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Kimkins
Kimkins PR Director rebuts fraudulent claims.
BACKGROUND
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Please note, DietsInReview.com does not recommend the Kimkins diet program. Kimkins has completely misrepresented itself and the information it presents to customers, and in doing so, has endangered the lives of many of those people.
UPDATE 10/10 Kimkins Diets Founder Heidi Diaz is found guilty of fraud and false advertising
UPDATE 11/09: Kimkins Class Action Lawsuit Filed
Kimkins broke into the diet scene in 2000 selling itself as the one sure thing to end your dieting chaos. She said she had been an obese 300 pounds and like so many others, struggled to find a diet that worked for her. So she created her own solution- a low-carb/low-calorie diet that she says works incredibly fast. Not only would Kimkins help you lose weight quickly (198 pounds in one year in her case), but the plan would set you up for success for life. Kimkins also excitedly promotes that you won't have to do a single stretch, sprint or sit-up as exercise isn't necessary to achieve these amazing results.
Unfortunately, none of it is true. Kimkins is being investigated for fraud after many customers became seriously ill. Kimkins is an excruciatingly low-calorie diet and none of the information presented as fact as any medical or scientific support. Kimmer herself does not have a nutritional background and her advice is strictly from what appears to be fake experiences.
PRO
- None to speak of
CON
There is a laundry list of reasons why you should not follow the Kimkins diet. Currently the creator, Heidi Diaz, who operates under the alias Kimmer, is the possible subject of a potential class-action lawsuit and under investigation for fraud. Many of the Kimkins customers are becoming dangerously sick from following the Kimkins program. While Kimmer markets the diet as being a quick solution that will last for life, and losing 200 pounds in one year herself, she currently is morbidly obese- not at all what her ads claim.
- No research or healthcare endoresements
- Plan contradicts sound medical research
- Dangerously low caloric intake
- No exercise
- Suggested to take laxatives regularly
- Creator under investigation for fraud
- Creator does not have any nutrition or medical experience
Additionally, many followers of Kimkins have reported frightening side effects, including:
- Constant nausea
- Hair loss
- Fainting
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Bone and/or joint pain
- Constipation
DIET and NUTRITION
The proposed Kimkins diet is made up mainly of lean protein, very little fat or carbs and no fiber. The diet is said to be based on Atkins, but with Kimmer's personal twist. The average user consumes about 1200 calories a day; many users admit to only about 500 calories a day.
EXERCISE
Kimkins advertises that you will not need any exercise to achieve your desired goals.
CONCLUSION
Mom always said "If it's too good to be true, it probably is". And in the case of Kimkins, it sounded so much better than it actually turned out to be. This is one rapid weight loss fad that turned out to be a rapid weight loss scam. Consumers have been raising flags of concern about both the legitimacy of Kimkins and the health risks linked with the program. Heidi Diaz "Kimmer" is currently under investigation for fraud. It's unfortunate that so many men and women were duped by this convincing and charming sales woman. But it appears that this scam produced nothing more than a very lucrative eating disorder that has left a lot of people hurting.
Common misspellings: Kimmer, KimKens, Kemkins, Kemkind, Kimkins deit review
UPDATE
In October 2007 Diets in review received a rebuttal to our review (below letter) from Jeannie Baitinger - Kimkins PR Director. In January 2008, Kimmer sent a rebuttal and Jeannie responded letting us know that she had left Kimkins and severed all ties with the lawsuit-ridden program.
Dear Jim,
Thank you for giving Kimkins.com the opportunity to present our side of the story.
First please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jeannie Baitinger and on the website I am known as Tippy Toes. I am employed by Kimkins.com as PR Director and as management.
We know we are under attack from various sources. But many of these sources are coming from people who have only heard about our diets and have not actually tried them. The effect has been much like a snowball effect of people who genuinely mean well but are not actual members. Much is based on hear say and negative publicity.
Moreover, we offer no calorie limits on any plan. There are no 500 calorie per day plans. No plan is 100% fat free. We do allow the individual to use common sense when adding healthy fats and we term this as "just enough fat to make it work". We do not promote starvation of any kind and we never will. We encourage members to stick within the plan guidelines and further, we encourage them to add extra protein and possibly extra salads if they are still hungry or not feeling well.
