The short answer to this questions is: I dunno, but I’m thinking about finding out on myself.
On this Turkey Day, I spent some time reading my Life Extension Magazine from the Life Extension Foundation. Two years ago, I became a member for 6 months, and they’ve kept sending the magazine, though I’ve received threats in the mail from them that if I didn’t pony up membership $, they’d stop sending it. They haven’t done this yet, I suppose because their magazine is to a large degree a catalog of their expensive supplements.
Are these people for real? First, they are supposed to be a non-profit, but damn, is their mag slick. They do have a lot of research that they cite, and references to follow up on. Their articles are referenced like it’s a medical journal. They cite research in a number of respected journals, but their message usually ends up pushing one of their products.
That’s not necessarily bad, but it might be. Many a shyster has defrauded people hiding behind a wall of real science to make a buck.
But I also know that there are people – like us low carbers - that look at scientific research and come to alternate conclusions outside of mainstream thought.
So I’m intrigued by a new product they are peddling - irvingia.
Here’s a link to this magic potion for those of you interested enough to click. The stuff is from an African tree – and supposedly has almost magical powers – 4, to be exact. Here’s an excerpt from their description on what it does – it’s enough to get a fat science geek all excited:
Weight Management: Reversing Leptin Resistance
Fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory compound that leads to “leptinresistance.” Overweight people given Irvingia have lower levels of CRP, and therefore less CRP is able to block the activity of leptin. Leptin is important in weight management because it promotes the breakdown of fat in adipocytes and tells the brain to turn off chronic hunger messages.Hormones: Increasing Adiponectin
Large fat cells secrete less adiponectin, and adiponectin is a crucial hormone that helps support insulin sensitivity as well as cardiovascular health. Overweight people given Irvingia show markedly increased adiponectin levels.Body Fat: Inhibiting the Fat Converting Enzyme
An enzyme called glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase facilitates the conversion of glucose into triglycerides that increase adipocyte size. Irvingia inhibits glycerol-3-phosphatedehydrogenase, thus reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) that is converted to fat in the body.Diet: Reducing Carbohydrate Absorption
In order for carbohydrates to be fully absorbed, they must be broken down in the digestive tract by the amylase enzyme. Irvingia inhibits amylase, and thus reduces the amount of ingested starches that will be absorbed as sugar.
It probably helps you get better gas mileage in your car as well.
If you do a search on the stuff, you find relatively little. Google returns 28,000 hits - hoodia - the last miracle weight loss potion from Africa, returns 13,000,000 – that’s 464 times less than hoodia.
As another comparison, searching Google on burns on hands from mishandling turkey brought back 40,100 pages.
This stuff is pretty obscure.
Some of the links outside the cloistered world of the Life Extension website do point to interesting stuff, however.
This link points to a clinical trial entitled: Effect of Irvingia Gabonensis (Bush Mango)on Parameters Associated With Metabolic Syndrome - so there is some legitimate interest in this stuff regarding weight loss. It’s a .gov site – which means that it’s probably legit – and while you can’t believe anything you read on the Internet, a .gov extension, which means that the site is an official US government site, lends it a bit more credibility – not that the US government has all that much credibility as of late, but perhaps just a little bit more than your typical weight loss defrauder.
And my search on Google has led me to conclude that only Life Extension makes this stuff right now.
And the kicker is Life Extension’s claim:
Several studies demonstrate the weight loss properties of Irvingia. In the largest placebo controlled human study, those taking Irvingia lost 28 pounds over a 10-week period compared to only up to 3 pounds in the placebo group. The study participants did not alter their diet.
Here’s the link to the actual article.
So the question of the moment for me is: should I try it?
It seems like a betrayal – cheating – if the stuff works – and further proof of my being not only an idiot, but a sucker as well – if it doesn’t.
But here’s my thinking: if this stuff works – my guess is that it probably doesn’t – and it doesn’t kill me – then I can get to my target weight in a few months.
In the meantime, I can leverage this to reform some of my bad habits, which are:
- Processed meats and foods in general
- Avoidance of exercise
- Over-reliance on dairy
- Large food portions
Now I lost 90 lbs. while doing each of the above, but my feeling is that the bad habits above don’t help my overall health. Now, when you’re really fat, I think that any of the above is acceptable if it helps you to lose weight.
If you can find a way to get the pounds off short of starvation, or something else really damaging, you can sweat the details later. A few more hot dogs probably won’t matter in comparison if you’re getting the weight to come off.
But I’m a few years shy of the half-century mark, and I like to put off the decrepitude for as long as possible – I want to be able to wipe my own ass, thank-you-very-much, rather than have Nurse Ratchet do it for me.
So the best possible outcome is: that I take the stuff and, miracle of miracles, the stuff works, and I get to my target weight. I have established some healthier habits, and I know I can maintain, so I should be good for the long-term. Chance of this happening: I guess 1 in 10.
Worst possible outcome is: I’m dead. Stuff killed me. Wife sues, gets huge settlement. Chance of this happening: I’m guessing 1 in 100.
Probable outcome: more of the same old same old. Three months later, my weight still hovers around 205. I’ve blogged about it, so anyone who reads the blog saved their money – except no one reads any more because I’ve BORED THEM ALL TO DEATH! Chance of this happening: 1 in 1.1.
So right now, I’m leaning toward giving it a try.
This post continues…Part 2.
Filed under: External Links, Supplements, general health | Tagged: irvingia
Personally I’m just not willing to take the chance on a weight loss product as obscure as this. I’ve tried a couple of herbal things in the past for short periods and didn’t see any startling results, so I’ve pretty much given up on weight loss supplements. I still think Atkins ’72 is the ‘core’ of LC and always will be for true weight loss….meats and veggies. I know that sounds boring but it works and for me I get over the ‘variety’ mentality pretty quick and love being in some type of routine. I end up eating lots of the same stuff all the time anyway. My weight hasn’t just melted away but it is leaving a little at a time, and for that I’m happy.
Hey I get the same magazine, but I do keep up my membership. I read the same article, and then hit the internet for more info. I found your blog. I will be checking back to see if you did actually try it, and blogged about it. I leaning towards trying it too, but I’ll have to wait for a large influx of cash in order to purchase it. Right now I am trying L-Carnitine. 1000 mg per day, will increase up to 3000 as recommended by a naturopath physician.
– Michele
I get that magazine as well and have also tried to find out more about Irvingia on the web. But because there really doesn’t seem to be too much information available outside of Life Extension, I also have decided to use myself as a guinea pig and try it to see if any of the claims are true. It should be delivered on Monday…I’ll update you in a couple weeks.
hi there, did you get any results on the irvingia? did you lose any wait. because i wanted to order but wait until i get a response on it first. so if you could can you give me some feed backs. thanks cindy
Sounds like a magic pill to me, a fraudulent magic pill. It this worked there is no way it WOULDN’T be getting a million hits a day. Why don’t you try just eliminating one of those food issues you mentioned. Ie processed meats or large meal sizes etc. I just read toxic fat by Dr Barry Shears. Sounds like if your gonna take any pill take fish oil supplements.
Dan,
I am in agreement with you – it sounds like supplement BS. My problem is that I am surrounded by the junk I shouldn’t eat – Jeez – last night I cooked pasta for my daughters and fed it to them, but didn’t have any. This is an effort of will that sometimes falls short.
I am trying to deal with my food issues – it’s tough when there’s a house full of people carbing out around you – and the fridge is full of forbidden goodies – that you have to push aside to get to the low carb stuff shoved to the back of the fridge.
Oh – and I do take fish oil supplements – as well as psyllium.
Regards,
LCC
JC,
Please do come back and let us know how it’s working out for you.
Regards,
LCC
I’m a huge fan of Life Extension. Through one of their articles, I learned about the migraine cure of bioidentical hormones and I’m pretty much migraine free after having daily migraines for decades. So when LE puts out something, I listen. I ordered this supplement and started it two days ago. We’ll see how it goes!
We’re Life Extension fans, but recognize they have a clear conflict of interest selling suppliments. Six months ago my wife and I switched to low glycemic index foods (no pastas, rice, potatoes, etc.), lowered our red meat intake and eliminated most processed foods. We also eat lots of fruits – this is our only exception to the low GI rule. I’ve also been faithful to walking about 40 minutes 4x per week. I’ve dropped 25 lbs and my wife has dropped 13. My reason for commenting is that the whole eating healthy thing with basic exerice works wonders if your faithful to it (assuming no medical issue). My wife is going to try Irvingia. I may as well. I’ll post back with our results with Irvingia. We do not normally try weight loss suppliments, but this one sounds interesting.
I posted back on Nov 30th that I was going to try Irvingia. It is now just past Tax day. I gave Irvingia a try for about two months and it did not drop my weight see my post above. I’m maintaining using low GI foods and healthy eating, but did not see any effect of the Irvingia. My wife used it for about 4 months total. She has not really seen any benefit. We have both discontinued the Irvingia. Strict healthy eating (Veggies, Fish, low GI) seems to really work, but the Ivingia did not seem to help.
