There has been a victory for the advocates of a rational approach to health and fitness this week, as a company that had been marketing fitness beads has been forced to stop marketing its snake oil in the UK.
The company claimed that wearing fat burning beads caused automatic weight loss. The company was preying on people who were overweight and willing to try anything other than strict diet and exercise to trim the fat down. In one advert the company claimed that Accu-Slim Beads worked “faster than total starvation”. The beads are placed behind the ears, and this is supposed to magically melt fat. The company behind the fat burning beads is Global DM Licensing, based in Hong Kong. They have promised to stop mailing their product to UK addresses. Whether or not the Office of Fair Trading can prevent them from operating under a different name is not clear..
The company used the principals of Chinese medicine and acupuncture to help market its magic beads. They claimed that the beads manipulated acupuncture points behind the ear which induced a fat burning without diets, exercise or effort, and that customers could lose 30 pounds (15kg) of fat in one month, just by wearing the beads.
Alternative medicine does have some useful tools and remedies which can help relieve stress and tension as well as treat some minor conditions, but there are no remedies for being overweight, other than changing diet and exercising.
Mike Haley from the Office of Fair Trading reports that “Every year thousands of people fall victim to misleading claims about products that promise weight loss without exercise or dieting”.
When it comes to fitness and weight loss, the best advice and help on the internet is almost always free. A will to succeed, and the knowledge of how to do it, are all that is required. Gimmicks, fads and magic marbles will not get our nation fit again – sweat and tears will though.





84 responses so far ↓
1 Tonya Pannell // Feb 26, 2009 at 6:37 am
I received the ad about the beads and i am to curious if they work???
2 MotleyHealth // Feb 26, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Tonya, they are just beads, and nothing more. They are not magic or mystical, they will do nothing to make you lose weight. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the only healthy ways to lose weight.
3 joy walker // Feb 27, 2009 at 8:24 pm
I just received the ad myself .. I suffer from severe hypothyroidism,cfs,FM,idiopathic edema along with mild chf,I’m only 39..use to be very athletic,fit and full of energy now with a 125lb wt gain, I’m mentally and phyically depressed, you tend to grab at anything to lose the weight when diet and exercise fails.
4 MotleyHealth // Feb 27, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Hi Joy, that is why we are here – so that you do not “grab at anything to lose weight”. The beads will not help you any more than wearing pink socks will. If you are receiving adverts by mail, this is just automated junk mail being sent to you. Delete those mails, do not read them, they prey on people that are desperate.
If you are after some advice on losing weight, head over to our community and ask questions in the forums or start your own blog, and we will give you advice as your progress. Although we are not experts in your condition, we can give you encouragement to exercise and advice on healthy eating. We wish you the best of luck, but please, do not waste your money on the beads (unless they are especially pretty, and better value than your local jewellers).
5 sandi // Mar 5, 2009 at 9:24 am
THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME SEE THE LIGHT . I ONLY HAVE 15 POUNDS TO LOSE AND I WAS GOING FOR THE ACCU-TRIM BEADS. I NOW REALIZE HOW DUMB I WOULD HAVE BEEN. I JUST RIPPED UP THE FLIER. THANK YOU AGAIN.
6 MotleyHealth // Mar 5, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Sandi, it is really pleasing to know that we can make a difference. 15 pounds can be easy to shift if you do some good exercise and eat healthy. Aim to lose 2 pounds a week and by May you will have hit your target. Get active, eat sensibly!
7 nikki // Mar 9, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I received this flyer too, and I don’t understand if it doesn’t work than why do they offer your money back no questions asked? It even states that their guarantee is for a lifetime, so if this is the case, and they don’t work, then everyone would be getting their money back, and they wouldn’t make a dime? Just doesn’t make any sense to me, have any of you tried these beads and can tell me from personal experience that they really do not work?
8 MotleyHealth // Mar 9, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Nikki, I can only guess that they rely on the fact that a majority of people do not request their money back. They probably offer a money back guarantee to build trust.
“Research commissioned by the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) involving 11,200 interviews found that an estimated 200,000 UK consumers fall victim to misleading miracle health and slimming cure claims every year, losing around £20 million.” http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/2008/83-08
Can 200,000 people be wrong?
9 Robin // Mar 23, 2009 at 4:09 am
There are a lot of products out there that do not work but for some maybe it might work. But as some one said exercise and healthy eating always works. I cannot exercise at the pace I once could I am much older and I have a bad knee.This product is non-invasive and not anything I have to ingest so I have ordered it if it does not work no big deal I will get my money back I always do and I will continue doing that amount of exercise that I can along with healthy eating.If it works even a little I will be happy.At least I have not given up , I am size 12 and I would be much better off if I were a size 8-10 . I will never stop trying to improve,one of these gimmicks just might work.
10 MotleyHealth // Mar 24, 2009 at 12:48 am
The big question is really – will you get your money back once you realise that it is not working? Some people actually put weight on with these crazy gimmicks, as they believe that they no longer have to make any effort to look after their own health.
11 Robin // Mar 26, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Well two days ago I went to Google to seek out information on the subject of Auricular Acupuncture and its affect on weight reduction.
man it was a ton of information on how Acupuncture is being used on obese patients. Those with a BMI> than 26 ( I think a BMI of 25 is the ideal #. For patients with a BMI of 30 is considered Obese. There were numerous studies done on this and what the studies showed was when someone was mildly obese (BMI of 27, or to put it another way if you have only about 10-15 or maybe even 20lbs to lose, you will have little or no results. In some of the studies the patients lost just a few pounds.
