London Weight Management at Clementi Mall

This blog is based on my opinion and personal experience. You may choose not to believe my words. Maybe I'm just unlucky and you're extremely lucky to get your cents worth.

For those who googled London Weight Management, Expressions or any slimming center, please read on. If you have just paid for a slimming package, hopefully, you won't be hard sell and suffer mental torture each time you visit the Centre to see your dream come true - reduced to ideal weight.

I received a call from a London Weight Management (LWM) to say I have a free treatment from them because I purchased e-coupon Expressions Fat Freeze via Deal.com.

The appointment was fixed before I received Expressions Fat Freeze.  Yesterday, 11 Aug 2014 was my appointment.  I didn't feel like going.  Complimentary ... what sort of  hard sell and mental torture am I going to face?  Is it really free and I don't need to top up or be forced to take up a package before a complimentary treatment is given?  Thought maybe weather would change into a cloudy day then I don't need to go out but in the end, I went because the sky was clear (if rained after I left LWM).  LWM asked whether I've an appointment, I said yes, 11am.  They said not indicated but later said yes, they found.  I handed my NRIC so that LWM can record to ensure I was really a new customer (same as Expressions, they took my NRIC to verify).  Then, I was ushered into a room to wait for my consultant.  While waiting, I received a call from LWM at Tiong Bahru Plaza.  Weird, I said I prefer Clementi Mall because it is nearer so what were they doing?  LWM has recommended that I go to Tiong Bahru Plaza because it is the main branch and there are more discounts there.  I said No over the phone, I was lazy to travel.  

There were a few files that were meant for waiting customer to browse.  I read and noticed some facts that I wasn't aware.  While trying to put up this post, I did a web search and also get to see nice slimming reviews posted by sponsored customers.

After I was greeted by my consultant (sounded like Malaysian but she told me she is a Hong Konger), I was led to an area to take my height, weight and computerised BMI. Then I was told the reading showed I was overweight. I need to shred about 10 kg to achieve BMI weight.  

I was snapped pictures before the procedure – yes, uncomfortable evidence of my problem areas – abdomen, tummy, buttock and thighs... and arms (I felt ok but consultant insisted my arms were not in good proportion). That process made me really uneasy because I had to take pictures by removing my clothes and who knows what they will do to my pictures.  Although it was a complimentary session, I hope LWM won't use my pictures without my permission.  It is about my privacy so I don't want my friends, colleagues to see an ugly me.  I didn't "sell my pictures/privacy" for a complimentary treatment... I'm not that cheapskate.  Models are paid, I'm not.  I'm worried.

All the pictures were taken from other websites.  

Extracted these from LWM:

Buttocks

A sagging butt refers to one that lacks muscle definition in the gluteus maximus, the large muscles in the buttocks. Ideally, buttocks should have firm and taut muscles, giving this area and the thighs, the appearance of definition. However, long hours of sitting at work cause excessive fat cells to accumulate between the gluteal muscles and the external layer of skin, causing the butt to have a saggy appearance. 

Causes

* With age, the gluteal muscles, as with every other muscle in the body, lose their strength and tone.

* Lack of exercise causes excess body fat to accumulate between the gluteal muscles and the external layer of skin, promoting a saggy butt.  

* Sitting down or staying in one posture for too long causes a large amount of fat cells to accumulate in the buttock area.

Tummy

Water retention and toxin buildup, refer to an excessive and abnormal accumulation of fluids or toxins in the circulatory system or body tissues. Those who have water retention or a huge amount of toxins in their bodies will tend to have a plump and bloated appearance. 

Causes

* Diet (Huge intake of salt) – As the body strives to maintain a balance of sodium and water, it will hold on to more water to offset excess salt intake.

* Long hours of standing cause fluid to accumulate in the tissues of the lower leg.

* Pre-menstrual syndrome – Some ladies experience water retention in the two weeks prior to menstruation.

* Pregnancy – Change in hormones encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid.

* Oral contraceptives – Pills that include Oestrogen can trigger fluid retention.

* Dietary deficiency –Insufficient protein or vitamin B1 in the diet can cause water.

* Medications – Certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication and anti-inflammatory drugs are known to cause fluid retention.

