Jillian Michaels Diet Pills

in All Posts

Today is just another Monday in Caitlin-land!  I’m chugging through my workload, and that’s all that matters.  🙂

 

Mid-morning snack was an orange:

IMG_1789

And lunch was a mashed kidney bean sammie with sprouts:

IMG_1794

And corn on the cob:

IMG_1796

All together now!

IMG_1790

Jillian Michaels is Hawking Diet Pills

 

In light of my review of the No More Trouble Zones workout, I thought I’d address the new Jillian Michaels’ diet pills.

You read that right.  Jillian Michaels has diet pills. 

 

It’s pretty hypocritical.  She’s the best trainer on The Biggest Loser and urges us at home to "eat less and exercise more" (pretty sound advice).  She tells us we can’t "phone it in" at the gym and expect to become shredded.  And now she’s selling us magic beans?!

 

I really admired Jillian when she refused to promote the Ziploc
Steam and Go bags because she was concerned about chemicals leaching into the foods.  When I read that, I thought: "Wow.  What a really classy lady who stands up for what she believes in and doesn’t just sell out for cash."

 

Now, I’m not sure so about Jillian.

 

She’s pushing  $99.99 diet pills to people who are  overweight and desperate for an answer.  These diet pills have all sorts of strange herbs in them (like bitter orange) with side effects like nausea, dizziness, erratic heart rate, and vomiting.  Do YOU think it’s a good idea to give these to someone who already has health problems due to their weight?

 

Jillian is a wonderful trainer and I like her DVDs, but I cannot believe she totally sold out like this.  She’s suppose to be an example that the only real way to reach your goal is through thoughtful eating and exercise.  Jillian lost 60 pounds when she was younger, and I KNOW she didn’t do it with voodoo magic pills.  Is it really all about the money for her?

 

I’m ashamed that she’s hawking diet pills.

 

UPDATE:  Mandy sent me a link to Jillian’s Facebook page, where she addresses some of her concerns.  Read on:

 

First off, this isn’t an endorsement deal. It’s MY line. It was my idea and I created the products with the top bariatrics doctors in the world. And I do mean the world. These are some of the same doctors I have been working with for years to help me with my Biggest Loser contestants and my books — especially Master Your Metabolism. I have ALWAYS been an advocate of supplementation. Not as a total solution, but as a means to accelerate weight loss, and enhance your performance in every aspect of your life be it metabolic, immunity, antiaging and so on. For reference, you can take a look at Making the Cut (pp. 251-262), where I talked about which supplements work and which don’t. In my latest book, Master Your Metabolism, I talked about natural ingredients that can boost metabolic function, like caffeine, vitamin C, and zinc. For years I have advocated the use of caffeine and white willow bark to increase performance in the gym and speed metabolism. I have recommended fiber blends to help curb appetite. I have referred people to different multivitamins, fat burners, protein powders, bars, drinks, etc.

 

The problem for me was that every line out there has stuff in it I don’t like. There are artificial colorings in the gel caps, or artificial sweeteners in the protein powders. There is soy in all the protein bars. Often the ingredients in the supplements aren’t combined properly so they are not effective and so on. There is NOTHING, and I do mean NOTHING, harmful in these products. They are all natural. Have a look at the ingredients: Calorie Control: Yerba Mate leaf, Coffee (bean) Extract (Coffea arabica) – standardized to 70% natural caffeine ,Guarana (seed) Extract (Paullinia Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) ** Fat Burner: White Willow (bark) Powder (Salix alba), Grapefruit (fruit) Extract, Bitter Orange (fruit) Extract , Blood Orange (fruit) Extract, Sweet Orange (fruit) Extract, Coleus forskohlii (leaf) Extract, Forskohlin , Tribulus terrestris (root) Extract – standardized to 20% steroidal saponins ) – caffeine Cocoa (seed) Extract

 

All Natural stuff, no drugs, no chemicals. They even have the perfect amount of caffeine. No more than 200 mg so you won’t release stress hormone. Caffeine when supplemented properly has MANY health benefits. It improves cognitive function, fights Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, helps insulin resistance, reduces risk of liver cancer, and speeds metabolism by up to 6%. If you don’t believe me check out this link and see what Dr. Oz has to say: http://www.coffeesage.com/archives/2008/02/good-news-on-coffee-from-oprahs-dr-oz/

 

With all that said, you still MUST eat right and work out. This stuff is just meant to support your body while training and accelerate your results. Ok, that’s all for now. Have a killer weekend!

 

In my opinion:  Blah, blah, blah.  I still think she’s selling out.

 

What do you think?

{ 125 comments }

 

  • Emily September 14, 2009, 9:33 am

    Wow is all I have to say. I'm speechless!