We do not encourage or promote laxative abuse. However, it is not at all uncommon for a low carb diet plan to cause constipation. When a member complains we have recommended gentle stimulants such as M.O.M. or 100% physillium husks. There is also a tea which is helpful in relieving symptoms. We will never recommend laxatives as part of weight loss plans. Never!
Additionally we do encourage our members to have their Doctor's review the plans and monitor their progress. Many, many members report excellent lab reviews and Doctor's blessings. On our website I have never seen anything but positive reviews. On other websites I read the negatives but without offered proof. What I do read are stories of hair loss. This seems common on a lot of diets. Even the Atkins diet can cause this. When I did Atkins it happened to me. Oddly, I never lost hair doing Kimkins though. But again, hair loss is easily corrected and people who have their Doctor's monitoring progress can address the issue and get help. I would find it rather bizarre to lose huge chunks of my hair and still continue with any diet WITHOUT seeing my Doctor immediately. So I must question why there are no medical claims based on proof...
I am personally a Kimkins success story. I began my weight loss journey at 263 lbs. I am a female of 5' 7". I began losing weight with the Atkins diet (also quite con-traversal) and did well on it for about a year. I lost approximately 50 lbs on Atkins and then it stopped working. For the next 6 months I lost no further weight or inches. A dear friend told me about the Kimkins diet and I decided to give it a try. The weight came off just as promised! EXACTLY as promised! I made a personal choice to begin alternating Kimkins diet with Atkins. On Kimkins I could lose the weight and on Atkins breaks I could easily maintain it. Today my current weight is 152. Maintaining my weight has never been so easy thanks to a low carb lifestyle.
Our website is full of happy success stories much like mine. Many people have no trouble doing only Kimkins straight to goal. I have seen amazing losses--as much as 100lbs in 5 months. These big losses are quite common at Kimkins. Side effects appear minimal and as stated previously we do encourage everyone to have their Doctor's monitor them every step of the way.
Our members are not uneducated people being mislead. We just completed a Teacher's Challenge and the entire group lost an unbelievable amount of weight. The teacher's group had planned to make a public donation to fund teachers but with all the negative publicity they have opted for private donations instead. It is not at all uncommon for Internet users to wish to remain private. That is why many choose a nickname rather than using a real name.
As far as the founder of Kimkins.com is concerned and with all due respect, most members really don't care who she really is or is not. We believe the founder has every right to privacy and further we believe she is entitled to such. Her real name and weight is not an issue to people who are serious about weight loss and finally are able to make it happen. People buy a membership for their own weight loss and that is what they get. Weight loss. Our claim "there is no faster weight loss plan" is very accurate.
I will be more than happy to issue you a temporary site pass if you would like to come in and see what is really happening for yourself. Just let me know if you are interested in the real truth. It's pretty amazing!
Sincerely,
Jeannie Baitinger, PR
Kimkins.com
end of Kimkins rebuttal
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User Feedback
(Page 3 of 7, 122 total comments)Lola
I joined Kimkins on 7/23/07 and have lost 15 pounds in one month. The "Low Calorie" rumors are false, you can eat as much lean protein that you want on K/E. There are different plans to fit your lifestyle, no one is holding a gun to your head to eat 500 calories per day, that is ridiculous. Exercise is encouraged but not required. It's all up to YOU, isn't it? I finally got my sugar cravings and binge eating under control on the Kimkins plan and I adore their online community. It's easy and I've dropped two dress sizes in a month and I feel GREAT.
Jayne
I found Kimkins through the Woman's World magazine article and joined in late June 2007. This way of eating is amazing, I cannot say enough about the many positives I have experienced. I have lost 32 pounds, lowered my blood pressure to normal range, my knees don't hurt me anymore, I have more energy and stamina. I could go on an on. This is a very healthy way to eat, lean protein, low fat, low carb and exercise is encouraged contrary to the false reports. I believe that anyone who has all but given up on their hope of ever losing weight and being healthy, needs to give this plan a shot. What have you got to lose?
