I worked for Herbal Magic for four months. I decided to begin with the company because they talked about how they are promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. Once I started I had to go through a CD-ROM training, taking tests at the end of each chapter. Once I finished I was set to sell. I practiced with my store manager on how to sell a full package. At first I was only selling supplements to people who came in and asked for a certain type. When I had my first attempt at counselling a customer, I felt awful when I told them the price. As much as I wanted to help the customer I could not bring myself to sell this. I was pushed to sell so I would make commission. I ... left after on a short four months.

I am a former HM client, and how I wish I had seen this episode before enrolling! After my husband died prematurely, I rapidly gained about 20 lbs, probably due to stress and just eating the wrong food, being lazy about what I chose to eat. I too was convinced that the supplements would help - to me I guess it was hope in a bottle, which cost too much $$$! Recently, I was away for an extended vacation, and did not use the supplements or stay on programme while away. Know what? I actually LOST weight by usuing common sense about diet & exercise. In the interim, my term at HM has expired, and they are now sending me "invitations" to return and telephoning as well, touting the benefits of their "new and improved" products. I know they were not too happy with me as a client, since like one of the women interviewed, I simply refuse to be upsold to additional supplements. I'm not returning!

I agree with everything said - everything was about the supplements/food products and I left after about 3 weeks having spent a lot of money and time but not losing anything. The ads lead you to believe there is something magical about the supplements - there isn't, they do not even suppress your appetite. About a half a year after I had left, they called to say I could re-join and they would give me credit for what I had spent. I asked how it would work a second time when it didn't work the first time; the gal just laughed. Personally, I thought it was a total rip-off.

I am glad I thought to look up Herbal Magic on Wikipedia to get the scoop on the company and its track record. Wikipedia mentioned the Marketplace episode, which led me to their website. After watching the episode, reviewing the "Science behind Herbal Magic" and reading many of the comments, I think I will give Herbal Magic a pass. Though many of the comments were from customers with positive experiences, the science behind the formulations of the "required" supplements troubles me. I don't care to take expensive supplements that have questionable effectiveness and limited information on the possible hazards of extended use. I think my time and money will be better spent on the services of a registered nutritionist or diatician and a licenced personal trainer. Thanks to Marketplace for backing their reporting with solid scientific inquiry.

would you know if i can return supplements that were not used and still sealed get my money back. as they make me sick . AND NEVER WORKED JENNIFER

Hello, I just watched this broadcast and it is very helpfull.I am an unhappy herbal magic cleint that is now suckered into this scam. I asked one of the coaches about exercise and she told me that it is not a benifit to me. What kind of weight loss program doesn't promote exercise? This is odd. I feel harassed everytime I go in and now dread going in. I would not recommed Herbal Magic to anyone unless they want a program that doesn't promote a healthy well balanced lifestyle and harrassing phone calls. Just follow Canada's food guide and stay active. Thats my goal and into the trash with these so called herbal junk.

This is outrageous. As someone in the Health Care field, I am disappointed to say the least, at Herbal Magic 'sales staff' being referred to as Personal Health Coaches. Erica was right....They are sales people. Believe me when I say you could teach a monkey to take a blood pressure or vital signs, but it doesn't mean he's a Health Professional. I dare anyone to go into a centre and ask the difficult health related questions about weight gain, about metabolism, about how the body functions, about how the supplements actually work int he body. ...

Cry me a river. Eat less, eat better food and move your body. Ta-daa!!! You'll lose weight, get firmer and feel better....

This is for Heather....I am one of those radio station people who did it for free as a spokesperson. I lost 80 pounds and kept it off for 2 years until I got pregnant. I think it was the lifestyle change that made me lose the weight because once I lost 30 pounds I started running again and that really helped.

A few years ago I too was an HM subscriber. On just the basic herbals and diet [modified to what worked for me] and lost a whopping 50 lbs. It was great I felt wonderful, had a lot more energy and a much better satisfied feeling with my life. Then I quit - it costs a fortune and at that point I could no longer afford it - my weight slowly crept back causing depression as I no longer fit my "skinny" clothes. I have tried to go back recently but actually gained weight again. the herbals are also making me physically sick this time as they have changed one of them and I cant take it. Looks like I'll have to get the motivation to do it on my own - thanks for your article and posts.

I agree with most of the comments posted about HM.I was an employee for the better part of 7mths.During that time,let me tell you that there is barely any training that clients can benefit from.You are trained to call people and bully them,make them feel guilty,and harass them until they start avoiding you like the plague.When that fails,you start sending e-mails and form letters,etc.There is a lot of pressure to up sell the different products.I had women in my shop who weighed more when I left than they did when they started the program.They spent countless amounts of $$ and bought products that they had no idea what they were after a while.Now there are a few exceptions to the rule that were successful but in the end it is definitely a lifestyle change.Proper eating habits and regular exercise is all it takes.
Pressuring people to join the program is the biggest scam.

I am shocked and appauled! I wish I would have seen this two years ago. Not only did I lose 15 and gain 30, my confidence was shot. Everytime I went in there for weigh-ins I felt like the poor little fat girl. If you didn't lose the two pounds per week, they acted disappointed in you and made you feel like a cheater. I was a college student and I spent at least $4000 on this program not knowing from week to week that I would not lose all the weight by my goal weight day. I am in the process of paying back my student loans that I am paying interest on for pills that did nothing but damage. I don't think it is fair that they wouldn't tell me how much the program would cost KNOWING that I was a college student with a student loan. Is there any way I can get my money back?

I think that this episode was a bit sexist. It is true that women are more self-conscious about their body image but people across both genders struggle with weight loss and obesity. If you are going to do a show like this, you should talk to both happy and unhappy customers and men and women. Otherwise it is a very bias report because you are clearly getting people to tell exactly what you want to hear. A very disappointing episode that did not really cover the issue of weight loss drug companies or a weight loss drug company.

I loved this report - while there may be satisifed customers, I think it is important for everyone to know that there is no magic pill. Weight loss comes from hard work and healthy eating. For the customers who lost weight on Herbal Magic - who is to say it is not because they lost a few pounds on a 900 calorie a day diet, and started to be more active? Getting your heart rate up and working your body and watching what you eat - those are they keys. Not only for weight loss, but for a long healthy life - pill free!
Has anyone heard their radio ads with DJs from local radio stations? Are they paid or have they received the program for free? Does anyone know?

I agree with many of you and your comments, that whoever thinks they can go on any "weight loss" program than return to old ways WILL NOT keep the weight off. I doesn't matter if it is Herbal Magic, WeightWatchers or just going to the gym. You must maintain it to keep weight off. To those who knock Herbal Magic have either not did the plan or didn't follow it! Simple!! 5 years agao, I lost 25 pounds and 50" and still love my body but do work at it. I watch what I eat and I exercise everyday. All of us should be doing this anyways. I used some of Herbal Magic's products, loved them but have never needed them to maintain my new body . Their protien bars are the best:)
I support Herbal Magic 100% because it is a real way to eat, lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle forever... IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO THAT!

my husband did herbal magic for almost a year. .. They were even trying to get him to get me in there, because they convinced him everyone could benefit from their program. Every time he came back he came home with more vitiamins and bars and other products. all in all I am not sure if he lost any more than 20 lbs.
I am so glad you have made this show, to let the world know just how much they scam pressure to buy products and the scam to convince my husband of his imperfections..
One big sign I noticed was he would become irritable and anger easily. I was so glad he did not continue to use Herbal MAgic.

As a former employee, I can attest to the fact that the company provides a detailed phone script to their employees on how to avoid answering any cost related questions over the phone. This lack of honesty continues throughout the "free" consultation as employees are coached not use the word "dollars" but to only talk in numbers and in price per bottle not in terms of monthly expense. It made me feel physically ill working for this company and I left very quickly after starting because I had trouble looking clients in the face and lying to them. The reality is most of their magic pills can be purchased at the drug store for a quarter of the price and you can find many 1000 calorie a day diets in magazines or on the internet for free. As far as the coaching is concerned, if you are prepared to be sold pills or told to buy a special shake everytime your weightloss slows then go ahead.

kay, seriously this product does not work!! have you seen the vidoe? like really.

I was a member of HM for 2 years and I lost 80lbs. I have to admit that I was shocked when I saw the segment, however I feel that there are always two sides to every story and I wanted to share mine. Is HM expensive, yes. Are their sales tactics aggressive, yes. Is their program restrictive in regards to the calories allowed, yes. Would I do it again, yes - in a heartbeat. I feel this program saved my life. The ladies at my local HM were amazing. Yes, they offered products, but they also offered support and advice that was valued and appreciated. They gave me tools to maintain my weight loss. They helped me over plateaus, and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. They even bent the rules to help me to my goal by extending the amount of time I had for the weight loss part of the program. They were a valuable tool for my weight loss journey. That's my story.