    Your lunch looks amazing though!!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance September 14, 2009, 9:34 am

    Yeah, I have to agree! I just left you a comment on your previous post regarding her on how much I LOVE HER but now I am ashamed too……..I am TOTALLY against "diet pills"! I lost 100+ pounds on just eating healthy & exercising alone……no pills!!! =( Laura

    http://findingahealthybalance.wordpress.com/

  • Mrs. LC September 14, 2009, 9:36 am

    I completely agree with every single thing you said about Jillian. I think most of us here in the healthy-living blog world will probably all be in agreement that something's not right/ she sold out – whatever the reason, it's shameful.

  • Bec September 14, 2009, 9:36 am

    Ya I just lost my respect for her!

  • katerina September 14, 2009, 9:37 am

    I would love to hear her talk about them, from everything I have ever heard her say this seems totally weird.

    Of course, she does botox her armpits.. which I think is downright dodgy. (Stops you from sweating.)

  • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries September 14, 2009, 9:40 am

    Wow, I'm shocked at this. I felt like JM was one of the only glorified fitness and weight loss experts who really promoted a realistic, non-fad approach to wellness. I'm sure she'll get a lot of flack for this, and I'm curious to hear how she responds…

    Sarah

  • Leianna September 14, 2009, 9:41 am

    I can't believe this! She's a great trainer, no one needs those pills and it has to be about money at this point, b/c this totally is not her or the person I've seen on Biggest Loser!

  • Nicci@NiftyEats September 14, 2009, 9:42 am

    I was shocked when I learned about this too. I think she's in it for the BUCKS!! She has her own line which makes it really sad.

  • Whitney@whitsgettingfit September 14, 2009, 9:42 am

    I love Jillian, and most of her products. I totally agreet that these diet pills cheapen her good name, but I listened to her podcasts (before her show was cancelled) and she was very plain about the fact that she was developing them, as well as who she was working with and what they would contain. I heard her mention them several times on the show. Also in her Making the Cut book, she suggests using caffiene and other supplements as fat burners. I've never seen her do this on the show, but let's be realistic. We aren't all perfect, and yeah maybe Jillian sold out, but that's why we can't put our faith in people. Someone's gonna sell out one day. It's just human nature.

  • Thinspired September 14, 2009, 9:45 am

    I felt the same exact way when I first read about this, and I still do to some extent, but she recently explained a little more about it on her facebook fan page and it made me understand a tiny bit better.

    Not sure if this link will work but I'll try:

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6002714#/note.php?note_id=134999455926&ref=mf

    Baically she says that she has always been an advocate of natural supplementation, and that her products are all natural and there is nothing fishy in them.

    I do agree that the mere idea of supplementing seems to go against her work ethic, but I do remember her discussing caffeine and green tea to help with fat burn, so that makes it a little more understandable. Had no idea about the price though…that is ridiculous!

  • Mandy September 14, 2009, 9:45 am

    If any of you are on facebook, Jillian said this on her page about the supplements:

    http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/note.php?note_id=134999455926&ref=mf

  • Meg September 14, 2009, 9:45 am

    I am very surprised that she is selling pills!

    Yummy lunch…now I am hungry.

    Don't miss the sweet potato scone giveaway on my blog!

  • Mandy September 14, 2009, 9:46 am

    Oops… sorry everyone! lara and I must have been posting that link at the same time!

  • BroccoliHut September 14, 2009, 9:47 am

    Geez, what a 180 for Jillian. I always respected her too for not giving into the whole diet marketing schemes. She just lost some major points in my book.
    Love the looks of that bread! What kind is it?

  • Newly and Forever, Tamantha September 14, 2009, 9:49 am

    I haven't looked too hard into this, but it's kind of sad…seems a bit wierd, after all the "eat healthy, exercise more" talk, but in a way…it seemed like just a matter of time before a pill was added to the mix..I guess endorsements are the way to go..boo.

  • Graze With Me September 14, 2009, 9:49 am

    That's really disappointing. I thought she was better than that.

    I wonder how she would defend herself if asked why she did it…

  • Devan Geselle. N September 14, 2009, 9:50 am

    i HATE diet pills 🙁
    i used to think i "needed" them in my ED..
    i cant belive that Jillian is pushing them now 🙁

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 14, 2009, 9:50 am

    BrocHut – German Dark 100% Whole Wheat by Arnold

  • itsybitsyknitsy September 14, 2009, 9:52 am

    Hello,

    I just found your blog about 2 weeks ago and absolutley love it!!
    I am currently on a weight loss mission and you inspire me to do it properly, by eating well and exercising and not follow low carb fads.
    I was shocked about Jillian Michaels diet pills. I always looks up to her as a no nonsense weightloss figure, and now think she totally sold out.

  • Mellissa September 14, 2009, 9:54 am

    These pills make me irate! There was an add in my Oxygen magazine and I nearly had my jaw hit the floor. Why would she endorse these and put her name on them?

