WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THRIVE
Lifestyle getaways, luxury cars and a steady stream of income await affiliates of the Thrive experience. Or at least that’s how Le-Vel markets the opportunity to sell — and recruit others to sell — its flagship product line of supplements, shakes and patches, which are known collectively as the Thrive experience. But there are a few things you should know about this MLM, which started in 2012, and what it claims is “the hottest weight-loss, nutrition and fitness plan sweeping North America.” TINA.org first warned readers about Le-Vel and Thrive last November but here’s a more detailed look. First things first…
Does it work?
In a welcome video on its website, Le-Vel claims that the Thrive product line — which costs between $100 and $300 per month on an auto-delivery program — enables consumers to “reach peak physical and mental levels.” But a TINA.org review of the company’s website did not find any clinical studies supporting the advertised claims. In lieu of clinical data, Le-Vel points to glowing testimonials as proof that the product works. However, TINA.org found that several of these testimonials come from people whose Facebook activity indicates they have pitched the Thrive product themselves at one point or another. That is to say, they are past or present Le-Vel affiliates — or what the company calls “brand promoters” or simply “promoters” — whose views as salespeople may very well be skewed.
Thrive on
Adverse health events mounting
Since 2013, the FDA has received 16 adverse health event reports concerning Thrive products, documents obtained by TINA.org through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show. Common symptoms reported so far have included abdominal pain, headache and increased blood pressure. Three of the 16 reports cited the need for hospitalization or a visit to the emergency room. Manufacturers of dietary supplements like Thrive are not required to obtain FDA approval before going to market but they are required to report adverse health events to the agency.
Lifestyle getaways, luxury cars and a steady stream of income await affiliates of the Thrive experience. Or at least that’s how Le-Vel markets the opportunity to sell — and recruit others to sell — its flagship product line of supplements, shakes and patches, which are known collectively as the Thrive experience. But there are a few things you should know about this MLM, which started in 2012, and what it claims is “the hottest weight-loss, nutrition and fitness plan sweeping North America.” TINA.org first warned readers about Le-Vel and Thrive last November but here’s a more detailed look. First things first…
Does it work?
In a welcome video on its website, Le-Vel claims that the Thrive product line — which costs between $100 and $300 per month on an auto-delivery program — enables consumers to “reach peak physical and mental levels.” But a TINA.org review of the company’s website did not find any clinical studies supporting the advertised claims. In lieu of clinical data, Le-Vel points to glowing testimonials as proof that the product works. However, TINA.org found that several of these testimonials come from people whose Facebook activity indicates they have pitched the Thrive product themselves at one point or another. That is to say, they are past or present Le-Vel affiliates — or what the company calls “brand promoters” or simply “promoters” — whose views as salespeople may very well be skewed.
Thrive on
Adverse health events mounting
Since 2013, the FDA has received 16 adverse health event reports concerning Thrive products, documents obtained by TINA.org through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show. Common symptoms reported so far have included abdominal pain, headache and increased blood pressure. Three of the 16 reports cited the need for hospitalization or a visit to the emergency room. Manufacturers of dietary supplements like Thrive are not required to obtain FDA approval before going to market but they are required to report adverse health events to the agency.
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