The Princess
Yes, a fraud. Yes, dangerous to your health. No, not a good diet option. Do a simple google web or google blog search (preferably both) before you even THINK about paying $60 for a starvation diet that will damage your metabolism, waste your muscle mass, make your hair fall out, and, if you persist on it, possibly damage your heart and kidneys. This is not a safe diet. Kimmer is a double persona for Heidi Diaz. Google up that name and see the pics of her at Slamboard site. She is FAT. She did not lose the weight (or if she ever did , which her ex-husband and ex-daughter in law deny) she didn't maintain it as she said. She's posted "after" pictures of herself, and they have been various models. None of them have been Kimmer/Heidi. So, thsi plan is based on a fraud, it's based on bad nutritional information, and the site itself has a bunch of brutish administrators who censor all who post with questions and will not tolerate any dissent. It's like a cult of some sort, with groupthink taking over and freedom of thought or speech or real and honest questions squelched. Do not put money in a scammer's pocket. Avoid Kimkins. Find a healthy way to lose weight. If someone promises a loss of 4 pounds a week or one pound a day--beware. They are peddling danger. Drop by the blogs Kimkins Exposed or The TRUTH Starts here or Kimkins Dangers or Kimkins Circus or the blogs of former members and administrators who learned the hard way. You'll find the links at Kimkins Exposed. Be a smart consumer. CAVEAT EMPTOR regarding KIMKINS. The Princess
moofie
the lifetime membership of kimkins only lasts until you dare to question anything. then suddenly you're lifetime membership ends. mine lasted less than 3months, and without explanation or warning i was banned. but i am in good company -- there are dozens and dozens who've found their own kimkins lifetimes abruptly ended. great business practices, huh?
anotherkim
I cannot believe all these poor people defending the diet. Kimmer or Heidi or whoever asked them to come here and post. When you have a lifetime weight problem you are desperate and you will risk anything for the magic bullet. Please be careful! Do the research. you will be glad you did!
LaPrincesa
Do a simple google web or google blog search (preferably both) before you even THINK about paying $60 for a starvation diet that will damage your metabolism, waste your muscle mass, make your hair fall out, and, if you persist on it, possibly damage your heart and kidneys. This is not a safe diet. Kimmer is a double persona for Heidi Diaz. Google up that name and see the pics of her at Slamboard site. She is FAT. She did not lose the weight (or if she ever did , which her ex-husband and ex-daughter in law deny) she didn't maintain it as she said. She's posted "after" pictures of herself, and they have been various models. None of them have been Kimmer/Heidi. So, thsi plan is based on a fraud, it's based on bad nutritional information, and the site itself has a bunch of brutish administrators who censor all who post with questions and will not tolerate any dissent. It's like a cult of some sort, with groupthink taking over and freedom of thought or speech or real and honest questions squelched. Do not put money in a scammer's pocket. Avoid Kimkins. Find a healthy way to lose weight. If someone promises a loss of 4 pounds a week or one pound a day--beware. They are peddling danger. Drop by the blogs Kimkins Exposed or The TRUTH Starts here or Kimkins Dangers or Kimkins Circus or the blogs of former members and administrators who learned the hard way. You'll find the links at Kimkins Exposed. Be a smart consumer. CAVEAT EMPTOR regarding KIMKINS. La Princesa
Anonymous
Kimkins before and after "success" stories are made up. The photos were taken off various russian bride sites. Fraud. No "success" stories and the people who claim success lost the majority of their weight on other plans. FAKE.
Doggygirl
The most amazing "success story" featured on www.Kimkins.com is Kimmers story of losing nearly 200 pounds in 11 months, and keeping it off for years. What's more amazing is how FALSE that story is. In fact Kimmer is morbidly obese, and is facing a potential class action law suit. See www.slamboard.com for current pictures of Kimmer. And search the web for the truth about Kimmer and Kimkins before you hand over any money. DG
LaPrincesa
Do a simple google web or google blog search (preferably both) before you even THINK about paying $60 for a starvation diet that will damage your metabolism, waste your muscle mass, make your hair fall out, and, if you persist on it, possibly damage your heart and kidneys. This is not a safe diet. Kimmer is a double persona for Heidi Diaz. Google up that name and see the pics of her at Slamboard site. She is FAT. She did not lose the weight (or if she ever did , which her ex-husband and ex-daughter in law deny) she didn't maintain it as she said. She's posted "after" pictures of herself, and they have been various models. None of them have been Kimmer/Heidi. So, thsi plan is based on a fraud, it's based on bad nutritional information, and the site itself has a bunch of brutish administrators who censor all who post with questions and will not tolerate any dissent. It's like a cult of some sort, with groupthink taking over and freedom of thought or speech or real and honest questions squelched. Do not put money in a scammer's pocket. Avoid Kimkins. Find a healthy way to lose weight. If someone promises a loss of 4 pounds a week or one pound a day--beware. They are peddling danger. Drop by the blogs Kimkins Exposed or The TRUTH Starts here or Kimkins Dangers or Kimkins Circus or the blogs of former members and administrators who learned the hard way. You'll find the links at Kimkins Exposed. Be a smart consumer. CAVEAT EMPTOR regarding KIMKINS. La Princesa
Anonymous
It amazes me that anyone would still claim this diet is good. All of you sheep should be ashamed of yourselves.