  • Erin September 14, 2009, 9:55 am

    so if she says they're her diet pills. So what if her contestants on biggest loser wants to use those pills. it probably is against the rules of that show. so I think that is selling out.

  • Tami September 14, 2009, 9:55 am

    i couldn't agree more. i saw an ad for them today and figured someone in blog land would talk about them.

    i just don't know why she would do it, it's so unlike all of her other methods to healthy living.

  • Jenna September 14, 2009, 9:58 am

    yeah i am NOT a big fan of diet pills at all!
    as long as you eat right and exercise you should be healthy 🙂
    jenna

  • Nobel4Lit September 14, 2009, 10:01 am

    I saw these at GNC a month or so ago and found it very strange as well. I am personally against using diet pills of any kind only because I've tried them before and they produce the strangest effects that I'm sure are not good for you! Like many of you, I realized that a healthy lifestyle is a far more permanent solution and one to be proud of.

  • D September 14, 2009, 10:04 am

    I agree that it seems out of character, but I don't think we should forget that this doesn't take away from her diet and fitness advice. She's still a great trainer, with great books, and her DVDs actually work. Just because she is selling a line of supplements doesn't mean she doesn't still promote the value of hard work. I think it would be a shame if the blogworld jumped on the "hate Jillian" bandwagon over the diet pills, considering everyone loved her up until now. Her podcasts have great, solid advice and her values are the same. I don't agree with diet pills, but that's only one component of her entire creed, so I think it shouldn't be overestimated. Just a thought!!

  • Lizzy September 14, 2009, 10:04 am

    hm i'm not sure how i feel about this either. diet pills in my opinion don't work. i think its crazy and people shouldn't resort to this.

  • lilybeans September 14, 2009, 10:05 am

    Total Sell Out! So sad to see Jillian doing this and right before the Biggest Loser starts up again. I wonder if she is going to push these on her team?

  • R September 14, 2009, 10:05 am

    I really love Jillian's workouts (NMTZ KILLS me), and I like her in general. I used to listen to her radio show, and I loved that–she seemed really genuine and NOT all about the benjies. But I too have questions about this.

    I can understand that she's trying to create a NATURAL alternative to other chemical-laden pills, and I respect that. I also know that she made them rework the pill several times because they tried to slip things in there that she had issues with. So I don't think she's necessarily just money hungry or whatever. She seems to actually believe in this product.

    However, I guess I still have a problem because diet pills seem much more about being "skinny" than healthy. And in her videos she always says it is NOT just about being thin, but about overall health. I just don't see how diet pills–of any sort–really fit into that philosophy.

    I still like her, though. Just won't be buying the pills.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 14, 2009, 10:07 am

    D- I 100% agree

  • cookinfanatic September 14, 2009, 10:09 am

    K I am totally disappointed in J.M. is all I can say – I LOVE her workouts and have used them diligently since early 2008 🙁 Disappointing Jillian, very disappointing.

  • recipesforcreativity September 14, 2009, 10:09 am

    Eh, I don't know. I am not a fan of supplements that any of the fitness gurus push, so I guess I'm not a fan of this, either. Also, I know she's not the producer of TBL or anything, but I think that show does a terrible job of showing the EATING and MENTAL HEALTH side of things. Yes, they do show some eating challenges and such, but honestly, in the real world eating wrong can contribute SO MANY more calories than your exercise routine…but that has nothing to do with what you're talking about, so I'm going to stop now 🙂

  • Jessica September 14, 2009, 10:10 am

    simply selling out! i agree!

  • Taysa September 14, 2009, 10:10 am

    How sad. She is also my favorite "celebrity trainer" and I love her DVDs. But $99 supplements? A cup of coffee and an orange before my run would probably give me the same benefits and only cost me $2. No thank you.

  • Annamarina (Running Tails) September 14, 2009, 10:13 am

    I had seen that recently about her diet pills, and like you, I was very disappointed. Even though she claims it is all natural, it is still a pill you take to lose weight. And we all know, and even she preaches, just eat less, move more. I am looking forward to the new season of The Biggest Loser, but know feel very disappointed in J.M.

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) September 14, 2009, 10:13 am

    UGH, I agree- that's rather disturbing if you ask me. It makes everything she's said on the show about pushing yourself, eating healthy, and working with your own body seem like complete bs. She is an excellent trainer as evidenced on the show, and her tips have always sounded quite sound to me and logical, but this is just unneeded and promotes a negative message for women trying to get fit.

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles) September 14, 2009, 10:15 am

    I'm with you… I think she's selling out because she's so famous for her clients' weight loss success. Too bad, she's hardcore- I used to think of her as a role model!

