Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program: Exposing the Fallacy!
With so many weight loss products and plans on the market, just keeping up to date can be a challenge.
The Tony Ferguson weightloss program has now taken up residence in my local pharmacy, where I recently observed a lady purchasing a mountain of shakes, soups and supplements.
This got my heckles up! I mean, if you were to spend $50 a week on healthy, whole foods, rather than this ‘non-food’ rubbish, imagine how much healthier, and slimmer you’d be!
So, what is the Tony Ferguson diet?
Basically it’s a meal replacement plan. Two meals are substituted each day for a shake or soup, which is 50% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 20% essential fats and nutrients.
Clients are also advised to take chromium supplements (to help suppress cravings), a multivitamin capsule, and a fibre supplement.
You pay $15 for membership which is fine, however the meal replacements are around $3.50 each. One month would cost $196; 6 months $1176, and one year $2352.
What do you think? Is this expensive? When you consider the cost of the other recommended supplements and necessary food items, it could work out a pretty expensive deal.
However, it does have a couple of bonus’ - trained staff work out achievable goals for each client - I do wonder if these are more focused on weight loss than anything else though, and there are weekly or fortnightly weigh-ins, which are good for keeping up motivation.
Inaccurate information
The website states,
“The Program aims to assist the body into a state of mild ketosis. Some literature argues that ketosis is dangerous and should be avoided, but this is a result of confusion between ketosis, the body’s own fat to fuel process and ketoacidosis, a variant of ketosis that occurs in untreated diabetics and can be fatal. This Program, when followed accurately, will not cause diabetic ketoacidosis.”
What? The belief that ketosis is dangerous is the result of confusion between ketosis and ketoacidosis? That is complete rubbish!
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a potentially dangerous state that occurs in the body when the amount of dietary carbohydrates drops below a certain level. This forces the body to use its fat and protein stores as a source of energy.
When fat is broken down, excess fatty acids, or ketones, are released into the bloodstream, putting extra burden on the kidneys. When protein begins to be used in this manner, it releases nitrogen into the blood stream, placing further burden on the kidneys.
If ketosis continues for long periods of time, serious damage to the liver and kidneys may occur. Most low-carbohydrate diets recommend only short-term use, typically 14 days.
Do I think that the Tony Ferguson diet is a “fad?”
Yes, I do!
It contradicts what most trusted health professionals are saying; it relies on testimonials and anecdotes, rather than scientific evidence; it includes lists of “allowed” foods, it relies on meal substitutions, and it doesn’t encourage an increase in physical activity.
Upon visiting the website, I really couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I emailed them, specifically asking:
- What studies have Tony Ferguson carried out to support this method of weight loss?
- The Tony Ferguson leaflet states that this program is “incredibly successful.” How has it’s success been measured?
- Can you tell me/direct me to the scientific evidence behind this program? I am a firm believer that all nutritional advice should be evidence based.
This is the response I received:
“Thank you for your query regarding the scientific evidence behind the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program (TFWP).
The Metabolism and Obesity Research Group at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital/Sydney University are in the process of developing a protocol to examine the efficacy of the TFWP in overweight/obese individuals with related co-morbidities, the results of the study will take at least eighteen months to surface.
Our success is measured by the number of happy healthy clients that have maintained their weight loss through our Maintenance Program, our retention rates, the PBS savings resulting from our clients losing weight and more importantly the thousands of testimonials emailed/faxed/written by our clients.
I have attached some information/papers for your perusal, and am looking forward to your feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
Referenced studies:
- Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies
- Metabolic and weight-loss effects of a long-term dietary intervention in obese patients: Four Year Results
- Higher Protein Intake Preserves Lean Mass and Satiety with Weight Loss in Pre-obese and Obese Women
(I would like to express my sincere thanks to Hilda Sanber for the above response.)
Final thoughts:
#1 Are the studies referenced objective? Unfortunately, this is a problem with much of today’s research, and you can basically find a study to support almost any theory.
However, of those studies referenced, the first was “supported in part by Slim Fast Foods” the second states, “Dr Heymsfield is a member of the Slim Fast Nutrition Institute,” and the final study was “funded through the National Pork Board.”
So, were thy objective? It’s hard to say, what do you think?
#2 No hard scientific evidence that the Tony Ferguson plan is “incredibly successful,” as stated on their leaflet. Surely this is misleading the general public? For now we’ll have to relay on the anecdotal testimonies!
The website tells us clients have lost weight on the plan. While I’m sure this is true - how long were they on the program for? What happened when they stopped taking the shakes? Did they regain, or maintain their weight?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully aware of the usefulness of meal replacement for some individuals, particularly the very obese. However, it should only be recommended under the supervision of a medical doctor.
#3 The plan is too restrictive by relying on shakes, soups and a list of “allowed” foods. This is not sustainable long-term, and if you opt for this plan as a quick fix, it certainly doesn’t teach you anything about healthy eating, portion control, or exercise etc.
While some may lose weight on the Tony Ferguson plan, I personally believe it’s not a good long-term weight loss solution.
What are your thoughts?
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Apr 18, 2008
I know it doesn’t sound like it, but the post I put up today ( http://theartofzenliving.com/2008/04/the-journey-of-1000-miles/ )actually turns into a rant on my thoughts about weight loss.
I’ll hit the highlights:
1) Count something - carbs, calories, or fat.
2) Move more - walk, run, jump rope, whatever.
3) Do both 1 and 2 regularly and consistently.
I whole-heartedly agree with you that the overly complicated weight loss programs like Tony F’s don’t make good long term solutions. Most of the long term weight loss on a plan like this is in the wallet…
Daniel’s last blog post..The journey of 1000 miles.
Apr 21, 2008
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for commenting. Yes, I agree with your highlights above, very true indeed!
Also, thanks for linking to your blog, you certainly have a task ahead of you to reach 1000 miles, well done so far, and I look forward to reading more in the future
Apr 22, 2008
It’s true: once you get in the habit of shopping “healthy,” the quick fixes lose their appeal, like Diet Ho’s.
Rebecca’s last blog post..One for the Books
Apr 22, 2008
Where is this program available? Is it only in Australia? I’ve never heard of it here in Canada… (i’d rather not hearing about it here in Canada :-))
Apr 22, 2008
Hi Rebecca,
I’m glad to hear you say that! It’s good to know that there are plenty of people out there who really are successful following a “healthy” diet.
Hi Lisa,
The program originated in Australia, and I think it’s now available in the UK, and they’re trialling it in the US, so it won’t have made it’s way to you in Canada yet, fortunately!!
May 7, 2008
I live in South Carolina and am currently on the meal plan through my local Kerr drugstore. After having my first child a year ago and trying to lose the extra 80 lbs I’ve put on since baby/high school I was desperate. I’ve been on the plan for 3 weeks and lost 8 pounds! The first 3 days were really hard on me because I felt hungry, but now I don’t even crave the bad foods I loved. I know this isn’t a permanent solution, but it’s caused me to look at nutrition guides for the first time in my 27 years of life and make healthy choices. The staff really motivate me and going in once a week to see my results brightens my day. Everyday I make a point to be active and my son and I usually go for a bike ride together for a least an hour, sometimes longer. I feel it can be a little expensive and I’m curious if slim fast is the same kind of program with cheaper meal replacement. Once I’m halfway to my goal weight I plan to join weight watchers to educate myself on my nutritional choices.
May 8, 2008
Hi Bridget,
That’s great news that you’re focusing on nutrition and exercise again, well done! Weight watchers is definitely one of the better plans out there.
If you’ve any questions I’d be happy to help.