* Daily stress, unhealthy eating habits, air and water pollution, over-consumption of medication and dehydration can clog our body with toxins. If these impurities are not gotten rid of promptly through detoxification, it will be absorbed into the body.

 Water are being squeezed out from the vessels = water retention

Thigh

Weight problems in the thigh area can be divided into 3 categories:

Category 1: Fleshy and extremely fair in skin tone. Thighs are not firm and skin appears loose.

Category 2: Thighs are considerably firm but will appear heavy with no defined contour. 

Category 3: Signs of swelling which can be attributed to water retention after long hours of sitting or standing still. This happens most often to working women who sit for long hours each day.

Causes

* Extra fat in the thigh area can be caused by the presence of too many fatty cells or cells that are too large in size.

* Bulky thighs can also be hereditary. If anyone in the family happens to have bulky and chunky thighs, chances are it runs in the family.

* Poor eating habits, overeating or eating too fast can lead to nutrition-caused chunky thighs

* Huge appetite and love for sweet and high-calorie food can lead to chunky thighs with sagging fat.

* Lack of exercise, sitting for a long period of time and incorrect posture will slow down metabolism and affect blood and lymphatic circulation. This can lead to the accumulation of fat and water on the thigh areas.

Note that all the measurement taken were based on that particular area (I have 4 targeted areas) circumference.  Example, consultant took the measurement of my upper thigh and lower thigh.  

I was eager to try the treatment and get rid of some annoying fats! At the same time, I was afraid of mental torture.  Consultant gave me an introduction, the services she recommended, what is cellulite, water retention and showed me her customer's testimonial.  At 12pm, I was still in the consultation room.  Consultant wanted to go out to get something so I pulled out my phone and Googled "London Weight Management" and saw below.  

Losing 100g considered result guaranteed?  I guess so.

I was thinking if I pay $18, instead of receiving complimentary treatment, I could be spared from agony ... at least I paid something, not receiving any free treatment.... hope it is not Expression which made me paid $28 + $21.70 but gave me a horrible demo experience.  I checked with LWM consultant, she said the complimentary session is similar to this $18 trial.  Later I noticed the difference is I didn't get ampoule.  The reason why ampoule is used is because of its a very small molecule, for better absorption into the skin.  From a 24 hour fat-burning ampoule, the consultant 'upgraded' to a 48 hour fat-burning ampoule ... if I sign a package.

Consultant was persuading me to purchase a package with step 1 and 2 + step 3 free at about $170 per visit.  By the time she noticed I wasn't going to sign any package and has the intention to leave (forgo the complimentary treatment), she said she would show me to a 15 mins sauna (aroma therapy-steam bath).  Wrapped in a short towel and holding another to cover my face, I was directed to the sauna room. It was my first time trying steaming, I couldn't stand the heat.  My face was so hot and the steam that was blowing below was like scalding my legs.  I was in and out of the steam room, washing and cooling my face towel.  Then my consultant came and showed me to a room where I was told to lie on a huge piece of plastic.

Sea Salt was applied and then I was wrapped in a piece of plastic sheet.  I was covered with a thermal blanket for about 30mins.

My head wasn't covered but the heat made my forehead and face perspired (hasn't perspire that much for many years).  I could stand the heat since my face was exposed but the 'blanket weight' seems to make me hard to breath.  I tried to move my body, then I realised certain area of that thermal bed was hotter so I had to stick to my original position. 

I know sweating is a way of “evaporative cooling”, a mechanism by which the body regulates its temperature. If you are sweating, it means your metabolism is probably in high gear.  Sweating is also a way to discharge toxins. Consultant said sweating detoxes and by laying 30 mins, it is equivalent to exercising eg doing sit-ups.  For that method, my body is trying to get rid of the water that was giving me extra kilos.  Earlier, consultant has used an example of potato soaked in salt water, forcing water to come out from the potato and then made it looked smaller. I was encouraging and telling myself to endure, I wanted to see good results.

Then I decided to place my palms on my chest, hoping that stretching a bit could reduce the tightness of the blanket.  While I was trying to 'breath', the consultant walked in with a file.  She flipped other customers' testimonial and continued selling.  Then she decided to upgrade me by allowing me to try the machine for free.  I told her, I don't want her to give me freebies and then if I decided not to take up any package, she would be utterly disappointed.  (I felt paiseh too) You really need layers of skin = thick skin to somebody who appeared 'nice'.