  • ~carolyn~ September 14, 2009, 10:16 am

    I thought the exact same thing when I saw her mention about her porducts at CVS on twitter…I was like what? the one who would not promote things on BL…whatever, I was disappointed.

  • Kimberly September 14, 2009, 10:19 am

    Ha, I'm pretty surprised she sold out quite so egregiously. It's risky, the amount of respect (and therefore potential business) she'll lose versus the amount of people willing to drop $100 on pills they have to take in ADDITION to diet and exercise (let's face it, when it comes to diet pills, most people want a quick fix.)

    Personally I was never much of a Jillian fan. Her drill-sergeant persona just seemed TOO gimmicky and publicist-manufactured, and The Biggest Loser strikes me as one big corporate shill of a program. That said — if her workouts are effective, they're effective. Perhaps the best approach would be to take from Jillian the advice that's sound, while keeping in mind that in the end, she is, as we see, out for a profit.

  • Kate September 14, 2009, 10:23 am

    Blech. That is frustrating. It certainly LOOKS and SOUNDS like she's selling out. I am a huge Jillian fan. But diet pills? Really? Is that how they really do it on Biggest Loser?

    That said, her rebuttal sounds pretty good to me. All natural ingredients are a good start. But the bottom line is that diet pills aren't supplements.

  • MoraPiggy September 14, 2009, 10:25 am

    I'm shocked. Esp. b/c she says it was all her idea. She was at home one day thinking of ways to market her name further and thought "Diet Pills"!! Crazy.

  • beesknees September 14, 2009, 10:26 am

    I think I am in the minority by never being a big fan of hers. This didn't help her cause with me. Just because its "natural" doesn't mean its good for you.

  • Notes From the Grove September 14, 2009, 10:26 am

    There's a difference between "diet pills" and "nutritional supplements". I just figure out which one of these categories her pills fall under. Either way, I'm a little shocked.

  • Colleen September 14, 2009, 10:28 am

    Yeah, Kelly at Every Gym's Nightmare posted something about this a couple weeks ago and I completely agree- MAJOR SELL OUT.

    That being said, I still love her workouts! Oh well.

  • Jessica September 14, 2009, 10:29 am

    I'm so disappointed in Jillian. Just when you think someone is trying to help others because they WANT to, it all comes down to what's in the bank at the end. So depressing. It's unfortunate Jillian can't practice what she preaches. This is why my role models are healthy food bloggers like yourself Caitlin!

  • Karen September 14, 2009, 10:30 am

    I agree after reading her explanation that she is still selling out. I'm kinda bummed about this, because like lots of people I admired her. I don't believe that if people are eating right that they need supplements. I take a multi-vitamin in the morning (when I remember) but that's it.

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 14, 2009, 10:31 am

    jessica- THANKS. i promise to never take diet pills LOL

  • chandra September 14, 2009, 10:35 am

    As someone who is a certified (yet unfortunately not employed) personal trainer and someone who lost a large chunk of weight the NATURAL way, I agree – she's full of shit on this one.

    I could go off on a huge tangent about it, but I'm at work right now so I have to comment quick before I get caught. 😉

  • chandra September 14, 2009, 10:37 am

    And what?! I just read in one of the other comments that she gets botox in her armpits?! WTF?! I think The Biggest Loser should hire me instead. 🙂

  • Samantha September 14, 2009, 10:41 am

    Isn't Bitter Orange like ephedrine? )-: hm.

  • Courtney September 14, 2009, 10:42 am

    I also saw the ad in Oxygen and was a little disappointed as I am a fan. However, it's not like she is saying stop eating healthy and exercising and just take pills. She still advocates a healthy lifestyle. I think everything needs to be taken with a grain of salt (unless you are sodium restricted hee hee!!). I will still watch the Biggest Loser, I'm interested to see what new torture Jillian and Bob come up with this season!
    Courtney
    Adventures in Tri-ing

  • Lindsey September 14, 2009, 10:47 am

    I have a huge, huge, huge girl crush on Jillian. And I still do.

    I don't know that I necessarily like or respect the idea of her 'diet pills,' but let's face it. If someone's going to mess themselves up with diet pills, they're going to do it anyway- and though EVERY diet pill has adverse side effects like you mentioned, JM's line isn't as ridiculous as, say, Hydroxycut or Dexatrim or whatever else.

    She's pretty up front and honest about saying that she's tried pretty much everything they market for diet/health, but she knows the main thing is exercise and proper nutrition. I mean, check her out- she's hot. She knows what she's talking about, sell out or not.

  • Jenna September 14, 2009, 10:47 am

    She is totally selling out, barf. I hate any type of 'celebrity' who lets their 'fame' get to their head, and then they get money hungry and endorse and do stupid things, hence, what Jillian is doing.

    That is why I have great respect for the wonderful actresses like Julia Roberts and Halle Berry for instance. They do their job and aren't all over the media doing stupid crap.

