Pure Weight Loss Centers :

Balanced Review: "Pure Weight Loss Centers" is the former "L.A. Weight Loss Centers", a diet and weight loss program based on reduced caloric intake along with nutrition bars and supplements, behavior modification, and personal counseling. The program is offered either online or in their physical centers. The online program includes weight loss resources such as menus, nutritional information, samples of their products (which they will sell you), "Lites" nutrition bars, online support and counseling, and interactive tools. The program is $219 for the first month and $14.95 thereafter, which does not include the nutrition bars and supplements. The physical centers are similar, but offer live counselors.

In the past, the company has focused aggressively on selling their nutrition bars, in addition to their supplements. We assume that has not changed. By all accounts the bars and supplements are very expensive and are basically required purchases if guarantees of success are to take effect. Discounts are taken on the bars if long-term supplies are purchased, but that amounts to significant upfront costs. (Pay particular attention to the fine print)

Most personal counselors are not independently trained social workers, but former clients of Pure Weight Loss (L.A. Weight Loss) and are paid commissions on the products they sell, which presents a highly questionable conflict of interests. Based on received reviews for Pure Weight Loss or LA Weight Loss, there are considerable differences between individual centers and counselors. Some have adequately trained counselors and lower pressure sales environments, while others are the opposite. One thing is clear though from pro and con reviews: the cost of the program is expensive compared to its competition and often hard to understand. They have settled out of court on a case alleging they falsely advertised the cost of their program.

It is a bit confusing why they changed their name with such brand recognition. The cost of Pure Weight Loss Centers seems totally unreasonable compared to alternatives. Most pro reviews elude to the cost as something that keeps them motivated, but there are better ways of maintaining your motivation without draining your wallet. We prefer more sensible, inexpensive programs such as eDiets that are conveniently on-line and accessible from your computer at home or office. If you sense you're being taken advantage of in the diet business, you probably are.

Continue reading »