A diet product called Sensa promises fast weight loss and strong appetite suppression simply by sprinkling the product on your food before eating. Sensa claims that its weight loss plan is free of calorie counting, diuretics, cravings and jittery feelings. While preliminary research is promising, experts warn that more research needs to be done before Sensa can be considered effective. Consult your physician before beginning a weight loss supplement.
What Is Sensa?
Sensa is a patent-pending weight loss supplement containing flavorless, calorie-free crystals that dieters sprinkle all of the food they eat. Sensa’s manufacturers claim that their product can help you eat less at meals without feeling hungry, and can lead to an average of 30.5 lbs. lost in six months on the product with no change in diet or exercise. Dr. Mark Friedman, Associate Director of Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, cautions that there is no evidence that certain scents can suppress your appetite or lead to a decreased caloric intake. Sensa’s ingredients include maltodextrin, tricalcium phosphate, silica, natural flavors and artificial flavors.
How Sensa Works
Dr. Alan Hirsch, the director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago and the creator of Sensa, claims that Sensa’s flavorless, calorie-free “tastants” or crystals work with your sense of smell to signal your brain’s satiety center that it’s time to stop eating even before the meal is over. Dr. Hirsch has conducted research on smell and weight loss for 25 years; in one six-month study, he found that participants who sprinkled his “tastant” crystals on everything they ate lost an average of 30.5 pounds. The control group lost two pounds.
While this study may be promising, consumers should know that Sensa has not been researched by scientists outside of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, which is led by Dr. Hirsch. Experts remain skeptical of Sensa's effectiveness until an objective party can verify Dr. Hirsch's research.
According to the Endocrine Society, the study has not been reviewed by any credible scientific institution. Furthermore, the Endocrine Society was "surprised and troubled" by the promotional nature of Dr. Hirsch's presentation at an Endocrine Society meeting during which he was invited to speak and not endorsed in any way by the society.
Side Effects and Precautions
Sensa’s manufacturers claim there are no side effects related to using their supplement. However, Sensa is patent-pending and has not yet been approved or tested by the FDA. Sensa contains maltodextrin, an artificial sweetener that can cause digestive problems such as gas and bloating. Vegetarians and vegans should also take note that Sensa contains natural and artificial ingredients derived from milk products. Check with your doctor to make sure Sensa won't interact with any medications you may be taking.
Expert Opinions
According to Katherine Zeratsky, a registered dietician and nutritionist for the Mayo Clinic, weight loss comes down to eating less and moving more. She suggests that dieters interested in Sensa try the old-fashioned diet and exercise route instead. At the very least, people taking Sensa for weight loss should combine the diet supplement with a diet high in produce, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fat. Dieters should also participate in a sensible exercise routine that includes at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per day and two full-body strength training workouts per week.
References
- Sensa Weight Loss System; How It Works; Sensa, Products, LLC; 2011
- Sensa Weight Loss System; Frequently Asked Questions: What Exactly is in Sensa?; Sensa Products, LLC; 2011
- Smell and Taste Society; Subjects Lose 30.5 Pounds; Hirsch, Alan, MD; 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Do Weight Loss Products Like Sensa Work?; Zeratsky, Katherine; February 23, 2010
- ABC News; Eat Ice Cream, Burgers and Pizza and Still Lose Weight?; Avila, Jim; August 1, 2008
- "New York Times"; A Slimmer You May Be a Whiff Away; Ellin, Abby; June 17, 2009
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