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Proprietary Blends: Secrets and Lies

Whenever I look at the nutritional labels on diet supplements - there is often an anomalous ingredient called a "proprietary blend". The blend lists it's ingredients but without the amounts. Independent researcher Will Brink has written some interesting notes on this:

A supplement that lists a “proprietary blend” on the bottle can be there for one of two reasons:

(a) to prevent the competition from knowing exactly what ratios and amounts of each ingredient present in the formula to prevent the competition from copying their formula exactly (commonly referred to as a ‘knock off’) or

(b) to hide the fact the formula contains very little of the active ingredients listed on the bottle in an attempt to fool consumers.

Sadly, the latter use is far more common then the former. They see a long list of seemingly impressive ingredients listed in the “proprietary blend” none of which are there is amounts that will have any effects. This is commonly referred to as “label decoration” by industry insiders. The former use of the term is a legitimate way for a company of a quality formula from having the competition copy or “knock off” their formula and the latter use of the term is to scam people.

Xenadrine EFX
Nutritional Label of Xenadrine EFX
A mix of vitamins, minerals, and a mystical blend
The article goes on to point out that, as consumers, we really have no idea of the exact details of a proprietary blend.
...most people have neither the time or inclination to research all that info just to decide if they want to use a product and thus the many “proprietary blends” on the market that are no more then a long list of under-dosed ingredients.
Xenadrine EFX is a good example. The nutritional label lists something called "Proprietary Thermodyne Complex". Which in turn contains three more proprietary blends:
Ingredients for Proprietary Thermodyne™ Complex: Tyroplex™ (proprietary blend of l-tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine), Green Tea Extract (standardized for epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine and polyphenols), Seropo™ (proprietary cocoa extract standardized for PEA[phenylethylamine], tyramine and theobromine), Yerba Mate (standardized for caffeine and methylxanthines), dl-Methionine, Ginger Root (standardized for gingerols), Isotherm™ (proprietary blend of 3,3',4',5-7 pentahydroxyflavone and 3,3',4',7-tetrahydroxyflavone), DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol), Grape Seed Extract (standardized for catechins).
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256 Comments

Spectra

Diet pill companies are such experts at the "proprietary blend" mumbo-jumbo. They put down how many mg of blend are in it, but there's no mention of how much you have to take for it to be effective. Most of those blends that have caffeine in them have MOSTLY caffeine and only trace amounts of everything else because caffeine is a very cheap appetite suppressant. So if you're getting 1000 mg of a blend that is 80% caffeine, you're only really getting a small amount of actual herbal appetite suppressant. You'd be better off drinking a cup of strong coffee.

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Randy Smith

Sad but true. The diet pill companies capitalize on the consumers hope that some magic combination of ‘stuff’ will eliminate the need for proper nutrition and exercise and cause them to loose that extra weight they have accumulated over the last 10 or 20 years. Also by flooding the market with this junk the reputations of the entire supplement industry is tarnished.

www.antiagingatlanta.com

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Lou Creekmore

None of the diet pills have notes on who shouldn't be taking these pills due to existing health conditions. Our daughter has seizures, is hypothyroid, and has insomnia. Thgese diet pills have done her immeasurable harm. She has suffered 2 grand-mal seizures since taking them, even though she is on standard seizure medication. She can't sleep now at all, and eats very little. No nutition negatively affects her over all health and is obviously bad for her other medical problems. With one seizure, afterwards she fell down the stairs, not being aware of what she was doing. With the other seizure, she hit her head when she fell. I remember what happened to Christopher Reeve when he fell from his horse. There is a Mayo Clinic Case Report concerning Ephedra free diet pills that implicate them in heart attacks. The pills are not passed by the FDA and there have been no well designed clinical trials to examine the safety of these newer ephedra free pills. Another ingrediant found in diet pills is Norambrolide (Cytodyne Xenadrine)and its own web site says it has not been tested on humans. Why would anyone want to take this formulary! It's a lazy way to lose weight. Eat right and exercise and weight lose will occur. Time and will power may take longer but it's better than being dead.

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LaRrie

Sorry to hear your daughter has had such side effects from the pills, however I cant imagine a doctor clearing her to take them in her current medical condition. As for using will power....well, if it was that easy we would have very few over weight people struggling to loose. There is far more to it than "will power" thats for sure. I would imagine that the "fat" lady in her ride along cart in the store would almost die to have the will power to loose enough weight to walk without pain, or avoid being the prime target for "less than human" jokes from members of our stand up society. To bad "will power" didnt come in the beauty of a pill. Imagine..... YOU having the will to conquere every task or goal you set for yourself and never feeling less than in any way. Imagine....YOU having the "will" to stand up for everything you believed in and never settling. Imagine....YOU having the "will" to make all your dreams come true as well as the dreams of your children...Just imagine how YOU could be............IF YOU ONLY HAD THE WILL POWER!!! Perhaps there is more to loosing than just "will". (imaging the lives that would be spared from death and destruction if the addict or alcoholic only had more "will")....BRING ON THE "WILL IN A PILL"...and all would be roses and rainbows, but until then it just isn't that fricken' easy.

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Michelle

Did anyone see the story of the horse medication that celebs use to lose weight fast? KNBC-TV ran it in Los Angeles about a month ago.