I am currently a hm client and I also have had great results 60 lbs to be exact and I think it is awesome. Yes I agree that it is expensive but it has given me my life back, I am now very happy and finally confident in myself. Once you go off the program you CAN NOT go back to old eating habits and if you do clearly you didnt learn what you have paid for and you just waisted your own money. Maybe some hm businesses are not very helpful but I dont think that it is fair for marketplace to say that they all are becuase that is not true. Every weightloss program has something that you have to purchase or that they HIGHLY recommend so thats not a fair to say either. Sometimes people just need support and help through the tough times and I would like to thank the Brooks ladies for all that they have done for me, if I was to re-live my decision I would definitely do it again.

What about Isagenix? They are a multi-level weight loss company. I am curious about peoples opinions and experiences.

It is clear that Herbal Magic is not an honoust and reputable company. On the one hand, the company, its franchisees and their staff were encouraged to write in to complain how (supposedly) biased the Marketplace segment was. Yet, on another site's posting, the company was asked a series of straight forward questions that they could answer without any editing from Marketplace or anyone else. As you can guess, the company chose not to answer those questions. Why would they not want to respond and set the record straight? Makes one wonder what they have to hide. Here are the questions asked of the company. Let's see if they,their franchisees or staff have the guts to be honoust and answer these fundamental questions. My guess is that they will sound off about the Marketplace segment but conveniently ignore these legitimate questions.
1. What does their name, Herbal Magic, imply?

2. Why wont they publish their prices for their supplements?

3. Why werent 100% of their supplements approved for sale?

4. What % of their clients hit their goal?

5. What are the professional credentials of their "coaches"

6. Do they give a full refund for any reason that someone doesnt hit their goal. This is what they are trying to give the impression they do, but I'd love to hear them state their refund policy in clear and unambigous words.

The expert did it for me. When you start hearing about Health Canada and misguidance... You'd like to go to a place and feel confidant about your choices.

HM was at a show and I came right out & asked if it would cost me $1000. She looked urked but was quick to say it would depend on what program I did. They were having a 50% off sale and for $10 they'd hold it for me. I gave it to them.

Your show was JUST the kick in the pants I needed. I'll cut my $10 loss and do it the old fashioned way. And VERY interesting to hear that U Weight Loss is somehow connected to HM.

I agree that perhaps this 'documentary' on Herbal Magic was a bit bias, but from personal experience, the company doesn't deserve any better. Like the doctor said, anyone eating a 900 calorie-a-day diet is bound to lose weight. So why add in the supplements? To make money. They pride themselves on personal consultants and 'real food' - these two things alone are all that is needed to lose weight. I think Marketplace was trying to show the irrelevance of the pills, and how they cause more harm (financially and for your health) than they do good.

When my personal health coach (*gag*) told me how much money it cost to be in the program, I thought - Hey, why not just SAVE money by not buying as much food and lowering my caloric intake? And would you believe it, it worked. No supplements needed, all by myself, saving money instead of wasting i.t

This episode was alright but I found that it was a bit sexist compared to the commercials I have seen in the weight loss industry. It is true that many women are concerned with their body image and weight but there are men who are overweight too and they are concerned about weight and obesity.

Because this show only talked to female clients and a former female employee it almost appears that the weight loss industry, or Herbal Magic, only targets female clients because only women are concerned about their weight and want to lose it.

I do not know if that is their marketing audience but I doubt it because obesity is an issue for members of both sexes and I am concerned that a show such as marketplace would almost promote these kinds of gender stereotypes.

I worked at Herbal Magic 10 years ago, for a short time, long enough to know HM is extremely ethically challenged, nothing has changed. I found it interesting when the president said he relies on their "scientific advisory panel". When I worked for them our advisory panel was a guy, probably not a doctor, scientist or anything, more likely a salesman. Never ever seen him, but we were told to say "we have our own doctor that can advise us". The supplements come from the states at a cost of $3 per bottle, and sold for $54, unnecessary,but profitable. My clients lost weight only because they were eating so few calories, and I did discuss their weight issues with them and became friends, but after awhile most of them did gain the weight back. The man that owned the location I was at had no experience in weghtloss, but he did have 25 years experience in sales.

l am on the hebeal magic program and losed 70lbs and 84 inches. If l hadn't lose thoughs pounds a would have had a heart of attacks by now because l got off all blood presure pill and water pill 100 mg blood presure and 50mg water pills. You should of had somebody that lose weight from the program. l am in my thrird year with the program not taking the pill from hebral magic and there was never any presure to buy there product. Two people are not everybody that tried the program. l don't think you people were very fair to Hebeal magic in the thing you said on the show. They were alway good to me and l gained more feinds in life and still no presure.It just like l go to curves they don't presure me either to buy their prouduct. l have nothing but good things to say about both places.

Thank-you
Debbie North

Herbal Magic is expensive. There is no debating this, but from personal experience, I can tell you it works.Sure, reducing your calorie intake and eating less will eventually lead to weight loss, we all know this, but why can't we just do it? Personally, I need the discipline and support herbal magic provides. I don't know how the herbs are registered with Health Canada and really I don't care. There are more products in the supermarket and at local phramacy that we could debate about their safety and health benefits than at at Herbal Magic. I can honestly say that when I take the product, it does surpress my appetite and enhance weight loss. Let's face it, everyone is out to make a buck and it is a business first, the same as phramaceutial companies, trying to promote medication. I have tried other programs. For the price of dining room set, it is worth it for me..investing in myself !

Yes Yes Yes HM is just a money grab sales sales sales!!!! I have a friend who worked for them and quit because she has a conscience. She said" Its one thing to sell the mandatory products to those people who believe it will help, and another thing to be told you must push as many products as you can to make sales." She did not believe it was fair to push people into buying something they did not really need! I myself am a former client, yes I lost 51 pounds and 53 inches, but who wouldn't with so little calorie intake and I exercised 3 times per week at the gym. The gym is where all you Hm lovers should be not spending countless dollars on a farse. You know my Mom was right a FOOL and their money soon part. $16,000 + later, when I asked for total amt spent they would not say.

My wife and myself have been on herbal magic for over a year and we have each lost 100 lbs. The staff are great and have never ever pushed any additional supplements on us. They promote exercise as well as healthy eating and have even worked out with us. The food plans are easy to follow and as far as a 900 calorie plan forget about it. When I started I was eating more then before, just eating the right things. I am eating way more then 900 calories a day. My own doctor wanted to put me on a 500 calorie a day diet with hormone shots. Go figure!! I'll stick with HM. Awesome!!

I think this is biased. Why didn't they interview some satisfied customers? And I think it's ridiculous for anyone to think that you can do any sort of diet, go back to your old ways and not expect the weight to come off.
Weight loss requires a complete change of lifestyle, not a quick or magic pill. This is why it's important to change eating habits. If a person is nutritionally bankrupt, then their body will continue to crave more and more calories. The calories we buy in the grocery store these days are empty calories with very little nutritional value.
Recommended meals including ham & pork for lunch and dinner is ridiculous. Any swine product is full of toxins, bacteria and saturated fats. Marketplace, where is the truth in all this...or are you just trying paid too much money to bash any natural products by lobbied by food & phamaceutical lobbies.

I always thought that Marketplace was very fair about their investigative reporting. Until I seen this particular program. You failed to interview anybody that had had a positive experience.
I found this program to be very effective with weight loss and helping you to change your dietary habits. You set your own meal plan with the information they provide you ie what you can eat and how much you can eat.
And as for the cost of the program they go through every detail with you and you know just what everything will cost there are no surprises. True they do sell other vitamins,and products and they will ask you if you are interested in them, but you are under no obligation to buy, you can say no.
The Herbal Magic personnel that I have dealt with are very helpful and encouraging. So you see there are always two sides to every story.

I so enjoyed your report on Herbal Magic. I can take the stories of the two ladies and do a carbon copy to our situation with my wife. I went in to our holiday savings and gave my wife the $1,500 to start-up in the program. She did fairly well, but we had to continue to fork out more money. I asked my wife and I truly think she got embarrassed with my questionning because she did not realize (an honest mistake) that it was going to cost so much. We spent over $2,500 when she stopped. She had lost 40 pounds, but I believe more on how and what she was eating. She got depressed because we could not go on holidays and has now put 30 pounds back on. I wished I would have seen this report before. This is still causing hardship. It is so dishonest to "con" average wage earners out of som much money.

I lost 25lbs 2 yrs ago on the HM suppl. Jan 4 2010, I tried W2000 and chrome, the sales person told me that those supplements I would lose a lot faster. It feels like I'm taking sugar pills, it's not working at all. I don't understand. I spend $500.00 now and lost 2 lbs, I'm finished with HM cause it's a waste of money. Last time I was in, the sales person told me it's probably what I eat.Well duh! I know that but I'm probably eating better than 2 y ears ago and lost 25 lbs. Right now, I exercise 3 to 4 times a week plus HM suppl.,it's not working anymore. The sales person told me that her clients don't exercise so I'm a little confused. I should be losing. I'm starting to think that the suppl. doesn't really work. Well sure, if you watch what you eat, watch your salt intake, exercise, you'll lose weight, you don't need suppl. That's a no brainer I guess. Thanks MarketPlace!

