Sensa is a diet product developed by neurologist Dr. David Hirsch, the director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Sensa "tastants" are fine white crystals you sprinkle over food. They reportedly use your sense of smell to trigger a feeling of fullness. Sensa tastants come in small boxes divided into two compartments, one for salty foods and one for sweets. As always, speak with your doctor before beginning any new weight-loss plan.
Tastants
Sensa's official website, TrySensa.com, reports that Dr. Hirsch developed the tastant crystals based on years of researching the science of smell and taste. The tastants have a very slight odor and flavor but do not alter the taste of foods when sprinkled on in the recommended amount. The ingredients in tastants are maltodrexin derived from corn, tricalcium phosphate, carmine, soy and milk. Dr. Hirsch claims that the tastants act on your sense of smell to trigger the satiety mechanism in the brain sooner, causing you to eat less.
Clinical Trials
According to TrySensa.com, 1,436 people sprinkled tastants on everything they ate for six months. Study participants did not change their current diet or exercise program. They lost an average of 30.5 lbs., with a control group losing only 2 lbs. The site reports that this trial was followed by a placebo-controlled, double-blind six-month study conducted by an independent laboratory, though the laboratory is not named. In this study, participants using Sensa lost an average of 27.5 lbs. Those in the control group gained an average of 1/2 lb.
Online and Phone Support
With an active online community accessed via TrySensa.com and a Facebook page closely monitored by Sensa representatives, the program offers significant support to dieters. Phone support is also available if you want to speak to a live person. The website features weight-loss success stories to provide motivation. It also offers diet and exercise suggestions.
Outside Reviews
There is skepticism on the part of health experts as to whether Sensa actually works. MayoClinic.com points out that the studies indicating Sensa's effectiveness do not indicate whether the participants who lost weight kept it off and suggests sticking with the known formula of eating less calories than you burn to achieve lasting weight loss. Pamela Peeke, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, states that there is no adequate scientific proof that Sensa works. She says "This isn't a diet. This is just another pet rock."
Price
As of 2010, you can order a six-month supply of Sensa from TrySensa.com for $235. If you choose the free trial offer, you pay shipping and handling costs and receive a two-month supply. You have 30 days to evaluate the product, with the option to send back the second month's supply if you are not satisfied. You must pay the shipping costs for returning the unused product. If you do not return the second month's supply in time, Sensa will charge your credit card for $89.
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