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Deborah

I had my very first grand mal seizure when I was 26 yrs old after the birth of my second child and I was desperate to lose weight. It was the first time that I had ever taken a diet pill in my life. The pill was called "Diet Fuel" and contained Ephedra and that was supposedly the culprit of the seizure. Low and behold when I was 35 yrs old I had my third child and once again I was desperate to lose the baby weight. I was swayed by the ads for the new safe ephedra free diet pills that were all over the market. I tried Zantrex and low and behold had another grand mal seizure and that was the beginning of a life of Epilepsy for me. I have had so many life threatening seizures since then and see a neurologist on a regular basis. There are parts of my life that I have no memory of and have been robbed of a past and a future by these so called safe drugs!

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lisa

My mother had renal failure in Jan 06 and survived, but was subject too dialysis 4 days a week. In an attempt to solve her health problems she purchased a Colon Clear "proprietary blend" on an infomercial. A month later she had a seizure and after being admitted into the hospital she had a massive stroke, which took her life. I am looking for information that might be associated with her death. Please refer to the following ingredients: Cascara Sagrada Bark; Fennel Seed; Psyllium Seed; Ginger Root; Oat Bran; Alfalfa Leaf; Apple Pectin; Apple Powder; Barley Rice Fiber; Beet Root; Lemon Peel; Mint Leaf; Acacia Gum; Red Raspberry Leaf; Shattered Cell Wall Chlorella; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Guar Gum; Gum Karaya; Turnip; Garlic; Pau D'Arco root. This is the listed ingredients for the "Colon Clear" label as one tablet contains 572mg of a "proprietary blend"

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Chantel Georghiades

Umm. so im starting NV- do you think it will work or no? and do you have any information on where i can find out what amount these pills contain?
thank you so much

~desperatly in need of weight loss~

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Sandie

To Lisa : and others like her. The ingredients you listed are all natural plant products. The Cascara Sagrada Bark and Pau D'Arco root are usually labled for limited term use. In my opinion (and I am NOT a Doctor but a researcher) This product should have been used only once maybe for a two day term to clear out toxins and then maybe again a week or so later. If an individual were to use this every day, your colon would be clear alright but the nutrients a person would take in would wash out right along with it. Most likely the stroke your mother had was due to the renal failure and the subsequent dialysis probabaly an embolism of some type. This product at 572 mg (1/2 gram) would not be the likely culprit. You would need to direct your investigation into what caused the kidney failure.

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Jay Walker

Having had a recent seizure from taking Zantrex 3 and subsequent fracture of my T6 vertebrae, I am looking for anyone who can assist in helping me with an opening for a possible 'Class action Suit ' to stop these profesional con artrists from hurting more good people because of false or limited ads ...

email address - ( jwalker_2@yahoo.com )

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chrissy

My sister is taking NV and now her hair is coming out in gobs, any one else with the problems. I so not think anyone should take any pill unless it is perscribed.

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kitty

what is nv??

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danielle

i had no idea that taking diet pills could harm someone as bad as i have been hearing since i came to this site. i am underage and taking zantrex3 but from what i've been hearing it can cause seizures even though it is a supposedly safe pill. i'm probably stupid for taking diet pills, but i had no idea how much damage they could cause

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Jan

Danielle, you can stop taking the pills. It is never a good idea to take anything a doctor didn't prescribe anyway - even when you have been prescribed something, adverse side effects can always happen, but at least you'll have a professional monitoring you for them.

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Sarah

My mom has been taking the diet pill called Xenadrine. She has MS as well. Due to the MS, she is on a shot called Copaxone. Friday night my mother took her Copaxone shot, & had the Xenadrine in her system from earlier that morning. About 10 minutes after taking her shot, she went into a seizure. I'm beginning to think the shot mixed with the Xenadrine caused it. Seeing everyone elses comments on here, I would not be the slightest bit suprised.

I am very concerned of my mother's health. I've been doing my homework on this pill, & one of the side effects are increased heart rate. The Copaxone has the same side effects.

I just wanted this to be a slight warning to those of you who may take this pill or may think about taking this pill. I myself don't like what diet pills do to people. I don't mean the losing weight part, I mean the horrible side effects they cause. They may be FDA approved, but everyone has different reactions to different pills.

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Sandy

Hi I'm taking Solo slim. I've been taking it since march and working out since then i lost 20lbs. I've never took andy type of drug. So I was wondering If any one has had a bad exsperience. Or andyone had any bad side affects. Please let me know. Cause I just started taking the extra strength Solo Slim.
Thanks Sandy

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Melissa

I have been taking the regular strength Solo Slim for 2 weeks now. I like that it curbs my appetite and cravings. However, I am experiencing extreme insomnia. Waking up at 3 am and not being able to fall back to sleep for hours affecting my daily performance. I did some research on the ingredients and found that Lotus Leaf can cause insomnia.

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Chrissie

I have also been taking Solo Slim for about 2 months. I've lost 10 lbs. so far, which is good for me in that amount of time. It usually takes me a lot longer to lose weight because I'm Hypothyroid too. It really does help curb my appetite, I don't eat nearly as much in serving size or frequency, which was my biggest problem. It's the best thing I've found, and it doesn't cause the jittery feeling at all. The ONLY thing I've found is that I also have a harder time wanting to sleep. I have stayed up till 3 or 4 AM in the past while and still get up at 8, and while a little groggy at first, I seem to get through the day fine anyway. I know it's better for me to get more sleep, so I try to force myself to sleep more on the weekends at least.

