Abnehmen mit Tabletten, Shakes & Co. - schnell und einfach oder ungesund? | Die Tricks ... SWR

interaction occurs with medications. Bottom lineThe disadvantage completely outweighs the slight effect. (Dynamic music) The nutritionist considers that the most effective is to drink protein powder. Protein is one of the strongest fillers of all. And when I consume these types of protein drinks, if the dosage is correct, I feel full for several hours. And he who is satisfied does not sin nor eat anything evil. (tense music) There are many diet

shakes

on the market. An EU regulation regulates how they must be composed. Although all of the smoothies in our sample met the standards, some contained a surprising amount of sugar.

Carolin Groth from the Hamburg Consumer Center recommends paying attention to the nutritional table. Although they comply with the regulations, some over-the-counter diet

shakes

only receive a poor rating from the consumer advice center. A few years ago, the Lower Saxony Consumer Center examined ready-made diets and paid attention to the sugar content. It turned out that seven of the ten products were high in sugar. - What does that mean? There are guidelines on the maximum amount of sugar you should consume. Where are they? Some had sugar levels of up to 30 grams per day. And the recommendations are a maximum of 50 grams of fine sugar, and ideally a maximum of 25 grams of fine sugar per day.

This means that if you replace one or two meals with these products, you already have more sugar content than recommended. How problematic is this, especially considering it is a weight loss product? For most products, the recommendation is to follow a low-calorie diet. Only through this low-calorie diet can the weight loss effect be achieved. Do I still need the powder? - Not really. It is only useful to closely monitor the calories per meal. With more than 29 grams of sugar per 100 grams of drink powder, the classic Almased has the highest sugar content in our comparison. (tense music) Too much sugar slows down any successful diet, warns nutritionist Matthias Riedl.

Isn't it contradictory that a weight loss product contains a lot of sugar? Protein as a filler, okay. Sugar is once again an impetus for weight gain. If we eat a lot of sugar, we are more likely to gain weight. - Even. So a product that also contains a lot of sugar would be like accelerating and pulling the handbrake to help you lose weight. The manufacturer tells us that the sugar content of Almased comes from... ... It goes on to say: Due to its healthy enzymes, the content... (curious music) The consumer advice center found something else in its investigation.

Ingredients vary in meal replacement drinks. Some products were high in saturated fatty acids, which we considered nutritionally unfavorable. Other products contained very, very little fiber, while others contained a lot of fiber. Where you have to be careful to drink enough because that can cause digestive problems. You always have to pay attention to what exactly the product you buy contains. (Curious music) There are also huge differences in protein content, for example. Our sample includes everything from 83 grams to 42 grams. The protein content is lower in the DM diet shake. (Dynamic tones) The manufacturer tells us that the amount of protein is still... (Curious music) We return to our practical check.

For a week now, Sabrina has been replacing at least one meal a day with the Almased shake. Now available in vanilla-almond flavor. But I have to say that once I let go of my nose, it's not as bad as at the beginning. Maybe in the next few days I will try drinking the smoothie without holding my nose, maybe that will work. I am very happy because yesterday we were with friends. They said, you can see I've lost weight. Yes, I'm super excited. In the last seven days, Nadine has managed to give up her biggest vice: sweet lemonade.

I went from 1.5, sometimes two liters of sweet drink, to zero and only drink mineral water. I imagined it worse. But that actually turned out pretty well. What I had, I was a little irritated. My poor children and my poor husband. (Relaxing music) No sugar, just calorie blockers and new recipes, so Nadine has been fighting against her weight for a week. Today we had homemade protein rolls for breakfast. This is made with low-fat quark, a little spelled flour, yeast and salt. This is a very simple recipe. Let's see how they taste. I also added some Parma ham.

But these two rolls with Parma ham have almost 500 calories. Franziska wants to lose weight with a low-carb diet and exercise, without help. (Relaxed music) I actually found a really good combination between going for a run outside and then getting into the studio. If I'm short on time, I exercise at home. This is how I can exercise four times a week. In fact, when I don't, I realize that I'm missing something. There are still two weeks of discipline ahead. And all three will reach their limits. But we'll talk about that later. “100 percent plant-based active ingredient,” “scientifically proven,” or “clinically proven.” Prints like this can be found on many diet product packages.

