Propolene

Written by: Ellen R. Delisio

Customers are cautioned to consult with their physicians before taking Propolene if they are taking medications, are pregnant, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease.

Diabetics also have been warned about taking glucomannan, the primary ingredient in Propolene, because it can cause blood sugar levels to drop rapidly. People who have difficulty swallowing also should not use Propolene, because if it is taken with an insufficient amount of water, the capsule can expand in the throat or esophagus.

The Obesity Research Institute (ORI) also has received numerous consumer complaints, many pertaining to what some consider misleading company advertising, over charging customers and not making good on its money-back guarantee.

Numerous people filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau in Nevada, where ORI is located. Based on BBB files, ORI has an unsatisfactory record with the bureau because it failed to substantiate or modify some of its advertising claims. The Better Business Bureau processed 315 complaints against ORI since a file first was opened against the company in February 2004.

This year, a complaint by a consumer resulted in an investigation by the Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP). The complaint concerned a two-minute television advertisement, which claimed that Propolene has been "scientifically proven to reduce weight without special diet or exercise." The ad also stated that Propolene is designed for people who want to lose 20 pounds or more without diet or exercise. Consumers in the ad also stated that Propolene works by itself, and that all people have to do is take a pill and the weight comes off.

The ERSP requested that the Obesity Research Institute substantiate these claims, and the company provided some studies supporting glucomannan's positive effect on weight-loss. While the ERSP agreed that ORI had made the case for glucomannan, it still criticized ORI for suggesting that it has been scientifically proven that people taking Propolene could expect to lose weight without exercising or dieting, and could expect to lose as much as 20 pounds.

ORI disagreed with ERSP's position, and said Propolene's ability to help people lose weight, whether or not they have been on a diet or been exercising, has been proven. Still, ORI changed its advertising, eliminating the statements that Propolene "has been scientifically proven to reduce weight without special diet or exercise" and "Propolene is designed for people who need to lose at least 20 pounds or more."