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donetta

I have been taking solo slim for almost 2 months now and I have lost 21 lbs (down to 132 from 153). I am very happy with the results. The only side effect I have experienced has been dry mouth. However the dry mouth has worked in my favor bc since starting the pills I have only been drinking water (and skim milk with my cereal) whereas I was a diet soda junky before. I have not experienced insomnia, but I do not get tired during the day anymore even without my cafeine. I am very satisfied with the product and have just purchased another 30 day supply.

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treasa

Have been taking Solo Slim for a week and I notice at first I was jittery for the first two days, but I also had a late or ice tea. I have not been hungry and I too have experience dry mouth and been drinking more water and becauce of that I thought my urine would be clear but it has been real dark, the only thing I can think of is that it has to be linked to one or more of the ingredients. I looked in my natural heath book and could only find Hawthorne and it had many great thing to say about that ingredient.I looked up Lotus Leaf on the internet and found that it is Hydrophobic- which mean it does not like water. that concerns me a bit. I am still researching this product because i like that I am not hungry and not craving junk food. I haven't gotten on a scale but I can tell I have lost weight this week using Solo Slim.

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Kris

Hydrophobic is not a good or bad thing. It just means that the molecules it is made up of do not have positive and negative ends; they're just neutral. Water does have positive and negative ends. The lotus leaf molecules are not as easily suspended in water and will clump together if in water to get away from the charges(this is why people way it doesn't like water). As far as drugs are concerned, hydrophobic is a good thing because it means the molecules can pass through the cell membrane easier.

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Natalie

Kris was right about the polar ends, and that it can pass through the cell membrane. But I didn't think that Kris was very clear about what it means.

Hydrophobic means that it's a fat lover. Like oil and fat substances, it doesn't mix with water. Things are either fat soluble or water soluble. It works the same way as lotion. Lotion is hydrophobic and when you rub it on your skin, it can soak into your skin cells. Water, on the other hand, does not soak into your skin cells. It's nothing to worry about - it's just the way that this one works.

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michelle

My name is Michelle and I am 30 years old. I started taking Solo Slim in March of 2008. I lost 32 lbs. ih 4 months. I have recently been in the hospital for bad side effects of this pill. My side effects have been as follows: Dry mouth, insomnia, mal nutrition, memory loss, speech impairment, rapid heart race, hard time breathing, dehydration, and the list goes on. I was very healthy and able to speek move and remember before taking this pill. My advise to anyone considering this pill is DON 'T!!!!!

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rb

I started taking soloslim and within two days I was not hungry and had less fatigue. By the end of the first week the scale didn't change but my clothes were loose. About every 4 days I would get terrific thirst and if I honored it and drank lots of water the next day I would lose three lbs. That pattern continued. I wasn't hungry and wasn't eating my normal well balanced diet (turkey with mustard for lunch and two fistfulls of triscuits for dinner) no fruits or veggies or fats etc. Also was worried I was becoming dehydrated. So I bought a scale which measures your fat, water, muscle, basal metabolic rate, etc. I found that I remained perfectly hydrated, my muscle mass remained constant, my metabolic rate remained consistant, and my fat % dropped consistantly. I never felt insomnia but would get bursts of energy and the fat was burning and noted that after these episodes I would notice my clothes were even looser and the scale even lighter. At the 6 week mark I plateaued and it took three weeks before it kicked it again. In less than 12 weeks I have lost 30 lbs. The only side effect I had was if I had a stressful day or drank too much caffeine or not enough water I would have sense of heart racing...much like mild anxiety attack. However, the pills weren't the culprit it was the other things that were. Otherwise, I have been sharper cognitively, can multitask, work longer hours, more emotionally balance, and making very healthy choices about my food intact. Soloslim gave me the control over my eating I never had and the body I always wanted. Now I take it only when I notice I am getting into larger portions or looking for sugar; about one pill twice per week and have maintained my weight loss for more than one month. Certain medical conditions and medications should not be taken with herbal supplements. I have researched all the ingredients and for the average person who utilizes it correctly and listens to their body there are no harmful side effects. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding herbal supplements to you health regime.

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DC

I started taking Solo Slim after my cousin recommended it. She said there were no side effects and she had lost all her pregnancy weight. She was right, I didn't feel anything but a decrease in appetite and I slowly lost some weight. I was trying to sign up for life insurance and took some blood test so they could check my health. The results came back and according to them my liver was screwed up! I am not a heavy and try to watch what I eat. I had no idea what could have caused this. The rate they gave me to cover me with life insurance had tripled from what I was originally quoted due to these results. I went to my Dr. and have another set of blood results. My blood results came back normal this time. We couldn't figure out why my results were bad the first time. After many questions from the doctor we determined it was the Solo Slim. During this second test I was no longer taking the pill because I didn't need it anymore. According to the doctor this is what diet pills do to you. They screw up your liver without you knowing it. Although you don't feel any side effects it's eating you up inside. There is no way I would have found this out any other way. Be careful!

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Lisa-God

Hi, I have been takign solo slim on and off for a bit and it helped me loose about 5 pounds so far. My side effects have been super dry mouth, dizziness and feeling of being 'high' with kind of a medicene head.But I react badly to any type of metabolism pill in this way. The dry mouth is unique to Solo Slim however. I haven't had any problems with insomnia.