    Anyway, your lunch looks lovely 🙂

  • jack+alli September 14, 2009, 10:51 am

    i'm so glad you addressed this! i saw that commercial for the first time last night and sort of lost all respect for her! i used to be a big fan. biggest looser, 30 day shred, making the cut…
    i think the best way to loose weight and be healthy is exercise and putting the right things into our bodies.

  • Bella September 14, 2009, 11:00 am

    Well some people use holistic weight loss supplements, and others use amazing grass. We are all responsible for what goes into our bodies, and we should make an informed decision. I'm not a fan of the above, and I'm not a huge Jillian fan, but a lot of people look up to her and respect her.

  • Kelly Blechertas September 14, 2009, 11:05 am

    Sellll ouuuuuuut….
    Just because a product is "all natural" doesn't make it good.

  • leslie September 14, 2009, 11:08 am

    wow – i agree with you completely. selling out, regardless of how she is trying to back it up. very, very disappointing.

  • Pam (Highway to Health) September 14, 2009, 11:15 am

    When I heard about this I thought the exact same thing. She is totally selling out. She encourages people not to taken ibuprofen but now wants them to take diet pills?? It doesn't make sense to me!!

  • Lynne September 14, 2009, 11:16 am

    I agree-she's totally selling out. It's very hypocritical to advocate a healthy lifestyle and then go promote diet pills. I probably won't ever look at her or her advice/tips the same way anymore.

  • Meagan September 14, 2009, 11:17 am

    I don't think she's selling out. She's right–she has always supported supplementation. Listen to her podcasts or read her books–she goes on about fish oil, zinc, vitamins, fiber…etc. How can she be selling out if this is something she's always supported?

    The other thing to consider is that J.M. is a brand. This is something that people who are brands do. Her money is made solely! on the basis of her personality and her celebrity. It's a logical next branding step for someone like her, who has supported supplementation in all of her books for weight loss support, to do something like this. I just don't see it as so extremely out of character. The packaging though…that could have been done better. Is that what this fuss is about? The title of the product? Would the fuss have been the same if it was a tame package that just said: "Weight Loss Support"?

  • Aanda September 14, 2009, 11:17 am

    I saw an ad for these in my magazine (Fitness, I think) and was disgusted!!

  • Kelly September 14, 2009, 11:18 am

    She's totally selling out for the dough. Plain and Simple.

  • Runeatrepeat September 14, 2009, 11:18 am

    I agree.

  • Katie September 14, 2009, 11:20 am

    Sell Out. Period.

  • lilveggiepatch September 14, 2009, 11:24 am

    This is really disappointing. I listened to Jillian's podcasts and they really helped motivate me and reiterated the point that there is NO WAY to lose weight or maintain in a HEALTHY way without eating healthfully and exercising. I hate everything that a diet pill stands for, and I hope she reconsiders and takes these off the market.

  • Steph September 14, 2009, 11:35 am

    I've always been a big Jillian fan, but this really bothers me! I agree with you, it's very hypocritical!

  • brandi September 14, 2009, 11:36 am

    i had not heard about this! even if she believes in these, it just doesn't jive with her normal stance on things.

    i don't like it, but I'll never be a fan of diet pills or anyone who pushes them. Not safe.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance September 14, 2009, 11:55 am

    Just read your update! I agree, I think she is still selling out….despite what she says! I will still watch her on Biggest Loser as I love the show and her training, however I am a bit disappointed as from someone who did it on HER OWN I hate to see others made to think a Pill is the answer! You have to change your ways……find a healthy balance as I say! Thanks for the post & your thoughts, Caitlin! =) Laura

    http://findingahealthybalance.wordpress.com/

  • kaytee September 14, 2009, 12:00 pm

    She sold out! I 1000% agree and I love you for posting this. It took some guts to be that open with your criticism and your are right. She didn't get her body that way and if she weren't making money off of it, she wouldn't be selling it. It's crappy… but it's a strong representation of what's wrong with the way capitalism/the food industry has negatively impacted the health world. If you open a "health" magazine and see the processed crap they are pushing, the somewhat-sort-of-but-not-really fad diets they peddle… it's disgusting.

    Thank you for sharing this with your readers!

  • outoftherabbithole September 14, 2009, 12:14 pm

    Definitely selling out – although I would phrase it in past tense. Sold out…this didn't get a lot of publicity but she tried selling her own meal delivery plan. It didn't last very long! http://www.dietsinreview.com/diets/Jillian-Michaels-Meal-Plan/

  • megan September 14, 2009, 12:21 pm

    i was so sad when i heard about this! I listen to her podcasts and she mentioned o a caller that she had supplements coming out and I thought, oooo yay, jillian has a vitamin line!! she is all about organic/ chemical-free stuff, i was psyched. but when i googled it, i saw it was this crap. I'm disappointed in her 🙂

    luuuuurve your lunch, though 🙂

  • Lauren September 14, 2009, 12:24 pm

    I agree with your take on the topic, Caitlin. I think it is irresponsible for a trainer of her reputation and prominence – mainly for the right reasons! – to advocate using diet pills as a means to achieve healthy weight loss. I just don't believe that diet pills, no matter how 'holistic,' are healthy–physically or emotionally. Not cool Jillian!