When my 30 mins was up, she removed the blanket and let me cool down.  When the plastic sheet was removed, she showed me my sweat and said that amount I discharged wasn't a lot.  Some customers could discharge triple of my amount.

The consultant stressed on how hard she tried to get her manager to give me discount (step 1 and 2 + step 3 free at about $170 per visit).  Then she realised I wasn't keen with freebies .... I told her many times, I wasn't keen to spend more than one month of my salary, she finally got the meaning!  Then she proposed her best deal, a student  price package at $642, 10 visits (step 3), inclusive of GST.  Step 3 was quoted as free if I've taken step 1 and 2.

During the super long consultation, I was told there are the must do Step 1 (see above $18 trial), Step 2 (machine) before taking Step 3 = Body Contouring.  I asked how come I can do slimming without going through step 1 and 2.  She said some customers were able to slim 100g to 1kg by taking that package (sweating).  My head was filled with her Step 1 and Step 2 theory.  Also, I have not forgotten my bad experience at Cenosis.  If I wasn't drilled on the importance of step 1 and 2 and faced Cenosis' mental torture many years ago, I would have taken up her 'kind' offer.  

Once bitten twice shy and the price of $3800 or discounted $170 per visit certainly wasn't tempting.  No guarantee of result, I'm not prepared to part with my hard earned money and 'suffer mental torture each time I walk into LWM'.  LWM consultant said whatever I paid, I will get it and no hard selling.  For the sake of myself, I resisted, can't trust a sales person.... how to trust a person whom I met not long ago?  She said to give her and myself a chance to experience LWM .... at my expense?  I doubt any other first timers can be so stubborn and hard to fish money from.  LWM must be frustrated that there is such a hard nut to crack.

I was given new towel to take a shower.  Wash off my 'toxins'.  

Web search indicated that while you're having a sauna, be sure to have water handy, and be sure to supplement with a vitamin, as you sweat out some of your essential vitamins.  I remember I wanted to get a drink but another LWM consultant stopped me, saying during treatment, I wasn't suppose to sip any water.  Therefore, I waited for my next treatment by machine.  I can't drink water because the fluid may make me weigh more?

The consultant didn't give me ampoule, it was just gel pads placed on my arms, waist, tummy, back (kidney area) and thighs. Thereafter, the pads were secured with elastic velcro straps.   The pads deliver electric pulses to the skin to stimulate the muscles and trigger contractions which will in turn, tone the muscles.  

Two different electric current were used to help me break fat and then do toning.  When the power was switched to toning, I had a fright, it was different from the earlier current.  It was strong but definitely bearable and 'soothing'... compared to sweating profusely under heat (I can't really tolerate heat), I like this method.  That machine treatment was different from Cenosis.  At Cenosis, it was too mild, can't feel any "vibration".  The electrical stimulation was simply too "gentle".  LWM consultant said the current she set was just 1/3 of other customer.  Can't imagine if it was in full throttle, what sort of sensation it would be.

Finally, my 'shiok shiok' electric current ended.  I was told to change into my own clothes and wait for consultant in the room.  In the room, I was measured and given another mental blasting.  My total weight lost was only 700g.  If I managed to sip water without being caught, I guess my weight will be +, not minus!  I think I didn't perspire enough and also felt it wasn't fat reduction.  Total cm lost (4 targetted areas) was 8.5cm.  Consultant went out to get something and I pulled out my phone .... shocked, almost 3.30pm, no wonder I was so hungry.  When the consultant was back, I told her, I was in LWM from 11am to 3.30pm (I was told the time required, including consultation was 2.5 hours), I was hungry and adamant to leave.

I made a narrow escape stating I really needed food.  Consultant said to go back to her after my 'lunch'.  I know I won't be going back but in order to leave, I 'assured her that I will ring her if I'm coming back'.  Phew, finally out of LWM.  Luckily, she didn't offer me a cup of London coffee to hold back my hunger, otherwise, I don't know what time they would release me.  Such a treatment is unsuitable for most people.... I felt like saying tolong, spare me, let me go.  Reader of this blog should "praise me for being so patient and stubborn ".

