Sensa is a diet system that purports to curb appetite when you sprinkle the product on your food. Developed by Dr. David Hirsch, the neurologist behind the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, Sensa involves the use of sweet and salty crystals called "tastants," which the company claims act on your sense of smell to trigger a feeling of fullness. As with any weight loss plan, you should consult your physician before using Sensa.
How Sensa Works
According to TrySensa.com, Hirsch developed tastants after years of researching the scientific foundations of taste and smell. Tastants have slight odor and flavor but do not affect the taste of the food they are sprinkled on when used in the recommended amount. The base ingredients in Sensa tastants are tricalcium phosphate, maltodrexin, soy, milk and carmine. TrySensa.com claims that the subtle smell of the tastants triggers the satiety mechanism and tells you you are full sooner, prompting you to stop eating sooner than you normally would.
Clinical Trials
Clinical studies reported on the Sensa website state that the product was tested when 1,436 people sprinkled Sensa on everything they ate for a six-month period, with no change in diet or exercise. Participants using Sensa lost an average of 30.5 lbs., with a control group not using the product but following the same diet and exercise program losing only 2 lbs. TrySensa.com cites a second double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by an independent laboratory, also lasting six months, though the site dos not give the name of the laboratory. Participants in the second study lost 27.5 lbs, while the control group each gained a 1/2 lb. on average.
Customer Support
Sensa offers extensive customer support, with a forum on its website and a Facebook page closely monitored by company representatives. Live phone chat with a real person is also offered. Motivational stories, before and after pictures, and diet and exercise suggestions are also offered at TrySensa.com and on Facebook.
Outside Reviews
As with all fad diets, there is a healthy degree of skepticism on the part of physicians and weight loss experts when it comes to Sensa. According to MayoClinic.com, the studies proving Sensa's effectiveness do not give any indication whether those who lost weight on the program kept it off. MayoClinic.com therefore reiterates the known method of losing weight, which is to eat less calories than you burn. University of Maryland clinical professor of medicine Pamela Peeke cautions that there is no definitive scientific proof of Sensa's effectiveness and calls the program "another pet rock."
Cost
As of late 2010, a six-month supply of Sensa is available via TrySensa.com for $235. The company extends a free trial offer in which you pay only shipping and handling for a two month supply. If, after the first 30 days, you are dissatisfied, you can send back the second month's supply. If you do not send it back, for which you pay shipping costs, the company will bill $89 to your credit card.
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