But what use are they? We meet the lawyer Kerstin Dieter. Her specialty is the correct labeling of dietary supplements and health products. In particular, statements referring to clinical studies are often incomplete on the packaging. The BGH said that if these seals are used, it is usually necessary to indicate where more information can be found about what exactly was tested and to what extent. What the test results really were. - Hmm. So that said seal, when used, does not mislead. The packaging should include information about where the study can be found, such as a website. (in:) Are they available here?

In any case? No, I see, I don't see. (Eerie music) (Curious music) When it comes to dietary supplements, manufacturers don't have to prove any effects. That's why they can't make any promises. This is different with medical products, such as carbohydrate blockers. They must pass an efficacy study before being approved. A medical product like this is perhaps a more serious product to some extent because it is based on an effect that is actually approved. Clinically proven, right? Scientifically proven. Otherwise approval would not have been granted. But of course, this is not a miracle cure either. You also have to be clear about this. (Curious music) If the label says “medical product” on the packaging, the weight loss product has passed an effectiveness study.

This is not necessary with dietary supplements. This manufacturer continues to specifically promise the effectiveness of its dietary supplement, a fat burner. (in:) For example, here it says: "Guarana promotes fat burning", asterisk. And on the other side it says: (Reads.) Mhm. How do you rate this approach? This contradicts the spirit and purpose of the Health Claims Regulation, which clearly states that only those health claims that have actually been proven should be made to consumers. Anything that in any way misleads consumers, deceives them, is misleading or unclear, is generally prohibited. But it is done anyway, as you can see.

It will be done anyway. The question is how long will it last? The manufacturer did not respond to our written query in this regard. (tense music) Other providers are even bolder, especially on the Internet. There they advertise their slimming products with dubious promises of success. "Up to nine percent less body fat without loss of muscle mass." These seem to be true miracle cures. (off:) This product reportedly reduces waist circumference by up to 7.5 centimeters. And another dietary supplement is said to prevent the accumulation of new fat. (tense music) We show lawyer Kerstin Dieter the Internet provider's promises of effectiveness.

The manufacturer advertises that she will lose a lot of weight in certain parts of her body. Firstly, this is unrealistic, and secondly, it is also legally prohibited. Because? - Yes, because it is misleading. There is simply no evidence that any product causes weight loss in a specific part of the body. Each advertising claim must be demonstrably true. If you state facts, you must prove that they are true. This cannot be proven. - This is announced here. Yes. - Could that then be warned? Or what threatens manufacturers? - Yes, that could be noted. But that doesn't seem to deter the manufacturer. (tense music) It's simply worth it, it's a million-dollar business.

They earn enough from it, so it's worth it. (off:) Notable: There are no promises of effectiveness on the packaging itself. (tense music) Why does the manufacturer advertise a lot on the Internet but is secretive here? Because you can change it instantly on the Internet. That takes ten minutes. Statements that you are not authorized to use are removed from the website. Things are different when it comes to packaging, which can cost a lot of money. For Kerstin Dieter the issue is clear. The sales strategy of this diet provider is very dubious and sometimes even prohibited. We will contact him.

But this manufacturer also did not respond to our written request. (upbeat music) Does the supplier advertise its products in a dubious way? Or maybe it also contains prohibited ingredients? We want to examine it in the laboratory and bring three samples from the manufacturer to Tanja Pallmann. (upbeat music) There are also black sheep on the Internet. The Federal Office for Consumer Protection regularly warns about the discovery of prohibited substances in slimming products during random checks. This actually happens quite frequently, as we discovered in Tanja Pallmann's lab. (Pious tones, calm conversation) On behalf of our anti-drug authorities we periodically examine samples of so-called slimming products. - Hmm.

And unfortunately we find it there several times a year. We mainly find the drug sibutramine, which is no longer approved. What is the problem with sibutramine? Sibutramine can have serious side effects, especially on the cardiovascular system. This can cause dizziness, collapse, circulatory collapse, um. Deaths have also been described in relation to the use of sibutramine when it was approved. However, did you find this dangerous substance in the samples? We always find it. Yes, it comes, it is mixed with so-called slimming products, of course not legally. And of course you can buy them somewhere online. Why is this done?