Just a note to first timers or those who have a soft ears.  If you don't know how to say No, you better avoid slimming centres.  If you have a lot of spare cash and the fats that you're having is really going to push you to sign up packages (in order to get rid of fats or solve face problems), do read online reviews and compare.  Don't just read those written by sponsored bloggers, not quite true.  Sales people or sponsored bloggers will say things to the Sponsor/Center's advantage, all they want is a chance to brainwash you to fill their pockets.  Yes, your health and weight loss is their concern but if you didn't get to reduce your weight, they will persuade you to sign more packages claiming you've stubborn fats and need more treatments. They may even say you didn't follow their healthy diet program.

When LWM claimed they are offering good slimming solutions and packages better than competitors, I said I had no chance to compare (first time trying steaming and thermal blanket) so I cannot say they are the best or is the one I wanted.  There's no guarantee I won't regret paying. I have tried fat freeze but LWM is using a different method.... how to compare?

I wonder if I rub sea salt on my overweight areas and wrap with kitchen clingy wrap, force my body to sweat, will such DIY help?  To induce sweating, I'll do some stretching, not vigorous exercises.  Maybe I'll end up scratching and the wrapped areas become swollen?  I remember recently I was in the storeroom digging something, I perspired in a place with no air-con and poor ventilation.  Maybe, I should wear thicker clothes and stay in the storeroom or go to the park take a brisk 30mins walk?  If sweating is going to make me lighter, solve water retention problem, my idea sound workable?  

What about the fats?  I am not an expert but I do feel most of the additional kilos were fats.

In conclusion, most women want to look good - slender figure.  

Who wants to be ugly and unattractive?  But how many of you are willing to pay $3800 for packages that are not result guaranteed?   How many will pay and can withstand hard sell at each visit?  After you've paid, you need perseverance, patience and determination so as to see result.  Then you need to maintain either by home use products or London coffee.

My hubby tried Herbalife and other so call healthy products.  When he stopped drinking Herbalife, he ballooned to a size that was worse then before.  Would London slimming drink (coffee) be the same?  The consultant said, drinking London coffee is to maintain.  When the word 'maintain' is used, you need to know there are side effects if you do not faithfully continue to drink.  That consultant offered to give me her monthly coffee (consultant said smells like coffee but its not coffee) entitlement.  I wan't attracted to it.  I was simply not keen to pay a package that cost more than my monthly salary.  Consultant told me ala-carte per session costed more than $380 and she has already slashed a lot. Even though consultant break down as monthly 0% interest instalment to make the amount look small and attractive but I told her, eventually, I still need to part with more than one month of my salary.  By breaking up the costs doesn't change the total cost.  She asked whether hubby knows I went for slimming, I said no, why should I tell him when I'm paying.  I'm not a rich tai-tai with a hubby's credit card to sign for my purchases.  Was she planning to tell me spending hubby's money is a wife's privilege?

These were extracted based on Google search.

Water retention

"Water retention can really mess with your head when you’re dieting to lose weight. It can hide fat loss and even make you feel fatter".

"Here are the three most common causes for water retention:

1. Excess Sodium

The body needs sodium and potassium to achieve optimal levels of fluid balance. With proper nutrition, i.e. eating primarily whole foods, this tends to happen naturally.

However, things like excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, and a sudden increase in intake of foods high in sodium can throw these levels off balance.

This ties into the idea that many people think carbs are what make you bloated, but in reality, it is not the carbs that cause water retention, it is the sodium that typically accompanies the higher carbohydrate foods that causes the bloat.  

Potassium is a big player specifically in bodily functions relating to digestion and muscle contraction.  Also, if the body is too acidic or too alkaline, this can also cause fluid retention as well.

2. Emotional Stress

Emotional stress affects our hormone levels as well, in much the same way as physical stress. Lack of sleep, tension, constant worrying... these are all examples of things that can cause stress on the body over time."


"Other potential causes are lung diseases, thyroid disease and arthritis, as joints affected in certain cases tend to swell with fluid. Liver disease and malignant lymphoedema that block structures of the lymphatic system can cause swelling. 

