Sensa is a white powder meant to be sprinkled on food to help curb appetite. Developed by neurologist Dr. David Hirsch, the director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, Sensa's "tastant" crystals are divided into two compartments of a shaker. One compartment is for salty food, the other is for sweet. Always speak to your doctor before beginning a weight-loss diet or taking a weight-loss supplement.
Tastants
According to Sensa's official website, TrySensa.com, Dr. Hirsch developed tastant crystals after years spent researching the science of taste and smell. Sensa tastants have a slight flavor and odor but do not change the taste of foods unless the you sprinkle on too much. The ingredients in tastants are maltodrexin derived from corn, tricalcium phosphate, carmine, soy and milk. Dr. Hirsch states that Sensa tastants act on your sense of smell to trigger the satiation mechanism in your brain, making you eat less.
Clinical Trials
TrySensa.com reports a study in which 1,436 people sprinkled tastants on everything they ate for six months without changing their current diet or exercise program. Study participants lost an average of 30.5 lbs., with a control group losing only 2 lbs. in the same period. The site states that this trial was followed by a placebo-controlled, double-blind, six-month study conducted by an unnamed independent laboratory. In this study, dieters using Sensa lost an average of 27.5 lbs., while those in the control group gained an average of 1/2 lb.
Dieter Support
With an active online community comprising TrySensa.com and a Facebook page closely monitored by company representatives, Sensa offers significant support to dieters. One-on-one phone support is an option as well. TrySensa.com features weight-loss success stories by way of motivation. It also offers diet and exercise tips.
Critical Reviews
Health experts have expressed skepticism as to Sensa's effectiveness. MayoClinic.com states that the studies indicating Sensa's effectiveness do not indicate whether the participants who reduced their weight kept the pounds off, and suggests sticking with the known weight loss formula of eating fewer calories than you burn. University of Maryland clinical professor of medicine Pamela Peeke states that there is no adequate scientific proof that Sensa works.
Price
As of 2010, a six-month supply of Sensa from TrySensa.com costs $235. If you choose the free trial offer, you pay shipping and handling costs and receive a two-month supply. You have a 30-day trial period to evaluate the product, with the option to send back the second month's shakers if you are not satisfied. You must pay shipping costs for returning the unused shakers. If you do not return the second month's supply in time, Sensa will charge an $89 fee to your credit card.
Member Comments