The studies I read provided a complete explanation of how the Auricular Acupuncture stimulates the nerve endings and effects the metabolism speeds it up and causes the body to burn the fat which will produce weight loss. I urge anyone that is interested to go to google.com and check out the information, I was interested in non-invasive acupuncture because that is what this Accu-trim uses, I saw information on invasive (using needles) and non-invasive.
I did not check with Accu-trim for the information I was seeking, I wanted to see if there had really been any research on this and if so how extensive. It is easy to simply say “If it seems to good to be true then it must be”..sometimes that statement may not be true you must do your homework on goods and services. I have found most products out there are junk, but you have to investigate and most people do not want to take the time or effort. There are many forms of acupuncture being used for patients with chronic pain, some forms of cancer and of course Obesity check it out for yourself.
My BMI is over 30 so I will see what happens I am using it now , time will tell. I have read the information and the way I see it, it should bring me results, even if I get 75% success I will be satisfied.
Go to: google.com .. Auricular Acupuncture and its affect on weight reduction
12 MotleyHealth // Mar 26, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Robin, please share the research that you found, I would like to review it. There was a study (note, not scientific research) recently on acupuncture, and it determined that the health benefits were actually caused by the placebo effect, and not by manipulating chi in the energy meridians of the body. Of course, further research is required before we can say for sure whether it is all placebo or actually beneficial in a biological way. However, we are no belittling the placebo effect, it is very powerful. Positive thinking really does make people feel better, and destressing can help with physical conditions too.
13 Martha // Mar 27, 2009 at 2:09 am
I have actually been doing auricular therapy for a little over 5 months. I see a acupuncture therapist once a week, and he puts 5 beads on my ear (for stress, digestion, cravings), 1 near my throat (near your thyroid for metabolism), and 1 on the back of my neck (for sleep). I have lost 50 lbs in about 5 months. When the beads are on my left ear, I lose pounds. When the beads are on my right ear, I lose inches. (And it actually works with no exercise!) However, he also put me on a diet very similar to Atkins or South Beach (low carb).
I see him each week, and I don’t know for sure if it’s mental or truly beneficial to have the beads. Part of me thinks the fact that I have to weigh in each week helps me stay on track with eating. He has been doing this for 12 years and is well known in my area. He said he has never had a patient that didn’t lose weight on his program.
It’s hard to say whether or not this would work without the beads because I tend to cheat if I don’t go to my visits like I should. It works for me though, so I will continue. I googled the Accu-trim Beads mostly out of curiosity, like most others. However, I honestly don’t see how anything can work without changing your diet and no exercise. It just doesn’t make sense. And, if they’re offering a refund, how does anyone know if they will actually issue the refund? I’m anxious to hear about results from others because it sounds too good to be true.
14 ktzg // Mar 30, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Robin – Would you please let us know what you think after you have tried the Accu-Trim Beads. I have about 30 lbs to lose!
I too am a sucker when it comes to these offers. I even tried the AcaiBurn tablets and with no loss returned it for a full refund. I have the excuses as I am a full-time employee, mother of two with a full schedule. I watch what I eat but seem to gain and gain! I lost 20 lbs on the Nutri-System plan a year ago but gained it all back after I quit the program. (Great program but I got sick of the same foods over & over again and I just can’t get myself to start the program again) Can’t wait to hear from you regarding the Accu-Trim Beads and how they worked for you!
15 ana // Apr 4, 2009 at 3:54 am
I have tried the accutrim beads for a week and its said that i would loose at least 7 pounds in one week and when i weight myself a week after using the beads i actually gained 3 pounds.. This product does not work DONT BUY IT!!!!!
16 Sylvina // Apr 7, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Thanks for all the info and warnings concerning the beads. I just received the flyer yesterday and in desperation, I was ready to call. I’m glad I thought to research it first. My problem is that I have a hormone imbalance that actually causes weight gain…and I have gained 25 lbs. in the last 2 months, it’s so depressing. On top of that, it also causes Alopecia, so my hair is falling out too. I feel that if I eat healthy to lose weight, my hair will fall out more rapidly. I had lost 100 lbs in 2005 and kept it off for 3 years, but now I’m on the way back up for no apparent reason (except maybe stress). I have a gym membership as well as a fitness center in our community, but no motivation or energy
Would a placebo help me?
17 Paula // Apr 11, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I too was willing to try the accu-trim beads. I didn’t go online to research it. lol I was looking to get it cheaper than what the flyer said. That is when I ran across this site. I think I will wait and in the mean time go with the acai-berry that Opera had on her show one day. I went to the nutrition store in town and she told me that it has been flying off the shelves. Many had come back for more saying it was helping them to loose the weight. I will bookmark the site here and see what happens with Susan. Good luck all.
18 MotleyHealth // Apr 12, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Paula, great that you saw sense and did not by the beads. But Acai is little more than another marketing ploy. Read more about Acai here.
