I write to Slimfast:

Dear Dukes of Dieting,

I have been using the Slim Fast system for about 4 years now, and am very happy with all the products I have tried! Four short years ago, I was just another overweight exterminator’s assistant weighing in at a gargantuan 357 pounds. You can’t imagine some of the stares I would get and the comments people would make, thinking I couldn’t hear (I was bitten by a rabid dog at the age of 4, and have had super-hearing ever since), and let me tell you, friends, sometimes words can hit just as hard as a fist–not quite as hard as a brick or a lead pipe, but fists are hard enough…

Anyways, I was wallowing in pity and despair until 4 years ago, when Slim Fast changed my life! For the past 4 years, I have been drinking Slim Fast shakes 9 or 10 times a day, and snacking on a box of Slim Fast Rich Chewy Caramel Energy Bars between meals, and am proud to say that I am now down my “fighting weight” of 352 pounds! No longer do I hang my head in shame when my girlfriend (Ursula) wants to venture out in public. I stride boldly and tell everyone I meet that I owe it all to Slim Fast. In fact, I even had some Tshirts printed up (6XL) that proudly proclaim “Body by SlimFast.” Now when people stare, I know it’s because they’re gazing in admiration. I owe it all to you, and if you ever need someone to be in one of your commercials, sign me up! Thanks again for changing my life!

Sincerely,

David M. Cilluffo
Erie, PA

They reply:

Hello David!

Thank you for taking the time to contact us about the Ultra Slim-Fast plan.

The average weight loss you should expect when following the Slim-Fast Weight Loss Plan is one to two pounds a week. If you are losing weight faster than this, you should increase your calories by adding healthy snacks or a larger serving of protein at your dinner meal. More rapid weight loss than two pounds a week can be associated with health problems.

If your weight loss is slower than one to two pounds a week, you should keep a record of your food intake to make sure you are following the Plan as described. You should have a Slim-Fast shake or Meal On-The-Go Bar to replace two meals a day. Three snacks a day of fruit or Slim-Fast energy bars, along with a sensible dinner of 4-6 ounces of meat, fish, poultry or vegetarian equivalent, 1/2 baked potato, 3 servings of vegetables, and fruit for dessert, complete the Slim-Fast daily recommended intake. You should also drink eight 8 fl-oz glasses of water and exercise 60 minutes a day.

If you are adhering to this Plan and are not losing weight, you may wish to monitor your portion sizes or increase your exercise. Also, everyone experiences what is referred to as a ‘plateau’ where your scale may not reflect your weight loss as your body initially loses fat and gains muscle. Stick with the Plan and gradually weight loss should resume! Because weight loss varies by individual, if you continue to have difficulty losing weight on the Slim-Fast Plan, you may wish to see a registered dietitian for a thorough diet review.

Separately, I have sent you a copy of our “Guide to Healthy Living” which thoroughly reviews the Slim-Fast Plan for weight control and maintenance. Please enjoy the coupons on your next purchase of Slim-Fast.

Please call us toll free at 1-877-375-4632 or visit our website anytime you have questions about the Slim-Fast Plan or products.

Sincerely,

Tammy
Consumer Services