Any plan that lets you eat whatever you want, requires no exercise and promises significant weight loss would sound like a dream to the two-thirds of Americans suffering from overweight or obesity. The Sensa Weight-Loss System guarantees such a promise with minimal effort on your end. The ease and speed of the Sensa system may appear appealing, but research all advantages and disadvantages of any weight loss program before investing your time and money.
How Sensa Works
Dr. Alan Hirsch, the creator of Sensa, has 25 years of experience researching the effects that the senses of taste and smell have on eating habits. Based on his findings, he developed particles called Tastants, which contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and artificial flavors. Tastants sprinkled on your food work with your taste and smell receptors, sending messages to your brain to release the hormones associated with fullness and satiety. Dr. Hirsch claims that the early release of these hormones helps you feel satisfied faster and eat less.
Core Products
Tastants make up the core products of the Sensa program. Men and women have different Tastant formulations based on research that states men have weaker senses of smell and taste when compared to women, according to the company website. Because your body may adapt to the effects of the Tastants, Sensa provides you with six 30-day packets, with the Tastant formula changed slightly with each subsequent month.
Supplemental Products
In addition to the Tastants, Sensa offers other products it claims will assist with your weight loss. Sensa Quench is a water-enhancing powder that comes in a variety of flavors. These powders contain vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants that Sensa states will boost your metabolism and strengthen your immune system. Sensa Chews provide fiber and and antioxidants to help you feel full between meals and control blood sugar spikes. Sensa also sells multivitamins with special formulations for men and women.
Cost
Try Sensa through a free 60-day trial. If you decide to continue, the recommended six-month kit will cost you $289 as of 2011. Individual month packets cost $59, multivitamins cost $49.95 and packets of Sensa Quench and Chews each cost $29.95.
Claims and Results
Dr. Hirsch claims that you can lose up to 30 lbs. during your first six-month cycle based on his previous studies. If you are unhappy with your results after the first month of your 60-day trial, you can return the remaining product without being charged.
Pros
Dr. Hirsch is a recognized renowned authority on the sensory system. Unlike many other low-effort diet programs, he offers his research for your review on Sensa's extensive and detailed website. Based on the many success stories posted on the website, Sensa appears to help you achieve quick and easy weight loss.
Cons
The Sensa Weight-Loss System does not teach healthy eating habits or promote physical activity, which many health professionals agree are crucial for sustainable weight loss. Relying on gimmicky programs to lose weight quickly can adversely affect your health in the long-term. Dr. Pamela Peeke, clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, warns that while Dr. Hirsch's evidence appears valid, it has never been published in the reputable medical journal. She reiterates that there is no "magic bullet" for healthy, sustainable weight loss.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Overweight and Obesity Statistics; February 2010
- Sensa Weight-Loss System: How It Works
- Sensa Weight-Loss System: FAQs
- Sensa Weight-Loss System: Shop
- ABC News: Eat Ice Cream, Burgers and Pizza and Still Lose Weight?; J. Avila, et al.; August 2008
- Diet Spotlight: Sensa Review
Member Comments