The allure of quick and easy weight loss solutions has made keto gummies a popular product. Marketed as a convenient way to support a ketogenic diet, these supplements promise to boost ketone levels, enhance weight loss, and improve athletic performance. However, the popularity of keto gummies has also attracted scammers who exploit the "Shark Tank" name and other celebrities to promote their products. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of keto gummies, separating fact from fiction, and exposing the scams associated with them.
Keto Gummies: What Are They?
Keto gummies are dietary supplements designed to support a ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body to enter a metabolic state called ketosis.
What is Ketosis?
Ketosis occurs when the body doesn't have enough carbohydrates to use for energy. Instead, it breaks down fat into ketones, which are then used as fuel. This process can lead to weight loss, increased energy, and improved blood pressure.
How Keto Gummies Fit In
Keto gummies contain exogenous ketones, which are ketones from an outside source. The gummies are intended to supplement the ketones your body produces naturally through diet. Registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD, LD, explains that keto gummies "may help the process of ketosis continue, but you need to be in ketosis first."
Ingredients in Keto Gummies
Most keto gummies contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat that provides energy. They might also contain gelatin or natural sweeteners like Stevia. Czerwony advises looking for options that fit your budget and buying a small batch to test before committing to a larger quantity.
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Potential Benefits of Keto Gummies
While keto gummies are marketed as a way to enhance weight loss, improve athletic performance, and decrease appetite, there is limited research to support these claims. Czerwony states that "there aren’t any studies that have shown the long-term effects of keto gummies and if they’re beneficial."
Some potential benefits include:
- Increase weight loss: Keto gummies may help boost weight loss efforts when combined with a ketogenic diet.
- Improve athletic performance: Some users claim that keto gummies enhance their athletic performance.
- Decrease appetite: Keto gummies may help reduce appetite, making it easier to stick to a ketogenic diet.
However, research suggests that keto supplements may increase ketone levels too much, which can disrupt the body's natural ketone production.
Potential Risks of Keto Gummies
Before trying keto gummies, it's essential to understand the potential risks. Czerwony warns that potential risks include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea
- Low blood sugar
Keto gummies that contain sorbitol, a known laxative, can cause gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, the keto diet and keto gummies can potentially lower blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemic responses and dehydration.
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Should You Try Keto Gummies?
If you're struggling to stay in ketosis, Czerwony suggests examining your diet first. Ask yourself:
- Are you overdoing it on carbohydrates?
- Are you getting bored with the diet?
- Are you still hungry?
Making necessary tweaks to your keto diet, such as increasing calorie or fiber intake, may be a healthier option than turning to keto gummies. However, if you're following the keto diet, everything seems to be running fine, and you want to see a boost to your weight loss, then you could certainly try keto gummies.
The "Shark Tank" Keto Gummies Scam
For years, scammers have used the "Shark Tank" name to falsely promote CBD and keto gummies. These scams involve fake ads and articles that claim the cast of "Shark Tank" invested in or endorsed these products. However, "Shark Tank" has never endorsed or invested in any CBD or keto gummies products.
How the Scam Works
Scammers create fake ads and articles branded with the logos of major publishers, claiming that celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Ree Drummond, Kelly Clarkson, Tom Selleck, Kaley Cuoco, Melissa McCarthy, and Wayne Gretzky have endorsed CBD or keto gummies. These articles often lead to product order pages with missing or disconnected phone numbers.
Victims of the Scam
Many users have reported receiving bags of CBD or keto gummies products at their doorstep without having ordered them. Some users were charged close to $200, even though they believed they would be charged around $40 for their order.
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Mark Cuban's Response
Mark Cuban has spoken out against these scams, questioning why platforms can't detect fake keto or CBD gummy ads. He also questioned whether these platforms can really detect anything if they can't filter fake keto or CBD gummy ads.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you've been scammed by these fake ads, it's essential to take action:
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Report the domain URL to its registrar.
- Contact your bank or credit card company to dispute the charges.
Real Celebrity Legal Action Against Scams
Celebrities are fighting back against these scams. Clint Eastwood, for example, won a $6.1 million lawsuit against CBD companies that falsely claimed he endorsed their products. In a subsequent case, Eastwood won an additional $2 million.
The Bottom Line
Keto gummies may offer potential benefits when used as an addition to a well-planned ketogenic diet. However, it's crucial to approach these supplements with caution, understanding the potential risks and the limited research supporting their effectiveness. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying keto gummies.
Beware of scams that use the "Shark Tank" name or celebrity endorsements to promote keto gummies. These are often fraudulent schemes designed to steal your money or personal information. By staying informed and taking precautions, you can protect yourself from these scams and make informed decisions about your health and wellness.