Plexus is a wellness company offering products for weight loss, nutrition, and skincare, including meal replacement shakes, weight loss pills, and its star product, Plexus Slim. This chromium-based supplement is made to suppress appetite and aid weight loss. Initially, I was skeptical, especially after reading a 2020 study in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science that linked a weight loss supplement from Plexus to DITP.
And, despite Plexus Worldwide’s A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, these online reviews lead some to explore alternatives like Optavia, Herbalife, or Happy Juice. However, after trying it myself and consulting with our nutritionist, I found Plexus Slim effective in curbing my hunger, particularly alongside a reduced-calorie diet. So, this is my overview, but if you’re looking for a deeper review of Plexus products and supplements, whether Plexus is safe, how it works for weight loss, why people leave Plexus, and why Plexus was banned from Amazon, keep reading.
What is Plexus?
Plexus Worldwide, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a well-known dietary supplement company, particularly famous for its signature product, Plexus Slim. This “pink drink” includes variations like Hunger Control and Microbiome Activating. Plexus Slim Hunger Control has gained popularity for its claimed benefits in aiding weight loss and managing overeating.
Plexus Slim Hunger Control’s standout ingredients include 6,250 mg of polydextrose, which has been linked to reduced energy intake and increased feelings of fullness, as highlighted in a 2015 study by Emanuel E Canfora at Maastricht University Medical Center. Additionally, Plexus Slim contains 200 mcg of chromium polynicotinate, known for positively influencing carbohydrate cravings and appetite control, as shown in research from New York’s Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
I found out about Plexus Pink Drink not really through the MLM network marketing or social media, but from reading about Janelle Brown’s weight loss journey. She’s a star from TLC’s ‘Sister Wives’ and used Plexus Slim Pink Drink to control her hunger. Both Christine and Janelle often promote Plexus online, even though there’s been some debate about how well it works, its claims, and overall pros and cons.
What are the Pros and Cons of using Plexus products?
Here’s a table comparing the pros and cons of Plexus.
| Plexus Pros | Plexus Cons |
|---|---|
| Potentially can help with weight loss | You don’t know exactly what and how many of the ingredients are included in their proprietary blend. |
| Convenient to take by mixing with water | No scientific research confirms the efficacy of the products. |
| Programs include exercise workouts, recipes, daily tips, and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle. | Can be expensive. |
| Wide selection of products (Plexus offers more than 25 products) | Plexus uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model, which can be problematic for some people. |
| You get discounts when signing up for a VIP customer subscription. |
Before I started the Plexus weight loss program, I was aware that no supplement company, including Plexus, has been conclusively proven to work as claimed. From my understanding, Plexus contains ingredients that either lack robust scientific backing or are present in concentrations too low to be effective. In my experience, carb blockers and stimulants, which are part of their formula, might offer temporary benefits but don’t seem to work in favor of sustainable weight loss.
How does Plexus work?
Plexus supplements support weight loss through various mechanisms, depending on the specific product. The best Plexus products for weight loss include Plexus Slim Hunger Control and Plexus Slim Microbiome Activating, which help reduce hunger and manage blood sugar with natural ingredients, best taken 30-60 minutes before meals. Plexus MetaBurn, a capsule taken twice daily, boosts metabolism, while Plexus Block aids in carbohydrate absorption control. Additionally, Plexus Lean Whey works as a meal replacement shake.
Plexus Slim Hunger Control
Plexus Slim Hunger Control is a weight loss supplement known for curbing food cravings. It contains 6.25 grams of polydextrose, which is a soluble fiber that signals your brain that you’re full, so you don’t eat as much, as shown in a 2015 study in the Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care Journal. Additionally, it includes 0.2 milligrams of chromium polynicotinate, and research by Catherine Tsang from Edge Hill University in 2019 suggests that chromium supplementation can have some positive effects on body composition when taken in doses of ≤400 μg per day.
Moreover, the Plexus Slim Hunger Control supplement contains a 531 mg proprietary blend with ingredients like green coffee bean extract, which a 2019 study in the Phytomedicine Journal indicates may reduce sugar absorption. Here’s the photo of the Plexus Slim Hunger Control supplement.
In the photo, you’ll see that the package contains 30 single servings in sachet form. From my experience, this drink mixes smoothly with water, much like effervescent tablets or a pre-workout drink. It didn’t leave me any residue or crumbs when mixing. In my opinion, the taste is semi-sweet, somewhat reminiscent of an energy drink, but thankfully, it doesn’t have any artificial aftertaste or leave my mouth feeling dry.
