. I now wonder if those weight loss testimonies are true but see the stories on you tube so just don’t know what is truth or exaggeration. Anyone other than a seller do you have any feedback good or not good?
Lydia
When I first was introduced to PS I took for one month for experimental purposes. Per the hype, i ate what I wanted, did not exercise, and put on 6 pounds. I was not overweight, and think the only people it works on initially are grossly overweight people. Overweight people can lose weight a lot faster, but it’s mainly fluid. They will tell you to take the accelerator with the PS, but be careful. It is a stimulant, and my pulse rate went from 71 t0 126. Could be dangerous.
Not too long ago I learned about Plexus Slim and I only started to take it but also joined to sell it so became an ambassador.
After taking the product for 1 week and hoping to see some result as I was told that I should and also reading all the testimonials and all the other information I was given, I did NOT loose not even 1 pound. Nothing ! Nada !
On the other hand I got very sick on my 7th day of taking the Plexus Slim and Accelarator pill. I had stomach aches, diarrhea, nausea, etc…
I also had lots of problems from my sponsor and other people in the group that I was assigned.
Fed up with everything and also seeing no results at all I contacted the company directly regarding this on different occasions.
It was a total nightmare dealing with this people in general(the employees in the company and the other people that sells it in the group that I felt under) and also mainly as I told the company too – How can I sell a product that I can not show results for and also got me sick ?
At the end of lots of arguing they ended up giving me a full refund for everything that i paid after I sent back the products they sent me in my welcome kit.
My advice to anyone that is considering in either trying Plexus Slim or to sell it – STAY AWAY FROM IT ! You will be glad you did
This has been my opinion based on my personal experience.
Javier
Javier, remember testimonials have no concrete evidence backing them. i have knowledge of people actually being paid by the company to give a testimonial. Evidence of photos being doctored are not uncommon. Remember MLM in nothing but a lie in order to take your money. If you want to, file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office of your state, they handle these matters since the FTC does’nt apperar to have time. Javier, remember the tv show “PUNKED”. Sorry, but you got “punked”. Good luck, pal.
Thank you for the feedback. I am not grossly overweight, but do need to lose 20 pounds. I went to youtube and did an internet search before purchasing. I did find some not-so-good reviews but chose to listen to the good reviews. When I called the distributor about the product and asked about the not-so-good reviews the reply was, “Oh, those are just people selling competitive products and will say anything to discredit PS in order to sell their product.” I am really disappointed in myself for falling for this, when I knew better. I guess I will have to do it the only successful way, workout and push away the chocolate chip cookies.
Lydia, dont beat yourself up too much. As someone much smarter than me once said, experience is the fruit of the tree of errors.
Lydia
Thank you. You are right, you are not grossly over-weight. With a little exercise, and watching what you eat, you will lose that in no time. And at the same time saving yourself $100.00 bucks a month. Good luk, and I wish you the best.
Joe
I know this is off subject, but I had to pass this info. to you anyway explaining how MLM companies conn people out of their money. This info was sent to me from Plexusslim from when I was an Ambassador. To attend their convention taking place in May, 2012, it will cost the ambassadors and their guest anywhere between $60.00 to $100.00 depending on when they register to attend. Can you believe people fall for this. You have to pay YOUR MONEY, and the guest has to pay their money to be trained to sell the company’s product. Nothing but a rah-rah meeting to recruit new people to keep the company afloat. How much training do you have to have to sale a vitamin. This is part of the scam my friends!! The company should be paying the participants, not the other way around.
Pete, thanks for letting me know and yes that is pretty amazing!
I am glad I found this site…I ALWAYS do research. We had a PS rep at a KAPS meetup here yesterday. I know right away something like this is MLM. But I got this email from the Ambassador (chuckles) this morning: And BTW – I can’t wait for them to call me so I can discredit them to their faces – LOL. Thanks for the information you provide online here! Cheers!
“Thanks for stopping by our table at the KAP presentation yesterday. I just wanted to share some more information with you on the Plexus Slim product. It is long but I hope you find it very informative and worth the read. Let me know if I can help in any way.
What is Plexus Slim?
Plexus Slim is an all-natural weight loss product. However, it was originally developed to treat diabetes. During the clinical trials it was discovered that, aside from drastic reductions in blood sugar levels, ALL of the test subjects also lost weight! The most impressive thing is that none of them made any type of lifestyle changes. In other words, no one dieted or exercised during the trial periods and, yet, all of them achieved weight loss!
How Does Plexus Slim Work?
