Have you noticed what appears to be the ever increasing number of health products offered via Multi Level Marketing (MLM). It seems we all know a friend who is promoting and selling products claiming to deliver miracles.
MLM has been about for years. It used to be “parties” held at a friend’s house. You got to see and try the products and order if you wanted. Now with the event of the internet and social media this method of selling seems to have boomed.
Plexus Slim is one product that is being marketed this way. It claims to:
Feed your gut beneficial prebiotics, support a healthy glucose metabolism, and lose weight – all with one great-tasting pink drink.
Let’s get things underway and look at what this product is. Read our review.
Read more: Best Prebiotic Supplements Reviews
What Is Plexus Slim?
The company that produces this is Plexus Worldwide. Founded in 2006 the company is based is Scottsdale Arizona. They produce a range of health and beauty products.
The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. This is despite having 677 logged customer complaints. They also have 190 reviews, 67% of which are negative.
In 2014 they were issued a warning letter from the FDA. This was in respect of misbranding and incorrect marketing language.
This applied to some of their other products and not Plexus Slim.
The product is a fruit flavored powder that dissolves in water to form a pink drink. It claims to contain:
A premium microbiome activating formula that contains ingredients clinically demonstrated to improve your gut health and promote weight loss!
Time to see what is in it.
Plexus Slim Ingredients
Plexus Slim contains:
Chromium
Some studies indicate this may reduce hunger, cravings and binge eating. It may not be effective in promoting meaningful weight loss if you are overweight or obese. It may be even less effective if you are not overweight, even when combined with exercise.
Xylooligosaccharide
May benefit intestinal functions and health
Green Coffee Bean
This is raw, unroasted coffee beans. It is claimed that this extract can offer a variety of health benefits. One of these apparent benefits is an an aid to natural weight loss. Studies suggest that it may help weight loss but more investigation is needed.
Garcinia Cambogia
This is a fruit extract which contains hydroxycitric acid. This has been thought to promote weight loss and control appetite. It is present in a lot of dietary supplements for weight loss along with other ingredients. Studies indicate that more investigation is needed to prove its efficiency for weight loss or appetite suppression.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
This is an antioxidant thought to have potential as a weight loss aid.
Mulberry Extract
This may aid weight loss.
How Does Plexus Slim Work?
The product claims to increase your digestive health. It also says it will support healthy glucose metabolism.
When it comes to weight loss benefit the company quotes a clinical study. It states:
Participants in an independent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical study, who used one pack of Slim twice a day lost an average of 5.45 pounds in 8 weeks, while the placebo group lost an average of 3.12 pounds. There was a trend to weight decrease with Slim group (p=0.059).
Further research found a linked PDF file.
This states that the study was done by an:
Independent Contract Research Organization in accordance with Harmonization Guidelines on Good Clinical Practice.
Despite searching, I have been unable to find this trial published.
There is some indication that the ingredients in this product may help weight loss. It is not clear how much of these ingredients this product contains. So it would seem impossible to know if they’re available in the right amounts have any effect.
Plexus Slim Side Effects
There are no side effects listed by the company.
It is not recommended for use under the age of 18. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Some users have reported side effects. These include bloating, gas, nausea, stomach ache and constipation.
Plexus Slim Reviews & Complaints
We have already mentioned the complaints, reviews and rating with the Better Business Bureau.
The product has a 3.3* customer rating on Highya.com and a 2* customer rating on timetocleanse.com.
With MLM products it is sometimes difficult to find out how independent the reviews are. They could be from “ambassadors” who are paid for promoting and selling the product.
Some people love the product and the benefits it provides.
Cindy writes:
I have been using the Plexus products for a couple of months now. I feel better than I have in a long time. I am losing weight and the products have allowed me to discontinue my arthritis medicine. I am totally satisfied with the results I am getting and LOVE the Plexus products!
There are many issues in respect of customer service. They include refunds not being processed and difficulty getting reponses. This also seems to apply to their ambassadors.
Paula M writes:
In Nov. 2016 I became an ambassador for Plexus- over the next 3 months I had poor service and many problems resolving issues. Finally in Feb. 2017 I called the company to cancel my ambassador status and asked them to remove all information and close my account. Today Oct. 2017 learned the pay portal on Plexus is a separate company-Paylutions. They were given all my info. and Plexus did not instruct me to close them out too. Not happy with this company.
Some people find that the product does not work for them.
Dunia Molina writes:
Not satisfied with the product did not work the way they advertise. Did not lose weight. I wanted refund, company never call back. I just let it go.
Plexus Slim: Packages, Prices & Where To Buy It
See below how the official site looks like.
Return/Refund Policy
The company offers a 60 day money back guarantee on your first purchase.
To request a refund, contact Customer Service. This guarantee can only be used once per product.
It excludes certain promotional items. If you have purchased a product directly from an Ambassador, they will issue a refund to you.
Pros & Cons
Plexus Slim Review: Final Verdict
In my experience the “ambassadors” for products sold by MLM tend not have had a huge amount of training. They may be passionate about what they are selling. After all, they gain financially from the sales they generate.
It’s a matter for you at the end of the day to make an informed decision. This product may well work for you as it has for others. Some of the ingredients may benefit your health and help with weight loss.
You may want to consider the alternative of a healthy diet and exercise. This is a proven way to lose weight. It will also not lighten your bank account.
We laid out the facts, will you buy Plexus Slim? Comment below and tell us what you think!