Body Flex for Weight Loss

Body Flex is a commercial system of weight loss promising aggressive results both in pounds shed and inches dropped from your body. Initial versions of the system used only low-impact exercises, but the system was later changed to include a diet plan. Body Flex's history has included some controversy, including legal censure.

Background

Body Flex has been aggressively advertised both online and in a series of TV infomercials. These advertisements feature spokesperson and founder Greer Childers telling potential customers about her own weight loss success using Body Flex. Body Flex hit the fitness scene in 2002.

Exercise Program

The exercise portion of the Body Flex system combines resistance band workouts and deep breathing exercises. According to the company's website, participants perform daily 18-minute sessions. The resistance band portion of the workout is done entirely while seated, focusing on basic arm and leg exercises. The breathing exercises work core muscles, and are similar to those found in yoga and some martial arts.

Diet Program

In response to legal problems surrounding their aggressive claims, the Body Flex added a diet plan to their program. The Body Flex diet is a 1,600-calorie per day system. Detractors of the system note that 1,600 calories per day will promote weight loss whether or not you participate in a copyrighted exercise program.

Legal Problems

According to an announcement on their website, the Federal Trade Commission sued Body Flex in 2003 for making false claims in their advertising. The FTC charged that claims of losing 6 to 14 inches off the body without changing your diet were unrealistic and misleading. Ultimately, Body Flex's parent company paid $2.2 million in refunds, and added the diet portion to the program.

Analysis

Since the addition of the diet plan, the Body Flex system seems no better or worse than many other programs. It includes both exercise and calorie restriction, the two most important aspects of any weight loss program. Weight loss review website DietChoices.com notes that it may be particularly effective for people who are severely overweight or are otherwise unable to perform strenuous exercise, as the seated, low-impact exercise program is within the abilities of most people.