Mega-T weight loss system: What are the drawbacks?
Sometimes you might enjoy some hot tea to wind down at night…but this “T” may not be quite as relaxing. The Mega-T Weight Loss program combines a proprietary Green Tea Dietary Supplement and a 1200- calorie meal plan to promote weight loss in its users. The system requires users to follow and take Mega-T caplet and a full glass of water 20 minutes prior to each meal, and the plan distributes the calories over 3 meals and 2 snacks (see those super low calorie suckers below…). You’re probably thinking “Cool, I do that already!” but there may be some drawbacks worth discussing.
Examples of meals on the plan include:
- 1 egg, 1 egg white, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, 2 cups spinach, 2 tsp. canola oil
- 4 oz. turkey burger on a whole wheat english muffin with 1 cup green beans
- 1 whole grain waffle
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¾ cup blueberries
- 3 oz. tilapia, ½ cup sweet potato, 1 cup snap beans, 2 tsp. vegetable oil
Examples of snacks on the plan include:
- 1 hard boiled egg
- 1 non-fat latte
- 1 banana + 6 oz. yogurt
- 1 fig cookie bar + 1 cup non-fat milk
You might lose weight on the Mega-T weight loss system
According to the Mega-T website, if you take Mega-T and follow their diet and exercise plan, you can lose 1-2 lbs per week. Funny enough, most weight loss programs can help you achieve these goals without a pricey supplement. And some programs — ahem, Noom — can help you reach your goals without supplements at all! Not only that but this plan may not work for everyone which could lead to feeling frustrated when you don’t see those results they’re promising on the scale.
Here’s how Mega-T works
The Mega-T weight loss system involves following a 1200-calorie meal plan and exercising 30 minutes a day. With that kind of calorie deficit, most would have a hard time not losing weight. The also state that they supplement is “clinically effective” (note — not proven) for boosting metabolism. Because with that kind of calorie intake and exercise requirements, it’s possible that you won’t have much gas in the tank for a boost of your own.
But the proof isn’t in the science
While people who take Mega-T tend to lose weight, there’s no evidence that it’s in fact Mega-T that’s responsible for the weight loss. And you might experience a few side effects (…yikes). According to their website, possible side effects include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headaches, shortness of breath, or symptoms of liver trouble, such as abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, or other similar symptoms.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated any statements or claims made on Mega-T’s products so we really don’t know enough about the safety of such a little capsule making such big claims (Napoleon complex, anyone?). The National Institutes of Health has also stated that the caffeine in such a supplement can have dehydrating effective, lead to feeling jittery, and could interact with other medicines that were prescribed to you by an actual medical professional.
The Bottom Line
In the end, you may see some quick weight loss with a program like Mega-T but the bottom line is that you can lose weight that you’ll actually keep off with a program (Noom *cough, cough*) that doesn’t use pricey supplements and a one-size fits all approach to calories. Since supplements like Mega-T’s aren’t researched for safety and effectiveness it’s possible to experience uncomfortable side effects.
What maintaining your weight loss and doing it safely boils down to is lifestyle changes that promote healthy eating and moderation. See what that’s like with a program like Noom today and stop dieting to start living!
Author: Amanda Cofer, MPH