Of course, it has an appetite suppressing effect. The authorities warn that illegal substances are found especially in products from abroad. Nutritionist Matthias Riedl also recommends caution with online slimming products. There are dubious manufacturers on the Internet that mix everything under the sun. We know that caffeine is mixed with diabetes medications, thyroid hormones and prohibited substances that are then offered to help you lose weight and that also have a certain effect. But with a high risk, which sometimes endangers life. The results of the analysis of our network sample are now available in the laboratory. So, we did not find any substance that was not described as a component.

And we continued to examine these samples for medicinally active ingredients and found none. The good news: what's inside is what it says on the tin. But that's a lot of caffeine. Too much caffeine can cause palpitations, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, psychological changes, agitation, i.e. restlessness, and gastrointestinal problems. The range is wide. And in people with previously damaged hearts, cardiac arrhythmias may even appear, which are not harmless. That seems very questionable to me. And the benefit for weight loss... I don't see it. So that's marginal. So, if you want to lose weight due to palpitations...

You can also go running. - Better. Two of three weeks have been completed in our practical check. Franziska is still trying to lose weight without dieting, but with a healthy diet and exercise. He finds it increasingly difficult to maintain discipline. I'm really stuck. I don't know where she comes from. So far things have been going very well with the diet. I also think everything is very delicious, I feel like it, I feel like cooking. I want to move, I travel a lot. But today I could eat anything I can get my hands on. So... starting with chocolate of course, and sometimes very abundant, I think salty would be great.

Nadine, who uses the drugstore calorie blocker to help, has gotten rid of old patterns. Before our practical inspection, she also got in the car for short trips. And now, haha, I'm running around with the stroller and picking up the kids. Exactly, it's always, yes, 20 minutes there and... yes, a long time ago, because of course the children want to stop at all the playgrounds, which is understandable. And yes, that's why... now it means yes, we'll leave in two or three hours. For Sabrina, every day for the past two weeks started with an Almased shake. (upbeat music) And even if she enjoys the diet recipes, Sabrina finds it increasingly difficult to hold on. (Musiccheerful) I really have to say that right now, today and yesterday, my mind is constantly on sweets.

I see food everywhere. I smell food everywhere. It's really bad right now. I don't know if my body is currently realizing the sugar withdrawal it is currently experiencing. They also told me that yes, I am very, very irritable right now. So, yeah, that's probably because of the sugar too. Wait one more week and that's it. Sabrina, Nadine and Franziska then discover how many kilos they lost in three weeks and if the diet assistants had any effect. (Upbeat music) Online diet counseling is all the rage. And some providers even advertise that they offer free sports programs and nutrition plans.

Completely free to achieve the figure of your dreams. In any case, in the cases shown here, this is just a lousy ploy to attract customers to paid programs. The coach's trap. (Fast music) We stumbled across a provider online that promises free weight loss recipes on their website. If you also want to speed up your metabolism, lose a few kilos, reduce your fat content, register your email address below and you will receive a free four-week weight loss plan from me, where you will burn a lot of fat. . We register and receive a link to the free recipes.

But we cannot read or download them, apparently due to a network error. (Interrogative music) A little later the notice appears that we must pay 5.90 euros in storage and shipping costs for a free copy. We contact the supplier. As a customer, our request remains unanswered. Instead, we have the opportunity to order a recipe book on the web for 37 euros. We also receive numerous promotional emails for other paid products on the site, such as the bikini body workout, which is then closed to new members. This is apparently intended to give the impression of high demand. Please understand this, I really give personal support to everyone.

If the number of participants increases too much, if the group increases too much, then I can't keep up. Carolin Groth knows those methods. In one sample, the consumer advice center in Hamburg took a closer look at online dietary advice. (in:) I signed up there too, just out of curiosity. And then she was like, Oh, the waiting list is long, we're full. Why are they doing this? This is one of the

tricks

we noticed. It is about the scarcity, often artificial, that certain offers are only available for a short time. That you feel a little pressured, that you have to buy these offers now.