Plexus Slim works by regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. When we eat, our blood sugar levels increase. This prompts the body to send signals to the brain that it is full. This, in turn, causes the hypothalamus region of the brain to stop sending out signals that the body needs more food. Therefore, we do not feel hungry any more. The unique steroidal glycoside extract used in Plexus Slim is estimated to be 100,000 times more potent than glucose and has the same effect on the hypothalamus as consuming large quantities of food. As soon as the extract in Plexus Slim is sensed by the hypothalamus, the body is ‘told’ that it is full, thus inhibiting overeating.
You see… excess weight is not a result of “eating”… It is a result of “over-eating”. When you take Plexus Slim it, basically, convinces your body that you’ve already eaten and that you do not need any more food.
Our bodies are miraculous machines, and they have an amazing ability to balance when given the proper tools. If our blood sugar is balanced, weight will naturally be reduced. Having a balanced blood sugar means our organs are working together properly. If your blood sugar is not in balance, then the hormones necessary to tell you to stop eating are compromised. This is where Plexus Slim makes the difference.
Plexus Slim does such a good job of balancing blood sugar that people have actually reduced or eliminated their dependency on insulin! Coach Ronnie Cuevas (a coach at Gulfport High in LA) is one of them. He was taking 4 insulin shots a day, but his endocrinologists was able to completely take him off of insulin after taking Plexus Slim for 7 months. Other people have reported sleeping better, stress relief, clarity of thought, sustained energy, and lowering of their cholesterol and lipid levels. Many have also been able to come completely off of their blood pressure medications.
It’s amazing how many health issues are caused by carrying excess weight, but Plexus Slim solves most of these because it actually does work. It really does regulate blood sugar levels and help you to lose weight.
By the way, the weight that you lose with Plexus Slim is all fat… NOT muscle! You will lose lots of fat and inches, but you will not sacrifice muscle in the process.
Here’s a television news interview featuring the creator of Plexus Slim. You can hear about it straight from the horse’s mouth. Its 8 minutes and 5 seconds long, but it’s worth the watch. If you don’t have time now, try to come back to it later.
http://vimeo.com/16030576
Plexus Slim TV Interview with Dave Brown, Sheila Medina and Ronnie Cuevas.
(This is an older video; “Coach” had lost 47 pounds at that point in time. He’s gone on to lose another 17 pounds since then. Incredible!)
How Do You Take Plexus Slim?
Plexus Slim is designed to be simple. Our lives are already too busy and overly complicated. The last thing we need is a weight loss plan that takes up more of our time. There’s no need to worry about dieting or exercising. All you need to do is open your Plexus slim packet, pour it into 12 to 20 ounces of water, shake and drink. You only have to do this once a day! It has a very pleasant flavor, so it goes down easy.
With that being said, I feel like I need to also stress the importance of proper diet and exercise. Without a doubt, Plexus Slim will work wonders for you without the need for dieting and exercising. But please be kind to your body and use common sense. When you get to a point where you’ve lost enough weight that you can comfortably exercise, please try to make an effort to do some type of regular exercise activity. It’s also important to eventually try to eat foods that are healthier for you. Or, at least stop eating so much junk. The Plexus Slim will make this so much easier because it actually reduces, or even eliminates, your cravings for junk foods.
There are many people who having taken Plexus Slim and lost a considerable amount of weight without ever having exercised or changed their diets. I don’t know if they will ever change. That is an individual lifestyle choice. I will always exercise – I want to stay healthy and live a full life. At my heaviest I weighed 270 pounds. I have kept 100 pounds off for 11 years and with Plexus the battle of the last 20 to 30 is non-existent. I will reach my personal goal by losing the last 15 pounds. With Plexus Slim I’m not struggling at all, and the weight is still coming off. There’s no difficult exercise program to keep up with, no trying so hard to maintain a difficult diet plan and eat the right types of food, along with just the right portions. Plexus Slim makes it effortless with just one drink a day.
My Results with Plexus Slim!
I have been on Plexus Slim since Dec. 2 and have lost 31 pounds. I was not prepared for the type of results that I am actually achieving. One thing I have noticed is that, not only does it control my appetite; it has also controlled my habits. I used to snack fairly consistently, but I don’t even have the desire any more. It’s like the cravings have been deleted from my way of thinking. The appeal just isn’t there anymore. Like Sheila Medina stated in the video, “You don’t have to change your eating habits, Plexus Slim will change them for you.” And that’s exactly what has happened with me.