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Belinda

I too have been taking Solo Trim for a while now and lost 10 pounds the frist month I took it. I skipped a month and then started taking them again. However, this time I was four days into the bottle and got very dizzy and ended up at the doctors office with elevated blood pressure. Could not shake the dizziness all that day or the next. I am not taking them now.

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unknown

I started taking Solo Slim 4 days ago. The only side effects I have had are dry mouth, waking up at 1am each morning. I have felt a bit out of it though. I will continue taking it for 2 wks, then I think I am done. I dont really like how it makes me feel. I have lost weight however in the 4 days and think that it has to do with adding exercise as well. I think when it comes down to it eating right and exercise are the right way to go.

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Krystal

I started taking solo slim extra strength a week ago...I have lost about 5pounds...I did just read on their site that I do not need it though.They have something to calculate you weight and stuff then it tells you if they recommend it or not. I have had some bad side effects like jitters, my stomach hurts(diareah)I am not a good speller, and I feel sick in the morning right after I take it but it usually goes away after I eat.But it has made me less hungry. I dont get alot of sleep it wakes me up alot, the first two days were the worst.

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Jane

Please do not take Solo Slim!

I took this weight loss pill for about 2 weeks before I had a seizure and was admitted to the hospital.

This drug has caused me to have a permanent heart arrhythmia, constant chest pain, and distorted vision. I am only 21 years old and am constantly fearing for my life.

Be careful and be well. Love who you are!

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fELICIA BURTON

It is true that solo slim will help you lose weight. I lost 35 pounds with it, however, the backflow is it made my heart skip beats (prolong QT syndrone. As a result, I stopped taking it. So my advice is to get an ekg done on your heart rhym... good luck.

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JEN

I recently bought Lipovox on Ebay. This pill is supposedly good for weight loss, acne, and anti-aging. If anyone has heard of good or bad side effects from this pill....please let me know.

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Danielle

I bought lipovox on Ebay, too. It did absolutely nothing. No side effects, no weight loss, no energy from all of the "superfoods", nothing. ALSO, WHEN I REQUESTED MY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE AS THEY PROMISED, YOU KNOW I GOT NOTHING!

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Trish

Hoodi Thin has a "proprietory blend" for its "hoodia"
Big fat fake.
dont' go there.

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Dena

I've been taking Xenadrine EFX for over a year now, usually in the morning before a spinning class. I LOVE the energy I get, but more than that it puts me in the BEST mood. I call it my "happy pill". I take 1 to 2 capsules 3 day during the M-F, and MAYBE one on the weekend if I need a little pick me up. I haven't lost any weight on it, but I do love the happy mood and energy
I have when taking it. I literally have fabulous ideas and remember things I need to do when I take it! I am concerned about long term side effects and am probably going to stop taking it. Any feedback? I am 44 and the mom to 4 little boys. Believe me , I need the energy. Dena

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Tony

I've be taking Solo Slim for a month and have lost 16 lbs so far and it really helps curb my appetite. My biggest concern is side affects with anything I take. The product "Solo Slim" reads that it is caffeine & ephedra free. Does this statement mean that no caffeine or ephedra (which isn't good for yur heart) are found in this product? My concern is with both of these items that Solo Slim states that they are free of but mostly caffeine. I had an enlarged prostate 8 months ago and my doctor told me that I had to make some life changes and to stay away from caffeine. Can anyone tell me if they have had any problems or side affects taking Solo Slim?

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rus

Yes, it effects ejaculation. also, can effect heartrate or potentially highter blood pressure. Its the synephrine in it, similar in chemical structure as ephedrine

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michelle

Again, I was hospitalized and the results have come from taking this Solo Slim Pill. I did everything that I was supposed to do in taking this pill. Now I can't work, drive, ride,(because of the Verdigo that comes along with this pill), and can't take care of my husband and 4 children. You need to look up the ingredients in this pill and see their side effects. I had a team of Doctors that researched this pill. There is also a gymnist in Greenville N.C. that took Solo Slim and now is in a wheel chair and has permanant memory loss. There is not supposed to be any caffeine in this pill but there are ingredients in it that will cause your heart to race out of this world. I have had my heart rate to drop down to 54 and then jump to 155 in a matter of a few seconds. Please advise before taking this pill. Michelle-30Yrs. old

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Melissa

Hello,I'm in Greenville NC who was this person that's in the wheel chair?And what did the doctors say caused both you and their disability?

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michelle

Can't give out names but according to doctors, there are more ingrediants in Solo Slim than are listed on the bottle. It would really benefit people to look up every ingrediant and see all the side effects. It is now March 13, 2009 and I still can't go back to work because I am having trouble with motion. There are still things that I can't do, but All Thanks to God I am slowly but surely coming around. I advise that noone takes this pill. And yes there are doctors that say it is all natural and that it is ok to take it but they are not aware of the unlisted things that are in the pill. The makers of the pill are not obligated to list out everything because they are NOT FDA approved.

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rb

what ingredients did the doctors/researchers say are in the pill and what in the pill did they say has caused your problems?

I have looked up all the listed ingredients. Did you have other medications or medical problems before taking this?

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skeptic

So are your doctors special? How did they find the ingrediants that the manufacturer supposidly don't list. Are your doctors better than mine?