There is always a common theme with these posts. The people who are defending the pyramid schemes and false claims of certain products seem to have a lot worse spelling and grammar than the people who can really see whats goin on.

Seems to me that maybe if the population was a little more educated, and had a little common sense, that most of these scams wouldn't be viable.

Just try not to jump into something without doing a little research of your own. If it seems to good to be true it definitely is.

Yes, the program is expensive and perhaps the supplements do not actually do what they claim, but everytime I go to a health food store their staff are suggesting this and that and have no proof they do what they claim either. The natural health industry obviously needs more regulation if you want to stop this.

Herbal Magic helped me to lose 137 lbs. I needed to lose at least 50 lbs to qualify for in Vitro Fertilization in Canada and I thought it was hopeless, I had tried everything else. What Herbal Magic does for me keeps me accountable, their consultants taught me to eat much healthier and work on my relationship with food. They recommended products, but were NEVER pushy. Weather the supplements worked or not, it was the best money I ever spent.

Shame on you CBC for showing only a one sided story. It is disgraceful to watch this episode. What about all of the success stories that you could have come up with.Y Talking about the cost. I have seen people spend more money at fast food drive thrus. The two ladies you interviewed should have finished the programme and gone in 6 days a week for weigh ins. They would have been more successful than whining the way they did. I have successfully lost 70 pounds and I love the personal health coaches who have seen my through some pretty rough times. They plan what I can eat and have introduced me to a whole new lifestyle of cooking. Somedays there is too much food to eat. Where did you get your plan of only 900 cal. Bogus reporting.
Karen

I loved CBC's report on Herbal Magic. I can't believe how desperate people are to lose weight. I have to lose weight as well, but putting out that kind of cash and taking supplements is just crazy. Whatever happened to getting off the couch, moving your body and eating healthy. If I can't do it with a healthy life-style change, and not a diet, the weight isn't going to stay off. I can't expect some "magic" weight loss program to do it for me.

I really believe we are becoming a society that can barely dress themselves, let alone take responsibility for our own health and weight management. We seem to need help and motivation with everything, from losing our weight, organizing our homes, hiring lifestyle coaches to adjust our attitudes, etc., some people even pay for their dogs to use a treadmill, so that we don't have to walk them. The same computer you use to vent about your weight loss being unsuccessful will give you everything you need to lose your weight. There are, and have always been many healthy ways to shed extra pounds. The popular trend towards going to weight loss clinics for help has created a huge cash cow for HM and the others.
Sometimes you just have to go to the ladies room by yourself...

I think its hilarious the amount of ppl so willing to believe that these products are crap. Anyone out there been to gnc lately... wal-mart to pick up a slimquick etc. All these products are governed by the same law, which comes into affect October 2010. I wonder just how many ppl passing judgement and so willing to fall into this totally bias trap have purchased a bottle of hydroxicut etc.... people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones! Grow up Canada anyone can conduct this kind of bias interview and crop and paste what they want to make it look how they want to suit them. The people who believe this are the same ppl who purchase the National Iguirer!!!

this lady is just bitter because she clearly wasn't doing program and she is trying to blame everyone else on her failure...well guess what? the reason she has to lose weight is because she doesn't hold herself accountable and wants support and be told " oh, dont worry, your fine the way you are!" i did porgram when i was a teenager...i learned that i am responsible for me, and if im going to pay for supplements, or have my mom pay i was going to do this program for real! and guess what i lost 50 lbs! AND
hello!...if someone tries to sell you something you dont want, or dont believe will help...theres one word i know works...NO!!! dont blame a great company for your misfortunes...grow up and realize that its because you were not ready to join program or were to lazy to actually try to make a difference in your life...i fully stand behind herbal magic!

Marketplace has become the epitome of biased yellow journalism over the last few seasons. I was a faithful viewer for may years but recently, the reporting has been unfair and of no benefit when it comes to consumer awareness! The program is following the footsteps of the US programs that are after nothing but ratings. It seems Erica is focused on cornering spokespeople with very biased questioning. I have become severely disappointed with the content and the message...

I've finally had a chance to read through every comment on here. Most of the unhappy viewers claim that Marketplace's piece was biased because it did not include interviews with any satisfied customers. However, it's already implied that there are many happy customers -- if there weren't, Herbal Magic wouldn't exist and there'd be no company for Marketplace to investigate in the first place! The point of this piece, which seems to have been lost on most people, was to encourage all the happy customers to question -why- exactly they lost weight. The point of the program was -not- to offer a balance in subjective opinions.

I can't believe there are so many naive people out there. Stop spending your hard earned money on useless pills. It is so obvious anyone who has lost weight, is because they are eating less. You diehard HM goers: Stop buying the pills. No one can force you to buy them. Go to your weigh in's and one on one counselling sessions. Lets see how wonderful the HM workers are then. If you eat the same, you will still lose weight.

Thank you marketplace for bringing this to light. I've been reading comments from people that are barely into the program and are raving about it. I did too in the beginning. After losing over 100 lbs I plateaued and then the weight started to creep back up. No, I did not go back to my "evil" ways - I continued to follow the program to the letter. The staff pressured and pressured me to buy more product, I refused, and they totally lost interest in me. ITS ALL ABOUT SALES!!! When my hair started falling out and my teeth started to disintegrate (literally) I consulted my Dr. who told me I was not getting enough calories or proper nutrients, and to get off the program immediately! It also always bothered me that they never promote exercise with the program, huh??? Excellent piece CBC!!!

ok, I know for a fact that this is all a lie. all personal health coaches dont have to say that they lost weight doing Herbal Magic. In the consultation they do say ok so the program is so much money and per week for the supplements are extra. The personal health coaches do say the price up front in the consultation. Yes herbal magic does have a natural product for pretty much everything. If you went in and said you were constipated they give u some steps to try and if that doesnt work they tell you that they have a supplement that would help with that problem. They dont TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE TO buy it they say its in the center. When i take WM 2000 and Chromagic i notice the difference from when i dont take them. And about the commission, what store doesnt have commission?? Is there going to be a story on marketplace about car dealerships now or retail stores?

thats wrong!! the program does not allow you to only consume 900 calories per day it about 1500-2000 cal/day. in some cases even up to 3500 cal/day. i know because i am a personal health coach at herbal magic.

There is nothing sneaky about it. Canada recently put out the bill or what ever it is saying that you have to get a NHDP number for any weight loss supplement being sold. It takes time to get them all approved, it cannot just happen in a couple days. And as for the reformulation of some products, Canada and the states are different, they have different herbal ingredients that they deem "safe", Herbal Magic is currently working on expanding into the US and for them to do that successfully they had to reformulate some of the products so they would be able to provide them in both countries. Do your research.

I too am a happy customer of HM. I lost 20 lbs 2 years ago and have kept it off. The staff in Burlington was always so encouraging, that I wanted to loose the weight for them. They were such a great support system. I couldn't have done it without them. They were always keeping track of me when I knew I was going to have a weekend of a lot of food and just kept reminding me of what to eat and what not to eat. The reinforcement kept me going. This knowledge has
kept me successful.

I didn't feel pressured into buying other supplements, I just said No thank you.

I still go in to show them I'm keeping the weight off, again, they are still my support system :-)

Thank you Herbal Magic

To think - I've actually let this show influence my opinions of companies in the past! But now, after their 1-sided and inaccurate review of an amazing company, I realize that they're not in it for the viewer... they're in it for the ratings. They found a few unhappy people - clients and past staff - so what?! It doesn't mean they're a bad company.

If the coaches that helped me to my goal were on commission - I'm happy to see that the company rewarded them! They deserve the bonus! I still buy a lot of product from HM - not all for Weight Loss ... I've made HM my 1-stop shop for Health. Multi-Vitamins, arthritis relief, digestive aides, & weight maintenance products are all on my shelves.

I LOVE you Herbal Magic & no biased programing will change that!

As a former client I know the mandatory herbal supplements you mention above had two very noticeable impacts on me: decrease in appetite, increase in energy. This was not in my head. The eating plan is lean protein, low-fat dairy, whole grains and tons of veggies and fruit. The year-long counselling and support is key. If people could do this on their own no one would be overweight.
No surprise your "dowtrodden" consumer subjects gained their weight back. Personal accountability counts for nothing anymore. If after a year of weight loss and maintenance program, personal coaching, support, you STILL haven't figured out how to do it on your own, and you shove sugar, salt and fat into your body, you will gain it back. CBC one-sided journalism as usual, highlighting the "victim" and choosing to ignore happy/successful clients. Far more of these than complainers.

