System:slim is a New Zealand-based company that provides health and nutrition education to people who want to lose weight. Describing itself as "progressive" and "unique," system:slim claims to offer individual weight-loss programs that are a good fit for clients' lifestyles. System:slim uses in-person or online counseling, monitoring, meal planning and nutritional "cleansing" supplements as part of each weight-loss program.
Marketing Claims
System:slim purports to offer eating plans that are both simple to follow and yield weight-loss results, all while curbing your food cravings. The weight-loss program offers education, including information about diet, exercise and lifestyle, to enhance your weight-loss efforts, with the ultimate goal of maintaining results for a lifetime.
Services
System:slim services are offered through trained nutritional consultants. Your individual needs and lifestyle are addressed during your first private visit. System:slim offers three weight-loss programs: Calorie Control, Carbohydrate Control and Combining Right. Clients are encouraged to visit their consultants every week for guidance, monitoring and support. Unlike many commercial weight-loss programs in the United States such as Nutrisystem and Jenny Craig, system:slim does not sell prepackaged, portion-controlled food. It does, however, include recipes on its official website for each of its weight-loss programs. Additionally, the programs include use of system:slim dietary "detox" supplements as a weight-loss aid.
Supplements
System:slim incorporates use of various dietary supplements into its weight loss program, its three core products being Weight Manager, Cleanse Plus and Nutrition Plus. According to the company website, it's essential to "cleanse" or "detox" your body to rid it of toxins and wastes. These supplements purportedly reduce food cravings, quell your appetite, burn fat and give you more energy. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, makes a clear distinction between dietary supplements and drugs that are approved for weight loss. Dietary supplements do not undergo pre-market approval; you have no assurance that these are either safe or effective.
Locations
In January 2011, system:slim had eight independently-owned brick and mortar locations in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Wairapapa and Manawatu-Wanganui. System:slim dietary supplements are also sold at numerous pharmacies and gyms throughout New Zealand, as well as through the company's website. System:slim also offers a Home Support Pack through its website for those who cannot find a clinic close by. Consultations are provided through telephone calls or email.
Other Information
According to information on the official website, most system:slim dietary supplements should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing; nor are they safe for children. Some supplements, such as Weight Manager, are unsafe to use of you have gallstones or take warfarin. The Harvard Medical School casts a dubious eye on "detoxification" and "intestinal cleansing" supplements, citing possible side effects such as dehydration, bloating and abnormal bowel functioning. Moreover, Harvard notes that your body has its own self-cleaning mechanisms that make detoxification and cleansing purposeless. Talk to your health care provider before you use any dietary supplement that purports to help you lose weight.
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