Plexus Slim Microbiome Activating
Plexus Slim Microbiome Activation focuses on promoting the growth of friendly gut microbes. It shares some key ingredients with Plexus Slim Hunger Control, such as green coffee bean extract, garcinia cambogia fruit extract, alpha-lipoic acid, and white mulberry fruit extract.
However, instead of polydextrose, Plexus Slim Microbiome Activation contains 1,000 mg of xylooligosaccharides (XOS), short-chain compounds with prebiotic and antioxidant properties. A 2020 study by Luciana Santibáñez from the University of Chile suggests that consuming 1.4 grams of XOS per day can help lower blood cholesterol levels and enhance calcium absorption. Here’s the photo of Plexus’s slim Microbiome Activating dietary supplement.
Plexus claims that its product aids in the efficient absorption of essential vitamins and minerals from food. They also state that it “supports the overall health of your gut and digestion by combating harmful bacteria that can disrupt the digestive process and produce toxins.” While Plexus gives you instructions on how to use it, there are no guidelines for how long should you take this product.
Plexus MetaBurn
Plexus MetaBurn is a nootropic-based supplement that claims to help with fat burning and reducing belly fat. It contains ingredients like grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta), which a 2022 study in the Drug Design, Development and Therapy Journal found can boost metabolism by 18.55% when taken in doses above 500 mg per day.
Plexus MetaBurn also includes L-theanine and caffeine, commonly found in green tea, to enhance alertness and mood, and Rhodiola, a plant known as an adaptogen for mood support. However, it’s worth noting that the exact amounts of these ingredients in the supplement are hidden behind a proprietary blend, which means we don’t have precise numbers. Here’s the photo of my Plexus MetaBurn.
I tried Plexus MetaBurn for 30 days, but personally, I didn’t feel or notice any significant changes. While the company promotes MetaBurn as a revolutionary product that boosts metabolism and targets stubborn fat in areas like hips, thighs, and waist, my experience didn’t quite align with these claims.
Plexus Block
Plexus Block is a weight loss supplement that claims to reduce the impact of carbohydrates on your body. It contains a 500 mg proprietary blend based on Brown Seaweed Blend, which aims to lower the glycemic index of carbs and sugars. Additionally, it includes 200 mcg of Chromium Picolinate and 200 mg of White Kidney Bean Extract.
A 2020 study by Shenli Wang from China Agricultural University, published in Food Science & Nutrition, found that people who took white kidney beans extract lost an average of 2.24 kg (around 0.448 kg per week) in 35 days. However, it’s important to note that Plexus Block provides a lower dose, with 2 servings per day totaling 400 mg, which is significantly less (83.33% less) than what Dr. Wang used in the study. Here’s the photo of the Plexus Block supplement.
Plexus Lean Whey
Plexus Lean Whey is a soy-free meal replacement protein shake. It’s made from whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, and whey protein isolate. Each serving provides 140 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, and 21 grams of rBGH-free protein, which includes important amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Additionally, it contains 11 vitamins, 11 minerals, and digestive enzymes. Plexus Lean is designed to help you feel full throughout the day, potentially helping with weight loss or maintaining your weight, as claimed on the Plexus website. Here’s the photo of the Plexus Lean Whey powder.
I tried Plexus Lean Whey, and it tastes pretty good, although I didn’t mix it with milk as suggested. But the downside is they only offer chocolate and vanilla flavors, which is a bit limited. Honestly, it’s not a great deal at $57 for just 15 servings. You can get something like Optavia ACTIVE Whey Protein or Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard on Amazon for $73.95, which gives you a whopping 71 servings – that’s 72% cheaper per serving compared to Plexus Lean Whey.
How much does Plexus cost?
The cost of Plexus varies from $49 to $347 per month, depending on the products purchased. Plexus Weight Loss Basic is priced at $155.95, while Weight Loss Advanced can cost up to $322.00 for a 30-day supply. The table below shows you the current prices for the Plexus Worldwide weight loss supplements and combos.