19 Kalan // Apr 16, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Robin, I wanted to see if you could provide an update of your experience so far with the Accutrim beads. I also have hormone imbalance issues that make it difficult for me to lose weight despite efforts to exercise and eat well. I have not gained weight but have a very hard time getting it off. I have researched the accupuncture approach and thought it might be worth exploring further. I don’t believe in any “quick fix” from pills and don’t bother taking those routes. I will continue my endeavors of healthy eating and exercise but want to have a baby and would like to lose a little weight before I try to get pregnant to ensure I have healthy pregnancy. I would love to hear from you to see if these beads do indeed work. It would be nice to find some measure that could compliment my current efforts. Thanks.
20 mariont // Apr 19, 2009 at 7:40 pm
keep up the good work you guys!! i just got the flyer in the mail, and because i want to get a tummy tuck so bad and can’t afford it, and i do have bad knees , so i am not good with the execising, i was on the phone placing an order, and something click telling me to check this out on the website first, i quickly tell the rep i will call in a few mins, then i came on and got the surprise of my life.
21 Roseroyce // Apr 21, 2009 at 9:56 pm
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY. THE ACCUTRIM BEADS DO NOT WORK, AND THEY DO NOT RETURN YOUR MONEY IN 24 hours LIKE THEY SAID IN THEIR GUARANTEE. MY WIFE AND I DID NOT LOSE A SINGE POUND. IT JUST MADE OUR EAR SORE
22 Patricia Rios // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I bought accutrim beads a week ago and i haven’t lost any single pound I called to their 1800 and they told me that normally their customers wait for 15 days to see the results, I’m really confuse i though this will help me, I have to loose 30 pound but Im breastfeeding my baby so…. is there any recommendations for me please!!
23 MotleyHealth // Apr 22, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Patricia, when breastfeeding it is vital that you maintain a very healthy diet and get plenty of calories too. Focus on eating well, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, pulses and lean meats, fish (allowed ones) and drink plenty of water. Once your baby starts weaning you can start thinking about weight loss again, and also increasing your exercise and reducing calories.
24 Jackie // Apr 23, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I tried acai berry and it seems to be working two weeks later but i joined curves a workout center also…i just want the weight to come off faster summer is almost here !!!
25 Jackie // Apr 23, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Have these beads worked for ANYONE??? I really want to try something else…
26 Mary // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I think that portion control and regular exercise are the key however when doing that and adding the accutrim beads on her right ear, my daughter lost 6 inches in 7 days and was able to wear her size 12 jeans. She ate normally and exercised regularly 3xs that week. ( she eats regular portions of food). The other thing was that she wore one bead for the whole week. It stayed in place even after she showered and she did not remove it at night. I am not sure why you need to replace them daily nor am I sure why you can’t just re-use them. There seems to be no change in the bead itself. I must say that I agree with the doctor that the very best way to loose weight and stay in shape is to eat right and exercise. I also think that accupressue is effective and useful. I will see with a little more time and a few friends using the beads in different ways how they really work. Thank you for all your comments. Perhaps some of you needed to try the beads for 3 weeks along with portion control and exercise. Maybe even switching ears and just experimenting a bit more. Perhaps not everyones metabolisim kicks in right away. Being that accupressure is more of a natural way of stimulating the body it just might take time.
27 Mady // Apr 24, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I did want to make a statement about the beads, and I hope that this gets everybody’s attention before time and money become a factor. I know that the ad says, 7 pounds in a week, they even guarantee that this will happen and the weight will stay off for a life time. Well, I guess that is to be determined. Like most people, I am one that needs to lose a large amount of weight. I have tried every diet known to man and I have exercised like it was going out of style. One thing that people want is results, 7 pounds in a week or less sounds like it would give you results, and it sounds to good to be true.
Well, I fell into the pitch and I bought the beads. I bought the largest package as well, because I knew how much weight I needed to loose. Well, I did exactly what it says and it will say to press lightly on the bead, (that is placed behind your ear) when you are hungry or feeling hungry. Well, I would do that and the most that I “think” that it might have done was just made you feel fuller or full so you didn’t really have to eat. I would feel full after getting a drink of water. That didn’t seem right.
Well, I have given it the time to see if the weight would come off and it did not. There was no weight loss or gain, just disappointment beyond belief. I have been in a battle to try and get my money back but just like every company they want to run you through the hoops and try to convince you that you were doing something wrong and it wasn’t their fault or product that could have been the issue. Well, ladies and gentlemen, before you waste your time and your money, please take it from me that this product is simply not worth the heartache. I would say that I have about 100 pounds to lose, give or take a few pounds and this product actually made me feel worse about myself.
One thing that I do know that works, and this has been working for me, is consistency with exercise and trimming what you eat. Instead of using a large plate when eating, use a saucer plate, don’t go back for seconds, trim out the soda’s, and don’t eat carbs or starches after a certain time of the day. If you have to, get up 30 minutes early out of your day and do some Pilates, (which is very fun and you see results quickly.) There was a man that could only do 10 push-ups a day because of how heavy he was, and now he can do 100 push ups without even loosing his breath. It comes with time and dedication and because of this change in my life, eating healthier foods and getting up that extra 30 minutes, I have already lost 27 pounds.
I promise you, that there are results and you don’t have to have the mentality that you have to have a pill, liquid or a accu-trim bead to help you. If you want change, you have to be willing to start with the person staring back at you in the mirror. I hope that this has helped you and given you some insight on these beads, eating right, exercising and weight loss.