  • kirsten September 14, 2009, 12:25 pm

    Caitlin, I am so happy you wrote this post. I was shocked when I saw that she came out with diet pills. Even if they are all natural that doesn't necessarily mean they are good for you. That seems like a lot of caffeine to me, I think if I ever took something like that I would be jittery for hours. I really look(ed) up to Jillian and unfortunately lost a lot of respect I hard for her when I saw the pills. It makes me wonder if the contestants on TBL are using supplements like this…

  • Anne Marie September 14, 2009, 12:26 pm

    I LOVE Jillian, but I also think she's selling out-that stinks!

  • RhodeyGirl September 14, 2009, 12:51 pm

    sell out for sure.

  • Katie September 14, 2009, 12:58 pm

    I totally agree with you! I have enjoyed being able to access her workouts on OnDemand and when it is yucky out or I don't feel like going to gym they are great, hard, but great. But I was doing some research about her online and also noticed that she has her own diet plan website that you have to pay to join. I think she has great things to say, but those sites trigger something in my brain that says fad diet (ie: the zone, southbeach, atkins, etc.). So although I do enjoy her workouts, I too wish she had not sold out and tried to make more money off of it.

    P.S. on a side note, I almost screamed when they showed the New Moon trailer last night, I think they have definitely taken some creative liscense with the Volturi scenes, but still looks amazing 🙂

  • jenna H September 14, 2009, 1:15 pm

    i dont think supplements are a bad idea. i take some not as a means to diet or lose weight, but before my workouts so i can go faster and longer. the ones i take dont have anything funky, just caffiene and white willow bark like she mentions etc.

    i don't think she's selling out because she stresses that they're more for "tuning up" and you still have to eat right and excersise.

  • healthyfitmama September 14, 2009, 2:00 pm

    I share the same love/hate relationship with Jillian. She has great intense workouts that's absolutely kill me!

    I think she's sending us mixed messages by hawking diet pills now!

  • Jenny September 14, 2009, 2:05 pm

    When I first heard about Jillian's diet pills I could have sworn hell had frozen over. I really thought she was an incredible role model and spokeswoman for hard work, a good diet, and exercise. Breaks my heart that she jumped right on the "quick fix" bandwagon for her own financial gain and publicity. What kills me even more is that since she's such an acclaimed weight loss guru, i'm sure these pills will sell like hotcakes.

  • Carolyn September 14, 2009, 2:25 pm

    This is crap. She claims her product is better than others because it is "all natural"? Natural does NOT equal good in all cases, or else we'd be using poison ivy to make soap.

    I worked in health food stores during the year that stacker diet pills were pulled off the shelves (think old-school Hydroxycut, Xenadrine, etc). A stacker is comprised of three components at its base: basically caffeine, aspirin, and ephedrine. When the Great Stacker Recall happened, companies started using other ingredients that have the same effects but were still legal, or just different forms of the now-illegal basic ingredient. Some code names for these same types of components:

    caffeine: green tea extract, coffee extract, yerba mate extract, etc (pretty self-explanatory)

    aspirin: white willow bark

    ephedrine: citrus aurantium, bitter orange extract, ephedra

    Any of the above look familiar from Jillian's "all-natural diet supplement"? She's hawking stackers, and they're dangerous and unnecessary. Booooooooo!

  • VCK September 14, 2009, 2:35 pm

    Dietary supplements are not FDA regulated. Manufacturers can put in whatever they want, disclose the ingredients IF they're so inclined and sell the product to those who think "Oh, it's natural! It's good for me!" This includes Jillian's new Magic Super Pills or whatever the hell she's calling them.

  • Anonymous September 14, 2009, 2:41 pm

    Eek – I understand your uneasiness with the product, but I think it's unfair to say she's "selling out." She has clearly and repeatedly expressed her support for supplements in both her books and her (former) podcasts. Not agreeing with her about supplementation is one thing, but misquoting her is another. She has never falsely represented herself.

    Cheers,
    Tracy

  • HealthySDLiving September 14, 2009, 2:49 pm

    I can't believe she's associating herself with this–I thought she prided herself on hard work in order to see results, not pills!

  • *One Step at a Time* September 14, 2009, 3:02 pm

    It makes me really sad that Jillian would come up wit ha product like this. I am VERY against diet pills and think they are only harmful.