For those of you calling Life Extension products a fraud, very very sad. My first love is following the Naturopathic scene skeptically and my ultimate goal is to become an ND. I have been a member for years they deliver what they promise. You can back it with blood tests or in this case I suppose fat loss. Of course unfortunately no matter what they warn there are going to be those that eat themselves to death and blame the supplement for not working. And they do not THREATEN you to take away your magazine when your membership is up, they remind you the magazine is a benefit of your paid membership along with huge discounts on their products. Through some gliches, you’ve been getting their magazine for free for this long and not informed them of it…yet you are complaining? I think it is also a bit extreme claiming your chances of dying from the product is 1 in a 100 as this original blog worries about, yet on the other hand wanting to try it? I must say the evaluation of the studies is a bit, how you say, bi-polar.
The more I read the original post it is mostly bringing up another study that doesn’t even specify thegrade or purity of the Irvingia extract used just the amount and has a placebo group that isn’t comparable to the control group in many blood test levels. What the heck does that have to do with Life Extensions research? Obviously that one is definitely flawed if it is reporting the two groups starting out severely different in cholestrol and still the consituents experienced weight loss and other positive markers improving their health. I have read and reread Life Extension study and much of your negative banter doesn’t even pertain to them? In Life Extensions comparative charts they post above when the results were obtained in the blood level differences. Nor do any of your ratios or conclusions make sense in regards to the results? I think you are definitely negatively supplement biased, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because face it, companies have put drekk on the market full of nasties and touted their snake oil as fabulous cures, but I also see many flaws into what you are reading into the studies and comparing the two studies. I do think on the other hand Life Extension has great credibility in their research, 28 years on the market and company viewpoints toward extending and improving quality of life through sound research. They are not for profit (but that doesn’t mean they are going to give top quality products away), not only does it cost to make them to their standards, they also put their funding back into research which last I heard wasn’t cheap or free..
Before they introduce ANY of their supplements to the market, it is backed by sound scientific research not some lacky BS. Their company is out to extend life for people to be the healthiest they can be-quality AND quantity of life. Yes, their magazine is chockful of scientific data which of course pertains to their products. But you are reading it backwards….they do the research FIRST then release the product, not FIND controversial research to back their products like many companies, then they keep researching their products in regards for continuing improvement and application. Nice change from crap most companies post to back their snake oil! I think 28 lbs in 10 weeks is amazing news in the fight against obesity! Especially since unlike most diet pill studies where the subjects were strictly calorie and exercise regulated to compare to the placebo group who too was regulated, NEITHER group changed any of their current diet and exercise habits for the Irvingia study. And if you look at the charts, the last 2 weeks people lost an average of 5 lbs a week. So the longer it is in your system correcting CRP (a huge inflamation and disease marker having negative effects on every aspect of your health) and the other negative issues such as your leptin uptake and fat storage, the more your body responds positively. Ya, I can see how you would be skeptical especially with its 2 precautions you should monitor with your Dr if they apply to you. 1) if you are on statins (dangerous drugs with tons of negative side effects to control cholestrol) you may have to adjust your dosage or get off them entirely because Irvingia will lower you bad cholestrol LDL and raise you good cholestrol. 2) If you are on medication to control diabetes, you may have reduce your dosage also or get off them entirely too! Wow aren’t those some HORRIBLE side effects ::note the pure sarcasm in my writing::
Research Life Extension, they post ALL their magazine articles online at http://www.lef.org
Be skeptical, don’t order any diet pill blindly…but also don’t accuse a company that does all the research prior to posting their products as a fraud either. READ THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE DATA BEFORE YOU POST AN OPINION:)
http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=55&query=irvingia&hiword=IRVING%20irvingia%20
I know we’ve all been taken in by diet pills of the past, full of stimulants that made us irritable, chitosan well if you’ve taken that you know full well what that does!, fiber fillers that expand to make you feel sick and cause bowel issues.
I do agree with Doug, issuing this is a conflict of health for Life Extension as they belive in calorie restriction for longevity and warn in their article not to use this product to overeat, but they also want to eliminate obesity for longevity.
Colleen, I’m with you! I use Butterbur with Rosmarinic Acid and have been headache free and it greatly helps my allergies too. Can’t use that for an excuse with my Hubby! LOL! My Husband called warning me about some chemical in Butterbur that can cause severe liver damage…I scoffed and said immediately, “Not in MY Life Extension, they wouldn’t allow it!” Sure enough I researched it….Life Extension was one of the few Butterburs who didn’t have the toxic PA (pyrrolizidine alkaloids). Amazing when I have that much confidence in their products, research it and am right! I too am not a fan of diet pills, but I ordered this new Irvingia because as you said, when Life Extension talks I listen. I’m almost 40 and don’t have a single wrinkle unlike most of my local peers. I’ve also been around 212lbs yet all my blood tests come back amazing for being my age, 5’3″ almost 40 year old female. I credit that to the antiaging supplements I use from Life Extension. I’ve been taking their fucoxanthin-slim (makes your white fat cells burn lipids like your brown adipose fat cells) over 5 weeks and have noticed BIG inch loss (4 inches off upper chest-bra overhang is almost gone, 3.75 off waist, 4 inches off the badonkadonk) with a small amount of weight loss (18lbs) and ordered the Irvingia with that in it, so I know it is fat being lost NOT muscle which is a huge concern when it comes to weight loss. I’ve been on my IntegraLean Irvingia since the Monday after Thanksgiving. I gained 5 lbs over the Holiday weekend and weighed 201 Monday morning. I’m now down to 195. My only other thing I am doing is eating the Body for Life Method of 6 meals a day (3 being myoplex shakes) and I haven’t had a chance to exercise but maybe 3-4 times in the last 7 weeks. I never go hungry and feel great eating that amount. And this new supplement doesn’t make me “feel” any different, just nice watching the scale creep down and experience no regret after Thanksgiving! I will keep you posted on my results with it and how I feel physically and emotionally. And if I’m wrong in my faith in Life Extension, I will be the first to admit it! Though I must say they have done me well over the last several years!
That’s my two cents and I will post my results and their extenuating circumstances.
Shelley H Life Extension Fan from MN
Hi Shelley,
Thanks for taking the time to write. I appreciate your comments – and criticisms- I really do.
If you look around at the other posts on this blog, you’ll see that I probably have more questions than answers. I started this blog because I went on a low carb diet 5 years ago to prove to a friend that low carb diets were stupid – and I lost close to 90 lbs at one point.
I didn’t know why – and neither did my doctor.
So I started doing my own research.
Out of this research, and my long term goal not to pork up to 265 again, came this blog.
I often wonder why I spend so much time on this – it’s not because I have time to kill – a wife, 2 kids, a 9-hour per day job and a 2.5 hour commute don’t leave much time, and yet I still find myself wanting to get up at 4am to write a post.
I think you – and all the other people who post their thoughtful comments – provided one answer to that question: you folks are my sounding board.
I write something, and it’s where my head is at – at the moment. I put it out there, and you take the time out of your busy lives to respond with your own personal thoughts.
People commenting on Low Carb Confidential have taught me much – and changed the way I think about my weight, my health, and my life.
You keep me real, keep me honest, and call me on the carpet when you think I’m off-base.
Much appreciated.
Keep the comments coming.
Ideas need to be given a solid hammering – if they were crap, they’ll shatter. If they are good ideas, they harden like tempered steel.
Everyone – thanks so much for your comments and your volunteering to report on your Irvingia progress. As Shelly said, we all have reason to be skeptical, and those of us taking the stuff reporting back here an honest assessment of weight loss would be of so much value to the people out there contemplating Irvingia.
Regards,
LCC
Glad I dropped in on your blog. Have been anxiously awaiting my order of Irvingia and will start as soon as it arrives. An interesting note… the woman that took my phone order asked if I were taking a multivitamin. I answered in the affirmative and only after I hung up did I question why she asked. I can only assume the mechanism that inhibits the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream (amylase)… or one of the other mechanisms may block the absorption of certain vitamins or nutrients. I will call tomorrow for clarification.
I ordered this product from Life Extension and have been taking it for one week. I have not altered my eating habits. I have gained one pound. I am going to continue, and try to reduce my caloric intake. I do not eat a lot, but clearly I eat too much. I am 65 years old, moderately active with walking and tai chi, and 50 lbs overweight. I have lost hundreds of pounds over my lifetime and always end up heavier. I have tried Life Extension’s appetite reduction products, and they do not seem to work. Hoodia works for a few days, and then no more. I have lost weight on Weight Watchers, only to see it creep back when I get tired of obsessing about my next “points”. If I could lose half the mount of weight that the people in the study lost, I would be thrilled. 14 lbs in ten weeks would be great!