28 Donald // Apr 25, 2009 at 2:40 am
Just wanted to let you know I came to the web to see if there was hope for these accu-trim beads looks like a bunch of bull to me and the stupid things cost for 14lbs 74.95 thats half price what a scam I am outraged that Dr.George L. Bingham if he is even a doctor could not find the guy on the web save your money
29 DANABEL // Apr 25, 2009 at 6:06 am
I am desperate to lose weight, I have a problem with my homones, I gained about 60 pounds with my first baby and 20 with my second. I just received the flyer by mail and I said this is it, it has to work, I was making the phone call and something inside me made me hang up. I was searching in the internet and I saw this information. Thanks a lot for doing this.
30 Kailey // Apr 26, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Thanks Mady! Your post was very inspiring. I too received the flyer in the mail. I always throw that stuff away and think how desperate do they think we are just b.c we’re fat. But today I actually read some of this flyer and even though I knew it was complete garbage a small part of you wants to hope that maybe there is some magic antidote to make you thin. I know wishful thinking. I guess I already knew that the only real way to see results is going to take effort and commitment . That you need to change your lifestyle starting with your diet and exercise. I have been trying for over a year, I lost 30 lbs and now I’m right back where I started. I just feel like it’s been such a struggle after turning 30. But I will try again with all that I have. I need to loose about 70lbs now that I gained the 30 back.
31 Verne // Apr 27, 2009 at 5:47 am
Ok can someone tell me what is working for them, I was just told by the Dr. that I have a enlarged Thyroid Gland and I have gained 23 pound in about one month can anyone help me with an answer?
32 MotleyHealth // Apr 27, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Verne, the only long term way to lose weight is to manage your current problem. Increased activity and reduced calories. A thyroid problem can be managed. All it means is that you are more likely to gain weight due to a slower metabolism and feelings of lethargy. However, exercise and a healthy diet both boost metabolism and also fight off depression, giving you greater will to work harder.
33 lori // Apr 30, 2009 at 1:17 am
Verne, I have the same problem I have a slow thyroid and have been so at least since my 30’s I am now just turned 50 this year. You really should look into Armour thyroid and more natural alternative then synthetic thyroid meds. Its really hard to lose weight, you may also have syndrome X along with it considering your weight gain so quickly is such a short time. Most MD’s won’t give you a insulin resistance test because they usually do a diabetes test which doesn’t help us who have normal blood sugar but high insulin levels. Like Motley said good diet, exercise and attitude will all help, but its quite hard to lose weight w/this issue, my naturopath recommends 30 mins cardio 5 x a week. I have to say stress also adds to both of these problems, I have battled a 30lb weight gain since a divorce and pre-nursing school, now working on losing 30 lbs before I begin nursing school so I can have better stamina, health. Good luck
34 Donna T. // May 1, 2009 at 12:36 am
Hi, everyone I too received the flyer, and being desperate to lose at least 100 of my 245 pounds I was tempted to try as well and while looking for the legitimacy of this product I came across this website and I glad I did, because just like everyone else in this country money is scarce and hard to come by for a product not to work. I’ve tried everything within reach and cost and I’m tired of being taken advantage of because of a serious need that I have. The only way that I have lost any weight was with the help of a friend who showed me the truth about my weight, and I started at 285lbs. and now weigh 245. So change the diet, exercise, cut out the sweets and fats and get plenty of rest so the body can help heal itself that’s what works. thanks for listening Donna.
35 Overweight // May 1, 2009 at 12:58 am
Is there a good and fast way for speeding up a fallen (slow) metabolism?
36 Karen // May 1, 2009 at 1:24 am
Thanks for being there! I received a flyer in the mail today on the weight loss beads. Have been overweight for years and sad to say haven’t had the willpower to change my eating habits and I hate to exercise. Was almost ready to bite the bullet and send in my money to try it, when something told me to check the internet. Thanks to your site, I found the information I needed. Tore up my flyer immediately. What a scam…that little voice inside told me it probably was, but sometimes our desperation overcomes good sense. Thanks again to you and all the good people who wrote in concerning their own experiences.
37 airheart // May 1, 2009 at 1:42 am
I didn’t see all this negative feedback until after I’d ordered the beads, and I just received them today. What troubles me is that there are almost no instructions. It says “place behind the ear above the ear lobe”….does that mean on the part that has cartilage, or on the upper part of the lobe? Should it be the right ear or left ear?
And I, too, wonder why the beads have to be changed everyday when it’s the pressure that’s supposed to do the trick, not the release of anything that’s on the tab.
I joined a gym two months ago, and despite heavy workouts three times a week I’ve GAINED about ten pounds. I had hoped to lose ten, now I have to lose twenty. I am juicing, watching my portions, etc. I’m afraid menopause is setting in.
So I’m trying the beads and crossing my fingers that I’ll get my money back if they don’t help.
38 airheart // May 1, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Verne, just wanted to say that for your thyroid/weight gain problem, daily yoga may be the answer. The simple daily Maharishi Ayurveda yoga routine is designed to improve circulation, digestion and help with thyroid function. You can find it at any book store. No matter what your level of fitness is, you can manage it.
39 MotleyHealth // May 1, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Yes. Exercise first, and eat foods that increase your metabolism. Exercising has an almost immediate effect. Building muscle has an ongoing effect. A healthy diet can help too.
40 MotleyHealth // May 1, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Airheart, you may have gained weight because you were building more muscle. For people that are carrying extra weight, this increases the weight bearing effect of exercise, so lunges and squats for example are likely to result in muscle growth in the legs and thighs, thus you gain weight. But this is healthy weight, and it helps burn fat too. I cannot advise on where you should the beads, other than in the bin!