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Karen

Hi, I'm in Greenville, NC, too. A friend of mine at church had lost over 25 pounds using Solo Slim, so I bought some last Monday and started taking it Tuesday morning. Even though I work out about 4-5 days a week, at my age my metabolism wasn't letting me loose weight. Anyway, Thursday evening I started itching all over my body and had to take a Benedryl. I thought it was because I got some sun that day. Friday, Saturday, still itching. Woke up today and wasn't itching so much, but took 2 benedryl to sleep last night. Then decided to look up Solo Slim and itching and sure enough, there it was! I feel so stupid about even trying this pill. I did loose 2 pounds since Tuesday, but the itching is unbearable!

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Melissa

Hi Michele,

Would you be open to having an e-mail conversation with me about this? I started solo slim and now have unexplained rapid heart rate. The cardiologist has me wearing a heart monitor for 30 days.

Thanks,

Melissa

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AMANDA

CONSTIPATION, I LOST WEIGHT WITH SOLO SLIM, BUT I WAS CONSTIPATED AS LONG AS I TOOK THEM. I HAD TO STOP A COUPLE OF DAYS TO HAVE A BOWEL MOVEMT. THEY ALSO MADE MY DAUGHTER AND ME VERY TIRED WE HAD NO ENERGY. THEY ALSO GAVE US SERVERE HEADACHES ESPECIALLY IF YOU MISSED A DAY. MY HUSBAND TRIED THEM THEY GAVE AN INCREASE IN SEXUAL DESIRE.

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Sandy

I took the Solo Slim regular strength for a week and lost 6 pounds. Though I lost weight, I had to stop taking it because I felt like I was having a heart attack. I felt increased anxiety and a "pressure" in my chest. I woke up every morning around 4am wide awake while taking it. I was told that some of the Solo Slim ingredients are a "natural" form of ephedrin. I was wondering if anyone else could confirm this or had similar experience with the product.

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Elizabeth

I too have recently had to stop taking soloslim because it too made me feel like I was having a heart attack and pressure in my chest. Also insomnia... I didnt sleep but a couple hours a night for 5 days!! Im so glad I found all these testimonials because I was getting really worried about my heart.

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Rebecca Marrero

Sandy-I had a very similar experience while taking solo slim. I had major insomnia while taking it, I mean very little sleep for days. I also felt increased anxiety. Something you can do is open the capsule carefully (it opens and closes easily) and pour some of it out-so you can half your dose. I did this and it did seem to help. Solo Slim contains bitter orange which is a "natural" form of ephedra and is really not safe in high doses. It's definitely very dangerous for anyone with high blood pressure.

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Cinthia

I've been taking solo slim extra stregth since october 2007 and I have lost 50 lbs, I haven't looked this good in years. I did experience the insomnia and the constipation but after the first month I was able to start sleeping againand after the third my bowel movement have normalized. I have increased energy and feel great most of the time. Some people I know have had headaches with the estra stregth and have switched to the regular, the extra stregth contains more concentrated ingredients.

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Cindy

I have taken Solo Slim off and on for about 4 months. Love that it helps curb my appetite, NOTHING has ever done that! I can tell when I am out and not taken it, I feel I could eat a horse ALL DAY LONG!! I have had NO negative side effects, LOVE it, gonna order some more right now, sure wish it wasn't so darn expensive though, I would surely take more! Oh yea, I did try the extra strength and truely I didn't feel it neccesary at all, it is no different then the regular!

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julie

i also love the solo slim pill and have slim side effects but i havent tried not taking them.
u said u felt hungry all day are you scared how it is going to be when you stop taking them? I love them and they have helped me not eat junk at night but i am scared about gaining the weight back and some when i stop taking them.

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Heather

I have been taking Solo Slim for a week now. I began taking the pills because I heard it contained natural ingredients and people have had great results taking them for only a month. However, I have been having some severe side effects.

Insomnia (I cannot sleep and I am wide awake until 5 a.m.)
Mouth dryness
Thirst
Immense headaches
Lower back pain

I would like hear comments from other users of this product because I don't think these side effects are healthy. This will be my last week taking the pill because I cannot continue with these side effects.


-Carmen

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Rebecca Marrero

I have definitely had thirst and insomnia. Instead of taking it everyday, I tried taking every other day...it helped with side effects, but it still helps with appetite.

However, if you're having such severe side effects, probably should not take it!

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gloria

HEATHER I HAVE BEEN TAKING SOLO SLIM FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS .I RELLY DON'T SEE THAT MUCH OF A WEIGHT LOSE BUT I DO HAVE THE ENERGY. SOMETIMES I WAKE UP THRU THE NIGHT AND I HAVE A HARD TIME GOING BACK TO SLEEP. ON TODAY I AM HAVING VERY BAD LOWER BACK PAIN AND I NOTICE THATS WHAT YOU SAID ALSO. SOMETIMES MY STOMACH FEELS SWELLEN
AND I DO HAVE HEADACHES SOMETIME. ANY ONE WITH ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS PLEASE ANSWER BACK.

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Michelle

I took Solo Slim for about a month and did lose a bit of weight as well. However, the side effects I experienced made me stop taking them: extreme headaches, insomnia, dry mouth, and even irritability. My husband even commented on how fast things got me angry when I was taking the pill. Needless to say, I'm no longer taking them.

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Meg

I took Solo Slim for 4 days. By the 3rd day I noticed what felt like extreme pressure in my chest, on the 4th day my heart rate was up to around 115 beats per minute. It was very scary how fast my hear rate was, as I was not even doing any physical activity when I checked it. It seems kind of dangerous. Also, I had EXTREME mood swings. One minute I was become very happy and excited for no reason at all. The next minute I would randomly be angry and irritated over nothing. Of course it did completely knock out my appetite for the 4 days that I took it.