I too happened on this blog after reading about Irvingia from Life Extension. I just ordered a bottle to see what happens. I don’t have a lot to lose, just maybe 10 lbs, but it seems the hardest.
I have been using Life Extension products now for about 3 years, and they are the BEST! I love the Life Extension Mix, never get sick anymore. And I no longer have allergies or gastric reflux.
Another product I swear by is the Natural Appetite Suppresant, which keeps me from eating like a horse. I take it at night and never get that gnawing hunger like I used to. I think it’s also very responsible for the gastric reflux going away.
I’m eagerly awainting my Irvingia. I’ll be sure and take it with the fucoxanthin, which I already have a couple of bottles of, but only use sporadically. I’m going to get more serious about that after reading one of the posts here.
I am also considering trying this stuff. The only weight loss drug I’ve ever taken was phentermine, and I only did 1/2 dose for one day and pushed it aside. I don’t do herbal supplements at all. But I do know that some legit pharmaceuticals have plant origins, and the fact that there is at least one study demonstrating success with this drug is compelling. I also know first-hand that one’s metabolism does get screwed up by excess fat and age. I just hope that aren’t any adverse effects of the stuff ! If I try it, and I’m 99% certain now that I will, I’ll re-post after a few weeks of using it.
On second thought, after reading Janice’s post, I’m not going to try Irvingia. Janice gained a pound in the first week ! I’m a little younger than Janice but sound like I’m in the same situation as her. I suspect I will have the same experience with Irvingia. Unless she posts a stunning success update, I’ll pass on this stuff.
I know this is a dated post regarding the weight gain. But if you read the benefits of Irvingia you will note that it promotes LEAN muscle mass. Since muscle weighs more than fat, it only stands to reason. But also keep in mind water weight gain can fluctuate daily. Recently I gained 4 pounds on a vacation trip. I knew it was water weight because of the swelling and just too much riding and sitting. When I got home I lost the 4 pounds in one day. So there ya go….Over the course of a week water weight can fluctuate. Rule is not to use a scale as the guide to weight loss. Your life can be obsessive over pounds. I remember years back joining CURVES. In my first month I gained 10 pounds. If I gaged my success by a scale I would have quit. But I dropped two sizes. What is important? Pounds or inches? When losing weight and gaining lean muscle mass, fat loss is what counts, not pounds on a scale. The pounds follow eventually.
My husband and I have a Chihuahua. Not the tea cup size, but the original before all the breeding downsizing took place. He weighs in at 17 pounds. You would think he would be a little porker, but he is solid muscle and fit as a fiddle. Goes to show muscle weighs far more than fat. He is the same height as our miniature Sheltie who is only 12 pounds.
Another thing to note with Life Sciences Irvingia is time frame. It can take as long as 4 months for some people, so to be consistant with the product is also key. I recently purchased the Food Lovers Program which is NOT a diet, but a way of life. It is educational, full of ideas for food combining and makes all the sense in the world. Face it…if you are doing a program that you can not do the rest of your life then you are setting yourself up for complete failure, thus the reasong diets do not work. There is way too much theory out there not based on any facts. Potatos are loaded with nutrition, fiber, and good for us. Add butter and sour cream and then you are looking at calories that are not needed, but combine them as part of a plan and you can have your cake and eat it too and still lose weight. Deprivation is not the way to diet. It is funny how life comes back full circle. Years and years ago I learned about food combining and ingnored this and a decade later it is now in a complete educational eating plan. There is a product the fromulator of this plan recommends in a diet pill, but I would opt for Irvingia as the option.
I can tell you after just a few days on this eating plan I saw weight loss, and absolutely no deprivation at all. It is a matter of understanding fast carbs and slow carbs combined with protein and fats. It works, and it is a way of life, not a diet. Just google Food Lovers Life Style Plan and say goodbye to dieting forever! Then see what Life Science products will best fit for you.
LCC,
I actually found your board in search to see if other companies have been doing anything with Irvingia. I found it rather interesting and hoped to help with my knowledge because Naturpathic health is my absolute passion…but I have NOT been one for diet supplements now for years with the exception of my recent purchase of Fucoxanthin I was taking. The thought of my white fat cells acting like brown adipose….that was intriguing! BUT as the bottle notes….it may take up to 6 weeks for that conversion to happen so consistency is key! Unfortunately, with Life Extension’s research on Irvingia I’m sure we will see the market flooded soon as corporate greed comes into play. But with supplements who is peddling the BEST, SAFEST, MOST bioavailable form….that is where I put my trust in Life Extension. I’m happy for the govt staying out of natural supplements because it would be SO easy for the pharmaceuticals to take over an ingredient and then charge insane rates and we’d have to see the Dr to get our supplements, however it comes with the expense that we must research the company putting it out….my butterbur example in my previous post is one good example.
LCC, I like that you can just write your feelings and take criticism in stride and losing 90lbs is amazing! Kudos to you! I can’t do the low carb….I always fail so I have even more respect for your willpower! But as we all know some things work better for others! The low glucose gives me brain fog and makes me super irritable. When my glucose gets low, I get the shakes and the sweats and feel faint. Thank you for still welcoming me to your board and I hope to provide my experience with Irvingia in a nonbiased manner with note to all extenuating circumstances.
I do realize that specific times of the month, my weekly weight loss can be masked by water weight gain. Which when it goes leaves me even weighing less if I stay on track with my nutrition regimen. I don’t think you can judge one week on the product with a 1 lb weight gain as a failure of the product at this point. We need to know more about your week to determine that picture. Also, the fucoxanthin if you read the bottle takes 6 weeks to start working. So consistency is key it seems in taking it. The Irvingia is more immediate but if you read the charts it works opposite most dieting regimens where you see fast immediate weight loss than slam into a plateau. The subjects lost LESS weight in the first 4 weeks averaging 2 lbs a week the next 4 weeks they lost an average of 2.5 lbs and the last two weeks on the Irvingia they lost 5 lbs a week.
I’m closing week two of Irvingia. I am taking it with Life Extension fucoxanthin I already had on hand. How do I explain my body composition? Well, I’m 5’3″ and definitely don’t look like I’m around 200 lbs. I tend to believe that’s because I’ve had a history of working out along with my yo yo dieting and have some good muscle base buried underneath it all. But most good friends have guessed my weight around 25 lbs less and I don’t think they are just “being nice”. Cuz when I look at myself I don’t see huge, but my pictures do annoy me because I’m way bigger than I would like to be! So I guess that is my view of body composition.
Here is my basic current regimen I’ve been doing since October 20th: I’ve been eating close to the Body for Life method. I find it is most painless for me in terms of ease and keeping my blood sugar up. I haven’t been a Grizzly bear or hungry so I feel this is keeping me from yo yoing, because I’ve stuck pretty close to it since Oct 20th. Every morning I start out with 2 eggs and either 2 pieces of toast with spray butter or fried potatoes cooked in Safflower oil. Then for lunch it is usually a turkey or chicken sandwich on whole white bread, then supper is a lean protein the size of my palm and a carb the size of my fist. In between, I do 3 Myoplex lite shakes per day. I haven’t exercised but a 3-4 times swimming during that entire duration. I do have a couple drinks on the weekend and if I wake up with low blood sugar, I pop a couple mini reeses cups and wash it down with a huge glass of milk. Yup, that’s my occasional middle of the night vice!
Right before Thanksgiving I was down from 212 to 196. I included my inch loss above which is astounding for the minimal weight loss I think. I went home to visit my parents with my family and there was just SO much good food. The Monday morning after Thanksgiving I was back to 201. Yes, the self loathing kicked in, but I was determined to hop back on my nutriton regimen. Mind you some of this is just bloat from over eating. My Irvingia arrived that Monday and I took it faithfully, by Friday I was painlessly back down even lower to 195 eating as I described above. I do feel the Irvingia helped me recover from my Holiday binge. That is one thing Life Extension warns is NOT to over eat on it because excessive calorie intake is against healthy living anyway, but come on….we are only human so we are going to overeat occasionally….but what defines us is what we so MOST of the time in terms of taking care of our bodies. Week two, I’m clocking in 3 lbs lighter at 192. Same eating habits with exception of more night reeses/milk partaking, same drinking habits and only 1 session of 20 minute interval training on the elliptical trainer.
I will check in the end of week three for my Irvingia report. Thanks and everyone keep up the good work!
Shelley
Janice,
I’m glad you are continuing and going to report your results too and haven’t been discouraged by the first week. Please keep reporting! My Husband used to give me a hard time because like you I didn’t eat enough to sustain myself and yet I STILL gained weight. He was always trying to get me to eat! For me, it seems once I started feeding myself more regularly it kicked up my metabolism and I started to see weight/inch loss rather than gain.
Donna H,
Let us know what you find out in regards to the vitamins.