41 Amanda // May 2, 2009 at 5:06 am
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was filling out the form to order this ridiculous product. I don’t have the money to be throwing it away on scams that don’t work. What about these ads that are listed below, like the 9 lbs. in 11 days? Long-story-short: I gained weight to be unattractive because of so many failed relationships. Now that I’m getting older, I’m finding that being about 120 lbs. overweight is affecting my health in worse ways that I imagined (and that I was completely stupid for doing such a thing). If I’m dieting, I’m staying put with my weight. If I don’t diet, I’m gaining weight. Help?
42 natalie // May 7, 2009 at 1:46 am
I made the mistake of ordering these beads, accu-trim, and well yes they really haven’t done anything. i have called the company and am going to send back the remaining beads for my refund, we shall see if they keep their word. also I would like to add, I too was quite confused by the diagram showing where to place them, it is quite vague and all the acupressure diagrams that i have seen all show the pressure points in the front and not the back, so that got me even more confused. I just have to say i tried them solely because of the money back guarantee, and i am sad that they didn’t work.
43 Jacqui // May 9, 2009 at 12:19 am
I too have been working on losing weight and got the flyer about the accutrim beads, lol, but decided it sounded ridiculous. Only one thing has helped me lose my first 35 lbs of the 100 I plan to lose and that is Michael Thurmonds weight loss thing which I first saw on TV, then I checked out his website where I took a test ONLINE for FREE and they tell you your body type, (based on endomorph, ectomorph and mesomorph body types) then they give you the foods that will speed up YOUR particular body type (everyone is different) and it DOES work. I have been losing a pound a day for over 30 days and recommending to my friends who have also had great results with it, and I would recommend this type of eating more (6 X a day) and exercising less to anyone. It is much cheaper for me (1X price of about $129 for his kit) to learn how to make my own food than to order from Jenny Craig or Nutri Systems which costs at least $300 a month. Yeah the operator tried to sell me all the extras when I ordered but I didnt get them, I just got the basic package. And Thurmonds plan is a life change in eating habits that I plan to continue for the rest of my life, bc its healthy for people who have a family hx of heart and stroke probs. This is not just a diet or a bead, lol. And I tried the berrys that were on Oprah and I didnt lose any weight but I did spend more time in the bathroom and I think it cleaned out my system, smiles
44 crazycarl // May 15, 2009 at 6:58 am
i just ordered the accutrim beads out of desperation because i needed to lose wieght for the army if they do not help me at all and they play around with money i am going to take them to court and get my moneys worth out of this. They said on the phone that i could have it back in my account in 24 hours….they better
45 Juliet // May 22, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Yes they do work!!!!!
The first week I had them I lost 11 pound, everyweek after that I lost in between 5-8 pounds…
Just diet and do some cardio.. I did the Biggest Loser video workout and trust me it will have u in shape…
46 MotleyHealth // May 22, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Juliet, you say that the beads work, but you also did cardio, went on a diet, and bought the Biggest Loser video workout. Maybe the beads did not play a role in your weight loss?
47 Christine // May 24, 2009 at 7:21 am
I ordered the beads and and started wearing 1 yesterday. I was a little puzzled too that there didn’t seem to be any instructions just a picture of putting the bead in the back of the ear over the lobe. It said remove before you go to bed but I was getting ready for bed and since it also said it increases blood & oxygen flow to areas in the body and I’m diabetic with foot neuropathy (decreased circulation in the feet) I thought I would wear it while I was sleeping. I put it on and it felt great, like I had a runner’s high. I went to bed and had the best sleep I’ve had in years. When I woke up there was no pain anywhere which was quite amazing because I usually wake up with a sore back. So I wore it for most of the day and felt great and then started to get worried and took it off for 6 hours. Then I tried it on my right ear and it didn’t do the same thing. All my aches and pains came back so I put it back on my left ear. I felt great again. I walked the dogs for 2 hours and I felt like I was sixteen again even though I am 51 and am very happy. So then I started to worry again that this was maybe addicting. I can see how you would lose weight because you just want to wear this and feel good and could care less about eating. So I went to the Internet to try and research this and couldn’t find anywhere else but this website. I couldn’t find anything on the web about Dr Bingham either. So I am still wearing the bead and still feel good. I don’t know about the weight loss yet but I’ll keep you informed. If any knows about any bad side effects let me know.
48 Linda Wilson // May 25, 2009 at 10:51 am
I have been given the beads so I’d like to try them but where behind the ear do I put them? One ear or both earsw?
49 MotleyHealth // May 25, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Linda, I really could not say. Somewhere out of site is probably best…
50 Mia // May 25, 2009 at 3:06 pm
I have been reading all these comments and I have to add my story. I know 4 women who have completed the bead diet with amazing success loosing on average 4 pounds a week. They have NOT ordered their beads off the internet, taped them randomly to the back of their ears and gone about life as usual expecting a miracle! Come on everyone think about it, how would that work?
What they have done is booked an orientation with a doctor, had him place the beads on the appropriate pressure point(and believe me they have all been extremely skeptical about this) and then spent an hour listening and making notes on how this diet really works and why.