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alexis mills

does anyone know if solo slim has any type of estrogen, either natural or artificial. i am a breast cancer survivor and my dr. wants to find out. my husband has lost 31 lbs since dec 18

the dry mouth is the worst side effect.

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rebecca

Alexis-you can call the number on the website and speak to someone about the ingredients. I did that because I had concerns about how much bitter orange was in supplement. They were very helpful and answered my questions.

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Lesley

I have been taking Solo Slim for 6 days now, I have lost 8 pounds so far, I have no appetite and really have to make myself eat. A co-worker is taking it along with me, she is not having any problems except dry mouth and a little jitterness. I am experiencing increased heart rate and insomnia,so I did some research since I do work in the health field. It states it is ephedra free, however the same citris root that is in solo slim is found in phentermine which is a very potent medicine but was taking on the market for heart valve problems and heart attacks, but it is now back on the market. Is anyone having the increased heart rate or some anxiety?

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Elizabeth

I too am having increased heart rate and bad pressure in my chest as well as anxiety and severe insomnia. i stop taking this product on Thursday but my symptons still have not went away.

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Jane Doe

I've been taking Solo Slim for about 2.5 mos. I've only lost 10 lbs. but experiaenced rapid heart rate,cotton mouth,constipation& high blood pressure.I didn't want to belive that these symtoms were from the pills! Because it really works!!When I took my blood pressure it was 148 over93 thats bad.It scared me I thought I was going to have a heart attack!

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soloslimmy

Soloslim is the first diet pill that DIDN'T cause my heart to beat too fast! But, it does cause me very bad dry mouth and constipation. (I've always been constipated but the last couple weeks have been rediculous.) Yet, I think I can handle dry mouth and constipation a little bit longer, since I'm still losing weight (lost 30 lbs in 3 months!!!) This is the FIRST diet pill I've ever taken and have actually lost weight on and not gained it back, which is why i'm reluctant to give it up when I'm so close to my goal weight. I think if you are having a change in your heartrate you should probably stop - I know I would. I have a cousin and friend both taking this now and both are losing weight - only side effects (some foods taste funny, thirsty all the time).

But, in general I'm very wary of diet pills - tried hydroxycut in 2001 trying to lose weight before my wedding and thought I was having a heart attack - swore of ephedra at that point. The other ones I tried either did NOTHING, lost 5lbs and gained it right back, or made me too jittery to keep taking it.


good luck to all of you with finding a safe way to becoming healthy again.

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Christy

I just started taking Solo Slim yesterday. I found an immediate decrease in appetite. I find myself drinking a ton of water and feeling a little jittery. I bought this because it said all natural. I figured it was as safe as you can get with a diet pill. I am not using it as a quick fix. I am eating healthy and exercising also. Just helps with cravings. I am wondering if it is safe now though after reading some of these posts....

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bryan

i started taking solo slim 2 days ago and just like christy said a immediate decreace in appetie only side effect ive had is dry mouth. ill post back in 2 or 3 weeks and let yall no if i lost any weight

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Tracy

I have been taking Solo Slim for 6 weeks. It has worked great for me. I have lost 18 lbs and have honestly not exercised any. I only take the pill during the week, none on the weekends and I still can tell a huge difference in my appetite. I have recently started feeling pressure in my chest which has caused me to be a little worried. Anyone else having these problems???

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K

hey guys, I have been on Solo Slim every second day for about 2 months. yes it does work, I have lost about 22lbs. but i have to say there are side effects to it. so now i only take it once every three days.

some eside effects i faced were:
dry mouth,
constipation
jittery,
feeling energetic all the time
pressure in my chest especifally when i'm stress out with work and study

also, I'm not sure was this incident caused by solo slim

i usually have a routnine blood test each year. I 'm always fine with it. this time when during the blood test, i fainted. doctor said i had extreme low blood pressure and high heart rate

and 2 weeks before the blood test i kneeled down in a dvd shop for about 3 minutes, and when i stood up, i fainted.

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Jenna

I have been taking Solo Slim for almost a week, I started taking because I wasnt losing weight, Im not overweight but Im not happy with my body, I have ALWAYS been a healthy eater and pretty active, but for the last three and a half months I have been in the gym 5 days a week doing 65 min of cadio and weight traing.. in 3.5 months I havent lost and inch, a pound, or percent in my body fat! So i friend told me about solo slim.. in 5 days i have already lost 4 pounds.. and it scares me! How can I have lost that much in four days when I have been working out for three months! I do have the anxiety and cant sleep, and I am starting to feel the pressure in my chest.. Im not going to continue taking it but I really want to hear and learn more about it.. any infor anyone can give from a medical point of view would be much appreciated!

