Beauty Bites: Can a Pill Make You Gorgeous?
By Ning Chao
Nivea Body Beauty Program from the Good-Bye Cellulite Kit
Photo Credit: Jeff Westbrook/Studio D
Special Offer
THE PILL: Nivea Body Beauty Program from the Good-Bye Cellulite Kit
THE CLAIM: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and L-carnitine help the body burn fat and build lean muscle mass for a slimmer, smoother, and firmer physique in just one month.
COST: $18.99 for a 30-day supply that also includes a topical anticellulite cream-gel
GLASSMAN SAYS: "I remember when CLA was popular with bodybuilders because it helps you lose fat — especially in the abdominal area — but not muscle. The problem is that CLA may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps you burn fat, but it's a far stretch to say that would help with cellulite."
MC EDITORS' VERDICT: Skinny-day jeans fit more loosely, even though our tester avoided the gym while she was taking the pills. She also had less of an appetite the whole time and felt like she ate less than usual. But she didn't see any change in her cellulite.
BOTTOM LINE: ***