Oedema (water retention) that occurs in the leg may be caused by a blood clot, a growth or a cyst or varicose veins.  In the first instance, you could lose weight if needed, continue with your regular exercise, elevate your legs in bed each day to improve your circulation and, if relevant, avoid standing for long periods of time. Wearing support stockings usually helps too. "

"Drinking lots of alcohol or too many caffeinated drinks (eg coffee) may lead to dehydration and cause fluid retention. Although there several herbal and dietary supplements, for example containing dandelion, ginger and nettle which have been traditionally used as treatments for water retention, check with your GP before taking these."

"There are many natural diuretics that are much healthier for weight loss than pills. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet that includes low-fat dairy products, lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables can help with water retention. There are also a few specific foods that are known to help lose water weight and keep it off. Following are some foods that will help:

* Bananas, apricots, avocados and raisins are rich in potassium, which helps regulate your body’s fluid levels and relieves water retention.

* Green vegetables, seeds and nuts are high in magnesium, which also helps relieve water retention.

* Foods which are high in fiber such as whole grain cereal, whole grain rice and cabbage help with digestion, and relieve water retention and bloating.

* Yogurt also helps with digestion, and helps to reduce water retention.

* Ginger tea is a natural diuretic that can help with several health issues, including water retention."

"Avocados are packed with B vitamins (proven stress-relievers), as well as monounsaturated fats and fiber, both of which help keep you full. You could just take half the fruit, add a squeeze of lime on top and eat it with a spoon. Since avocado's so creamy, it can actually satisfy ice cream cravings.

Chocolate Milk has potassium, which helps relieve muscle spasms if you're dealing with physical stressors. Just make sure to stick with the low-fat version.

Oatmeal fiber-packed food will keep you full and give you an instant lift to overcome stress. Oatmeal helps with the production of serotonin, which is the feel-good chemical in our bodies.

Raspberries, low-calorie fruit is a great, healthful way to get your sugar fix. Raspberries in particular are full of stress-busting antioxidants and immune system-boosting vitamin C."

Cherries, in addition to having a high water and fiber content, cherries also have anti-inflammatory effects that help with weight loss. High in antioxidants and are linked to improved sleep, which should also help regulate your weight.

Tomatoes contain a lot of water, which helps stave off dehydration-related hunger. Super-high in potassium, which is great for balancing a diet higher in sodium. This is especially key since potassium can help you beat bloat.

Jalapeño Peppers, a spicy veggie that add some heat to your foods and help you eat less in the process. Jalapeno peppers contain capsaicin, which studies have linked to weight loss. Adding some heat to foods may also help you drop pounds. Research has shown that you tend to eat less food overall when you have something spicy. To top it off, you'll also be reaching for your water glass more when you consume jalapeños and filling up with fluid will help to flush excess water weight from your body.

Iced Green Tea - Research shows that the catechins in this drink may have weight-loss benefits. The caffeine and antioxidants may also help rev up your metabolism."


"Take fish oil supplements: They burn fat and supply essential fatty acids."


"According to research, eating breakfast acts as the jump start of your metabolic system. It ensures that you do not feel starved later. With this, you can avoid making the wrong diet choices during lunch and dinner. In order to take advantage of your body’s potential to burn fats, you are supposed to eat breakfast as soon as you wake up. In particular, you should eat your breakfast at least 1 hour after you wake up. It aids in the maintenance of circadian rhythm and boosts early metabolism that is significant to health.

Eat more proteins and less sugar.  Ensure that your breakfast does not contain a lot of sugar."


"Metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories to sustain life. Your body needs energy all day whether you are sleeping, sitting or exercising. By skipping meals, your metabolic thermostat shuts down to conserve energy while waiting for appropriate fuel. This is why skipping meals can actually hurt your weight loss efforts rather than help.

Bring healthy snacks to work—almonds, apples, string cheese, yogurt just to name a few. Mini-meals help you succeed on both mental and physical weight loss levels. Psychologically, mini-meals can help reduce cravings or poor food choices out of sheer hunger. Physically, eating small amounts every two to four hours helps to keep your blood sugar on an even keel and may even help your metabolism to keep burning at a higher rate."



"Beware of Water Retention Culprits

There are also some specific foods that can cause unwanted water retention. Avoid excess sodium in processed meats, frozen foods, chips and even certain crackers. Check the sodium content on food labels before buying and eating new foods that could be higher in sodium than you would expect. Even some canned vegetables contain surprisingly high amounts of sodium.