If there was ever a case of someone looking like a "deer caught in the headlights", then the poster boy for that must be Fraser Clark. I've never seen a spokesperson for a company come off as bad as he did. His responses were egregious and an insult to the intelligent viewer. I would never join a company that treats the public with such contempt and attempts to pull the wool over our eyes with his feeble responses.

After seeing the Marketplace segment, it would seem to me that the only way you'll lose weight in a safe and healthy way at Herbal Magic is by suffering from indigestion from ordering their main course of Scam with a side dish of Rip Off. You'll need Rolaids after listening to the stomach churning false claims they make. Kudos to CBC for bringing hidden cameras in to expose these horrible practises which try and take advantage of the most vulnerable. Keep up the good work.

I joined Herbal Magic as a client last week. Then I saw the CBC program and became alarmed. I contacted my Doctor to ask what she thought and she advised me to quit the program because she didnt want me to put my health at risk but taking phoney supplements that are extremely expensive but have no scientific support. I was outraged when I learned that the claims I was told when they were selling me the program were totally false. Based on my Dr's advice, I went back to Herbal Magic and cancelled my program. This is not a company I want to be associated with in any way.

As a personal trainer and nutrition consultant, I would NEVER tell anyone that they had to take supplements to lose weight and you are NEVER supposed to go below 1200 cals per day. It's a scientific fact. It wasn't the supplements that caused all of you SUCCESSFUL people to lose weight at HM, it was the 900 cals/day. Most of us have a basal metaboilc rate( BMR) or 1200-1500 calories/day. This is how many calories our bodies will naturally burn just to be alive, not including any activity. It is also scientific fact that if you cut back on 500 calories/day you will lose a pound/ week. Well if someones BMR is 1200 calories and add in their activity, they need a min if 1800-2000 cals/day to maintain their weight. If you subtract 500 cals from that/day = 1 pound/week without going under 1200 cals. Subtract 900 cals/wk, and now your are up to close to 2 lbs/wk. THAT'S WHY YOU LOST WEIGHT!

It seems that Herbal magic has hired alot of people to claim that they were happy customers of Herbal magic. they are making comments bashing CBC.

I applaud CBC's Marketplace for this expose.
A 900 Calorie per day regime is not healthy, whether it's accompanied by Magic pills or not. This regime will give you weight loss, on its own, without the pills, but it's certainly not healthy, or sustainable.
Although the HM carrot is attractive to a person seeking weight loss, the reality is, (if you are willing to admit it to yourself), that a healthy and sustained weight loss only comes through good balanced food choices and a change in lifestyle activities.
It doesn't happen by magic.

I wonder how many people they had to interview to find 2 disastifed clients? Interesting to skewer a company based on 2 opinions and 1 personal health coach. A little bit of unbiased reporting would be nice to see. But that wouldn't sell any stories so what can you expect.

As a happy client of HM I find it sad that only 2 people who were unable to practise any form of will power were interviewed. My ... consultant was upfront regarding costs, both initial and weekly. She regularly coached me regarding proper balance of REAL food. Any person looking for the motivation of a weight centre of any kind goes with the expectation that there will indeed be a cost involved. Will power includes the ability to say no to unwanted extras. Anyone who believes that a pill will magically make them thin needs counselling that no diet centre can provide. As for myself I will continue to attend my local HM centre and look forward to the personal motivation I receive there.
A follow up show depicting some of the many successes would be most enjoyable.

I have been on the Herbal Magic program since September and have lost 50 lbs and I am still loosing. People at Herbal Magic have been more than up front and fair to me. I knew the cost of the program when I signed on supplements and all. People need to be more proactive and ask questions before signing a contractI asked for the information and they were more than happy to tell me.I know many people who the program worked for, with loses totaling over 250 lbs. So you tell me it does not work. I would rather pay for somthing that works than something that doesn't. I think you should have interviewed satisfied customers and not people who left the program. Then maybe your piece would be less biased.

Who in their right mind would believe that a pill can make you lose weight? If so, wouldn't there be a lot fewer obese people in this world? Weight is all about calories in/out. Sure there are some other mitigating factors but as my doctor once told me :If you want to lose weight use your hands-to push yourself away from the table.

People who patronize companies like Herbal Magic are the same ones who are taken in by online or regular scammers. There's a sucker born every minute and no number of reveal shows like Marketplace is going to change that fact. I think it's hilarious to watch these people who admit to the world how naive they have been.

The basis behind weight loss is simple in theory, eat less than you burn and you will loose weight. It is simple science when you look at.. The problem with people is that nobody wants to put in the work and discipline themselves to loose weight in a healthy manner. Most people want a quick fix to weight loss and this may actually happen, but the weight NEVER stays off for good, it ALWAYS comes back.

I think people need to adjust the way they think about weight loss, and actually educate themselves on being healthy and taking control of their lives. Programs like Herbal Magic may work for some people, but as soon as you stop buying their supplements and revert back to your old habits then the weight returns with a nasty vengeance.

Slow & steady always wins the race when it comes to weight loss!

I can't believe some of the comments below who are STILL pedling Herbal Magic after watching this... Did you not LISTEN?!

They are selling you products that are NOT approve by the government and that are not aiding in your weight loss.

Any logical person should have the crap scared out of them by this. No wonder we have to make laws for people who just refuse to get it. Protecting idiots seems to be a full time job in this country.

One of Herbal Magic's practices is to have well known media personnel on the program doing "progress updates" on local radio stations. I was one of those clients so the money was not an issue for me as the program and mandatory supplements were "promoed". I was pressured on a regular basis to purchase other products. I was successful on the program losing 136 lbs and the staff were very supportive. before I was to go on maintenance the weight mysteriously started to go up again. I had not changed anything, was still following the program to the letter but the weight continued to come back. The staff totally lost interest in me. Side effects from being on the program included hair loss and tooth decay. Every person I know who successfully did the whole program has also successfully gained back almost every pound lost.

I have to give the award for worst TV spokesperson to Fraser Clark. One moment he looked like a used car salesman and the next moment he was grinning like the Cheshire Cat trying to hide their dirty little secrets. What I'd like to know is why Steve Hudson, the primary owner of the company chose to hide from the cameras and instead, chose someone else to be fed to the wolves. You would think on a matter of such great importance, the main owner would be proud to stand up and defend the company. Makes one wonder what Hudson was hiding from. I would think that the franchisees of this company would be outraged, not at the CBC, but that the owner went MIA when it counted most.

I was also a client at HM. I lost 83 lbs. I wasn't pressured to buy, but I was also made to feel guilty when I didn't.

Following the diet alone, I can see why someone would lose weight. In my opinion, the supplements are BS. You're paying to learn how to eat properly, and for support on continuing to do so.

I quit the program when I couldn't afford it anymore. I went back to poor eating habits, and gained 40 lbs back.

Now I'm eating healthy, exercising...and still watching my sodium intake (a big thing I DID learn from HM), and I'm losing just as much weight as I did on the program, taking supplements.

If I could, I wish I could sue for my money back, because the pills to me, are bunk, and as far as I'm concerned created a placebo effect.

I think this is a complete joke. I worked for the company recently. It is all completely about sales! sales! sales! personal health coaches know diddly...and are thrown in to the job. Yes, the program works, but take it from me these products are costly, and the coaches are trained to focus on your body language for signs that YOU MAY BE ABLE TO "UPSELL" products to the max(cases) in order to meet daily quotas. Very simple. Expensive, and just a business, like every other one out there....a business to make money firstly, maybe to help people secondly...
Employees are focused on their commission and not your best interest.
Truth be told.

Any company promoting "weight loss & Nutrition" that uses the word "Magic" in their company name should be viewed with skepticism & suspicion.

Weight loss & nutrition has nothing to do with magic and everything to do with educating yourself, common sense, moderation, and hard work.

Does anyone know of any 'legal' way to cancel the Herbal Magic contract?

Your program was biased and portrayed the entire company and its brand based on a few misguided employees and less than satisfied customers.

I joined Herbal Magic on January 4th and haven't experienced any of the aggressive selling tactics depicted in your program. As a Marketing and Sales Specialist, and Certified Sales Professional (through the Canadian Professional Sales Association) I can sniff out aggressive sales tactics from any distance.

In terms of the unsatisfied clients, I'm sure every company has a few of those but to build an entire program around them seems unfair. They also still appeared to be struggling with their weight. What a shame. Support is what makes all the difference during weight loss. I invite you to follow my journey and experience the professionalism of my Herbal Magic support team in Burlington. 14 pounds down, 46 to go.

