The NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System has garnered attention for its bold promises of significant weight loss in a short period. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the program, its claims, and the factors that influence its effectiveness.
What is the NutriMost System?
The NutriMost weight-loss program is marketed as a system that uses “breakthrough technology” and “personalized supplements” to help consumers lose “20 to 40+ pounds in 40 days” without significantly cutting calories. The system claims to “Turn OFF fat storage and Turn ON fat burning,” using a scan to address the “body’s top organ stressors, as well as find the best products to balance those . . . stressors.” Consumers were charged $1,895 for the program.
The NutriMost Classic Weight Loss Program is a 65+ day program that consists of 6 Phases. NutriMost provides personal coaching and other resources over a 65 day period of which between 40 to 45 days involve low calories (800 calories / day) and other dietary and lifestyle modifications.
After the weight loss phase of the program (phase 4 and beyond), the participant increases their caloric intake substantially as determined by utilizing calculations involving daily calorie intake and basal metabolic rate from the users body composition analysis. The weight loss portion involves various dietary and lifestyle modifications including being empowered by knowing the foods that tend to most likely match the clients wellness goals. These foods are divided into 4 categories: Optimal, preferred, neutral and cautionary. The majority of the foods that the client eats, are encouraged to be the foods that they enjoy the most from the Optimal & Preferred food lists.
Official NutriMost locations are independent licensees and as such may not offer all NutriMost products and services and may choose not to participate in all NutriMost promotions or guarantees.
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FTC Action and Deceptive Claims
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action against the marketers of the NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System, alleging that their claims were deceptive and not supported by scientific evidence. The FTC’s complaint stated that NutriMost, LLC; NutriMost Doctors, LLC; and their owner Raymond Wisniewski deceptively marketed the NutriMost weight-loss program to consumers since fall 2012.
The FTC alleged that to achieve the weight loss advertised, users would have to follow a restrictive diet, including a very low-calorie diet of about 500 calories a day. Only after they bought the system were consumers told of the extreme caloric restrictions, the FTC alleges.
The complaint also charged the defendants with using endorsements and testimonials for the system without disclosing that the endorsers had material connections to the defendants or their franchisees. The FTC also alleges that the defendants required buyers to sign a contract agreeing not to make any negative statements or comments about the NutriMost System, and that if consumers violated this requirement, they would have to pay the defendants $35,999. Finally, the defendants also allegedly provided program licensees and franchisees with the means to violate the FTC Act by giving them misleading and deceptive marketing materials, as well as the form contract containing the gag clause prohibiting negative reviews.
The court order settling the FTC’s charges bars the sellers of the “NutriMost Ultimate Fat Loss System” from making the deceptive claims alleged in the complaint, as well as providing others, including franchisees, with the means of deceiving consumers. The defendants also will pay $2 million to provide refunds to consumers defrauded by buying the system directly from the defendants, not from franchisees.
The Role of Caloric Restriction
A key point of contention is the program's reliance on a very low-calorie diet (VLCD). The FTC alleges that consumers were not informed about these extreme caloric restrictions until after purchasing the system. Typically, the NutriMost Classic Weight Loss program provides personal coaching and other resources over a 65 day period of which between 40 to 45 days involve low calories (800 calories / day) and other lifestyle modifications.
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Living on 500 calories a day is not only unhealthy but also dangerous. People on such restrictive diets are at increased risk for side effects, including gallstone formation, an imbalance of the electrolytes that keep the body’s muscles and nerves functioning properly, and an irregular heartbeat. Such restrictive diets can be dangerous, even potentially fatal.
Very low-calorie diets are sometimes prescribed by health care professionals for people who are moderately to extremely obese as part of medical treatment to lessen health conditions caused by obesity, such as high blood pressure. But even then, strict and constant medical supervision is needed to ensure that side effects are not life-threatening. Without medical oversight, people on very low-calorie diets may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals and - most important - protein.
Understanding Weight Loss Expectations
It's important to have realistic expectations about weight loss. Federal agencies suggest most people who participate in any weight loss program will lose an average of 1-2 pounds per week.
Consumer Guarantees and Potential Refunds
The NutriMost Program consumer guarantee protects you the consumer by making NutriMost obligated to give you a refund of a pro-rated amount of your program fee proportionate to your weight loss success. If at any point you have not lost 20 pounds during the NutriMost Weight Loss program, NutriMost will give the client the choice of either continuing their program until they lose at least 20 pounds or the client may instead choose to receive a refund for a pro-rated amount of your program fee proportionate to your weight loss success. For example, if you were to lose a maximum of 18 pounds during the NutriMost Classic Weight Loss Program, you would be entitled to a refund equal to 10% of the purchase price.
The "Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Case Study"
The Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Case Study, biostatistical analysis and white paper was contracted by NutriMost LLC and authored by Jane Hall, PhD. from Jane Hall Biomed Consulting. Data comes from first time clients who submitted data to a third party for tracking of daily weight loss and progress through the NutriMost weight loss programs and the results have been accurately and transparently presented. The Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Case Study Results show an average weight loss of 26.2 lbs. on the Classic weight loss program, with an average weight loss of 14.3 lbs.
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It is important to note that this study was contracted by NutriMost LLC, which may introduce bias.
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Alternative Approaches to Weight Loss
Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows there are sensible ways to lose weight, including eating a balanced diet and exercising. There are also reckless ways to shed pounds, such as fads and diet aids that promise rapid weight loss but often recommend potentially dangerous practices. If you want to lose weight, do it gradually and reduce the calories you eat every day.