Happy Holidays!
Shelley
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for writing – and it’s OK if you’ve found something different than low carb that works for you. Being all self-righteous about low carb and putting down other people who don’t agree with me ain’t my style. You’re more than welcome to hang out if you find anything of value.
As to losing 90 lbs, I want to be clear – I lost UP TO 90 lbs. Once. I kept 80 lbs. off for a while, and now I’m 5 years on and down 60 lbs. from my highest weight. I’ll take it, but I still want to lose at least 20-25 lbs.
Please do keep us updated on your progress. Post it under ‘Irvingia Field Reports – I’m trying to keep all the posts people write on Irvingia there so people visiting the site don’t have to search around.
Regards,
LCC
I joined LEF in early July after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. After joining they allow me to consult with their cancer specialist (a Harvard grad, I believe) and he recommended 10 adjuvant supplements that all have double- blind studies to back them, showing their particular efficacy with either colon or rectal cancer. I was impressed that he ONLY recommended things that were listed in reliable studies, and the sent me the various links to the Medline/other studies to back them.
My cancer has since gone into remission and I have not participated in traditional treatment that was recommended elsewhere: radiation, chemo, and surgery.
LEF has a slick magazine, and they charge more for some of their supplements. BUT … they use the profits to fund studies and fight the FDA (they have sued them and continue to fight them, due to their marriage to big pharma).
I just bought 5 bottles of their Irvingia. I’ll see how it goes.
— Rick
Rick,
Cancer is my biggest fear, I lost my Mom to liver cancer at age 43…now I’m almost there…just 5 years younger than she was. I have been an LEF member for some time too, but I didn’t know they went as far as to consult you in those types of situations. That is reassuring to hear someone with actual results like that. Glad I caught your post!
I ordered two bottles. My father is 80 years old and been with life extention for over 20 years (to my recollection). He has taken thousands of their suppliments over his life, daily and still does. He does work out religiously as a matter of fact you can probably find him at the gym running on the treadmill at 5 miles an hour at a 15 degree incline as I post. He just drove to Vegas (from Texas) to hang out with his 62 year old girlfiend. He has the heart of a 30 year old and has never had a major illness. He will probably out live me. My point? It is a balance in his life. He eats what he wants sometimes ( ie you can also find him in the buffet line) but he also works out. I can only say I know life extention products have worked for him. I have been taking Invingia for 3 days and said I would weigh after 1 week and continue each week for 10 weeks. I have not altered my eating habits and I do not work out. I will let you know what happens. . .Even though I have a ton of weight to lose I am more interested in the results in the study group where the C-reactive protien (CRP) was decreased by 52%. Evlevated CRP has been linked to heart disease and cancer and having an inflammatory disease myself I am very concerned about that. It’s worth a shot but I think giving it only a week like the other poster is not really long enough to tell. I am going to try the 10 weeks like the study group. Thanks for your blog info!
I started irvingia on December 2. I have not changed my eating nor do I exercise other then work. I have lost 2 pounds in about 3 weeks. I wanted to see if it would do anything on its own. Sort of disappointed. My appetite has been curbed a little. The only real thing that I have noticed is that when I am eating I quit alot sooner than I did before. Its like an off button in my head…..pretty neat and definitely not normal for me. I am going to get my cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL tested after being on the pills for 1 month and then again after 10 weeks. I bought Irvingia from LEF because I believe in them. For the next 10 weeks I am going to eat when I want but only if its low glycemic, and try to walk 5 hours a week. I was hoping for more then 2 pounds a month. Maybe it has to build up in your system. I purchased 7 bottles.
I personally belive that living a comfortable life is a way to longevity, so if you believe that you are over-weight, have the determination to loose the extra fat you dont want, you can do it and never loose focus.
Personal trainer for 5yrs. Check out my sig for more tip you can use to shed that extra fat.
Jacob
I am on week five of irvingia and have actually gained 7 pounds, yet I want to believe so much that it works, that I am continuing to take it faithfully.
I read the same article in Life Extension and have similar thoughts as you do lowcarbconfidential, so I e-mailed my sister who is a nurse. She shared this with a dietitian friend who said she thought it had promise, but she just didn’t know for sure about it.
The way I see it is that there is no “miracle drug” for weight loss… and if there was, wouldn’t everyone be fighting to get it? I thought about asking my doctor about it, but I suspect she would tell me that she just didn’t know enough about it. So . . . for now, I think I would be a little skeptical about using it. I don’t want to ruin my health or die from taking a “suspicious drug.”
Good luck to all of you who try it. I’ll be anxious to see what you find out.
Peg
I am an RN, and everyone I spoke to about it, including doctors, dieticians, etc., think it is a fraud.
I recieved the newsletter from LEF on Friday in re to the poor feedback that they have been receiving about the supplement. It says that it will not work if you are on a low carb diet. I am not on a low carb diet, but am considering it now because I have not lost any weight with irvingia and am getting ready to start week 6.
Marcie: I am an RN, and everyone I spoke to about it, including doctors, dieticians, etc., think it is a fraud.
If you look carefully at the track record of the researcher involved, it’s hard to come to any other conclusion. As for the LEF claim that it doesn’t work with what is probably the most popular diet out there, that seems more of a smokescreen than anything. It certainly doesn’t come from the studies. (Not that I believe the studies!)
Peg,
We are posting results on the Irvingia Field reports, there is also a forum on LEF you can check on. Most people are reporting little to no weight gain despite overeating through the Holidays. I for one am one and lost 12 lbs through my first 6 weeks on Irvingia all pretty effortlessly and I feel like I should have paid a price for my overindulgence over the Holidays….normally eating like that the 5-6 lb gain from Thanksgiving and 5 lb gain over Christmas would have stayed! Instead I rebounded quickly once I returned to my normal eating habits.
Marcie,
Tell us more about your eating habits and amount you are looking to lose. Some people tested the carb theory and started losing once they increased complex carbs. It does make sense the way low carbs can dysregulate leptin. Also some people who really don’t have a lot to lose aren’t getting results perhaps because the mechanisms it corrects don’t apply to their situation or subjective weight loss…meaning they don’t qualify as obese. I don’t think LEF would risk a 28 year wonderful reputation nor offer refunds for disatisfaction up to 12 months after the purchase on used product without proof of dissatisfaction, because people in this economy despite being satisfied may get refunds….so they are certainly putting alot on the line for their reputation and client satisfaction. Doesn’t sound fraudulent to me.
Lou,
I think the thinness of the people who eat it as a staple rather than the fad of a western diet helped reinforce the research along with Faloon using it himself and the science behind why it works. Perhaps Oben needs an firm booty kicking for prior crap, but in this case I’m happy with my results and ESPECIALLY my HDL finally being within range at 42.7 rather than in the low 30′s.
Shelley, I’ve noticed that two of the people claiming the best results are Faloon and “DR Vitamin,” both who are selling the stuff. As Richard Feynman said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself–and you are the easiest person to fool.” That’s why double blind studies were invented.
Feyman said that, Lou?
That’s great – he was such a smart and funny guy.
“Surely you’re joking [about], Mr Feynman”.
Yes don’t fool yourself.
The study was done on people with metabolic syndrome (like me).
I also don’t do low carbs. I am an Italian kid from NY so pass the pasta.
People who overeat presumably because of leptin resistance ala high c-reactive protein levels.
I don’t think negative results posted by people who do not have metabolic syndrome and leptin resistance necessarily invalidate the results reported on the study group.
As I recall Mr DRVitamins reported he has metabolic syndrome. I think it would be helpful if on the LEF board there were a thread dedicated to reports from people who self categorize themselves as Obese with metabolic syndrome … and another thread dedicated to mildly overweight folks who do not suffer metabolic syndrome.
I would love to report my lipid results when I get tested but my lipids are already good due to WelChol and TriCor. If I get my doc to let me stop those drugs I guess it would be months before a retest would be valid test of irvingia without residual benefit of the medications
What about mildly overweight people that have metabolic syndrome? Or have a body type similar to Mr Falloon, skinny with bigger belly? That’s my body type. Most people think I’m thin, but I have a waist size much bigger than it should be and can’t seem to make it go down despite exercising quite a bit and generally watching what I eat. I do tend to want to keep eating when I’m not taking the Irvingia.
Peter,
I would wonder what your CRP and Leptin levels are.
If they are high, and can be corrected with Irvingia … then I would think it would allow you to eat less.
So far, as Lou ponts out, we have no confirmation that this stuff does anything … except for research by OBEN.
For those who were equally interested in the claims for cholesterol reduction, a well-respected Japanese group did a study with rabbits, feeding them huge amounts of cholesterol. They found that citrulline (commonly found in watermelons), or a combination of citrulline and arginine protected the animals almost completely from cholesterol as high as 1500 mg/dl. The aortic cross-sections show a dramatic difference.