Eating too much sugar can decrease your body’s ability to excrete sodium by increasing your  insulin levels. Avoid or minimize your intake of desserts with high sugar content including cakes, pastries, ice cream and candy. Also limit the amount of soda pop and sports drinks that are high in sugar or high fructose corn syrup.

Exercise Water Weight Away

Sweating is a good thing. Exercise helps you lose water weight by draining excess fluids and salt through perspiration. Moderate exercise three to four times a week for 30 to 60 minutes can help you lose water weight and maintain a healthy body weight." 


"Fancy machines may make the gym look high-end, but truthfully, about the only thing they're good for is for sitting down while you tie your shoes or catch your breath! The problem is this: Machines alter the way your body naturally moves and restrict your range of motion. This severely limits your ability to fully activate all of your muscles fibers -- that means less fat burning and less muscle definition. Worse yet, machines can cause excessive strain on your joints, leading to nagging injuries down the road.


If you want fast results, it's critical that you incorporate exercises that allow your body to move naturally with full range of motion so you can skyrocket your metabolism and tone your entire physique."


"These "belly bullies" are most likely to challenge to your digestive system, throw your gut bacteria out of whack, cause inflammation, and pack on the pounds.

* Carbohydrate
Foods are considered carb-dense if they have a high ratio of carb grams relative to their weight. A small potato, which many consider a bad carb, weighs 170 grams, but it’s mostly water; only about 23 percent of it is carbohydrate. A plain rice cake, by contrast, weighs only nine grams, but almost 80 percent of it is carbohydrate! Found in: bagels, bread (including whole-grain breads), crackers, pasta, cereals, white rice, pretzels.

* Unhealthy Fats
Three types of dietary fat are linked to inflammation and thus contribute to excess belly fat: trans fats, saturated fats, and omega-6 fats. Found in: packaged foods (trans fats), processed and high-fat cuts of meat, full-fat dairy, some candy (saturated fat), corn oil, grape-seed oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil (omega-6 fats).

* Milk and High-Lactose Dairy Foods
Research shows that some carbohydrates can cause irritation to the bowels. The carbohydrates are called Fermantable Oligo-saccharides Di-saccharides Mono-saccharides and Polyols (FODMAP).

One of the most cutting-edge components is rapidly fermentable carbohydrates that can aggravate your gut. Lactose, found in all animal milks, is the best known FODMAP. Lactose is broken down in the small intestine by an enzyme called lactase. Our bodies produce less lactase as we get older (since its main purpose is to help babies digest breast milk), which means dairy foods that contain lactose can torment our tummies over time even if they didn’t before.

* Excess Fructose (in Apples, Honey, Asparagus)
Foods with a lot of fructose compared with glucose can contribute to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Found in: certain fruits (apples, mangoes, watermelons), certain vegetables (asparagus, sugar snap peas), sweeteners (high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, honey).

* Garlic, Onions, and High-Fiber Cousins
The body’s inability to digest a kind of fiber, called fructan, in these foods can cause flatulence. This fiber seems to cause more symptoms than some other kinds, but that may simply be because we eat so much of it. Found in: grains (barley, wheat), vegetables (artichokes, onions, garlic), legumes (black beans, kidney beans, soybeans), additives.

* Beans and Nuts
We lack the enzyme to break down a FODMAP in these foods, so our gut bacteria must digest them, which produces gas. Found in: Most beans and some nuts (cashews, pistachios).



"Breathing squat for a flat belly
- Go slow and low and repeat 10 times

- Stand with feet shoulder width apart, arms out and parallel to floor

- Inhale through the nose, then lower your bottom down as far as is still comfortable while exhaling. Pause for a few seconds, then inhale as you come up
Energy push Great for digestion — breathe slowly and repeat 20 times

- Take a comfortable stance with feet shoulder width apart, arms in front of you, palms facing down

- Inhale and pull hands back towards your shoulders

- Exhale, pushing your arms back out to starting position 
Leg tuck, Great for lower abs — repeat 10 times

- Lie back, feet on floor, knees bent l Inhale then bring knees into your chest as you exhale

- Inhale again as you return your feet to the floor"