Magic weight-loss crystals coming to Canada for some reason

Does the secret to weight loss lie in exercise, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle? Probably. But why waste all that time? Sensa’s coming to Canada. These diet crystals have been available for the past two years in the U.S. and promise weight loss with little to no effort, aside from having to sprinkle them on every meal. They work on the following comical premise: the crystals manipulate one’s sense of smell, triggering a sense of satiety in the imbiber.

And no, this is not a joke.

According to the New York Times, Sensa’s take on dieting is by no means new. Also available: “SlimScents, aromatherapy diet pens filled with fruity or minty odors; a jar of peppermint-scented beads called Happy Scent; and the vanilla-doused Aroma Patch, which you wear on your hand, wrist or chest.”

But if that’s not convincing enough for the haters, Sensa’s got them covered, claiming, as most quick-fix solutions do, that its product is clinically proven to work. Other scientists, like this dude who spoke to the Times, disagree: “There’s no scientific evidence that smelling or tasting flavors is going to suppress your intake over a nutritionally significant interval.” To make matters worse, the crystals aren’t cheap, going for $59 for a one-month supply in the States.

Of course, when all else fails, there’s always that other diet that’s been making headlines this week.

• “Magic” diet crystals to go global [Slashfood]
• A slimmer you may be a whiff away [New York Times]