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Gia

Usually, the headaches from Solo Slim are due to skipping meals. I've lost 19lbs so far and when I first started taking it I had the dry mouth, jitters, anxiety etc.
I soon realized that it was SO easy to forget to eat, I am a very busy person and when I'd get lightheaded or have headaches my first thought was, "when is the last time I ate?" turns out I wake up at 6am and IF I eat a small (but healthy) breakfast I won't even notice anything (hunger,headaches,feeling dizzy) until about 1pm. and its the same way you feel from not eating. After eating a good lunch I feel 1,000 times better. I have a schedule now for food that puts snacks in between my scheduled regular meals and now I have no problems. The dry mouth comes and goes, but remember the one ingredient "Hawthorne......" something or other is a natural diuretic and also helps to expel excess salt from the body. Don't drink SOOOO much water! Drink Gatorade sometimes too, you need to replace what you've "washed away"
All of the ingredients can be found on Wikipedia with a full description. Also, as for the tight chests....the bitter orange is a natural form of ephedrine and has been proven to increase metabolism, but it does make you feel awake and jittery...make sure that you are not sitting in a tense state ( clenching jaw, sitting un-relaxed, hunching over)...any muscle tightening that can be voluntarily released should be. Make sure you are not sitting or standing all tense and tightened. I catch myself doing that sometimes and it defiantly contributes to headaches and muscle tension (inc. in the chest) as well

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Jenna

Do you know the long term effects on Solo Slim? Do you feel its safe to take? Even with the natural form of the ephedrine? I want to keep taking it but im scared of the long term effects.. and what happends when I stop taking it? Will I gain it all back even through Im eating healthy?

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Margaret

I lost 7 lbs the first week and 3 lbs the 2nd week. I have tried so many pills and this is the first one that really suppresses my appetite. Thanks for your insight. I did experience tightness in my chest but it was after hours of hunching over my desk doing homework. I also experienced lightheadedness but after eating a small meal it was gone. So, I do believe that with the decrease in food our body is reacting negatively. We just need to remember to eat something even if we are not hungry. I am still concerned with the posts about being hospitalised. Well, good luck everyone!

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Catherine

How long do these side effects like tightness in chest last after you quit taking the Solo Slim? I only took it 3 weeks maybe and the tightness in my chest comes about the same time each day and I quit taking it 2 weeks ago. I wondered if I was having a heart attack the first few times it happened and now I'm wondering if it wasnt the pills. Any answers to how long these side effects last - haven't been to my doctor yet.

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julie

i have been taking solo slim for a couple months now and i can tell a big difference in my body. i have lost about 10 pounds and i am not that over weight i just have the extra fat around my stomach that is hard to get rid of.
The only major side affects i have is the dry mouth and sometimes when i dont eat breakfast after a half hour of taking the pill i feel so sick that i want to throw up and i have to lay down for a little bit. But something else i have noticed since taking it is that when i do work out my heart rate is a lot higher than it normally is. like whithin about 10 minutes of cardio my heart rate is up to almost 200 and it usually isnt.
My boss said that if you take pills that increase your metabolism when you are young it can mess up your metabolism when you get older so i am scared of the long term side effects and if that can actually happen. if anyone has any insite about that i would like to hear it.

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lynn

I have been taking for a week now and lost 5. I do get the side effects of dry mouth and headache (usually goes away when I eat) and not sleeping good. I think I will probably start taking every other day (I have extra strength) to see if that helps. I love that I'm not hungry. Once I'm done I will maybe take it on the weekend when it is my weakness.

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Ashley

I have been taking solo slim-extra strength for 3 days now. The first day I noticed immediate results in decreased appetite, but since taking it I am experiencing insomnia, sleeping fine until 2-3am and then waking up every 20 minutes feeling wide awake. Currently is almost 4am and I can't sleep which is causing me to be concerned. Some other side effects I've experienced are dry mouth, being dizzy or feeling completely tuned out. I've started noticing feelings of anxiety, no pressure in the chest, and haven't had a bowl movement either. I'm concerned about how this might be negatively effecting my body and health. My desire to loose weight is for my wedding, the biggest thing that caught my eye was curbing the appetite, which I like but what's going to happened when I stop. It makes me feel better that other people are having the same side effects as myself, but also makes me very concerned. I thought about seeing if it gets better over the next few days, but the side effects are making me want to stop. Is there anyone who just kept going or cut back to every other day or every 3 days and still got the same results after only being on it for less than a week?

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lynn

You should try to take the regular strength, they say it works just as well with the appetite. I have also been told that the side affects of sleeping go away little by little, not sure yet though. I'm gonna stick it out for a few days and then maybe reduce the intake to a half a pill a day to see how that works. the constipation is from your intake of less food and calories, that is normal for any reduced cal diet, make sure you eat fiber and greens and water, that should help a little.

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Melissa

I've been on Solo Slim for about three and a half weeks now. I've lost 8 or 9 lbs. now. My side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, I've felt pressure in chest a couple of times. My main concern is that my blood pressure is up kind of high for my age. I have hypothyroidism and my blood pressure has been kind of low before taking these pills. Does anyone else have this problem. Should I stop taking them?

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Chrissie

Melissa- I'm also Hypothyroid and have extremely low blood pressure...my doctors always joke that I'm either really fit like a runner, or almost dead. Ha ha, I think? I'm actually still about 38 lbs. overweight. I've been using the Extra Strength Solo Slim for about 2 months and have lost 10 lbs. I lost the first lbs. in the first month. Even though I have the insomnia, I'm going to keep using it. It's the best thing I've found, and losing weight I think will help my health overall in the long run. I can sleep as much as I want on the weekends, so I don't mind so much during the week if I only sleep 6 hours a night. Also, you should try to get some exercise, at least walking for 30-45 min. several times a week. I have not had any constipation problems at all, and I noticed the dry mouth went away totally in the 2nd month. I was diagnosed with anxiety problems about 10 years ago and I haven't noticed any change in that with the pills, but I think its actually relate to the Hypo. I think Hypo causes many more problems than doctors tell us. Good luck, I think it's worth the money.

