According to dieticians, the weight-loss technique known as the "ice hack" is unlikely to be effective in reducing weight, despite the assertions of its creator and supporters on the internet. Despite a viral video by YouTube user Lyrics de Músicas, which has received over 37,000 views, claiming that "people are losing so much weight without having to make restrictive diets or crazy exercise programs with this weight-loss hack," and that the user's mother lost nearly 23 pounds in a few weeks, the claims are not supported by medical professionals.
The YouTube channel, with over 2.1 million subscribers, primarily features videos about the "ice hack" and other weight-loss techniques. However, the "ice hack" has nothing to do with ice but instead involves taking a supplement named Alpilean. Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton from the University of New South Wales in Sydney stated that the evidence supporting the claims for the Alpilean supplement is not compelling, and she could not find proof that the advertised ingredients increase body temperature.
Alpilean is advertised as a dietary supplement containing a combination of 6 alpine nutrients meant to raise the low inner body temperature, which they claim contributes to excess weight. On their website, Alpilean states that science has proven that low internal body temperature causes belly fat and that their supplement will help to address this issue.
Debunking 'Ice Hack' Supplement
Alpilean refers to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2019 which found a correlation between body temperature and obesity indicators in men and postmenopausal women. However, the study did not find the same correlation in pre-menopausal women and showed that body temperature increases with weight gain, contrary to Alpilean's assertion. The ingredients in Alpilean include dika nut, fucoxanthin from golden algae, drumstick tree leaf, bigarade orange, ginger root, and turmeric root.
Clare Collins, a laureate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of Newcastle in Australia, noted that although Alpilean provides a reference list, there is no research on the specific combination of supplements in the pill. All the ingredients are marketed as increasing inner body temperature for weight loss, but both Collins and Stanton stated that they could not find any credible evidence to support these claims. A review of supplements for weight loss reviewed a few ingredients in Alpilean and provided limited support for their effectiveness.
Dika nut, also known as Irvingia gabonensis, has previously been evaluated for its potential as a weight loss aid but was not recommended based on the evidence. A more recent report from Thailand found some benefits from dika nut in a short study, but the results were inconclusive due to a small sample size and a 12-week duration. According to Stanton, the study was supported by Blackmores, an Australian health supplements company, creating potential conflicts of interest. The study found no benefits for metabolism, inflammation, RTL, and aerobic capacity after taking the supplement.
Supplements with Limited Impact on Weight Loss
In summary, there is limited evidence to support the claim that the ingredients in these ice hack supplements can help with weight loss. Furthermore, the evidence that these supplements increase body temperature is weak, and the relationship between obesity and body temperature is questionable. Stanton expressed that there is little benefit for individuals to spend their money on these supplements. Newsweek attempted to reach out to Alpilean for a statement.
Similar to ice hack supplements, skinny teas are marketed as quick weight loss solutions and contain various natural ingredients claimed to aid in weight loss. However, research has shown that these teas have a limited impact on weight loss unless combined with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Collins suggests that consumers should pay close attention to the fine print, which typically mentions that the product should be consumed with a low-calorie diet and exercise and that results may vary.
In conclusion, there is limited evidence to support the claims that the ingredients in ice hack supplements or skinny teas can effectively aid in weight loss. Additionally, even if they have a temporary impact, the weight loss is often regained quickly after the diet. The advertisements for these products on YouTube, including a paid ad that the company recently removed, have been criticized as deceptive practices that take advantage of the audience. Health experts suggest that a more sustainable weight loss approach would be reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity.
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