Isagenix is an MLM company that promotes their Total Health and Wellness Program, which is a meal-replacement program that guarantees weight loss and a “cleansing” lifestyle. Their Isagenix Plan Pak contains “cleansing” products such as shakes and snacks, a program guide, a tape measure, and a “Why Cleanse?” CD, and you have the option of a 9-day plan or the recommended (of course) 30-day plan.

Isagenix sells for approximately $165 for the 9-day program and $350 for the 30-day program, which is very expensive for a meal-replacement diet plan.

The Claims

From Isagenix’s website: “The program feeds your body cleansing nutrients like aloe, herbal teas, vitamins, and ionic trace minerals. Then, it helps kick-start your metabolism to burn fat naturally. No stimulants are used. Losing weight becomes easy and enjoyable with a delicious wave of nutrients from IsaLean Shakes. You may also gain more energy, build muscle, reduce unhealthy cravings, and improve your mental clarity. In addition, Ionix Supreme provides healthy adaptogens to encourage optimum health, IsaFlush encourages regularity, and Want More Energy?, our natural electrolyte drink, gives you more energy.”

In addition, they claim that the average weight loss is 7 pounds at the end of the 9-day program.

How It Works

On most days you'll be consuming two regular meals as well as a soup or a shake, and they offer a variety of 400-600 calorie meal ideas that are low in fat and high in fiber.

You cleanse one day a week for four weeks, or you may alter this program to cleanse two consecutive days twice a month, as in the 9-day Isagenix Plan. The belief is that over time your body becomes congested with harmful substances, which promote weight gain. By getting rid of these substances, you will allow the body to lose fat faster and more efficiently than if you were on any other diet.

Scientific Evidence of Effectiveness

There is no credible scientific evidence to say that a “starvation detox” works or that it is even necessary from a weight-loss standpoint. However, just about everyone would lose weight on this program because you will probably only consume about 1,000-1,400 calories a day. It is important to note, however, that you should never eat less than 1,200 calories/day to ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients your body needs. Of course their advice to drink lots of water and get plenty of exercise is good and their meal ideas look relatively healthy. However, starving yourself only slows down your metabolism which is counter-productive for weight loss, and most of the weight lost will be mainly water weight and will be regained once the diet has ended.

User Feedback

“Isagenix worked for me. I lost 47lbs and have kept it off. I returned to a normal healthy diet and use the Isagenix products as maintenance and when I need a boost of energy. Thanks Isagenix.”

-- BLThomas on October 4, 2006

“I started this isagenix diet two days ago. I am starving myself, that's why you lose weight. I have the worst headache and I am sooooo hungry. I hate it and it is a waste of money. Really all you're doing is not eating and drinking these shakes and that's why you're losing weight. I could have done the same thing with water or any other liquids. I DONT RECOMMEND IT!!!!!!!!”

-- assunta110 on January 16

Sources

http://www.weight-loss-for-busy-people.com/isagenix-diet-review.html

http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/cleanse_30day.dhtml

http://www.geniediet.com/isagenix-review.html

http://www.rateitall.com/i-859598-isagenix.aspx

http://forum.sofeminine.co.uk/forum/fitness1/__f362_fitness1-Isagenix-ahhhh.html