This is typical CBC bias reporting! They put the owner of this company on the spot and fire questions to him & have to use hidden camera's to interview the girl in the centre.They only intervied two persons who didn't finish the program and are now back to their original weight or more. CBC never attempted to interview a person that completed the program lost weight and is now maintaining.......like me! CBC is brutal! They only show what they want to and drag a Canadian Company through the dirt, why would they interview and ask the opinion of a doctor who is running an opposing weight loss program? (Sounds sort of suspicious on its own), Thats like asking Ford to support Chevrolet on national television. I have lost 70 lbs and I am maintaining and managing my weight,If you want to do lose weight its really up to you but all I can say is this program worked great for me!

Seriously, did they have to make it all about the money? If you can't afford it than don't join... but don't go on and say it doesn't work when you can't even go through the program.

I am a former employee of Herbal Magic and was disgusted by the practises that Marketplace has exposed. When I went to work there, I went because I was interested in helping people lose weight. I quickly became disenchanted when I saw that all the company pushed was sales,sales and sales. They made us feel as though only the sales mattered and not the client's weight loss. I became so upset by this that I left. And now, after leaving, I see that all the claims that they made us say were unsubstantiated and/or false. This makes me sick to my stomach. That I was in some way involved in deceiving people. If I had told people any of this before this program, no one would have believed me. I'm glad that the hidden cameras exposed this company for their practises. My advice is to stay away from this company.

I think for those of you who lost weight with this program, thats a great sucess story. But for me, who spent over $1000.00 I am a hugely disappointed "customer". They, at Herbal Magic pushed the supplements as the way to loose weight. I was unable to take the supplements due to a heath condidtion, and they still continued to push them. I think many of us want an easy fix to lose weight, but there isn't one. A heathy diet and regular exercise routine is the one and only way.
Herbal Magic is just another scam for those of us who want to take an easy road. And they are much richer because of my stupidity. Also, because I was medically unable to par take in this program I felt I deserved my money returned. But, once they get it there is no way they are going to give it back up to me!

Thanks Marketplace for your Feb 5,2010 show on Herbal Magic. Now that I've spent $2500 to lose 44lbs, which was due to my hard work not the "PRODUCT", I will not be going back to spend another dime! My personal coach was like a robot telling me the same thing three times a week for six months. It's the "PRODUCT" that's helping you lose the weight, not the 800 calories and buckets of water that you drank. I felt rushed,and often had to wait just to see my personal coach. I'm actually embarrased that I fell in their trap. Consumers be aware and watch Marketplace! I'm glad I did.

I was very glad that you have investigated the Herbal Magic weight loss company. I too had a very bad experience as far as the transperency of the cost of this program. I got to the point that I would not dare mention anything about a headache or constipation etc because you get a sales pitch. They also informed me that because I was on Blood Pressure med....they would have to check it out before I started as if they were in the medical field.I had to have surgery and had told them my Dr. did not want me doing this program for a period of 6 weeks. They sent me emails EVERY week asking when I would be coming back, they were not concerned about ME but rather the product that was not being purchased. When I told them I could no longer afford the program I never heard another whisper from them. You were also flagged it seemed if you weren't a FREQUENT BUYER and would get some looks.

I've been a HM client since July 09 and am succeeding. Best of all I have learned a lot about my body and why I ate such as I did to gain the weight in the first place. HM and support staff helped me do that. We are not all the same therefore what works for one may not work for the other. I was never told that the supplements were a miracle cure for obesity. The one on one counseling was an important part of the reason I joined HM. When I went to HM to look into joining I was not greeted by the same girls that greeted the spy in your program. The girls that greeted me were professional and up front about all costs involved. I did WW a few years ago and found that group chats and public weigh-ins were impersonal and frankly made me unhappy. When I asked a question they would refer me to the brochures and material that had been given to me. In my opinion you pay for what you get.

First off, herbal magic has saved 3 people in my family, when I went to other places no one was as welcoming and supportive as the people at herbal magic. The reason herbal magic saved my family was that when they tried other companies ( not mentioning names, I won't discredit companies like maketplace does without both sides of the story) they never worked!!! Herbal magic actually helped my family lose over 300 pounds. Saved them from heart disease,diabetes,etc. Marketplace did not even ask one client about their loses, come talk to me n my family and I will prove u wrong marketplace.

I really liked how you only spoke with 2 people who clearly never finshed the program, and a previous employee who most likely got fired. Cause I can tell you from personal experience that my Herbal Magic Coaches are awesome, they have never tried to pull a fast one on me never pushed other products on me and are fully supportive of my weight loss goals and helping me reach them. I look forward to going to my weekly weigh ins and they are just as happy to see me reach my goals as I am. Maybe before you put your negative spin on things look at the success rate 91% of Herbal Magic Clients reach and maintain there goals. If you want the program to work all you have to do is follow the plan outlined for you and you will successed. Those 2 women really should be embarassed because anyone who is on the program or have completed the program are laughting at you because we know it works.

Thank you Marketplace for this informative program involving Herbal Magic. As a former member of HM, I was so relieved to see and hear that I was not the only person who had been misled by this company. For the two months I was activley involved with HM following all the diet patterns, daily weigh ins and of course the $1100.00 start up fees, plus the $60.00 per week supplement charges, I ended up with a total wt loss of 8lbs. Those 8lbs did not just fall off quickly either. From the day I joined, I felt confused, guilty for spending so much money, and as the program went on all I seemed to be doing was spending more money for supplements. I quit going and was called constantly to continue the program. The final letter I received from HM stated that when I was more serious about wt loss and with a $100.00 re-start fee I would be welcomed back. No thanks!

Wow, a very one sided story, I am happy to say that I am a success story of this company, and I have never been treated badly or poorly or been lied to the way this show makes out. I am in North Bay, Ontario, and I have been a member for just over a year, I have lost almost 70lbs and not once have I ever been felt pressured to purchase additional supplements, there have also been times where i slid off program and never took my mandatories so they allowed me to skip a week or two of purchasing. Very dissapointed in you Marketplace for not providing accurate information. Makes me feel like you are now trying to be the scams.

I have lost all respect for this segment. I was a big fan prior to this show. Completely unbalanced segment.

Did you tell your viewers how many customers have lost weight on the program? Did you interview successful customers?

The goal of Herbal Magic is to lose weight - did you answer this question for viewers? Does it work?

You may it seem like a scam. I hear that most people that follow the program end up loosing weight. What are the results of your analysis?

It is only because I know that it has worked for many people that I know not to fully listen to the implications in this segment. It is actually very scary how a show like this can spin a company into negative light.

The bottom line is that if you are overweight and you increase veggies and whole grains, decrease fat, cut out junk, decline 'seconds' and increase exercise you will lose weight. If you lose gradually, at an average rate of about a pound a week, you are likely to keep that weight off.

Most diets that follow these principles are successful. Most of them also result in rapid weight loss in the first week or two. Then they slow down.

If you need to pay someone to make sure you do this, so be it. Personally, I just needed to decide to take the bull by the horns. I used weight watchers for a few months to learn about portion size and help with motivation. I've been on my own for well over a year now. Started at 197. Currently weigh 143. Still losing.

As an educated and experienced Fitness Professional as a Personal Trainer, & fitness model, these companies are nothing but a SCAM.
Anyone who eats less than half their daily intake of calories is going to lose weight no matter what, whether they are taking these so called "pills" or not. I could tell clients to eat less & they would lose weight without even working out or eating healthy. It is not rocket science, it is the scientific truth. Most adult females burn a min. 1300-1500 cals a day literally doing nothing.
You are NOT buying into a healthy lifestyle, you are buying into a quick fix.
Any registered health care professional who is not a REGISTERED DIETITION or REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST is NOT allowed to recommend anything but the Canada's Food guide.
I feel bad for those who have wasted time and any money at all on any program like this.

Two disgruntled ex-clients (who admittedly did not finish the program) and one aggressive salesperson make up most of your program. The science / effectiveness comments from a doctor who is direct competition with Herbal Magic (admits he runs his own weight loss program).

This doesn't seem to make for a very balanced approach to reviewing any company or product.

I expect better of CBC programs ... and am a bit disappointed overall.

Just because you don't like what you hear doesn't mean it's bad journalism.

I joined Herbal Magic Jan 15th 2009, by Jan 15h 2010 I had lost 114 pounds. This program has obviously worked for me. I was well informed on the cost, program and support I would receive. If I was not sure on something I asked questions.
As someone who has struggled with weight problems for many years and tried many programs, this is the only program that has worked for me. I am now on maintenance for the next 12 months.
Is it expensive, yes, do they try to sell you other products, yes, it is a business after all. However, there is no pressure, JUST SAY NO, as simple as that.
I would recommend Herbal Magic and have, many, many, times.
I am a new person and plan to keep it off by following the maintenance program. Thank you Herbal Magic!

It sounds really great that many of these comments are from people who had success with HM. I think that the diet sounds like good advice, and I'm sure some of the coaches are much better than those shown.

