The supplement industry

I lost 48lbs….. 54lbs….122lbs!!!……Hydroxycut!!!!

I am sure most of you would have seen this ad or similar ads. I previously wrote about the fitness industry and gyms like Planet Fitness. My follow up to that -is this article/ rant on the supplement industry.

Some employees in one of my earlier work places came up with a competition  (not company sponsored) – something on the lines of the Biggest Loser – whoever loses the max weight wins the cash.One particular employee in  an effort to win took some weight loss supplements – not sure how many but the next thing I know is that she was out for almost 5months and had to get admitted in a hospital due to some complications from this- She did lose weight but it was due to surgery which had to take place due to some complication from the drug.

There was also an article in the boston magazine that said 1 out 3 supplements are fake

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2013/11/04/one-three-supplements-fake/

and there was a news where some herbal supplements sold by top stores such as GNC ,Walgreens contained fake ingredients.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/herbal-supplements-targeted-by-new-york-attorney-general/

Are these supplements really worth it ? I am no fitness expert nor do I know a lot about these supplements but one thing I do know is eating healthy does not have to include taking supplements.

The way these companies market them is by creating a need and making the customer want this. Would you buy a box of protein powder from me or would you prefer to buy it if someone like  Arnold was selling  it.

The next thing they do is  use some complicated terms along with some natural sounding components and confuse the crap out of the consumer – then relate the results with either weight loss/ increased energy/ improved sex life. Everything that the average Joe wanting a 6pack by summer wants to hear.

Do you guys remember the energy bands that they sold in malls which contained volcanic ash – this was supposed to do everything from stabilizing your body to improving your sex life to curing cancer. Not sure how many of you bought that but  Volcanic ash – seriously!!!! and they sold for $25 a piece. I personally know people who claimed that they had increased energy through the day after wearing the band – Placebo effect (absolutely!!).

People will even buy plain water – if it is packaged under a title “miracle drink” for weight loss and improves sex life – just throw in a celebrity to endorse it and you will see the sales spike.

It’s all about creating a want – a demand (On a side track there is a Canadian company which capitalized on air pollution in china and sells “clean” bottled air (essentially means empty bottle) in China – no kidding just plain freaking air !!!! oh I forgot to add from the mountains!!!! –  it sells $50 per can)

In my honest opinion you don’t need a fancy supplement to help you become fit. Eat healthy and exercise (even if it is at planet fitness – that’s a start plus they give free pizza).

But again the supplement industry is a 80 billion dollar industry. If you can come up with a product and build your brand then jackpot!!!

For starters presenting to you miracle energy drink 

1 bottle a day  AND GET A 6 PACK 

 

 

P.S:

Dear Diary – this would be my last entry 😀 ( Yayyy!!!! On behalf of the readers and me)