A PDF of the paper:
http://www.pnas.org/content/102/38/13681.full.pdf
The bottom line:
“These observations indicate that ingestion of certain NO-boosting substances, including l-arginine, l-citrulline, and antioxidants, can abrogate the state of oxidative stress and reverse the progression of atherosclerosis. This approach may have clinical utility in the treatment of atherosclerosis in humans.”
I couldn’t find any studies with humans, but as I had both amino acids on hand (and a total cholesterol above 250!), I immediately started my own personal study.
Note that the last listed researcher in the above study disclosed a financial interest in “a commercially
available dietary supplement that contains some of the amino acids and antioxidants studied,” so he’s a bit like Oben in that way. Unlike Oben, he won a Nobel prize for his work.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_J._Ignarro
Vince
What are you talking about that this stuff does nothing? Possibly it does nothing for some people, but I’ve noticed definite physiological changes since I started taking it. You can go back and read my reports. Why do Lou’s reports magically get more weight than anyone else’s?
PeterC, Vince obviously meant there were no placebo controlled studies validating Oben’s findings, as I’d pointed out. He wasn’t giving my personal assessment any more weight than anyone else’s.
Peter,
Lou is right about what I meant.
I just meant we don’t have Blood tests or a controlled study from a source other than Oben.
I myself, FEEL, like I have less appetite… and I weigh 5 lbs less. But the 5 lbs is not enough for me to be positive about the Irvingia.
And what I “FEEL” … and what other people FEEL … while encouraging … is not enough … yet.
Like to see people who can report dramatic lipid changes or at least double digit weight loss.
Like many of you I stumbled on this blog while researching the product.
I know Life Extension well – been a fan since the Dirk and Sandy days.
I ordered two jars, they arrived today. Popped one pill immediately, and just popped another.
Since this is day one I have nothing of any real interest to report other than I don’t feel hungry. Which I should, as my normal dinner time is 5:30 – I’m going to a 7:30 birthday dinner which is why I haven’t eaten other than a piece of cheese.
I’ll report back every few days, or certainly weekly. I’ve got enough to last me 2 months. I want to lose 45 pounds. Frankly if these pills help me lose anything I’ll be happy.
Best wishes to all.
Irene
My HDL lipid panel was dramatic change in my opinion. To have been in the low 30′s for years and always have the Drs ragging on me to get it up, but despite doing what they say, it never went up. After 2.5 weeks on Irvingia it was at 42.7. I have also lost weight consistent with the study. 7 lbs after 4 weeks which would have been more if I hadn’t overindulged through the holidays. Woulda coulda shoulda, but its true! No regrets though. And 5.5 lbs the next 3 weeks, in which New Years and a week bout of pneumonia so throw more overeating and imbibing in there. Now I’m back to eating cleaner and incorporating some exercise as of this week. I can’t say at this point I’m one bit disappointed in those results because generally I would have gained a lot of weight that would have stuck through my overeating during the Holidays. Both of those are not placebo effects. However I wish I would have had the opportunity to test my CRP levels and leptin. But our clinic in my opinion is a sham at best! They are out for profit and a fact is last year they met their top quota of MRI’s around October if they went over it there would be NO kickback $$ from BCBS. So they refused MRI recommendations until the beginning of the year! Nice huh? I could go on and on, but I have lots to do today! Later! Looking forward to week 8 check in!
Shelley, regarding cholesterol, you might find this paper interesting:
http://www.jpands.org/vol10no3/colpo.pdf
Day 3
I’m taking two pills, one in the AM and one in the PM.
I find that if I take them with my other supplements my tummy feels rocky. So I take them separately and I’m fine.
I’m too afraid to get on the scale, so I don’t know what I weigh but it’s not good (over 200 that’s for sure)
I’m feeling and experiencing interesting things:
* my feet are loose in my shoes
* my legs & arms feel slimmer
* my belly feels a little flatter
* I fill up on food faster and find I don’t think about my next meal very much.
I like this freedom from thinking of food. As someone else said, something in the brain gets shut off. Maybe not shut off, but shut up? !
You’ll hear from me again in a few more days. Maybe by then I’ll have worked up the nerve to dust off the scale.
Lou,
Here’s something scary…synthetic nanotechnology HDL:
http://www.weather.com/activities/health/news/articles/AL8SJsmmjozks_16Jan2009.html?from=health_welcome
We need cholesterol to make all sorts of hormones too and there is definitely conflicting info on what is really right and healthy when it comes to cholesterol.
I have never used any form of suppressants for appitite, I am 69yrs., old 6 ft. and weighed 305.5 as of Jan. 18, 09. Irvingia was recommended by my heart doctor on the 12 of Jan. 09, after I had tried everything to lose weight and failed, I was shocked when he recommended trying Irvingia, I ordered 4 bottles when I got home and started taking one in the morning and one in the evening on Jan. 18, I have been on it for one week now and have lost 5 lbs., I will stay on it for the 10 weeks, and will weigh myself each week, I had heart surgery in June 2000, and am a border line diabetic, also at the end of 10 weeks I am going to get my lipids and sugar checked. I sure hope Irvingia works because I have tried everything and can’t lose weight, I would never have tried it if my heart doctor hadn/t told me to at least give it a try.
C. Raymond,
Please check in and let us know….thanks for the interesting post! LCC has set up Irvingia Field reports…lots of good info there and some off topic stuff too. But mostly posts on the supplement.
I have not lost any weight in about 6 weeks. My appetite is not decreased. I think I poop more, that’s all! (the fiber perhaps). So Irvingia so far has failed me. In order to lose even 20 pounds in 10 weeks – that would be 7000 calories (3500 cal – 1 lb.) a week less in calories or 1000 a day. I know I have not been overeating by 1000 calories a day, so I should have lost something!
Dear Susan
I read your post with great interest.
I did not have the courage to get on the scale until today which is 1 week of using the supplements, but I think I lost – something. A pound or 3.
Keep drinking water, alkalized is best http://www.alksvision.com is the best / cheapest / most effective Ive found.
Don’t give up. I think this is a complex journey.
I called them today and sadly got a nitwit who could barely put a proper sentence together – imagine Bush, drunk trying to sound smart. ha !
I called asking if takng 3 a day might be better than 2 a day
The trailer trash moron sort of grunted and mumbled and said to wait for 8 week before increasing the number of pills. Was this based on anything scientific ? NO, it was this idiot babbling and reading from a script which I find appllaing and which I feel the company should be ashamed of.
But maybe, just maybe 3 caps a day might help you?
Thank you for your posting.
Don’t give up ! I do feel something .. . I just can’t pin point what. I’ve lost somethinhg in one week, I’m not sure what.
Sending you love and hope
Irene
Keep in touch, please
GRUMBLE !
After braving the scale a few days ago, and being fairly pleased that I didn’t break it, I weighed myself this AM.
Up one pound.
I’m not pleased, but I’ll continue with the supplement and see what happens. I’m still hopeful and am going to pretend that I didn’t weigh in today.
Today is week two for me and I have lost another 2 and a half pounds for a total of 7 pounds in two weeks. I now weigh 300lbs, down from my starting weight of 307, I am so far pleased with the product.
It was great to read all these postings. I too ordered Invingia from LEF. I’ve been on two a day for exactly one week and have lost three pounds. I did not have much hope since so many experienced no weight loss, however, I feel completely different. Much less hungry, kind of an “empty” feeling and each morning I weigh a little less. I do exercise and eat right, however, still want to lose some weight and it just wouldn’t come off. Invingia is working for me. I’ll post again at the end of week 2 to report results. One piece of advice, I’m thirsty frequently and am only drinking water – about 6 glasses a day. Good luck everyone!
Like with Susan who posted awhile back, I’m pooping, and pooping, but after a drop in weight within the first few days, I’ve actually gained weight ! And I’m not happy about this.
I’ve faithfully taken 2 caps per day for almost 2 and a half weeks.
Life Extension’s magazine said to do nothing different. And I’m doing nothing different, other than taking their supplement as suggested.
I’ve taken into consideration that I might be detoxing and this could explain feeling like The Pillsbury Dough Boy. But after 2 and a 1/2 weeks?
VERY DISAPPOINTED.
I will continue for another few days. If by the time the first bottle is finished and I still feel bigger, and/or certainly not thinner I will call them and ask for my money-back.
This is my 3rd week, and I have gained one pound, it is hurtful but I understand why. I have been eating too many carbs and kinda got off track. This is a new week and another chance to eat properly.
I have been taking the SlimSignals for 3.5 weeks and have lost 14 lbs. I will admit to watching some carbs, but am happy. Even when I have binged I have not gained.
Just wondering if everybody who are not having results is remembering to take 15-30 minutes before their meal?