The question is whether the supplements are anything other than a money grab. There isn't any evidence they are effective. So if you managed to lose weight with HM - awesome! But the truth is you probably could have done the same thing without a single pill.

Where is the fine for HM selling these supplements without proper government approval? In Canada, we can't just say we have standards - we have to enforce them too.

This show said nothing but negative things about Herbal Magic. They are forgetting that Herbal Magic has 91% customer satisfaction. It's sad that they had to choose 2 people that were unsatisfied... and I would love to hear how closely they followed the program because I can guarantee they would have loved it.
Also, it ticked me off that their main focus was the products, when the food plan is what gets the weight off, product is just something on the side that makes it easier by helping with boosting metabolism and hunger control. They are not "magic in a bottle"
With any weight loss program there will always be people complaining - why don't those ladies add up how much they were spending per week on things that made them need to come to Herbal Magic then see if the program is so expensive.
I was not impressed with this week’s episode.

Your confrontational 'journalistic' efforts fell flat in this episode. As unimpressed as I am with certain aspects of the diet industry, this sad display of overt manipulation makes me want to march to the nearest herbal magic branch immediately and sign up just to demonstrate to your show staff and producer that you did not manage to manipulate me with your one sided efforts. As a journalist myself, I can only say 'yuck'. My rating on this show? Two chubby thumbs down.

Successes, undoubtedly, but the HM program might not be a healthy alternative for all people. My experience was a nightmare, likely due to a drug interaction even though I had disclosed all prescribed medications at my initial visit. With letter in hand from my doctor, stating that I was advised to stop taking all HM supplements, the coaches continued to push HM products warning me that they could not guarantee my success if I quit taking the supplements, eventually telling me that without them I might as well not do the program. I refused to take supplements, they no longer had any interest in coaching me & the manager refused to return my initiation fee (less than two weeks into the program). She reassured me that my payment would remain on the books so that when I felt better I could rejoin the program. I will never feel "better" about Herbal Magic.

These pathetic, fat women will buy ANYTHING to lose weght...EXCEPT a gym membership.

The Dr. hit the nail on the head: "if you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight".

So these women want to sit at home, eat, take some supplements, do NOTHING else physically, and expect to get thin?

Most gym memberships cost less than $100 per month. Add a trainer in there once or twice a week and you'll spend maybe $250/month. Still significantly less than the $6000 - $8000 these pathetic souls are spending to lose weight.

Herbal Magic are crooks - Ok, we get it. They're selling hope. But these women come across like they're the victims.

Stupidity is no excuse for victimization!

Harry.

I am a former HM client, as well as a former HM employee. I lost 90 pounds using the program and then pursued a job there. It was a life changing experience not only to lose the weight, but to assist others to their goals as well. It’s unfortunate to hear disgruntled past clients and co-workers talk so negatively of a program. I’ve done other programs (WW, JC, Dr.B, over the counter pills/shakes, gyms, and trainers) none of which had made such an impact on my life as HM. As for Erica, did you receive your instructions from your superiors to make this program seem as ineffective as possible? This is YOUR job to do so; YOU chose to put negative spins to boost YOUR ratings. Perhaps CBC Marketplace would like to do an inside report on CBC MARKETPLACE. Everyone has a choice, EVERYONE!

Shame on Marketplace for such a one sided piece of "Journalism".

As a former employee of HM, I must say I am shocked at how terrible the current President and Staff of the company represent themselves.

I worked for HM from 2003-2008 and can happily state that my clients never felt pressured by sales tactics, were always given upfront cost information, and that went explaining the products, were not given false claims about how the products work.

I know the majority of my clients were happy and successful with their results when they followed the program according to plan. For those that were spending money and not seeing results?? I actually discussed that with them so they would not get to the point of feeling as though their efforts, money, and time were a waste.

Have to say I am glad to have made the career change in 2008 when I did - sounds like the company has gone in a direction that morally, I would not have agreed with!

I've been an HM client for 2.5 years. The 1st year I lost 125lbs, the next 1.5 years I've been maintaining with regular weigh-ins and consults. The staff are amazing and VERY supportive. I've never felt pressure to buy anything other than the mandatory supplements and have only purchased two other products (the seasoning on a regular basis and the hot chocolate twice). When I "bought in", I was made aware of the cost and the break down of cost because I ASKED. Would I do it again? Definitely. Do I recommended it to friends? Many. I'm happy with the results because HM worked WITH me. I expected it to be hard and did the work myself, with a little help from the consultants, who were absolutely wonderful. It was very expensive but completely worth it! I went from a 22Plus size to a size 4. You can't wipe this grin from my face!

It is devastating to see people spending money on unnecessary products to find a 'quick fix'. What is even worse is having a 'life coach' who is on commission! Challenges with weight are often rooted in psychological, social, and environmental barriers. Registered Dietitians are registered health care professionals that train for five years and can help identify and develop strategies to overcome barriers, making a life shift with healthy, 'normal' eating. No pills are going to help with weight loss the way that professional advice, guidance, and support can. I'm not saying that spending money on a gym membership or becoming part of a club for support is bad, because most of us need motivation from others to promote change. Ultimately a plan has to be an individual, sustainable to work, and it is best to leave it to a professional who cares. Ask your doctor for a referral to an RD!

My 18 year old son lost 100lbs, but it cost me $10,000.00 !!! Was it the pills, or the strict diet and regular exercise?? We'll never know!!!!!! I just hope he keeps it off forever!!

are you kidding me? This is all you could come up with for a company that has been around for 15 years? A true reporter sees both sides. Did these women follow the whole program? I go to a Herbal Magic center and I know my girls are there for me, I did the program in 2006 and have maintained and still go to the center. I buy the products and I know that they work! Just because they are called Herbal "Magic" does not mean that they are selling magic pills. A diet in a bottle??? Hmmm really, the maker of that one would be a millionaire. I happen to know that they are getting all the NPN #'s because it will soon be regulation for all dietary supplements to have them. SOme of the little companies are going to suffer, but those well known ones are going to be forced to be regulated. Good job making a fool of yourselves!!!

Shame on you CBC for presenting a horrible one sided story from the point of view of two perple who didn't learn anything from HM, didn't finish their programs, didn't complete maintenance or change any of their bad habits. The councelors are there to motivate you, allow you to cry, laugh, cheer, complain etc about the the process of loosing weight. The former employee is obviously jaded, did anyone bother to ask why she was "let go"? And to be surprised that the employees are on comission is just naive.
Shame on you. I expect better from investigative journalists. It is making me question all of your previous stories. Were they all as ill-prepared and unbalanced?

TALK ABOUT A ONE SIDED BIASED STORY! I was so angry watching it that I was nearly yelling back at my television to Erica! True journalism should consider both sides of the story as well as the industry as a whole. Look at what editing can do! Fraser was cut off mid sentence at one point! You didn't hesitate to mention that HM has had "lots of complaints" but what about ALL OF THE HAPPY SATISFIED clients??!! I happen to be one of them! I lost 47 pound, 48 inches and I've kept it off! It's the best thing that I ever did in my life! It DOES work and yes, I too feel that it was worth every penny! There was absolutely NO SALES PUSH for any extra products and I knew EXACTLY what the cost would be! Every question that I asked was promptly answered! No pressure, just coaching, support and motivation! Thanks HM for changing my life for good! So take that Marketplace, that's my two cents!

I can not believe what they found out about herbal Magic. i was apauled. i been on the program for a year and half, and i lost 72 lbs. i look great but i get hungry a lot during the day, because im not getting much food in because im on the bars and shakes program. when the interviewd the president of Herbal Magic, he couldnt answered their questions so that tells you something right there. my program is done in Aug 2010 and i dont think i'll be going back.

I always enjoy watching Marketplace as I find the show interesting, but was very surprised that they did not do their full research on Herbal Magic and what makes the program successful. I think they should have spoken to customers like me who joined 5 years ago and lost 34 pounds and has still maintained and not gained one pound back – plus gone down 4 sizes! I attribute my success to the “one-on-one” coaching I received everyday from the Personal Coaches at Herbal Magic – yes I went in everyday to talk to a Personal Coach, show them my journal and we would discuss my challenges and opportunities. They kept me on-track, motivated and supported me. I learned how to cook and be creative and my family benefited from all of this. The key is to be committed to the program and rely on your Coach. Popping a pill is not what Herbal Magic is all about. . Now I go to Herbal Magic for my Vitamins and my Menopause supplements and my Naturopathic Doctor has no problem with me taking Herbal Magic products even though she would like me to buy hers. Before Herbal Magic I tried Dr. Bernstein, but gained all my weight back and really didn’t like the needles they give you. Weight Watchers was ok, but I didn’t like the group meetings and I spent a lot of money trying to lose weight, plus they are always pushing their other products. You have to do what fits for you as everyone is different. I think it would have been so beneficial for Marketplace to summarize all the Weight Loss companies that are out there and do a good comparison. I would highly recommend Herbal Magic and I thank them for making me the person I am today and so does my family.