How do you rate this scam? This scam should be considered very critical and hostile to the consumer, because consumers are also deceived here. They expect free training that doesn't come. We contact the supplier again, this time as journalists. She tells us in writing that she believes she does... she goes on to say: The free weight loss plan can be used with... None of these things worked for us. (Disturbing music) We received the free prescriptions only after our press consultation. Our Internet research continues. This online trainer also offers free tips for diet success. (Home page:) "My protégé Daan lost ten kilos and sent me this before and after photo." And there are many more photos and success stories promoting the free sports program. (eerie music) Is this always real?

You should be careful with reviews on the Internet. We have no guarantee that these are real reports. They may be from the manufacturer or simply improved a little. For example, photographs can also be taken very easily. As a consumer you should always be careful and always keep in mind what type of reports you read. The success of these participants is mainly due to the nutritional supplements that the trainer offers on her website. Only the imprint reveals that behind this website is the company “Golden Tree”, which sells nutritional supplements, and not the trainer. (Eerie music) When consumers discover that certain products alone can help them lose weight, it is an indication that this is doubtful.

We contacted the supplement company. She writes that she also has numerous workouts and recipes on her website... However, after our press inquiry, the name of the trainer's website was changed to the company name Golden Tree. Final in our practical control. (Fast music) Nadine, Franziska and Sabrina worked hard, sweated and spent three weeks without anything. Sabrina tried to lose weight with exercise, a low-carb diet, and the Almased shake. Now it's done. And soon she will discover how many kilos she has lost. (Fast music) The scale shows four kilos less. I'm happy to have lost so much weight.

I would have expected less. But I am very happy. And something else has changed. Sabrina's waist has shrunk, 5.2 centimeters. Nutritionist Constanze Lohse checks the analysis results. Was it more of a healthy weight loss? Or has she lost weight in the wrong places? Fortunately, it can be said that it was more of a healthy weight loss. In fact, they have also lost fat mass. Even if the result is good, the doctor recommends caution with diet shakes. (Eerie music) I would always recommend that if I am trying to lose weight with a shake, that it be supervised by a doctor.

Check beforehand: Are there any contraindications? And then talk about the shake with your doctor and look at the ingredients. It's all about the carbohydrate and protein content. The third thing is, of course, the additives. Is there anything there that could cause direct damage? Now it's Nadine's turn. Definitely a little less, right? (Laughs) she achieved a total of seven kilograms. Three weeks ago she weighed 111 kilos. This is especially noticeable around her waist. Her girth is now three inches less. Thanks to calorie blockers? (Dynamic music) I think the success she has had now is not just due to the helpers.

Especially if she has stopped consuming sweet drinks, this is the most important measure that she should definitely follow. Then it's Franziska's turn. She tried it without any weight loss medication. She first analyzes her body tissue and then measures her waist. That's even 83.5. And that's 1.7 centimeters less than she was three weeks ago. And what does the scale say? Yes, who believes it? (Joyful laughter) Franziska lost almost five kilos in three weeks. And all without any dietary supplements. The lab results are also impressive. In the analysis she gave one of the greatest advances of all the participants, that is, more towards a healthier nutritional status.

She used to overwater herself more, but that has improved significantly. You can see great success there. All three had great success in losing weight, whether with or without diet. (Calm conversation, upbeat music) She I wouldn't have thought she could accomplish so much in three weeks without any help. Do you also attribute your success to the effect of the pills? Ah, that's hard to say. I had a complete diet change. I stopped drinking sweets. I haven't eaten anything sweet except ice cream. Hmm. But I don't know, it's hard to say. Maybe it helped, but I wouldn't attribute it to the tablets alone.

Whats Next? I'll try to continue with the smoothie. But one more. - Which do you like? Exactly. I will continue until I reach my ideal weight. Are you still taking the pills? Um, I'll take the one I still have in the package, but then no, no. It's too expensive for me, 25 euros for twelve days is a lot of money, I think. Whats Next? What have you planned? I follow this diet and level of exercise as much as possible. Simply because it is also good for you mentally. You are not so slow or so tired. I want to stay like this as much as possible, but of course exceptions are allowed.

You also have to live a little. - Exactly. That's how I see it too. I think the most important thing is that you have this switch in your head. That you say, "Okay, now I want to start." "Now I want to do it." (Determined music) Our practical test has shown that it works very well without dietary supplements. And that's not only cheaper, but also healthier in the long run. Without proper diet and exercise, the most expensive remedies won't help, no matter what the advertising promises. ROE 2022