C. Raymond Orman,
I have found when I overindulge once I get back to eating my normal routine, the Irvingia takes it right back off so I don’t end up with weight gain or consequences. It has really helped break the self loathingand downward spiral that usually happens after overindulging due to there being no consequence but a temporary backslide which is gone in 2-4 days once normal eating habits are restored.
Mike Brady,
Slimsignals says 15-30 minutes before meals….you know I made the switch from Integra Lean and Fucoxanthin to SlimSignals around a week ago and didn’t realize it had to be taken differently than the Intregra Lean. You are having impressive results! Make sure to keep us up to date on the Irvingia Feild Reports board here. Thanks!
EC,
Goodluck to you and keep us posted!
Irene,
I can’t place how long the detox effects took for me unless I go back on my posts. One thing to be careful that I’ve been guilty of especially over the Holidays is overeating thinking Irvingia will keep the weight off. I’m not saying thats what is happening, just something to be aware of. I’m only human, I do it! My overeating scenarios on Irvingia didn’t end up in permanent weight gain (which in the past they would have)…but it did end up temporarily gaining until I was eating back on my regular nutrition program of Body for Life for 2-4 days then the weight from overindulging went away quickly and then some. Normally without Irvingia, it would have stayed and compiled itself. I don’t know your scenario to help much…but I know digestive enzymes stall Irvingia especially the Amylase. Goodluck and keep us posted!
Hi,
i’ve never written in a forum like this before but I wanted to write about my experience with this product.
i’ve been taking it for about 4 weeks now (just finishing my first bottle today). I’ve lost 10 lbs and feel great. No negative side affects at all. The most AMAZING thing about this product (and what the vast majority of other people say in the above posts) is that it REALLY takes away your appetite! Friends, i have tried almost ever other appetite suppressant out there and none of them have worked as well as this. Just for the appetite suppression alone, this product is worth it (hoodia is 2-3x more expensive and did NOTHING to my appetite).
It seems like a lot of folks are griping because they cant continue to eat as much as they want and still loose weight. I don’t care if that’s how its marketed or not, if you’ve got something that actually takes the edge off the ‘chain-saw in your stomach’ when you get hungry…wow, what more do you want!!
i’m not that overweight (6′, 200) but it has been impossible to loose any weight for the last 3 years. Nothing worked. With the irvingia, I’ve had to work hard to manage my meals and to do my excersizing but when i see the results AND im not going outta my mind with hunger pains, for the first time, the pleasure hugely out weights the pain of dieting.
So, i say to you all, as long as the strong appetite suppressant effect keeps going…don’t be afraid of a little work.
I understand that some have not experienced the appetite suppression but it seems that most have.
Shelley, thank you for the beautiful posting !
Well, I’ve for sure gained weight, and it has me wondering that if I’ve gained weight could Irvingia be effecting my body in other ways. Any thoughts?
I’ve not heard of Slim Signals !!!! I’ll google it, but if you have more to share about it, please post.
Anyway, I’m extremely frustrated and haven’t taken any of Life Extensions Irvingia for a few days.
I began on either January 20th or 21st. By now I should be thinner, not plumper.
Thanks all !
Irene,
SlimSignals is Irvingia and Fucoxanthin, its from LEF too. The Fuco takes 6 weeks to even start working so you have to be consistent taking it. Its slow, but in a nutshell it makes white fat cells act like fat burning brown adipose tissue. After the original detox effects on Irvingia, I started feeling good. I used to do the 3 am zombie thing and despite being completely tired somehow drag myself out of bed for Reeses peanut butter cups and a big glass of milk. I don’t do that anymore. And the deep sleep and vivid dreams are a bonus in my opinion. I would stick with it and not let it frustrate you yet, because the Leptin resistance takes awhile to overcome. We didn’t gain the weight overnight, so we can’t expect to lose it overnight right
) Honestly even 1-2 lbs a week seems SO slow especially when I indulged over the Holidays and temporarily gained back (tho I recovered in 2-4 days once my normal eating habits returned so I suffered no permanent backslide while on Irvingia), so I’m down 11 lbs effortlessly after 10 weeks despite I should have gained it all back and then some in my situation. Then after 10 weeks if it doesn’t do anything get your refund. At least then you ‘ll have given it a good thorough try. I know in my situation, which was completely out of my control, I would have normally gained back 10-15 lbs since the 11th of January between being sick, inactive and the food cravings/rapid weight gain of the prednisone. I’m going to keep going because I feel for the first time my weight loss goals are attainable. Hopefully, life has normalized. I have 3 more days of prednisone so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to this water retention and the scale. My clothes don’t really feel tighter, but you know how the retention makes your hands, ankles and feet feel all achy and tingling pins and needles….YUCK! Okay…I’m blabbing too much again. Keep us posted and don’t fall off the wagon yet!
9 weeks. -2 lbs this morning. I think this does not work for everyone as well as it did for the study group.
Received my LE magazine for March yesterday. No ads for Integra Lean or Slim signals in this issue. I wonder if LEF is about to back off on this….
Dear Vince,
That’s interesting that the March issue has nothing about Irvingia after the last issue (that I got anyway) had it on the cover and the story went on for many pages.
I was planning to call Life Ext. today and tell them kindly that it’s not working for me at all. It’s been 3 weeks and I’ve gained weight.
Has anyone used 5HTP ? I’m told that 100mg a day (actually you take it at night) cures the blues, headaches, sleep apnea . . .and . . .makes you lose weight. Two people told me they lost weight and one of them has the sunniest disposition of anyone I know!
I’ve gained 8 pounds in 3 weeks!
I just called Life Extension. I’m not pleased with how I was treated by them. I got a total of 3 “health consultants” who were dumber than dirt . . . but let’s move past that.
Despite the fact that the bottle says to take Irvingia with or without food these people are telling me to take them 30 to 60 minutes prior to eating – which implies that it’s my fault for the weight gain..
Megan, the so called supervisor (I demanded a supervisor after talking to 2 people who were argumentative) said a number of annoying / bizarre things:
* “there is not enough room on the bottle to state to take the product 30 – 60 minutes before eating” HUH? Yet there’s room to say to take it with or without food . . . .
* she also said, most people don’t see any effect during the first 7 weeks! But that during week 8 and 10 they drop the pounds. I asked her if that means that people miraculously drop 20 pounds between week 8 and 10? She babbled something which made no sense at all.
* She grilled me about my diet / excersize. I pointed out that the article said it is not necessary to do anything different from usual. She argued that we need to eat less and pay attention to hunger. A bit insulting to my thinking – why would I need to take Irvingia then? !!
* She also told me I should have received a booklet with my order which goes into a lot of detail. I didn’t get the booklet. She checked to see the date of my order (January 16th) and said that the booklets weren’t available then! I asked why I had not been sent one retroactive. She didn’t know what that word meant . . . . and this is a supervisor to the health adviser department? Pathetic.
I am returning the product today.
I also said that I wanted them to refund my cost to ship the supplements back to them.
Megan argued with me, I argued back and she agreed they would pay for my return postage – so folks, keep this in mind if you ever return anything to them.
I’m getting some 5HTP soon – even though this is a board for Irvingia I’ll let you know what I think of it, I would like to be of help to everyone.
Irene
I just laugh at all of this. Do your OWN due diligence, dont expect LEF to have personal experts available for you. LEF makes it very clear that they are offering the product based on the one study. Read the study and use your own personal doctor to assess how much to take. No pill is going to work unless you treat the ENTIRE connected superhighway of the body. What that means is diet and exercise are important, as are optimizing all the other factors. I cannot imagine even starting on Irvingia without a complete blood test work up, including an essential fatty acid profile. You need to optimize all your levels, and this supplement can help with a piece of that, but not if you are not exercising, your EFA profiles are horrible, your lipid profile is horrible, etc.
As for LEF, my experience is that they are usually years ahead of the mainstream in advocating health benefits. Good examples are Vit D3 and CRP. They were promoting the catastrophe hitting us with low Vit D3 levels years ago. And guess what, they were correct. Same thing for CRP. My own doctor pooh-poohed it, but I started Sears Zone diet, more or less, and supplemented with large amounts of fish oil (from Nordic Naturals) and DRAMATICALLY changed my lipid profile.
So my advice is to read LEF, digest what you read, then go research it, which means actually learning how to read scientific articles. Then make your own best decisions. You are the captain of the ship my friends.
Best wishes to everyone.
Great comment.
Irene, on February 12th, 2009 at 2:09 pm Said:
“I’ve gained 8 pounds in 3 weeks!
“I just called Life Extension. I’m not pleased with how I was treated by them. I got a total of 3 “health consultants” who were dumber than dirt . . . ”
—————
These people sound like any “as seen on TV” marketers. You should go to Amazon and leave a review.
Lou that’s a really good idea. At one time they hired bright people who knew the products, people you could have an intelligent conversation with – these people sound like they didn’t pass 8th grade. I asked if they were at a call center, which is what they sound like – underpaid people who don’t know a thing other than the script they are given.