Some people have only lost a few pounds in their first month, but they continue to consistently lose weight every month thereafter. The important thing to note is that, even with the variances, it does seem to work for everyone. It also appears to work better over time. Obviously, the longer you take it, the more it’s going to be in your system, and the more weight you’re going to lose. The developer states that it usually takes 2-3 weeks before you really start to see results with the weight loss. However, it seems like most people are getting faster results. Just keep in mind, the weight loss may take a little longer for some than for others. The important thing is to be consistent. Drink Plexus Slim once daily – every day!
One of the reasons that I may have experienced these results is because I also combined the Plexus Accelerator with the Plexus Slim. I figured I might as well go “all out”. I feel very confident that I would have still lost weight without the accelerator. But probably not as quickly, or not as much weight. It basically does just what it states. It accelerates the performance of the Plexus Slim and helps you to get a jump start and lose weight at a faster pace. You can read all about it at the Plexus Slim . I will say that, while the Plexus Slim is caffeine and stimulant free, the Plexus Accelerator does have caffeine in it.
While it may take a few weeks before you actually see any weight loss results – Diabetics, on the other hand, are seeing almost immediate results with the lowering of their glucose levels. There are numerous people who have been able to reduce their insulin dependency or even stop taking insulin altogether. Many have achieved the same results with blood pressure medications. You can read about numerous real-life people who are experiencing some amazing results at the official Plexus Slim web site
If you’ve been asking yourself if this is just another one of those over-hyped, miracle products, then I can tell you from personal experience that this really works. I don’t like the term “miracle product”, but it has definitely been a miracle for me. It has also helped so many other people that we know personally. I can’t recommend Plexus Slim enough!
But don’t take my word for it. Go check out the Plexus Slim web site for yourself . My suggestion would be to get started immediately. You can read all the information you want to, but you’re never going to know for sure unless you try it. After all there is a 60 day money back guarantee. What do you have to lose, besides weight?
Here’s another helpful hint, if you decide to try Plexus Slim, you can save 15% on your order by signing up as a “preferred customer” instead of a “retail customer”. For “preferred customer” status, you will need to sign up for the auto-ship option. But you can cancel at any time.
An even better idea would be to sign up as an Ambassador, which will allow you to make purchases at wholesale prices.
Oh and one more thing – I have had people ask me about ordering the free sample from the web site. My personal opinion is that it’s a waste of time. It takes 5 – 6 weeks to receive the sample and then you only get one pack of Plexus Slim and one Plexus Slim Accelerator capsule. The only thing you’re going to be able to determine from a one day sample is how the Plexus Slim tastes. And the accelerator capsule will give you a boost of energy throughout the day. You can’t expect to take a product for one day and see any kind of weight loss results. That’s not a realistic expectation. And I can already tell you that the product taste great. It tastes kind of like cherry pomegranate Kool-Aide.
If you really want to try it then my suggestion for the best value would be to sign up on the auto-ship program to save 15% on your purchase. Try it for up to 60 days. If it doesn’t work for you then request a refund and you’ve lost nothing. Well, actually, you will only be refunded the product costs. You will not be refunded the shipping charge, but that’s a small price to pay to be able to try this product and not have to wait 5 – 6 weeks for a sample.
Another benefit of signing up on auto-ship is that, in addition to the 15% discount you’re already getting, you’ll get an additional 10% discount on all purchases after your 3rd month of auto-ship.
Do me a favor please, whether or not you decide to try Plexus Slim for yourself, would you please share this email with someone you know that struggles with their weight or is a diabetic.
I’d really appreciate you sharing, and I’m sure someone you know may benefit from this information, as well.
Thank you for reading all this – I know it was long and I hope informative. I will be glad to answer any questions you have about the products or the business which I have made over $4,000 since I started in December.
Happy Plexus Slimming – I love getting paid to lose weight!”
PS: Sorry for the long post above – but I had already read through about 60 posts on here about PS…thought yall would want some insider information LOL…and my apologies if this has been brought up before.
Carol, thanks for passing along that email. I did read all of it and only took out the website of the plexus slim ambassador since it was an affiliate link to the ambassadors website. I did leave in the 8 minute video on plexus slim. I noticed in the video that the co-creator of plexus slim mentioned that they originally tested plexus slim on diabetics. I could not find any diabetic testing information on the plexus slim website. You might also ask the plexus slim rep where that research is at. What is the KAPS? You mentioned a KAPS meetup that the plexus slim rep showed up at. Just curious.
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