Almost everyone has heard of TrimSpa. Who hasn't seen the barrage of television commercials lately, showing a slim Anna Nicole Smith thanking TrimSpa for her weight loss. TrimSpa products include TrimSpa X32, and LipoSpa. We investigated the claims, the ingredients, and found real life testimonials - all of which earned TrimSpa the 3FC Rotten Egg Award.
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| Ingredient | Claims | Facts |
| Hoodia Gordonii | Appetite Suppressant | Hoodia gordonii IS an appetite suppressant. However, what you are getting in TrimSpa may not do anything at all. Facts: Hoodia Gordonii for weight loss is patented by Phytopharm, and they have not licensed TrimSpa for use. TrimSpa simply uses a powdered version of the whole plant. According to a recent CBS 60 Minutes report on hoodia, TrimSpa does not contain enough of the active ingredient to suppress the appetite. We will provide an extensive report on Hoodia Gordonii in February. |
| Glucosamine | Blocks insulin | We were unable to find any studies to support this claim. Trimspa says they patented glucosamine for weight loss, but our review of the patent shows a combination of glucosamine, caffeine, and ephedra as a weight loss aid. |
| Green Tea Extract | Burns fat and significantly reduce food intake | Green tea extract contains EGCG and caffeine. Green tea is a healthy drink, but the extract may cause nervousness and restlessness. The use of green tea for weight loss is currently debatable and under study. |
| Cocoa Extract | Diuretic | Diuretic. Has no impact on fat loss. |
| Citrus Naringin | Curbs appetite | Made from the peel of grapefruits. According to InteliHealth, the suggestion of grapefruit (naringin) for dieting is unproven and based on tradition or on scientific theories. Can boost the potency of prescription drugs to serious levels, increasing the risk of side effects and possible serious reactions. Consult your doctor before taking this. |
| Chromium Chelavite? | Controls glucose and promotes weight loss | Only if you are chromium deficient, which is a rare condition in this country. Studies using chromium and placebos showed no difference in weight loss. |
| Glucomannan | Creates sense of fullness | Soluble fiber, can absorb up to 200 times it's weight in water. Must be taken with full glass of water. Has the potential to bind with and reduce the absorption of certain nutrients. Can cause gas and diarrhea. |
| Vanadium | naturally occurring appetite suppressant, works similar to insulin in the body | Some studies show that large doses may help regulate blood sugar. But not all diabetics respond, and very large doses are needed. Side effects may include cramping and diarrhea, and no one knows what the long term effects may be. Should be taken under advice of a doctor. |
The TrimSpa website has a page of three testimonials, including before and after photos. The photos were questionable, and we did not notice any difference, other than one woman appeared to be sucking her stomach in for a side view. Fine print on the website states that these were paid models. The next page was of customer comments on the shopping experience, and how quickly their orders arrived.
Real life testimonials
We searched our community forum for real life testimonials and this is what we found:
Morning_Star I took it for a few days, as directed on the label and I stayed nauseous. So, sure, it controlled my appetite alright! A little too well I quit after a few days of that, and continued to have various stomach upsets for TWO WEEKS after I had stopped. I honestly don't recommend it.
marykaylady I took Trimspa and I felt fine. I was about to go and take a second one before lunch, I was at work and all of a sudden I started to get this blinded spot in my vision. It kept on growing until I couldn't see at all. I was so upset. I called my husband to come and get me from work to take me to the doctors. My vision did return to normal within an hour and then on came the worst migraine headache I have ever had. My doctor did say that some medicines and "diet" pills can do that. I never took another one. It just wasn't worth it.
Hippychick77 I wasted $40 on TrimSpa. It did NOTHING, not even curb my appetite!
TrimSpa LipoSpa
Trimspa LipoSpa costs $39.95 for 60 servings. Each serving contains 500mg Liposan Ultra chitosan, plus 60mg Vitamin C. Recommended dosage is 2 capsules before a fatty meal. TrimSpa claims that this product will reduce the amount of fat absorbed from your meal.
...Chitosan is not recommended for weight loss, but if you really want it, you can purchase it from Vitacost.com for only $14.95 for 240 servings! Each serving contains 500mg of the same LipoSan Ultra? chitosan as Trimspa! By contrast, a supply of 240 servings of Trimspa Liposan would cost $159.80. This product sounds like a rip-off in more ways than one!
Why isn't chitosan recommended for weight loss? Simple - there is no evidence to show it works, and it may have negative side effects. Chitosan is made from shellfish shells, and contains a fiber like substance that some claim will bind to fat and prevent it from being absorbed. These claims are based on test tube results, or poorly conducted tests that were not well controlled. In fact, actual studies on humans proved no more effective than placebos. A study published in the May 1999 issue of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed that overweight people who took eight capsules every day for four weeks didn't lose any more weight than those who took placebo pills. If it DOES bind fat, then it may bind nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are chemically similar to fat, and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. Chitosan can cause abdominal cramps or constipation.
If you want your body to absorb less fat, then there are two better ways to go about it. You could ask your doctor to prescribe Xenical (orlistat) which has been proven to reduce fat absorption and has the documentation to back it up. Or, you could just eat less fat.
It is our opinion that TrimSpa is overpriced, may cause side effects, and probably won't cause safe and lasting weight loss. One important thing to keep in mind is that even if you take this product, you will still have to eat less to lose weight. TrimSpa offers a disclaimer that says TRIMSPA products are intended to be used as part of a total weight loss program including a healthy diet and exercise. If you diet and exercise, then you don't NEED TrimSpa!
One last comment: If these products REALLY worked, our physicians would be recommending them, they would be pushed by hospitals and insurance companies, and it would make the headlines of every major newspaper. Instead, the only promotions are done by the manufacturers. If TrimSpa is good at anything, it is certainly their marketing techniques! Their glitzy commercials draw interest and compel gullible shoppers to buy their products without question, based on celebrity endorsements. Their website even boasts a photo of the band U2 in front of a TrimSpa billboard, and they attempt to make it look like an endorsement as well. The caption states "Getting the Attention They Deserve U2 Rocks in Front of TRIMSPA" Upon closer inspection, however, we see that U2 was performing on the back of a flat bed truck as they traveled through the streets of New York, and just happened to pass by the billboard. This was not an endorsement, and we think TrimSpa deserves an extra Rotten Egg for trying to trick their viewers.
TrimSpa X32 warnings:
CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE USING THIS OR ANY WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCT.
WARNING: Taking this product without adequate fluid may cause it to swell and block your throat or esophagus and may cause choking. Do not take this product if you have difficulty in swallowing. If you experience chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty in swallowing or breathing after taking this product, seek immediate medical attention.
Health Concerns: Do not take if you are a diabetic. Please be aware that this product contains Cocoa Extract.
If you are allergic to shellfish, please consult with your physician prior to taking this product. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Protect from heat, light, and moisture. Do not purchase if seal is broken. Store at 15-30 degrees (use symbol) C (59-86 degrees F)
PRIOR TO USING THIS PRODUCT, ALONE OR COMBINED WITH OTHER SUPPLEMENTS, NUTRIENTS, OR MEDICATIONS, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you take anti-coagulants, this product may interfere with your medication. Consult with your physician before use.
Note: If you are sensitive to caffeine we suggest that you take a lower dosage or that you do not take this product.
Diets 