They say they work for the company. With all the smart folks out of work you would think hiring the best and brightest would be a piece of cake . . .ooops, I mean a piece of celery !
Week four and I gained a half pound, wondering if I should at least go for the ten weeks or just give up and say it doesn’t work. It just doesn’t seem to be working for me, from reading all the other comments I am not alone.
Raymond,
After gaining several pounds and worrying that it could be messing with my insulin levels (which for me are always normal, and I want to keep it that way) I stopped taking it.
The pudge that seemed to appear on my body overnight went away – thank goodness. I’m no thinner, but at least I’m back to where I was!
I did not want to risk something serious happening to me if I stayed on the regime of taking the pills the entire 10 weeks. And I certainly didn’t want to risk MORE weight!
I think that the fact that Life Extension now has this product buried after it was front page news, tells us we are not alone and there is something very wrong with the product.
At one time this was a good company, which smart people who manned their phones, but those days are long gone judging by my horrible experiences during the several times I called them.
I’ll never order anything from them again.
Irene
I think you are 100% right and sometimes you have to do just what you have to, do you think I ought to take the pills for the 10 week period ? would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter. Are you going to ask for your money back, my appetite has no diminished, right now I just don’t have anything good to say about the product, I also had heard that LEF had a good reputation, are you going to ask for your money back. Rayjond
Raymond
I called them last week (I posted about it, it’s a few postings above this one) and they were absolutely the stupidest people, I was shocked.
Oh yes, that’s why I called was to say I wanted my money back. They tried to argue me out of it, they tried to say that surely I had not been taking the pills correctly.
They said that you take them 30/60 minutes prior to eating.
This was news – that’s not what’s on the bottle.
When I pointed this out, she said, and I quote “there wasn’t enough space on the bottle to say that.”
WTF ?
But there’s space on the bottle to say “take with or without food” and that’s how I used it.
I’m afraid of what this product might do to my body, I don’t want insulin levels or anything else messed with and I believe that the reason I felt so pudgey and spongey was that this product was effecting my insulin (and I’ve never had a problem with it)
So to me, there’s worry that it could be harmful.
And I can’t get past the fact that in January it was front page news, now in February it’s hidden deep in their website.
Weight loss stuff is ALWAYS front page news!
Anyway, I’ll be mailing my bottles back this week. I’m also demanding they cover my shipping costs and is it not my fault the stuff didn’t work.
Irene
Have lost 2 belt sizes in 5 weeks, nothing much happened until the end of the 3rd week that’s when I noticed a reduction in fat at the mid section. Happy with my progress so far, I take it 3 times a day, before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yesterday 2-23-09, was week number 5 for me and I lost one and a half pounds, seem to be bouncing up and down, so far I have lost a total of 7 pounds since I started, going to hang in there for 10 weeks.
I just bought a bottle today in a health store where the owner lost 10 pounds since the Holidays with the product. I will let you know my results in a few weeks.
After reading the article and your comments, I have a theory on why the product seems to work well for some people, and not for others.
Obesity has many causes. This product claim it deals with leptin resistance. Maybe the cause of the obesity of the people who don’t see any result is something else!
As for the result stated in the article (28 pounds in 10 weeks), don’t forget they had quite a bit of fat to loose (weighing over 210 pounds). Some of them were probably also male. Everybody knows that 1- the more you have to loose, the faster you loose and 2- men loose a lot faster too.
Also, this concept of “not changing anything in your habit” is probably good when your weight is stable, meaning that you eat about as many calories as you burn. BUT it cannot work if you start in the “gaining phase” of your yo-yo, meaning that you eat more than you should to stabilize your work.
My advice to anybody who want to loose weight: first, stabilize you weight so that your system is not in “starvation” prevention mode anymore, and that you don’t think that stuffing yourself IS eating normally (as opposed to being on a diet). That can take a few years.
In my case, I knew I was cured of my food obsession (coming from years of deprivation) when I found a chocolate candy at the bottom of my purse, all dried up. Before, I would NEVER have stopped thinking about it until it was down my throat.
So, now, I consider that I eat normally. I don’t diet, and I don’t binge and my weight has been stable for about 3 years. I made a promise to myself that never again I would deprive myself of the food I love. However, I am 35 pounds overweight and I’d love to loose it, but not at any price. Irvingia seems interesting and I will give it a try, without changing my eating habits. I’ll keep you posted.
i have been taking irvingia for about 2.5 months now. honestly, it didnt do a darn thing for me at first. i kept at it faithfully – just hoping! then all of a sudden – my appetite was just cut in half!! no kidding man, i was in shock. i dont get nearly as hungary and i fill up much faster then before. i will say – i accidently increased the dose by one a few days because i couldnt remember if i had taken it. it worked better then the days i took the recommended dose. i am not saying to increase the doseage as it says not to, but one extra pill did work better for me.
i am 5′ 2″ and so far – without increasing my activity level, i have gone from 131 to 124. (since the middle of dec.) . i just eat less – and from someone who LOVES to eat – that is amazing.
everyone is different, so take this for what it is worth – but it seems to really be working for me. my fear is once i quit taking it my voracious appetite will rear its ugly head and i will be right back where i started. i guess we will see!
Integra-Lean Irvingia from Life Extension.
This crap dosent work! Been on it for a month with no positive results. I have been duped by Life Extension.
Week #6, back up to 305 lbs., not good , close to giving up on the pills, they just don’t work and that is putting it bluntly.
After reading everyones posts, I decided to chime in with my own opinion.
I went back to LEF website and found the information on Irvingia and it clearly states :
“This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Results may vary.”
I don’t think this product is one for those who have just overindulged or decided not to exercise.
I for one have reduced my food intake over the years to next to starving and I was exercising everyday until October when I had foot surgery. But my weight still climbed to over 100 lbs overweight. I have done everything. Even consulted a bariatric surgeon to have gastric bypass. He said NO because I don’t eat enough. SO.what does one do?
I consulted with a nutrionist who suggested this product becasue several doctors have ahd success with their patients.
I have only been taking it for 4 days and the biggest thing that I have noticed is the hunger factor is diminished greatly! I eat more frequently just much less at one time. I take my meal and eat half of at mealtime and the other hald 2-3 hours later.
I am not going to weigh myself for one week and then I will see what is happening!
I finally returned all my unused bottles after talking to a very polite Lef representive and they are going to refund my money for the unused portions. Wish you all luck, I never had any…..
Oben’s latest study has now been published. After 10 weeks the placebo group lost an average of .7 kg, while the “IGOB131” group lost 12.8 kg (28.2 lb). The diet was high calorie and very low fat—15%. Here are a few excerpts:
“The groups received on a daily basis, either 150 mg of IGOB131 or matching placebo in a double blinded fashion, 30–60 minutes before lunch and dinner.”
“No major dietary intervention or formal physical activity program was instituted during the course of the study; participants were instructed to maintain the current level of physical activity prior to study randomization during the course of the study.”
“The mean daily energy intake in the IGOB131 group was 2767 ± 187 kcal of which 56% was from carbohydrate, 29% from protein, and 15% from fat. In the placebo group, the mean daily energy intake was 3156 ± 185 kcal of which 56% was from carbohydrate, 29% was from protein, and 15% was from fat.”
While I don’t believe anything Oben says, this at least suggests why no one is getting the kind of results he got in Africa. Because the diet is entirely different.
I’m finally getting around to returning the Irvingia to Life Extension. I thought I’d pass along the address if anyone else wants to return theirs.
Be sure to include a detailed cover letter and include your customer number. The “supervisor” I spoke to was Megan and I will mention her name in my letter. ALSO – I am insisting that they refund my postage to return it. It was my intention that this stuff would work, so going to the trouble and expense to return it should be compensated.
Life Extension – Northeast Fulfillment
RETURNS
466 Mill Road
Coram, NY 11727
Good luck and best wishes to all
Irene
well, this was quite the list of posts to read.
I am what most consider a very healthy young women. At 5’9.5″ I am 132 lbs. However, I am most comfortable around 122-125 lbs. I just feel better in my skin then. I had an eating disorder for a few years, and as one who has had an eating disorder knows–it never actually leaves. You may eat regularly, but the mind-set is ALWAYS there. Food is on my mind every second. It’s miserable. BUT, now–I realize the stupidity behind starvation and the enjoyment behind eating regularly and pleasurably. Enjoying food!
However, I DO try to watch my weight (as I had destroyed my metabolism in the past, I tend to gain weight quite rapidly if I am not on a strict schedule).
I have been very rocky with Intega, taking it on and off (went through surgery and had to quite for 6 weeks). But, now I can take it straight and I’ll post my success–as someone who only wants to lose 8-10 lbs, but struggles with those few pounds.