The doctor explains that for 2 days nothing but whole milk is allowed there is an amount restriction and it can be taken in the form of cottage cheese, yoghurt or just as a shake blended with ice. Then the next 2 days its veggies and fruit again there is an amount restriction. Certain flavor aids can be used like garlic salt and on milk days “no sugar” syrups etc. You must keep yourself hydrated no sugar ice tea etc or preferably water, green tea is allowed as is coffee. Now one of the most important things is that you are only allowed to eat between 12 noon and 6pm you can drink anytime.
Every odd hour on the hour you rub circles over the beads 35 rotations at the same time and this is supposed to “trick” your body into thinking that its not starving and so therefore when you do eat it does not store the food and turn it into fat the way most crash diets do.
So I have been a lifelong dieter and have had great success many times with weight watchers, atkins, south beach, nutri systems, and even slimfast at the crazy age of 11 years old! But once my weight has gone I everytime become complacent and before you know it its back and the last 10 pounds always seems to come back overnight!!
So I know that when I stick to something I can do it and lets face it every diet works if you do it properly and for some time and you exercise. I am intrigued by this diet because the careful chemical balance seems to result in very quick weight loss and so the level of boredom that I get to after 8 weeks( and give up) this time I will probably be at goal, and I think the drastic change in your body that you see weekly(every time you go back to get weighed and for new beads on different pressure points) keeps you motivated…..there was nothing worse than weekly Weight watcher meeting after a “good” week seeing no change on the scale…and coming home looking for a bagel!
So that is the theory and so I signed up and started the diet on Saturday with the milk day. There is no other way to describe it other than “brutal” it takes such a lot of discipline and its only for those who want to loose weight more than anything, and certainly not for anyone who has the notion that its a miracle or magic fix. Because of my ability to get into diet zone and succeed before I know that I have the will power (my issue comes later on) but its very hard at 6pm feeling hungry knowing that you won’t be eating again until noon the next day….. we go to bed late and that may have to change.
So thats it in a nut shell, I’m told by all my now skinny friends that it gets better and than by 4 days in the stimulation of the beads actually helps(probably psychologically) with hunger we will see. I have already lost 5 pounds but that is the initial water weight and detox, the proof to me will be 4 weeks in not 3 days.
Oh yes forgot to mention…the future…the way you keep it off after transitioning back into real life is to keep an eye on your weight once a week yourself and when you are more than 4 pounds over goal you do 2 milk days and it will come off…..I think maybe the thought of this is why people don’t gain much weight back (at first….it may be a bit like having a baby without pain medication you imagine you’ll never do it again and then the memory fades and number 2 is on its way!)
So I’ll keep you informed….I’m off now to take a multivitamin and have a glass of room temp. water it fills me up more that way!
I also want to say that I really think that the best way to loose weight is slowly upping the exercise and sticking to low fat, no
bad carbs plenty of lean fish and chicken and lots of veggies and some fruit. I needed a quick fix this time and we’ll see if this time next week I’m still able…..I may have eaten my arm off by then!!
51 Mary C // May 26, 2009 at 8:21 pm
There must be something to losing weight from acupuncture. I went to an acturepunturist for several months and she put needles behind my ear. I lost weight and visited her once a week. But since we moved 100 miles away I no longer go to her and have put the weight back on. If accupuncture works why not accupressure on your ear. It seems to me it just might work.
52 Diane // May 26, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I have tried the staples in the ears and you are to wiggle them so many times a day to stimulate the pressure points.. what a joke. The staples are irritating so therefore I took them out. I assumed these beads would do about the same… NOTHING
53 MotleyHealth // May 27, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Mary C, are you sure that nothing else in your life changed after your move? Maybe you eating habits or activity levels changed. Do not assume that the needles were the cause of your weight loss. The fact that you were having some form of treatment is a sign that you were determined to lose weight. Why not try diet and exercise, but leave out the acu?
54 Mia // May 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm
OK, here’s my update…..I know its early days but I’ve lost 8 pounds in 5 days ….I reiterate… you can’t just rub the beads and shovel in what ever you want, you have to follow the very strict diet…. obviously this weight loss will slow down but I am now not hungry…. the first couple of days were really tough, but the whole process is extremely empowering it is giving me a lot of good control. I have lots of energy and fruit and vegetables cleverly seasoned have NEVER tasted so good! I’ll keep updating.
55 Christine // May 31, 2009 at 4:58 am
Ok, it’s been a week since I have been wearing the bead. I have lost 6 pounds and haven’t changed my eating habits. After trial and error for the first two days, I have left the bead on my left ear just above the lobe like in the picture they sent with the bead. I haven’t taken it off since. It stayed on even when I washed my long hair. It stayed on when I blow dried my hair. That was pretty amazing.
The best thing to me though is I am sleeping great! I work the afternoon shift from 3 pm to 11 pm and sometimes til 3 am. I haven’t slept well in 6 years. I usually sleep til 11 am. Due to the family stirring and I guess due to the daylight or body rhythm, it is hard to get enough sleep. Since I have been wearing the bead, I sleep deeply and wake up refreshed. This is great. I have more energy and feel good.