    At the same time, though, I STILL LOVE HER. Is that bad? I think she made a mistake with coming out with this product, but deep down, I know her passion lies in helping obese people lose weight THE HEALTHY WAY (like on The Biggest Loser).

  • Rosey Rebecca September 14, 2009, 3:06 pm

    Wow, that is pretty hypocritical of her. She's right when she says her results "aren't going to come for free"- they'll come in $100.00 diet pill form.

    I still love her dvds but this changes my idea of her as a healthy role model for sure.

  • Ashley Lauren September 14, 2009, 3:07 pm

    Very, very disappointing.

    I just hope she doesn't plug them in her next video!!

  • randomlymikey September 14, 2009, 3:32 pm

    i say this in the store the other day and my respect for her went from high to close to none. wtf? was all i could think. but on a positive note, your sammie looks good 🙂

  • Carol September 14, 2009, 3:40 pm

    Jillian should remember that arsenic is also "natural"…HUGE sell out!

  • angieinatlanta September 14, 2009, 3:45 pm

    Girl, right on! I love my girl Jillian but this is a total sell-out! I feel kind of let doww…

    Thanks for addressing my question!

  • Susan September 14, 2009, 4:04 pm

    I think she needs to hire a new marketing team! The people who designed the image and advertising of those pills are ruining her reputation. I believe that she wants them to be legit supplements to aid, enhance, etc. But they're being marketed just like every other bum weight loss pill out there. She's just flooding the market, not rising above it.

  • Barbara September 14, 2009, 4:11 pm

    It's all about the $$ these days…sad.:(

  • thedallasceliac September 14, 2009, 4:47 pm

    Interesting. I'd have to read up more on the supplements she is selling, but if it truly is just a supplement, many other diet gurus recommend supplements as well (Brendan Brazier for one), so the only difference is that she is packaging them and plastering her face on the bottle.

  • Angie Eats Peace September 14, 2009, 4:53 pm

    This was discussed recently on a message board I frequent, and I am pretty disappointed by her. She has become a brand in herself now, and is doing all she can to sell her brand.

  • sarah September 14, 2009, 4:54 pm

    cocaine is natural and will make you lose weight. that doesn't mean it's good for you.

    i agree with you, caitlin!

  • Julie @savvyeats September 14, 2009, 5:29 pm

    While I respect how great her workouts are, I've never been a huge Jillian Michaels fan. I liked her until I read an interview with her where she said she poured candle wax over her food at restaurants to keep herself from eating it…which doesn't seem like a good suggestion for people who may already have struggles with food. To me, these "diet pills" are just another way in which she is contradicting her "eat less, exercise more" philosophy.

  • Lauren September 14, 2009, 5:32 pm

    I just heard this about Jillian and I almost cried. I love JM and always felt so empowered by her "kick-ass" mentality. Well, I totally agree with you. I fully beleive this is such a sell out move. I guess when she says "You have to work hard and feel the pain" was just not selling. All people want to hear is, "take this little expensive pill and do nothing and you will loose weight magically!" Ugh, so sad! 🙁

  • teacherwoman September 14, 2009, 5:44 pm

    Oh man. How disappointing. Diet pills. really. geez.

  • wholesomefoodie September 14, 2009, 5:55 pm

    Agreed! Total sell out.

  • stefe1202 September 14, 2009, 6:33 pm

    WoW! So shocked as well, never thought that she would sell out like that.

  • claire September 14, 2009, 6:42 pm

    jillian is a money making machine. I really believe that she likes to help people get in shape, but she even admitted on her radio show that her company is for her gain.

  • Karen September 14, 2009, 7:06 pm

    I agree with you on Jillian. If it is truly all about nutrition and exercise, you shouldn't need a pill to help you along the way. Hypocritical to be sure.

  • Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) September 14, 2009, 7:46 pm

    Wow! Thanks for posting this. This is insanity!

  • kristin.dunaway September 14, 2009, 9:03 pm

    I agree too, I actually thought the first couple times I saw them that they were vitamins b/c I didn't think she would ever have diet pills. Very disappointed.

  • Anonymous September 14, 2009, 9:27 pm

    Good blog. I too am ashamed of her — I had just started to think she was a down-to-earth great honest health adviser, but now I don't trust her as much.

