Medical Study This is a recent medical study (2008) that was done on the effectiveness of Isagenix Cleansing and Fat Burning System:
The Effects of a New Food Technology on Body Composition, Body Systems and Blood
Chemistries:
Dennis Harper, DO
Thomas McNeilis, DO
Cynthia Watson, MD
Bryan Turner, DVM, MD
Study sponsored by Isagenix International, Inc.
Abstract:
Obesity and its associated degenerative diseases including heart disease continue to rise
in an unrelenting epidemic. Despite media attention to the magnitude of the problem,
people continue in lifestyles that promote disease. However, a growing number in the
population recognize the need for personal responsibility in health matters. A new food
technology bringing a fresh approach to the problem has helped numerous individuals
recapture many aspects of health including substantial weight loss. This cleansing
system has captured the attention of the medical community as well because the results
are gained without added stimulants, herbs or drugs.
An evaluation of the effects of the nutritional cleansing* was performed to systematically
examine body composition as measured by deltoid skin-fold or impedance analysis.
Moreover, analysis of serum chemistries, lipids, and a comprehensive review of body
systems were performed to identify subjective as well as objective findings associated
with this technology.
Null Hypothesis:
on body composition, body systems review or blood chemistry.
Consumption of the food technology would have no significant effects Study Design:
Utah and California. Initial body composition was obtained by either deltoid skin-fold
measurements taken 8 centimeters below the acromio-clavicular joint or by impedance
using a Tanita body composition analyzer Model TBF-105. The volunteers completed a
comprehensive review of systems and blood was obtained for a basic metabolic profile,
lipid profile and in a small subset for testosterone or oxytocin. Urine was collected for 5-
HIAA measurements and a screening urinalysis. Ketostrips were given to the
participants to monitor their daily ketone levels during the cleansing cycle. The
volunteers were instructed on the recommended cleansing program which requires nine
days to complete. At the end of the cycle, the measurements and blood work were again
collected. The participants were also asked to measure the circumference of multiple
sites and track how many inches were lost over the cleansing period.
One hundred volunteers were recruited from four medical practices in Results: Body composition:
average weight loss was 7.2 pounds. For men it was 8.3 pounds. For women the body
mass index decrease was 2.4 and for men 2.3. The skin-fold analysis involved 25
patients and these had measurements of circumferences of 13 areas in addition to the
skin-fold measurement. Two dropped out and one completed 8 days. Their ages ranged
from 20 to 68. Their average weight was 235 pounds. The average total inches lost in the
nine days was 16.6 inches. In a previous unpublished trial involving18 women from the
ages of 18 to 45 and whose average weight was over 200 pounds, the total inches lost in
nine days was 17 inches.
The average weight loss was 7.6 pounds. For women the Basic Metabolic Profile:
nitrogen, creatinine, chloride, carbon dioxide, calcium, and glucose. These
measurements were unchanged with the exception in men; the average serum glucose
declined 11 gm/dl. Total cholesterol declined an average of 24 mg/dl in men and 14
mg/dl in women. Triglycerides decreased by 68 mg/dl in men and 25mg/dl in women.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol dropped an average 13 mg/dl in men and 7 mg/dl in
women. HDL cholesterol declined 0.7 mg/dl in women but increased 1.3 mg/dl in men.
Serum was analyzed for sodium, potassium, blood urea Hormones:
were unchanged. An attempt was made to evaluate urinary 5-HIAA levels as a surrogate
for serotonin. The results showed levels essentially unchanged. Urinary 5-HIAA proved
difficult to correlate with neuro-chemical serotonin. There are numerous confounding
dietary modifiers as well. Unfortunately, in a study such as this, it is not possible to
obtain cerebral spinal fluid 5-HIAA levels which would be a more accurate assessment of
the serotonin system.
In men, testosterone increased 76 ng/dl (18%). In women, oxytocin levels Body Systems Review:
175 questions divided into groups related to various body systems was asked. Answers
were graded as 0, 1, 2 or 3 from no problem to severe problem. Each subset was totaled.
Overall the compiled score decreased 11 points demonstrating lessened somatic
complaints and a better overall sense of well-being. The most changed review of systems
was neurological/psychological. Mood improved the most. The system groups were
labeled neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory,
urinary tract, skin, gynecological, and a total rating.
As part of the clinical evaluation, a questionnaire consisting of Discussion:
significant in that electrolytes remained stable, as did renal function and serum calcium.
Lean body mass was generally preserved and patients reported improved overall health in
just a few days. Blood sugars were stabilized and lipids levels improved. Body
composition was markedly improved with significant decreases in weight and body fat
percentages. Total inches lost were also remarkable. We conclude from this that the total
inches lost was a measure of the total body fat lost as indicated by the drop in the body
mass index. Subjectively, people reported more energy, a more even temperment, less
subjective pain, and improvements in several body system groups.
This food technology differs from diet programs in many important aspects. Diets for
weight loss typically attempt to cause imbalances in carbohydrate, fat and protein rations.
Perhaps for this reason alone, diets are not sustainable and dieters nearly always yo-yo
their weight over time causing progressive increases in percentage of body fat. This
composition change is a result of losing lean muscle mass during the diet phase and
adding extra fat as the weight is put back on over time. This study corroborates company
testimonials of multiple general health benefits in addition to rapid but safe reductions in
adiposity.
This study demonstrates the remarkable safety of the system. The results are Notes:
The Isagenix System is a multifaceted program incorporating education, exercise, healthy
lifestyle and dietary choices, and the Isagenix nutritional supplement formulations.
This abstract, reprinted in its entirety, is intended to provide a balanced view of the
available scientific information related to the Isagenix System.
This information is intended for general educational purposes and not to sell specific
products. This does not constitute labeling, endorsements or advertisements for any
particular products and should not be interpreted as recommending how to treat any
particular diseases or health-related conditions.