56 girl // Jun 1, 2009 at 1:13 am
MIA:
I think the article is referring to a different bead diet. The one you are on is beaddiet.com
57 Judy // Jun 1, 2009 at 5:48 am
Wow! I just got this flyer & like everyone else thought, “if only it was true!” I (thank goodness) decided to see if there was any info. on it on the web & came up with this site. Of course, it is disappointing to see it is just another scam, but at least I won’t be wasting my precious few dollars on it. I am taking pre-gastric bypass surgery classes & am praying I will be successful in losing enough weight before it’s over to avoid the surgery. My metabolism is like a slug which is not surprising for needing to lose 140 lbs. Walking & logging every bite I put in my mouth helped me lose over 50 lbs 10 yrs ago. I even did the Avon 3 day (60 mi) walk, but have since put it all back on. Food is a struggle for me, because there are so many things I have trouble eating. Most spices do me in as do onions, dressing, & cauliflower.
58 Mia // Jun 1, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Girl
Thanks I got a bit carried away with my blogging to read the whole point of the blog…..maybe its the continual state of hunger that i am in…it kind of came back 2 days ago…..I’m going in the morning for my first weigh in and to get my beads changed and put on another pressure point behind my ear…the doctor says that they should be changed every 7 to 10 days so maybe they have kind of worn out as tomorrow will be day 11….according to my scales I am 11 and half pounds down, I could not do this for very long but I’m enjoying the results….I’ll update later.
59 Jill // Jun 1, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I need to do the research on this, but wondered if Robin could update us on trying it.
I have tried all the diets, and nothing works for long, or you waste the precious calories you are allowed to eat on C@@ppy tasting food you wouldn’t give your dog. I am sooo tired of being big, and sooo tired of hearing “you need to stick to your diet, you need to exercise,don’t eat this, don’t eat that” . Went to the hospital for surgery, and came home weighing 15 pounds more than when I went in!!! Explain that!!!! (I was in for 36 hours) Robin, PLEASE let us know how you do!
60 Jim // Jun 4, 2009 at 7:07 am
I appreciate everyone’s input on yet another money stealing scam from reprehensible people. I see no reason not to take a small plastic bead and a side of a band-aid and randomly place it on the back of my left ear. This is the actual theory of what accutrim is selling, and I was almost stupid enough to buy them for over a hundred dollars. I think I’ll just keep running, jumping, lifting, and eating fruits/vegetables/legumes all day with a normal dinner to satisfy my cravings. I’m down 15 pounds in two months and getting close to goal, why would I stop and buy this junk? Thanks for the slap in the face.
61 TERRE // Jun 6, 2009 at 3:09 pm
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO GET REFUND FROM THIS STUPID ACCU-TRIM BEAD COMPANY??? I SENT REQUEST FOR REFUND REGISTERED MAIL OVER A MONTH AGO!!HAVENT HEARD A WORD FROM THEM..THE 1800 SAYS THEY ARE ONLY THERE TO TAKE ORDERS!! WHAT THE HECK?!!!
62 MotleyHealth // Jun 6, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Terre, the unfortunate thing about scams, is that not only they do not work, but they are designed to take your money, and rarely give it back.
63 J.H. // Jun 7, 2009 at 5:59 am
SCAM!!! Can’t find either of the doctors names anywhere on the internet. They will take your money and run. If this worked, everyone in the world would be doing it.
64 F.R. // Jun 7, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I just bought these beads and put it behind my right ear as the instructions say but I have been reading the comments and people are putting it behind the left ear which ear is it? I have been using it for about 5 days behind the right ear and nothing I guess I will try the left ear.
65 Mia // Jun 9, 2009 at 2:49 am
sorry to hear all these internet bead stories, I’m convinced that a doctor needs to fit them and that you have to stick to a very strict diet for them to work…I’m now down 15 pounds in 17 days and am now hardly hungry, I could not make this my life but the results are breathtaking…I miss my wine but I like the way my body looks …..19 pounds to go.
66 virginia // Jun 22, 2009 at 2:48 am
I fell for the mailer and ordered the beads.
I tried them for l4 days with no success. I
returned the unused balance two months ago and have yet to receive the guaranteed
refund. I know they received my letters as I have sent them regestered with return receipt. Will probably never receive the refund.
67 SHEILA ARSENAULT // Jun 25, 2009 at 1:55 am
Thank you soooooo much!
I am so glad I checked Accu-Trim out before I ordered, actually I was going to order earlier today but got interrupted which was a blessing.
They sure know who to send their offers to.
I for sure will not be ordering the beads.
Thanks again
Sheila
68 Sandy // Jun 25, 2009 at 2:06 am
I recieved a letter today on Accu-Trim beads. Thought of ordering until I read what you wrote. Can you tell me what you discovered about this offer.
Sandy
69 MIAMI // Jun 25, 2009 at 6:00 am
I ordered the beads before checking it out on the internet. I’m expecting them to get here tomorrow. Lets see what happens….
thank you guys for the feedback…i will keep you posted with my progress, if any!
70 Karl // Jun 26, 2009 at 1:52 am
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. My flyer from Accu-trim that I received this morning is headed for the wood stove. Many thanks for the comments from others on this site.