  • alyssaa September 14, 2009, 11:37 pm

    Hi Caitlin. I guess you could call me a "lurker" on your blog for the past year or so. I just wanted to comment on the whole Jillian Michaels thing– totally agree with you. Actually, I've never really liked Jillian and always felt she was way to "extreme" and half full of total BS. Anyway, it's funny because I felt this same disenchantment recently with Kim Kardashian. I LOVE Kim Kardashian, i seriously think she is the sweetest girl and totally admire her new commitment to health and fitness while still being curvy and sexy. I AM SO UPSET to see that her and her sister Khloe have now endorsed this whole "QuickTrim" weightloss supplement garbage. I cannot tell you how outraged I am. I really love Kim, but I am so upset that she would do this. I guess bottom line: when it comes down to it, you have to be your own role model.
    Anyway, just thought i'd send you a shout out, love your blog.
    Alyssa

  • Jac September 14, 2009, 11:42 pm

    Wow.. i would hv tought Jillian would've been one of the last people to come up with diet pills. I mean..anyone from the biggest lose would advocate a healthy lifestyle to lose weight! not diet pills!

  • Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point September 15, 2009, 3:21 am

    alyssa – thanks for reading! i agree about kim – i felt the same way when i found out about her diet gimmicky thing. they are just sending the wrong message.

  • Heather September 15, 2009, 3:40 am

    This makes me sad and confused. I am going to have to find out more before I completely write her off.

  • saundra September 15, 2009, 4:43 am

    Totally agree with you!!!

  • Amy September 15, 2009, 5:18 am

    Wow- totally makes me think differently of her.
    Someone should tell her that she should stop "phoning it in!"

  • Anonymous September 15, 2009, 6:24 am

    Tribulus terrestris acts like testosterone in the body and can totally mess up female hormones. YIKES!!!

  • Peter September 15, 2009, 8:35 am

    selling out for sure.

  • Elina September 15, 2009, 12:49 pm

    I posted about Jillian's weight loss pills last week I think when I found out about it. I was so disgusted with her. I still think I respect her less. Even listening to her podcasts isn't the same since I found this out. Her little explanation helps although despite the fact that it's natural, it's still hope in pill form, and people will try to use it as a shortcut which is not sustainable.

  • Lady in Weighting September 15, 2009, 1:32 pm

    Noooooooooooooo! Say it isn't so…

  • The Veg Chick September 15, 2009, 2:16 pm

    i'm one of the biggest jillian fans out there and i agree with everything you said. even with what she claims on her facebook page, i think it's extremely hypocritical and i've lost all respect i had for her.

  • seesaraheat September 16, 2009, 7:59 am

    When I saw those things, I was like WHAT?! I was shocked and disappointed. Regardless of their supposedly unharmful ingredients, I think it is mentally harmful for anyone to think that taking a pill is going to help you achieve your goals. That's all we need in America is more pills! Ugh.

    Are they going to start taking them on The Biggest Loser now? I'm glad I already quit watching that show after last season.

  • Anonymous September 17, 2009, 4:40 am

    Hey I came across your blog and I agree with you totally. I LOVE Jillian and admire her, but once I saw these pills I was utterly….mortified? haha I don't know if that is the right word but anyway. I looked at the ingredients however, and then I remembered her podcasts and she did promote some suplements for those who want intense workouts. She did say it isn't for everyone just those who want that extra push. But she did say you can do with without any of these. I guess what I am trying to say is that if the people who are interested in have the extra boost, take her's instead of what's out there because she made it a little healthier than what you would find.

  • dietplans September 19, 2009, 8:44 am

    wanna know some more about diet pills? do they really work or not. check this out…..

    http://dietingplans4you.blogspot.com/2009/09/do-diet-pills-really-work.html

  • calotren supplement September 22, 2009, 10:40 am

    This is an interesting post..Calotren is essentially a weight-loss supplement but if you can also look younger besides losing weight, then it is surely worth its weight in gold. You should however, have the patience of taking Calotren regularly for 90 days along with exercise and a balanced diet.

  • Christa October 1, 2009, 12:29 pm

    I have lost 50lbs with my own sweat, blood, and tears. Eating right, working out. I got so upset with people who said “no diet works for me” when they had only ever tried pill after pill. With 20lbs to my goal weight, I have purchased Jillians majic beans. I had never even considered going there, until Jillian, who I admire and strangely trust, put a pill on the market. It has helped with energy for my workout as well as pushed me over my long standing plateu. I hate to say it, but I’m on board with this one.

  • Mina October 1, 2009, 4:34 pm

    Thank you .
    I really appreciate that .

  • Catherine @ The Blonde Diaries October 28, 2009, 4:42 pm

    I just heard about this on another blog and since I hadn’t seen it in the stores decided to google and see exactly what was out there. I have to say I agree with your post and some of the other commentors. I am disappointed that she is selling diet pills when she is on a show that promotes diet and exercise.

    If it was meant to just be a supplement then she should have branded it as a supplement not as a “weight loss system”. Weight loss system implies that it is a weight loss pill and will help you lose weight by taking it.

  • hcg diet cream April 9, 2012, 3:33 am

    My brother recommended I might like this website. He was once entirely right. This submit truly made my day. You cann’t believe just how much time I had spent for this info! Thank you!

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point