One thing I can say, that I have read a few times above is the amazing fact that I am finally FREE from my constant nagging food thoughts. I’m not feeling like I will kill for food and I actually GET FULL…something that is very new to me. I just thought I was broken! I’m a small girl with a bottomless pit for a stomach. Now, I can focus on other things! Even if I don’t lose a pound, it’s worth taking for just the sheer freedom and joy of not being haunted by hunger 24/7.
It’s been like a form of therapy–escaping my darkest enemy. When I’m not focusing on hunger, I’m not focusing on the effects of food which means I’m not focusing negative things about my body. I finally get to feel normal.
And that’s why I am for Integra.
–Awnie.
I’m the one that mentioned all Irvingia possibly did for me was an increase in poop/gas – no weight loss. I didn’t save the empty bottles. I still hope I can get my money back. I think LEF was duped themselves because they wanted to believe in it. A repeat of my earlier post that in order to loose 20 pounds in 10 weeks, that’s 2 pounds a week average , Irvingia would have to have the equivalent power of eating 1000 calories a day (7000 calories a week) less than the amount of calories it takes to maintain your weight. One pound is equivalent to about 3500 calories of eating. So even if we were eating 500 calories more a day, especially in the carb category, we should have been able to lose something or at least not gain. Maybe our enzyme pathways or diet is different than those who have lost weight on it.
I have been on Irvingia for 9 weeks and have not lost any weight. If anything I have gained about 2lbs. My diet and supplements have been through a nutritionist. The poop/gas comment is true-I noticed that also! One thing that was mentioned to me was that if you do in fact have a Leptin resistance problem, it can take your body a long time to reboot. I am going to go for another 4 weeks just to see. At this point I will do anything. I’m 5’5″ 180lbs and have been seeing this nutritionist for 6 months. I do feel great-but no weight loss.
One important thing to note about the scientific studies of Irvingia – they showed best effectiveness with combined with Cissus: http://www.lipidworld.com/content/5/1/24
You might want to search my blog on the word ‘cissus’ – the study you link to on your website makes no mention of irvingia. The irvingia/cissus study is here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18377661?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
I’m also not sure that your assertion is all that cut and dry – the LEF irvingia studies were *just* irvingia.
You obviously have ‘skin in the game’ – you are selling this combo at http://www.ci250.com/ at a $50.00/month subscription. I’m OK with that, but since it appears (correct me if I’m wrong) you are citing the wrong research on your website, can you provide some more insight into your product, who you and your company are, and why your product is better?
The people who come here to read this might become customers – IF you can be a bit more detailed in your discussion.
Too bad this product by Southwest Supplements is based on research by the same suspect researcher that suckered in LEF. Last year when I didn’t get any results with irvingia, I tried cissus, and cissus + irvingia. Nothing. Neither of them nor the combination had any effect on my weight.
Cissus is also said to increase testosterone, and from my experience that may be correct.
LCC,
Sorry for posting the incorrect link. I do have skin in the game, and I don’t want to make this a sales pitch here, so I’ll just stick to the research.
The Cissus Irvingia combination of 250 mg each resulted in an avg. 20.06% reduction in body fat over 10 weeks, according to the study in your link above. Irvingia alone, however, resulted in an avg. 6.3% reduction over the same 10 week period according to the study just published last month: http://www.lipidworld.com/content/8/1/7.
It is worth noting that the Irvingia study used 150mg vs the Cissus-Irvingia study which used 250mg of each. Thus, some of the difference may be due to potency. However the Cissus-Irvingia study also tested a Cissus only group, and that group experienced an avg. 14.63% reduction in body fat. So, it stands to reason that Cissus contributed to the results, in addition to the Irvingia.
-Alex
Alex, you’ve again linked to a study which has nothing to do with cissus.
Lou,
Lowcarbconfidential just posted the link, I didn’t think it was necessary to re-post it. Sorry if it’s still confusing, here are both links:
Irvingia ONLY study: http://www.lipidworld.com/content/8/1/7
Cissus AND Irvingia study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18377661?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
Thanks
–Alex
Alex,
Some questions I have at present:
just where and how is irvingia sourced?
Is it just the nut ground up?
How do you test for potency of the active ingredient, or is it that just one analysis by weight is done – and the rest are based on that weight?
Is your source the same source as LEF?
I can’t find anything on your site as to how many capsules to take per day, the number of capsules in the bottle – or whether they are even capsules.
Also – you mention a ‘value proposition’ against your main competitor – what’s the dollars here?
You also talk about GMP and FDA – is this a real difference from your competitor, or is it just ‘we do the same thing’? And fill us in on what this GMP and FDA stuff really means.
Do you know why you are the only person other than LEF selling the stuff?
As someone actually making the stuff, I appreciate you posting, and I’m sure that the others reading this do too – we’ve heard nothing from the people at LEF, who surely know this exists.
A lot of homework, yes – but I think they’re valid questions.
Regards,
LLC
Interesting,
So like everything else that is suppose to support weight loss, some work for some, others don’t, nothing new as I see it to date. I prefer to research actual results from average people who do not sell any competing products, or as was mentioned, who don’t have skin in game. lol
Wealth Without Health is Worthless,
I have lost 16 pounds in 3 and a half months using Irvingia. I did not lose anthing the first 2 weeks. I lost my sweet tooth and no longer want desert. That is probably the reason for the loss. I recommend the product…..Robert
I have taken Irvingia for two weeks with no ill effects. I have restricted calories to 1650 per day and trying to do regular exercise. I am focusing on whole foods since the pamphlet did not recommend a low carb approach in order to use the full benefits of the supplement. I have steadily lost 2 pounds. Although it is still elevated, my daily a.m. blood glucose measure has dropped to a lower (better) number. It may seem small but I just turned fifty and was steadily gaining in the months prior. Without the Irvingia, I was hungry…. noshing at night, a bad habit. But I’ve lost the urge to pig out at night. I’ve been tracking calories on “My Daily Plate” at http://www.Livestrong.com. which is also keeping me honest to a fault as to what I am putting into my mouth. I’m willing to stay with the Irvingia if it continues to curb my evening voracious appetite. It has been too short a time to give a full endorsement, but I’m not unhappy that I’ve given the product a try.
Found this site this evening when I was trying to find out what exactly irvingia was.
I really enjoyed reading all views and info posted here.
I see that some people take one cap AM and one cap PM – before meals.
I take two caps AM with my breakfast which is a cup of Greek yoghurt with a teaspoon of cinnamon – but I tend to work late at night, which is when the munchies usually kick in.
I think that I will try and take one cap AM and one PM as from tomorrow, – to stop my trips to the kitchen after midnight to refuel.
I have an under-active thyroid and take thyroxin, – and I was diagnosed with metabolic syndrome a year ago and take Metaformin 2xday.
I have changed my diet (yes, low carb works best for me) and I have lost ±20 Kgs – but I still have this ‘waist band” of fat – and my physician suggested irvingia when I saw him on September 17.
My appetite has decreased significantly over the past few weeks and I have also felt very thirsty, especially at night,
— but most surprising of all is that I used to really enjoy a glass of white wine with dinner and since the second week I have had no desire for wine at all.
I don’t weigh myself but I have seen no difference yet in the way my clothes fits.
After reading all these posts I will persist with the irvingia as it seems to take a while before you see any significant weight loss.
If It does work I will certainly post again.
I just started the optimized version of the irviniga and noticed a much reduced appetite. Great! I always wonder if jsing herbal supplements or enzyme blockers will become less efficient over time. Does the body develope a tolerance, and would I require a higher dose over time?
I just started with the two caps 15 min before two meals, and though it hasn’t been long, I have noticed a change in my hunger. I don’t know if it will cause a drop in weight, but if it can help me modulate my blood sugar, that will help with feelings of hunger, which in turn will keep extra calories out of my mouth!
I think I am also more thirsty at night also, but again, I don’t consider that a major issue.
I’m looking forward to dropping some weight as a result of this, and incorporating better, more regular exercise habits.
Question…first a little history. Been overweight all my life with my peak about 3 years ago. Got disgusted with myself and joined a gym 3 years ago (at the age of 47). Slow methodical increase in my workout. I have gone from 307 pounds to 215..started working with weights and have increased muscle…but I have a stubborn 10-15 pounds I would like to loose Started taking optimized irvingia for about a week ago following the instructions on the bottle..2 in the a.m. and 2 in the p.m. All of a sudden I am expereince incredible fatigue. Is this a side effect? Should I decrease dosage (I notice that many in the blog take two a day rather than 4)? Has anyone else expereinced this same thing? Thanks
Gary, I just found this site today, so this is an untimely response to one part of your post. The LEF Integra-Lean Irvingia recommends taking one pill twice daily, with or without food. The Enhanced and Optimized Irvingia preparations, which also have other ingredients, each recommend taking two pills twice daily, 15 minutes before a meal.
Thanks to everyone for their posts.
Donna