These scent-based weight-loss products deliver aromas that are supposed to reduce your appetite.
One of the early scent-based products, the powdered food additive Sensa, was withdrawn from the market after the Federal Trade Commission found that the product made false claims of effectiveness.
A study by Alan Hirsch, M.D., who developed Sensa, is often cited as proof that aromatherapy aids weight loss. That study showed that volunteers who used an aroma inhaler lost an average of 2 percent of their body weight over six months.
However, because the study lasted only six months, it didn't look at whether participants were able to maintain their weight loss over time.
A few studies on the effects of odors on appetite have found that smelling sweet food odors, such as vanilla, banana and chocolate, tend to increase appetite, while neutral or nonfood odors tend to decrease it.
So can scent-based weight-loss products lead to significant, sustainable weight loss? The jury is still out. Even some of the makers of these weight-loss products acknowledge that losing weight comes down to diet and exercise.
It makes more sense, then, to skip the scents and focus on what's proven to work — reducing the calories you eat and increasing the calories you burn through exercise.
March 04, 2017
- Sensa and three other marketers of fad weight-loss products settle FTC charges in crackdown of deceptive advertising. Federal Trade Commission. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2014/01/sensa-three-other-marketers-fad-weight-loss-products-settle-ftc. Accessed Jan. 24, 2017.
- Hirsh AR, et al. Weight reduction through inhalation of odorants. Journal of Neurological and Orthopaedic Medicine and Surgery. 1995;16:28.
- Aroma Patch: Simple, fun way to help your dietary management. Aroma Patch. http://www.aromapatch.org/aroma_patch_press_release.htm. Accessed Jan. 24, 2017.
- Smell and weight loss: The science. Aroma Patch. http://www.aromapatch.org/aroma.htm. Accessed Jan. 24, 2017.
- The SlimScents solution: Specially formulated SlimScents diet pens. SlimScents. http://www.slimscents.com/sspens.php. Accessed Jan. 24, 2017.
- Mayer SN, et al. The role of specific olfactory stimulation in appetite suppression and weight loss. Journal of Advancement in Medicine. 1999;12:13.
- Ramaekers MG, et al. Odors: Appetizing or satiating? Development of appetite during odor exposure over time. International Journal of Obesity. 2014;38:650.
- Kemps E, et al. Olfactory stimulation curbs food cravings. Addictive Behaviors. 2013;38:1550.
- Firmin MW, et al. Effects of olfactory sense on chocolate craving. Appetite. 2016;105:700.
- Katherine Zeratsky (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 25, 2017.
- Sweet Fennel Appetite Suppressant Formula. Natural Patches of Vermont. https://www.naturalpatchesofvermont.com/fennel-appetite-suppressant/. Accessed Jan. 25, 2017.
- Aromatherapy and weight loss. AromaWeb. http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/weightloss.asp. Accessed Jan. 25, 2017.
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