Yet another biased & predetermined outcome by Marketplace. Why am I not surprized? Do you people ever present two sides of a story? Not that I have ever seen. I personally LOVE the HM program. I lost 52 pounds in 14 weeks, 6 inches off my waist and my jowels. I have kept it off for 3 years. Your two sad excuses for unhappy customers obviously never followed the program and kept overeating or eating all the wrong things. There was never pressure to buy anything. The cost of the supplements was presented right up front during the consultation. The councillors are very well trained and know what theya re talking about. I suspect you hunted around until you found a person new on the job and unsure of her knowledge. HM is a great company. P.S. My wife also lost 56 punds and many inches off all the right places. We both feel healthier and look healthier. Investigative journalism? Get real!

I worked for U Weightloss Clinic - the latest venture of James Hyssen. This is an accurate portrayal of the business...

You are all properly brainwashed, I see. HB can give you nothing that Weight Watchers can't give you for a mere $12/week. Except if you like the extra bonus of putting God-knows-what in your body in the form of expensive mandatory supplements. This show highlights the other sides of issues we already know about, so they are doing us a service! No matter what the issue. There is no magic pill, people, no matter what their name subliminally implies. The pills won't enhance your self esteem anywhere near as much as getting a bit of exercise will. And your wallet will thank you too.

If Herbal Magic has been ... about their claims of the supplements, even that they have been approved by the Government of Canada than why can't the Government of Canada shut them down? I think this is appalling that this company is preying on people who want the "magic fix" and taking their money again and again and again. I own a fitness centre and when they first came to my city I approached and suggested that perhaps we could work together - their response was: "We don't recommend that they work out!" That was a huge red flag for me...

In 2 Alberta centers, there is a third mandatory product, which is introduced as 'something I strongly suggest you should take' before the consultant introduces the mandatory products WM2000 and Chromagic. This is strongly sugggested because the consultant anticipates the additional commissions she will earn.
And the friendly personal greeting and one on one attention, which most clients crave ... that came at great expense when a consultant was hired to teach coaches the exact high level of positive energy they needed, and the faster they could talk during a consultation, the higher in the organization they could get.

I have lost over 30 lbs at herbal magic and am very happy with the results,some people need help to lose weight is not as simple as eating less its what you eat.I have found the consultants very help full,when Ive had problems they have given natural remedies told me change a few things.
Yes they do try to sell you more supplements , You don't have to buy them.
I wish market place had talked to some clients that have had success,not just 2 people who it didn't work for ,one saying she didn't stick to the recomended food plan and finish the program
I was told up front how much the program was and that the supplements where an extra cost and was told how much they are
My health has improved since Ive been on the programme I feel Great

Re. weight loss products and programs, I feel that everything works...for a while. As said on Marketplace, calorie restriction combined with energy expenditure is the key, whether or not there a supplement or "magical" combination of support and diet.
Our society is hellbent to find an easy solution to a complex and long term problem. Is it surprising that the weight loss industry is collecting billions?

Tonights show was very disappointing in that it was totally one sided!! Very unfair to all.

Usually, I love your program. It provides useful information about true scams, but this one seems more misleading that conclusive. Your interviews were hugely bias; you interviewed a fired employee, and a doctor with his own health clinic - obviously they will attempt to negatively potray the company. Anyways, my point is this be careful with your broadcasts - you can riun a great business as easily as ruining a horrible scam.

Thank you Marketplace for exposing this kind of scam. No doubt that Herbal Magic has asked all their franchisees and staff to write in to support the company. I'm sure any positive comments have been written by shills. Dont be fooled. Any average person understands that this company is selling products and making claims with no scientific substantiation. Steve Hudson, the guy who owns the company, should be held accountable for what appears to be a scam. If you need to lose weight, my advice is to not go to Herbal Magic and instead, go to a company that is honoust.

My wife, sister-in-law, and a cousin, all in their sixties, have successfully lost weight with Herbal Magic, keeping the weight off for four years in my wife's case. She is happier, healthier an more active and social since the weight loss. Although she has cut back on the supplements she is still encouraged and supported by the team at Herbal Magic. I agree it is expensive, and I am inclined to accept your assessment regarding the supplements' actual contribution to weight loss, but not all customers are disgruntled failures as portrayed on the show.

My personal knowledge of the subject (and customers) of the program in this case, alerts me to the the imbalance and bias in your reporting, in probably all shows. I'm disappointed, I expected better from Marketplace.

I would expect much better producing and reporting from CBC - this story was terribly one-sided. Interviewing two dissatisfied customers and one disgruntled ex-employee does not make for a balanced picture. I did Herbal Magic the first time over eight years ago, and lost over 55 lbs. This was after failing Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig. The program worked for me because it helped me change my lifestyle, and I benefitted greatly from the personal coaching and accountability that comes with several weigh-ins a week. I maintained that weight loss for almost six years, and put the weight back on only because I reverted back to my old ways. Now I'm back on the weight loss train, and although I am not doing Herbal Magic again, I do credit their program for helping me understand my body - and now I know exactly what I have to do to lose the weight again.

Shame on you marketplace! i own a herbal magic store, ummmm.. i mean i'm just a regular person outraged by your report!! i lost 5,000 pounds on herbal magic and their staff were perfect. how dare you tell negative stories and be brave and take on businesses who advertise on TV stations! BAD CBC! I want happy stories all the time, otherwise i feel bad. hERBAL magiC 4ever!!!!

I really have to wonder why anyone would pay thousands of dollars to salespeople and 'Big Business' for unhealthy weight loss advice when they could pay much less for evidence based advice from licensed health professionals such as dietitians and exercise therapists. Every major city has RD's and ET's and they are available for a few hundred dollars to provide you with health promoting advice tailored to your individual needs. A 900 calorie diet? You cannot lead a long and healthy life on 900 calories a day unless you are a preschooler!

The public has been so brainwashed by big business into thinking you need all sorts of pills to make weight loss 'magic'. You need to get a sound plan that promotes health, an activity plan that you enjoy and can do most days for the rest of your life AND overcome your emotional attachment to unhealthy habits and then you will see long term success

Has anyone else noticed that if you google "Herbal magic CBC" nearlt all of the hits are a bunch of phony websites that endorse herbal magic and claim to be satisfied customers??? The company must be scared out of its wits that finally people are seeing the truth that it is purely stupid to spend thousands of dollars on supplements when you can get better and healthier results just as fast by eating right and exercising.

This monograph that you have posted on your website from the Natural Standards IS NOT posted on the Natural Standards website. PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY?????

I was hired by HM and worked in an Edmonton store for several months. The owners and majority of staff ranged from 30 lbs overweight to severely obese. Lunch room habits and frequent staff celebrations were horrendous in terms of the unhealthy, fatty food consumed by staff. The staff talked the talk, but did not walk the walk as far as I was concerned.
Measurements were taken without a lot of accuracy, and I was told not to share a clients 'real' measurements if they had increased. If the client had gained inches, we were told to say they were the same.
I did lose weight using the mandatory products that promise to curb hunger and regulate blood sugar, etc. but after I left, I continued to lose the weight using just a healthy food plan and reasonable portions.

I don't know what is considered good journalism but I can absolutely say that this was not it- I am infuriated after watching this report. It was completely one sided and an outright attack on the company. Not once was a successful HM client interviewed and the editing was very obviously NOT in favour of HM. My overall feeling was that HM was not given a fair review and I actually would love to hear more about what they CAN do as I know several people who have had wonderful experiences there. Those 2 women who were clients complaining about gaining their weight back should realize that anyone that goes back to their bad ways of eating will gain weight again, so how is that HM's fault? Take some accountability for yourselves. And the reality is, it has a retail component so who cares if sales incentives are involved. Overall I am very disappointed in this episode and feel for HM.

To the two clients in this episode... you're a joke. You failed the program, the program didn't fail you. GET REAL!

I joined herbal magic last year they promised weight loss with there supplements and coaching.I gained weight on there program and they tried to tell me it was from excercise that it was muscle gain what a load of non sense.I stuck to there diet plan even bought extra supplements and still didn't lose anything.I was very upset and even met with the manager she tried to then blame it on me not eating enough excuses excuses excuses!they always had some quick ready answer that never made sense.I eventually stopped going it was expensive and did not work!what a rip off it cost me over thousand dollars for 6 months!Do yourself a favor be ware of this quick fix pill it dosen't work join a gym it would be cheaper and more effective.

I think some of youse out there are missing the whole point of the storyline...money/greed vs. insulting clients intelligence...sure some of youse think you have lost weight, but, do you realize that you will have to stay on that program "like forever" to keep that weight off, once your body is used to all those "chemicals-which by the way some of which if you were listening are not "approved" did the light bulb not go on...once you go off your whole metabolism changes and naturally back to start again, like here we go again-a merry-go-round effect....and you have spent a lot of $$$ for what....
give your head shake....listen to your body...someone gave you a brain...use it...