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ARLEEN

HI MILLESSA, I HAVE MY THIRD BOTTLE OF SOLO SLIM COMMING WHICH IS THE EXTRA STRENGTH I ALSO HAVE HYPOTHYROID CONDITION STARTING YESTERDAY 8/20/08 WAS EXPERINCEING SOME IRREGULAR HEART BEATS AND BLOOD PRESSURE ROSE TO 154/90 WITCH WAS A CONCERN IN THIS TIME OF TAKING SOLO SLIM I HAVE ONLY LOST 6 LBS BUT I HAVE A EXTRIMLY LOW MATABILIZEM DO TO BEING A CONTINUIES DIETER FROM A EARLY AGE AM 67 NOW. CONSIDERING NOT TAKING ANY CAFFINE IN THE MORNING ALTHOUGH I ONLY HAVE 1 TO 2 CUPS OF COFFEE. I THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA AS ONE CUSTOMER HAS SAID TO REPLENISH YOU ELECTORLITES. HAVE MONITORED MY BLOOD PRESSURE THIS MORING AND IT HAS RISEN SO WILL CUT THE AMOUNT OF SOLO SLIM TO EVERY OTHER DAY AND GET ON MY TREDMILL AND DO SOME REGULAR EXERCISE. I HOPE THIS HELPS. I AM GOING RESEARCH THE EFFECTS OF THE INGREDIENTS IN SOLO SLIM AS TO THE RELATIONS TO HYPOTHRODIZM. EXCUSE THE SPELLING, AND GOOD LUCK

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Yari

Hi Melissa, I'm 37 years old and I've been taking Solo Slim Extra Strength for about 2 months. I have lost 18 lbs and I went down 3 cloths sizes.
My appetite decreased on the second day and also the cravings of eating at night. I make myself eat healthy and small portions every day and no heavy food after 7:00 p.m. I drink water every day as usual and sometimes coffee in the morning. I don't know if constipation is a side effect,however, I always had that problem so I'm not worry about it. I sleep good and overall I feel great. Before taking this pill, I was having bad headaches almost every afternoon and I haven't had one in 2 months. I have co-workers currently taking the same pills for about 4 months and they haven't mention or complain of any side effects; Good luck to you.

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Jessica

i started taking solo slim one week ago. i have already seen a difference, although i do work out as well. I am not sure if it is right for me though. I have been emotional, irritable, and had an anxiety attack last night! I have had anxiety in the past and do have some stress with work so there is a chance it is not related? I have a hard time sleeping but wake feeling great at 6 am. which is not normal for me. I also have noticed my sex drive increase. I don't mind the dry mouth because it reminds me to drink water. i also get cold chills through out the day. i think i have to many side effects for this to be healthy.

but i look great!

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Jenna

I know how you feel.. I took solo slim for a week and lost 5 pounds.. my concern is what happends in the long run? I started to feel the anixety and the no sleep and the pressure in my chest.. I stopped taking it.. I have been killing my self for three months doing 5 miles of running a day and weights and didnt lose a thing.. one I started taking Solo Slim the weight fell off.. doesnt that seem odd? Its almost scary how fast it comes off.. doesnt anyone care what its doing to your insides? I really want to know what a doctor thinks of it.. it makes me nervous that one of the main things in solo slim is a natural form of ephedra.. which was take off the market due to many health problems.. I really love the results of solo slim..but my health seems more important than losing weight unsafely

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Dee

I heard about Solo Slim from my sister in law. She is taking it and has lost alot of weight in just 3 months. I have high blood pressure and currently take blood pressure medicine. I want to take Solo slim but I am worried if I am able to take them both without it affecting my blood pressure or causing problems. Can anyone help?

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Mel

Dee,

My Father Has high blood pressure and a slew of other issues. I have been in charge of reminding him to take his meds... so I know all of his meds and interactions... You should definitely consult your doctor about this pill... bc as I am sure you know some pills can cause your blood pressure medicine to not be as effective... Whenever you want to try a supplement or any pill as long as you are on blood pressure meds you should ALWAYS consult your doctor. I really hope this helps and good luck on finding something that works for you...

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lynn

anyone with high blood pressure should probably ask their dr. I don't have that issue but if I did I would for sure ask. It seems as though from everyone I know taking this diet pill has had some or no side effects, I guess it is depending on the individual.
I'm going to switch to reg. strength since the extra is disturbing my sleep and I get a little dizzy in the morning.

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Dana

I've been taking Solo Slim for almost 2 weeks now. I noticed the decrease in my appetite right away. However I haven't lost a thing yet. As a matter of fact, I've actually gained 1.5lbs. Has anyone had this problem? I am taking the regular and thought about switching to the extra strength. It just seems odd that I'm eating less then I did before but the scales are saying something different. Maybe my body is trying to store up the little bit I do eat because it's not sure when I'll eat again. Would love to hear from someone with the same concerns or that might have some ideas to help me boost my weight loss up.

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jc

Yes! I have had the same problem!! I know all these people that say their weight just fell off. Not for me. In fact I too have noticed a 1.5lb weight gain even though I eat very little due to the lack of appetite. Any suggestions??

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