A new dietary supplement that claims to use an ‘ice hack’ to aid weight loss is attracting attention but what exactly is the Alpilean supplement and how does its manufacturer claim it works?
In the past three days, a YouTube account has posted 26 videos about a supplement named Aplilean. Although many of the posts feature the word “review” in the title, they appear to feature marketing language. They don’t provide personal accounts of the product, although Aplilean’s official website appears in the comments section.
On TikTok, content surrounding the weight loss ‘ice hack’ has been seen too, with many search results coming from accounts with the word ‘Alpilean’ in their user names.
We explore the ‘ice hack’ for weight loss, the Aplilean supplement, and more.
The ‘ice hack’ for weight loss explored
Alpilean allegedly uses an “Alpine ice hack” to help the body burn fat. The official Aplilean website makes no direct reference to the hack but the phrase is consistently used in third-party content about the capsules. The YouTube videos that appear to be affiliated with Alpilean all include the phrase ‘Alpine ice hack’ in the titles.
Media coverage of the dietary supplement also claims the product’s creators discovered and implemented the Alpine method, but where this claim originates isn’t stated.
For example, Tribune India writes without naming its source: “The supplement gets its name from an odd ice hack and alpine fat-burning trick used by certain traditional communities.”
Other online descriptions of the ice hack include claims it includes a diet plan, workout routine, and ice therapy techniques. Ultimately, there doesn’t appear to be a consistent or official explanation of the ice hack.
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Alpilean supplement goes viral
Almost overnight it appears as though the Alpilean supplement is everywhere, with new reviews continually popping up. Mostly we are seeing YouTube videos and TikToks discussing or possibly advertising the product.
The official Alpilean website features a number of customer reviews raving about physical transformations.
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“Leona T from Delaware” describes the capsules as “like a magic trick,” while “Deborah from Wyoming” claims to have lost 34lb (15.5kg).
How does Alpilean claim to work regarding weight loss?
Alpilean claims its product “rapidly dissolves fat even in the worst cases by enhancing your metabolism.” The website claims its all-natural capsules target body temperature to achieve results.
The company behind the product claims findings from a study conducted by Stanford University and Swiss clinical research found body temperature plays a role in how fat is metabolized.
The Alpilean website claims: “In 2022, after studying over 170 years of scientific data, a team of researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine discovered just one common factor in overweight women and men – low inner body temperature. And the one thing common in the skinny people? Normal inner body temperature!”
The website also cites three studies by The National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Alpilean states its supplement contains six natural ingredients – golden algae, dika nut, drumstick tree leaf, bigrade orange, ginger rhizome, and turmeric rhizome – and five active ingredients, such as fucoxanthin, which target inner temperature.
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What does the FDA say about weight loss claims?
Alpilean’s website states its supplements are manufactured in the US and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
However, the FDA does not evaluate nor approve claims made by companies selling dietary supplements. Alpilean’s claims, for example, that the product “alters inner body temperature” would be considered a “structure/function” claim. The FDA states: “Structure/function claims describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect the structure or function of the body.”
The FDA does not approve claims such as Alpilean’s regarding inner body temperature, nor evaluates products of this nature before they reach the market. Consequently, when claims are made by a company they must include a disclaimer explaining they are not FDA-evaluated.
Alpilean does include the legally required disclaimer at the bottom of its website.
If you or someone you know needs support, there are many eating disorder helplines in the UK here to help. Beat can be contacted at 0808 801 0677 while Mind’s contact number is 0300 123 3393.
If you are based in the USA, you can call NEDA on (800) 931-2237.
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