71 Sandra // Jun 26, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I just received my ad in the mail and was going to go for it as I too need to loose weight but after doing some research on this product I am glad I found this website to inform me better that it would have been a waste on money. Thank you to all the people that commented on this product. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
72 Chanise // Jun 26, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Thank you everyone for your comments about these beads. I received the ad in the mail this week and was almost sold to try the product. But my red flag came when I noticed that there was no webiste to order the product online. If it was a legal and legitimate weight loss program there would be an official website. So keep that in mind for future reference. But if anyone is interested in losing weight the natural and effective way try using herbal teas and I don’t mean green teas. There are tea leaves that you can buy at herbal/african shops and can mix them to get resulrs you want. Try a tea called senna, it really helps move your bowels and drain excess fluid from the body and this is good for women because of our body types
73 Marie // Jun 26, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Don’t waste your money. sure, it sounds easy. but weight loss isn’t easy. cut the calories to NORMAL portions and exercise. try t-tapp. it’s a great rehab/non impact program that works. it doesn’t matter how in shape or out of shape you are. it works for everyone. it’s isometric and it gets your lymph system working and it improves your posture. Eat less. Eat healthy. If you can walk, walk. Intermitently run. And see how far you can go. I never ran before i started training, but just recently did a half marathon running 3-5 minutes and walking 1 in between. i built up over 5 months. i lost mostly inches, but weight too and improved my blood work. for those with a hormone imbalance, real accupuncture and chinese herbs can help. and going to a licensed accupuncturist is important. my hormones were really out of wack after i had my second child. (girl) crazy menstrual cycle, headaches etc. it’s taken about 6 months but my periods are normal and i’m losing weight easier now. i am working hard and eating healthy, mind you. but i was before and while i was losing weight, it was SLOW. now it’s about 2 lbs a week instead of 2 lbs a month. anyway, that’s my two cents. GOOD LUCK and be smart.
74 NENA // Jun 26, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I received a flyer in the mail from them the other day and I am so desperate to loose weight before my wedding so without doing any research on it, I called and placed an order (which ran me about $143) they said it was a 100% money back guarantee and the beads would arrive in 3 days. Well it’s been 4 days and no beads. I’m really worried now that I have actually done some research on the product that I’ve been scammed!
75 sheri // Jun 27, 2009 at 5:00 pm
heres the thing…some of us barely eat, run constantly, drink lots of water, when we do eat, it usually is pretty healthy, maybe servings are larger than should be, we still dont lose weight. i have even been trying hormone treatments and that isnt even helping me to lose…so what do we do?
76 MotleyHealth // Jun 27, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Well, the simple answer is that you are still no exercising enough or eating properly. Too much sugar and not enough intensive exercise may mean that losing weight is very difficult. When running, including some sprint intervals. Try cutting out as much bread, pasta and other low quality carbs from your diet. Throw in some bodyweight circuit training too a couple of times a week.
77 Diane // Jun 29, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I just want to say I am using the The Accu-Trim Bead. I am sorry but, in fact it does what it says. I have only used them for 4 days. I promise I have lose 3lbs. I was the guinea pig when I 1st got the ad. My co-workers said if they worked for me then they will try them. It only took a few days for them to see the difference. I just want you to know that It works so well that I am getting a set for my daughter. Just food for thought, when companies compete, they buy ex-pert testimony. The best thing about this is, I don’t have to do anything just put it behind my ear. I don’t run to the rest room or any other discomforts. D. McDaniel
78 MotleyHealth // Jun 29, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Well, there is a placebo effect with many forms of “alternative” medicine. Some people will respond to the placebo effect, and then report it. This is then used in marketing by the companies that peddle these beads to make out that it works for everyone. The sad truth is that it just does not really work.
79 Mia // Jun 30, 2009 at 3:45 am
I’m now 23 pounds down in 5 and a bit weeks….the diet is very rigid but I have not strayed off it and in some way I feel the beads are helping…. I feel amazing and I look so much younger…the problem will be keeping it off but that has been my issue on every diet, I’m planning to reintroduce lean protein and good carbs slowly and carefully and to increase my cardio as I do that….11 more pounds to goal.
80 Tammy // Jul 3, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I would really like to thank everyone who has posted an opinion here. I am also tired of being taken advantage of because I am desperate to lose 100 lbs. It is extremely hard for me to lose the weight due to anti-depression drugs and early menopause, but I have found that following a good program such as Weight Watchers – which is really just a very common sense approach to eating and life style – I am slowly but surely losing approx. 2-3 lbs. per week. I also have slowly increased my physical activity each day. I started by walking a block a day to now being able to walk 15 blocks a day. It just takes determination and accepting the fact that you are obese and to take full responsibility for being this way to make yourself ready to change your lifestyle once and for all.
81 Lissa // Jul 3, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I got the Accubead flier last week, and because I have found acupuncture to be really beneficial for things like stiff neck or back spasms I thought, “Why not give it a try?” The thing is, I noticed in the flier that the “bead” looked an awful lot like a typical clothing snap on some adhesive. So I pulled out my sewing box, found a snap and some medical tape and made by own accubead. I’ve been very pleased the results, I’ve lost 6 pounds in a week. It is a cheap, easy way to try it out.
82 Pat // Jul 4, 2009 at 4:46 am
Yeah, Lissa, That is so funny. I was thinking the same thing when I got the flyer. Wondering why you would need a new one everyday. Glad that this has worked for you and can’t wait to try it out for way less than 75.00!! How did you know just where to put the snap?
83 Brenda // Jul 4, 2009 at 6:36 am
Lissa, I have to laugh…because I did much the same thing as you, but this is my first day. We shall see how mine works as well!
84 Lissa // Jul 4, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Pat, it was described in the flier as just above the lobe and the picture of it showed it on the left side. I do change it everyday. I like to wash the adhesive off and start new, I have used the same snap though. A book of snaps only costs about sixty cents.
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