| Combo | Products included | Price | VIP price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss Basics – Lean Whey | 1 bag Lean Whey 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn | $172.00 | $135.00 |
| Weight Loss Basics – Lean Vegan | 1 bag Lean Vegan 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn | $181.00 | $142.00 |
| Weight Loss Plus – Lean Whey | 2 bags Lean Whey 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn 2 bags Active (15 packets) or Hydrate (20 packets) | $265.00 | $205.00 |
| Weight Loss Plus – Lean Vegan | 2 bags of Lean Vegan 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn 2 bags Active (15 packets) or Hydrate (20 packets) | $286.00 | $221.00 |
| Weight Loss Advanced – Lean Whey | 2 bags of Lean Whey 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn 30 packets Active or 40 packets Hydrate 60 capsules BioCleanse 60 capsules ProBio 5 Weight Management and Beyond Booklet | $289.95 | $219.95 |
| Weight Loss Advanced – Lean Vegan | 2 bags of Lean Vegan 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn 30 packets Active or 40 packets Hydrate 60 capsules BioCleanse 60 capsules ProBio 5 Weight Management and Beyond Booklet | $322.00 | $247.00 |
| Plexus Slim and Plexus MetaBurn | 30 packets Slim Hunger Control or Microbiome Activating 60 capsules MetaBurn | $138.00 | $110.00 |
Note that VIP customers receive a sitewide discount of up to 25% off these prices, and all customers can sign up for a monthly subscription with a 10% discount after the first two consecutive subscription orders.
How much is Plexus Pink Drink?
The price for Plexus Pink Drink ranges from $78.00 to $96.00, depending on your membership. I paid $96.00 for a one-time purchase of Plexus Pink Drink without a membership. Subscribing costs the same initially but drops to $86.40 after three months, while membership pricing is $78.00 plus a $9.95 sign-up fee. For Plexus Reset, the price for a one-time purchase is $109.00, but if you subscribe, you’ll pay $89.00.
Where to buy
You can buy Plexus products straight from their official website, as well as other online stores such as Amazon or Walmart. Although you can find some juicy discounts when buying Plexus from other online stores, the company does provide a 60-day money-back guarantee when you get it from the official website. Plus, some stores banned Plexus because of concerns about their marketing, safety, lack of scientific proof, and reports of side effects from their products.
Is Plexus safe?
The safety of Plexus products is a controversial topic due to a lack of research and third-party testing. Many customers complain of experiencing side effects such as bloating, gas, nausea, stomach ache, and constipation after taking Plexus products. I tried Plexus for 30 days, and everything was fine until the third week when something strange happened. I started getting itchy bumps on my arms, stomach, hips, and legs, and my scalp was also incredibly itchy. I stopped using it for a few days, and thankfully, the itching and bumps went away. There have also been reports of more serious negative outcomes in some cases.
In 2020, a study conducted by Chandler Graf at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and published in The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, reported a case where a 30-year-old woman developed a condition called Primary Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) after using Plexus Slim. However, the study also highlights that diagnosing ITP can be tricky, and there isn’t concrete scientific evidence that definitively links these adverse reactions to the use of Plexus supplements.
It’s advisable to avoid taking Plexus if you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding or are under 18 years old. Similarly, if you have any underlying health issues such as kidney problems or diabetes, it would be better to err on the side of caution by avoiding these supplements altogether.
Is Plexus FDA approved?
No, Plexus is not FDA-approved. This is because it is marketed as a supplement, rather than a drug or medical device, and the FDA can only approve drugs or medical devices. While supplements have to be regulated by the FDA, they cannot be approved as effective for weight loss or any other medical condition. This means that companies like Plexus are responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of their products.
How to Use Plexus For Weight Loss
To use Plexus products effectively for weight loss, follow the 8 steps below.
- Replace a meal with Plexus Lean Whey
- Precede meals with Plexus Slim Hunger Control
- Enhance Gut Health with Plexus Slim Microbiome Activating
- Snack on Plexus Collagen Bone Broth
- Incorporate Plexus Smart Snack for digestive support
- Energize with Plexus Active for sustained energy from green tea and yerba maté
- Utilize Plexus Collagen Soup for nutritional support with essential amino acids
- Cleanse with Plexus BIO CLEANSE for better regularity and reduced bloating
Plexus can help in weight loss when used as a meal replacement, not as a food substitute, as supported by a 2019 University of Oxford study by Nerys M Astbury, showing greater weight loss with meal replacements. Further, a 2021 meta-analysis by Jihyun Min in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, involving 22 studies, found meal replacements more effective than just reducing portion sizes, especially when they constituted at least 60% of daily calorie intake.
So, using Plexus as a meal replacement could be effective for weight loss, but there is no specific evidence to support the effectiveness of the Plexus supplements themselves.
How long does it take for Plexus to start working?
When following a consistent and balanced diet with Plexus supplements, the active ingredients generally begin working within a few days to a week, with full effects noticeable over a longer period, up to 12 weeks, as part of a regular health routine. When taking Plexus Slim and Accelerator together for optimal results, the combined effect typically starts within seven days. For those using Plexus Lean on an on-and-off basis, the onset of effects might be less predictable and can take longer, depending on how frequently and consistently the product is used.
