Navigating the world of weight loss supplements can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options promising quick and easy results. Gleeful, a brand focusing on women's health, particularly during menopause, offers a range of supplements. This article delves into Gleeful's weight loss claims, analyzes its ingredients, and examines user reviews to provide a comprehensive overview.
Understanding Gleeful's Approach
Gleeful aims to provide products that are safe and effective, focusing on deliverability and bioavailability. The brand was founded by a female naturopathic specialist with the goal of improving people’s health and well-being as they age. The company states that their mission was to create a brand that they felt they could recommend to their mothers, and products that actually worked. They aim to avoid fillers, focusing on the deliverability and bioavailability of supplements. They emphasize using traditional herbal support, particularly drawing from ancient Japanese medicine.
Gleeful Products and Their Claims
Gleeful offers several products that may indirectly support weight loss efforts by addressing related symptoms. Some of these include:
- Meno Shred: Claims to allow users to enjoy their favorite foods while still losing weight.
- Meno Belly Flusher: Users have reported noticing a considerable difference after using it for a few weeks.
- Meno Belly Night Burn: Users report deeper sleep, more energy, and a significant reduction in belly fat.
Key Ingredients and Their Potential Effects
Gleeful Hormone Support boasts a blend of 14 herbs along with select vitamins and minerals like B6, B12, and zinc, designed to promote hormonal balance and foster overall well-being.
- Maca Root: Recognized for its potential role in hormonal health, particularly in modulating estrogen metabolism. Some studies also link it to increased endurance and stabilized energy levels without directly influencing hormone secretion.
- Horny Goat Weed: Known for its active compound, icariin, is thought to support blood circulation and reduce symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. It also has the potential to act as a natural regulator for hormonal disruptions, boosting vitality and libido.
- Dong Quai: Contains compounds that seem to mimic estrogen, potentially helping alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and low energy.
Analyzing User Reviews: A Mixed Bag
Customer feedback on Gleeful products is varied, with some users reporting positive experiences and others expressing disappointment.
Read also: Customer Experiences with Bliss
Positive Experiences
- Some users have reported improvements in hot flashes, energy levels, and weight management.
- One user mentioned losing 7 lbs after 2-3 weeks of using "Over 30 Hormone Support," with a return of libido and energy.
- Several users have praised the products for alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and digestive issues.
- Some users reported a reduction in bloating and food intolerances.
- One user reported significant relief from hip pain.
- Another user reported better mood and energy, and a shrinking stomach after using Gleeful supplements for almost two months.
- One user experienced a reduction in hot flashes and night sweats within three days of use.
- One user said that after taking this product, they feel better in one week than I have since my hashimotos and peri menopause began last January.
- One user said that they have lost so much weight on my tummy, my sides and even my back.
Negative Experiences
- Some users have reported minimal to no noticeable changes in symptoms such as mood swings, energy levels, and hot flashes.
- Several users reported weight gain.
- Some customers have complained about poor customer service and difficulties in obtaining refunds.
- One user reported increased hot flushes.
- Some users experienced digestive issues after taking the supplements.
- One user reported heavy bleeding after starting to take "Over 30 Hormone Support."
- One user stated that the company stole the 50% of your money.
- One user said that they have not seen or felt any difference.
- One user said that after a few digestion was all off, and I was feeling terrible.
Important Considerations from Reviews
- Individual experiences with Gleeful products vary significantly.
- Some users have reported side effects like headaches, bloating, or cramping.
- Several users said that it is a scam.
- Several users said that it does not work.
Safety and Potential Side Effects
While Gleeful claims its products are generally safe, some ingredients have potential side effects:
- Caffeine: Can cause a rise in blood pressure and heart rate, sleep problems, anxiety, jitteriness, or gastrointestinal problems. In high doses, it can cause vomiting, heart palpitations, and seizures.
- Green Tea: Large doses could cause liver damage.
- Berberine: May cause GI symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and constipation. It may also interact with prescription medications.
- Horny Goat Weed: Potential side effects, which can include increased heart rate and blood pressure.
A case report detailed a 49-year-old woman who experienced acute liver failure after taking a herbal supplement for menopause symptoms. While this is an isolated incident, it underscores the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Gleeful vs. Provitalize: A Comparison
GleeFull and Provitalize are two menopause supplements with different approaches:
- GleeFull: Offers traditional herbal support rooted in ancient Japanese medicine.
- Provitalize: Powered by probiotics and potent herbs.
Provitalize emphasizes the use of 100% natural ingredients and includes absorption boosters like Bioperine® and Sunflower Lecithin to enhance nutrient uptake. Provitalize combines probiotic strains (L. Gasseri, B. Breve, B. infantis) and potent herbs for menopause weight gain.
Scientific Support
- GleeFull's formulation was reviewed by the University of Toronto, with promising results.
- Provitalize shows specific results women were able to attain.
Reputation
- Provitalize has a strong presence on Trustpilot with numerous reviews.
- GleeFull is not registered on Trustpilot, but has reviews on Amazon.
Safety
- Both GleeFull and Provitalize claim to be 100% free of any sketchy side effects.
Price and Value
- GleeFull appears cheaper at $35/bottle compared to Provitalize at $49/bottle.
- Provitalize offers a more holistic range of benefits.
Guarantees
- GleeFull offers a 180-day money-back guarantee.
- Provitalize provides a 90-day money-back guarantee for one-time purchases.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
It's important to remember that supplements are most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
Read also: Victoza: Dosage, side effects, and weight loss results
- Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises.
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Potential for Liver Injury
Drug-induced liver injury is one of the most common causes of acute liver failure in the Western world. Despite discontinuation of the offending agent, it can still tax a grim prognosis.
A 49-year-old White woman with a history of asthma on no chronic medications except for a newly started herbal supplement presented to the hospital after her primary care physician sent her due to abnormal liver function tests. She experienced new-onset jaundice, nausea, and decreased appetite.
One month before admission, she began consuming 1 capsule of the HDS daily. She consumed it for a total of about 30 days. The manufacturing company recommends taking 2 capsules daily.
She was listed for liver transplant with a model for end-stage liver disease score >35. She was offered a donor organ; however, before planned surgery, she decompensated with worsening shock, encephalopathy, respiratory failure, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
This case highlighted the severity of DILI in the form of ALF from HDS, which has seldom been reported in the literature.
Read also: Red Mountain Weight Loss: Benefits, Risks, and Results.