I cant believe that you didnt air anyone who has been succesful there are thousands of them i owned 4 herbal magics for 10 years and retired from the business and had more succesful people than un succesful. If you follow the program it works try to get a councellor for the money you pay for good positive counceling that herbal magic offers. maybe do another show on jenny craig that should raise some negativity.

I just viewed the herbal magic episode of your show and it left me with little respect and confidence in your program. You did not interview one single person who had a positive experience on HM....of which there are many, otherwise the company would not be successful.
I am a successful HM customer and have lost 50lbs. My experience at HM was NOTHING like what you portrayed on your show. Shame on you for reporting to the public such a one-sided view.
As far as the women you interviewed.....the bottom line, sisters, is if you f-o-l-l-0-w the program....you WILL loose weight. If these women had stuck to the program they would have been praising HM, not dissing it.These women are looking for someone to blame for their own failure. Hunny, you are what you eat...period....end of story....eat Dorito's on a regular basis and you will have a weight issue.

The meal plan is based on canadas food guide and the suggested portions from there, i am doing program and when i went over the foods i was to eat i ended up having to eat more then i usually did. This is completely bias, did they interview even one person who had success with the program? no.

I am a proud supporter of this weight-loss company because it has nelped me become who I am today! Comfortable in my skin again,and no longer hiding because of my weight problem. Everyone has weight issues, whether it's losing 5lbs or 100lbs. While trying to find a program that best suited me, I went into a Herbal Magic and was presented with the program, support and motivation. There were no "dirty little secrets" I asked the questions and got the answers, I knew exactly how much everything was going to be for the full year from the get go. The way I look at it is for me to become healthy and happy again there is NO PRICE! I would recommend Herbal Magic to everyone. I think Marketplace needs to start focusing on the positives in life and not the negatives. And we wonder why people are so negative now a days....

Your story on Herbal Magic this evening was not what the company portrays at all, you are told from the begining that you are going to lost weight and following a low calorie diet where YOU choose your own foods and the products help you achieve your goals.
I paid for my membership at Herbal Magic and received one on one support by there Coaches and they kept me motivated the whole time I was there at the Gym you have to do it all yourself most of the time unless you pay for a personal trainer!
Everything you want to do out there for weight loss will cost you money and I truly beleive the program works wonders it got me eating healthier and feeling better, you should go to the people that actually lost the weight and have been successful on the program,NOT 2 individuals that didnt sound to me like they even competed there program.

What is really interesting is that all of Herbal Magic's core weight loss supplements that received their Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) from Health Canada got their numbers in the last few months; probably after this episode was shot. The supplements have also all changed their formulations from herbs to just a blend of simple and very cheap multivitamins and minerals - just to get the claims and quick NPN approvals. So now Herbal Magic is making even more money from consumers for supplements that are now ineffective. You're sneaky HM.

Just a note about your show. I watch it often and think you (Wendy, Erica and your staff) do a fantastic job investigating people and companies. Keep up the great work!

I just watched your story on Herbal Magic. I too was going to join, but my doctor suggested Weight Watcher's instead. That was a year ago. I have since lost 37 pounds and have been maintaining tht weight for the last few months. I can only say thanks to my doctor, as he did not recommend HM, but highly recommended WW. It's not as expensive, you eat real food and you get to the root of the problem. It works!

I just watched your episode on Herbal Magic. I usually enjoy your program and find it informative. This episode was a disappointment. Good journalism should encompass the whole story, why didn't Erica talk to anyone that did the program successfully? Weight loss and maintenance isn't rocket science and it certainly isn't magic either. The 'program' as a whole works. The 'company' as a whole is a business. The two components need to work together to be successful. Businesses need to make a profit to be functional. Generally speaking, if you eat healthy on a regular basis, you will lose weight. Easier said than done. The program provides support, accountability and structure. With respect to the cost, it cost me approx $800 to start up and the $50 per week is how much I use to spend on eating out every week. How many $1500-2000 treadmills are out there holding up you laundry?

Are you saying that we shouldn't have commisioned salespeople now ??? What world exists were people are that naive that they are unaware of this policy. If I am selling tires I want my salepeople to sell the most expensive best performing tires and I will pay them extra to do it .
Weight loss is just another product. We are not curing cancer here ladies!! Grow up

You should know better than to trust someone with no qualifications or education. They can tell you any ... in the world, why would you believe them, especially when these ... in turn require you to purchased their unproven overpriced products. Where is your common sense? Weight loss is simple, eat less, eat better, exercise more. Burn more than you consume.

Some concerns after watching or recent episode
Of those whom are complaining about the cost and the program how many of them actually "stuck" to the diet plan?
You have one expert saying that there is no evidence on the
WM-2000. How much weight have people lost on WM-2000 and chrom in conjunction with the plan?
Finally I think your report was held in a bad light everything you said was negative. Did you look at any of the positives. I personally would be a positive I have lost over 20 lbs, 4 pant sizes and would pay double for the weight loss that I have accomplished. I have never felt any pressure to buy anything at the store.
I don't know if its the supplements or the diet frankly don't care, it worked! I would recommend this plan to anyone struggling with weight loss. Out of the "two" people that you interviewed I wonder how many success stories there are thank you

I can see you've finally come across Herbal Magic's dirty secrets. I went there for the "free" consultation a few years ago, heard their pitch and agreed to their one year weight loss program with the catch that I had one week to change my mind. It took me three days and $250 of their starter package to do that. Then they conveniently got my credit card info mixed up with someone else, taking $50/week off my card for two months before it stopped!

In the end, they refunded me my money and I used it on gym equipment. I took the info from the consult, the bottles in the starter package, did some research and found much healthier and cheaper alternatives at GNC. In the end, you're spending all that money on having a counsellor, someone who's more there to make you feel good about spending your money than actual healthy loss. They did open my eyes to researching supplements, however.

It's too bad that there are frauds out there like what you are showing viewers tonight. I am a current herbal magic client , and I can personally guarantee you, this is not a typical experience. First off, they make no promises but do tell you if you stick with the program 100 percent, you can achieve your goal. Its been 4 months for me and 56 pounds off. Herbal magic has given me my self esteem and confidence back. I feel like I have always wanted. Thank you for listening.

Sincerely
Bride
Leduc, AB

Erica, is this just going to be another negative journalistic piece. I'm sure you've heard of the old adage you can lead a horse to water but you can't make 'em drink. Will there be unhappy customers? Sure. Are there happy satisfied customers? I'm sure there are as well. The unhappy ones, most likely, have not taken responsibility for their own weight loss. I don't believe there is an instant solution. A creditable Company wouldn't offer that. Do you know what their customer satisfaction rate is? Do you know which Companies are embracing the new Health Canada legislation around the certification of Natural Health Products. What are other diet companies like True Star for Women, U Weight Loss, LA Weight Loss, Herbal One, Dr. Bernstiens, GNC, Vita Health and others in this industry doing. If you're doing an industry segment then make it complete and accurate, not one just for ratings!!!

This is a mis representation of the company. I was a HM client and have lost over 200lbs total with them. They gave me my life back. Staff are very well trained , very supportive and motivational. The supplements do work because I tried it without them and it did not work. I have so much faith in the company and its staff that I have persued a career with them. I am now a manager and I have kept my weight off for 5 years now. If you go back to your old habits, YES you will put it back on. But if you take what you learn from them and your body you will not put it back on.
Instead of focusing on the negative all the time why don't you gather all of our success stories and do an article????? I personally have coached many successful clients and they have not put there weight back on either.
Every consultation that is done, you are told the cost of your supplements!

I think it is amazing that with a bit of editing how you people can make any company look. What is even more amazing is how one mad person can get there 15 mins of fame just because a product didn't work for them. If everyone did that no company would be making money. Lets be real, it is not about helping a consumer it is about ratings.

This is a joke

Mark

I joined up at Herbal Magic on Thursday January 21/2010
I weighed 337lbs .
At my last weigh in two days ago I weighed 322 lbs.
and my belt is now two loops longer

15 lbs. in two weeks and I feel better than ever

Personally, I LOVE Herbal Magic. Of course, every business, service & product you can purchase (from anywhere of any nature) has people who are happy, and people who are not.

HM has become a huge success in Canada & has been around for so long because it is NOT fly-by-night or a "rip off". If you follow it, it WORKS! I lost 40 pounds at HM twice (pre & post-pregnancy). I've had the weight off for over 5 years and it is because they're amazing. I averaged 2 pounds per week - even with a plateau.

I'm looking forward to Fri's show - I hope it promotes them as an amazing company. If it doesn't, that is really too bad.

U Weight Loss is Tim’s latest co-business venture with Dr. James Hyssen, co-founder of Herbal Magic.