Anonymous
I believe you should know the following information about the company Kimkins.com that you are an affiliate of: It turns out that the Kimkins marketing information is fraudulent. Kimmer (aka Heidi Diaz) is morbidly obese (see the PI pictures at www.slamboard.com). She is not the lady in the red dress on the website and there is no reason to believe that she ever lost 198 pounds. Kimkins and Heidi Diaz are facing a class action lawsuit and Heidi Diaz is being investigated for fraud. The diet is dangerous and people are getting sick. When the Kimkins assets are frozen, affiliates will not be paid their commissions. Affiliates who knowingly participate in this fraudulent marketing may also be liable for damages. Please protect yourself from this fraud. Here is a website that has a good concise explanation of the scandal: http://www.3fatchicks.com/Diets/Diet_Articles/Kimkins%3A_Anatomy_of_a_Diet_Scam/
Duped!
Kimkins is the biggest scam ever! She has never lost weight on this diet and is actually a morbidly obese woman of about 300 pounds. She continues to lie to her members. I was only on it for three days and was sick the entire time not to mention that it depleted my potassium due to severe diarrhea. She is also under investigation for solicitating funds for nonexistent foster children through her Kimkins website and other scams. Family members who have been contacted have confirmed that she has been scamming people for years! She need to be brought to justice!
Anonymous
You may have already received this information but in case you haven't, I believe you should know the following information about the company Kimkins.com that you are an affiliate of: It turns out that the Kimkins marketing information is fraudulent. Kimmer (aka Heidi Diaz) is morbidly obese (see the PI pictures at www.slamboard.com). She is not the lady in the red dress on the website and there is no reason to believe that she ever lost 198 pounds. Kimkins and Heidi Diaz are facing a class action lawsuit and Heidi Diaz is being investigated for fraud. The diet is dangerous and people are getting sick. When the Kimkins assets are frozen, affiliates will not be paid their commissions. Affiliates who knowingly participate in this fraudulent marketing may also be liable for damages. Please protect yourself from this fraud. Here is a website that has a good concise explanation of the scandal: http://www.3fatchicks.com/Diets/Diet_Articles/Kimkins%3A_Anatomy_of_a_Diet_Scam/ Thank you for listening,
PLEASE DON'T
Hello, This is a fraudulent and dangerous diet plan. Heidi Diaz NEVER lost the weight and people are getting sick on this foolish crash diet. If you wish to research further, please go to these sites: http://kimkinsexposed.wordpress.com/ http://winningweight.blogspot.com/ http://kimkinsdangers.blogspot.com/ http://the-journey-on.blogspot.com/ http://openbench.blogspot.com/ http://kimkinssurvivors.wordpress.com/ Thank you for your time, A very concerned ex-Kimkins member and concerned citizen
Willa Smith
Before you consider this scam diet - do your research. All these positive comments? What about these people? Another scam. Don't kid yourself...they are all Kimmer herself pretending to be a success story.
Kimkin Sucks
Kimmer is a fake and Kimkins is an unsafe plan. Consider South Beach or Atkins for healthy weightloss and learning how to eat to keep it off!
Anonymous
This diet is a SCAM! Everything about it is a lie. Most of the success stories were FAKE. DONT DO IT. save your money.
Anonymous
I would highly recommend doing a search of the web before plunking down the $60 to become a member. This diet is a scam, concocted by a 300+ lb. scam artist. Whether it's healthy or not depends on whether you follow "the plan" or "the plan behind the plan", which is where the disordered eating comes into play.
Anonymous
What is it going to take to put this woman behind bars, someone dying. Gosh I hope not...
Anonymous
What is it going to take to put this woman behind bars, someone dying. Gosh I hope not...