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Michelle LewinFitness model and bodybuilder
Date of Birth: .
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Michelle Lewin's Promotion of Diet Pills Draws Criticism
- Calls for Responsibility
- Health Experts Weigh In
- Response from Lewin
Michelle Lewin's Promotion of Diet Pills Draws Criticism
Controversial PromotionFitness model and bodybuilder Michelle Lewin has come under fire for promoting "extremely dangerous" weight-loss pills known as "carb blockers" and "appetite suppressants." With over 13 million followers on social media, the South Florida-based Lewin shared information about a "miracle pill" called Base Carb Crush on her Instagram page. "Cheat your way towards success... completely guilt-free," Lewin's post reportedly stated.
Lewin directs customers to Amazon, where the pills are advertised as "carb blockers," "appetite suppressants," and a solution to "cheat[ing] without the guilt." "Indulge in your favorite carbs while minimizing weight gain," the ad reads. "Allow yourself to feel guilt-free and enjoy life." All it takes is three pills before you indulge.
The pills, whose full ingredient list is not disclosed, reportedly contain "chromium, grape seed extract, and maca root." They are manufactured by Base Nutrition.
The promotion has drawn sharp criticism, with accusations that Lewin is promoting unhealthy attitudes towards food, particularly carbohydrates.
Calls for Responsibility
Freddie Ray, a personal trainer and co-host of The Three Dumbbells podcast, published an open letter urging Lewin to "rethink your actions," "stop being a fking idiot," and "grow some common sense."
"Why the fk are you promoting this garbage?" Ray asks, highlighting the high cost of "carb blockers." "We live in a world where almost everything we do can be done with the click of a button," he states. "We Uber, we book flights, we order food... the list goes on."
"But our bodies don't work that way. We can't just snap our fingers and change overnight—not physically or mentally. It takes consistency, healthy habits, discipline, and an understanding that there will be bumps in the road."
"Taking 'appetite suppressants' that supposedly allow you to eat whatever you want because it won't be processed and digested like normal... you're immediately jumping into that quick-fix mentality while the real problems remain," Ray argues. "People are being brainwashed by someone with millions of followers, someone who has spent years training, eating clean, being incredibly disciplined, and doing the hard work day in and day out."
"Michelle didn't get to where she is because she was taking these 'carb blockers'. So what does that tell you?"
Health Experts Weigh In
Leading Harley Street nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert has also condemned the rise of "diet pills that trick your body."
"Carbohydrates are not there to be 'blocked'," she says. "Taking diet pills can be extremely dangerous as our bodies do not need them if we are eating a balanced diet."
"From a scientific perspective, these blockers are a recipe for disaster, and you need to be particularly careful when buying things over the internet. You must consult with a registered healthcare professional before you start taking any supplements."
"It is incredibly disappointing to see high-profile individuals with a large following promote habits that could be so damaging and may lead to serious side effects," adds Lambert, who is the author of Re-Nourish: A Simple Way to Eat Well.
"No pill can do anything to your body that a balanced real food diet cannot. Eating a variety of carbohydrates, protein, fats, fruits, and vegetables will help your body to thrive."
Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that products like Base Carb Crush actually work.
"The problem with carb blockers is that there's no evidence base behind them at all," says independent dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine. "There is no evidence to show that the pills work!"
She explains that there are only a handful of prescription medications available in the UK to aid weight loss. Many have potentially dangerous side effects and few work long-term—assuming you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"I have to say, I'm just not a fan of the term 'cheat day', as all foods and meals have a place," adds Ludlam-Raine. "And you shouldn't feel guilty."
"Healthy balanced diets should include everything. I'd rather high-calorie meals and treats just be called 'treats.'"
"Diet pills can encourage disordered eating patterns, which can be very damaging psychologically."
Response from Lewin
At the time of writing, there has been no comment from Michelle Lewin on the criticism she has faced.