What happens when you stop taking Plexus?
When you stop taking Plexus, maintaining your weight loss depends on your continued healthy eating and active lifestyle. If you revert to old eating habits, you’re likely to regain the weight. However, with sustained healthy choices and physical activity, you can successfully keep the weight off.
What are the Facts about Plexus?
Plexus Worldwide has been in business for 16 years and has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since December 2019. Their 3.55 out of 5 average ratings are based on 94 customer reviews. Some customers have had great experiences, like one wholesale consumer who’s been using their products for 8 years and is very happy with everything they’ve tried.
However, there have been complaints too. In the last 3 years, there were 57 customer complaints, and in the last 12 months, there were 18. For example, one customer had an ongoing issue with the company. They’ve been trying to cancel their membership for a while now, and even though they’ve asked multiple times, the company won’t cancel it. Other things to know about Plexus are that they’ve had legal issues related to lead contamination and faced false product claims on social media. Additionally, they’ve been temporarily banned from selling on Amazon and have been involved in donating meals to families facing food insecurity in the USA.
Lawsuits
In July 2023, Plexus Worldwide, LLC agreed to pay $600,000 to settle allegations of postage violations, where they used incorrect postage and reused postage for mailing packages. This caused underpaid postage issues. Additionally, an investigation by TINA.org found that the claims made by Plexus distributors on social media about high earnings and benefits like paying off college debt are not accurate, with less than 1% of distributors earning six figures and over three-quarters making less than $500 a year. Furthermore, Plexus is facing a lawsuit in California from the Environmental Research Center for exceeding lead limits set by Proposition 65, although the specific lead levels are not mentioned in the lawsuit.
False Claims
In June 2020, Plexus received a warning from the Federal Trade Commission regarding health claims related to coronavirus. The FTC reviewed social media posts made by Plexus business opportunity participants or representatives that unlawfully advertised that certain products treat or prevent COVID-19.
Banned from Amazon
In 2014, Plexus Slim Accelerator capsules and the Plexus Slim Accelerator 3 Day Trial pack were removed from Amazon and other markets worldwide. The primary reason why Plexus was banned from Amazon was that these products contained 1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a chemical not declared on their labels and banned due to health concerns.
Plexus donated over 35 million meals
Plexus has contributed positively to the community, despite facing criticism. They’ve generously provided over 35 million meals to American families facing food insecurity. “Witnessing the impact of food insecurity is truly humbling,” remarks Alec Clark, President and Founder of Plexus Worldwide. Additionally, the company’s commitment extends to its employees, with over 160 of them volunteering at Phoenix Metro area food banks in 2022.
People are leaving Plexus
I recently chatted with Morgan, a former Plexus ambassador, to get the scoop on why is everyone leaving Plexus. According to Morgan, her journey out of Plexus was because she realized it wasn’t a long-term fix. The pressure of being an ambassador and the belief that true health goes beyond just supplements pushed her to look for a more well-rounded approach to staying healthy.
What are the Plexus Alternatives?
There are plenty of options out there if you’re looking for alternatives to Plexus. You’ve got Amare Global’s Happy Juice, Isagenix’s IsaLean shake, and Yoli’s Better Body System, among others. But if your wallet’s feeling the pinch and you want a cheaper alternative to the Plexus pink drink, check out Nuface’s Nu Biome microbiome support drink. It’s got a lot of the same stuff you find in Plexus, but it only sets you back $69.00 a month. Other products similar to Plexus include Thrive, Arbonne, Zeal, Advocate, SkinnyFit, and Optavia.
How does Optavia work as an alternative to Plexus?
Optavia offers a structured diet plan focused on low-carb, high-protein meals and five Optavia Fuelings per day. Although Plexus has some products similar to Optavia such as shakes and protein powders, the primary difference lies in the overall dietary philosophy.
What’s the difference between Plexus versus Optavia?
Optavia and Plexus are both multi-level marketing companies that focus on weight loss. They offer a range of supplements, meal replacements, and coaching services to help people reach their weight loss goals.
What’s the difference between Plexus versus Isagenix?
Isagenix is another company that offers a range of health and wellness products similar to Plexus, including supplements, meal replacements, and snacks. They also offer coaching services and support to help people achieve their goals.
What’s the difference between Plexus versus Herbalife?
Herbalife is another company with comparable offerings to Plexus that offers a variety of supplements, shakes, and snacks that are specifically designed to help people lose weight and improve their overall health. Herbalife was founded in 1980 and has since grown into a global company with distributors in over 90 countries.
