A new ‘health drink’ called Skinny Water, has got nutritionists an food safety campaigners in an uproar, pointing out that the product has not been scientifically proven.
The company’s marketing suits claim the water is guaranteed to suppress hunger and fight fat. Costing 99p per 500ml bottle, the pomegranate-flavoured drink is the latest in a slew of obesity fighting foods.
The drink contains L-Carnitine and chromium that ‘reduce sugar cravings and improve the body’s ability to burn fat’.
The bottle’s label even includes an image of a measuring tape above the claim that the drink is a ’slimming aid’.
The bottle states: ‘Skinny Water tastes great and has virtually no calories and is a perfect way to re-hydrate.’
Susan Jebb, of the Medical Research Council said the drink is bending the truth somewhat: “L-Carnitine and Chromium are widely advertised for being able to help you lose weight, but I have not seen one clinical study which proves this.”
She added: “The product also dresses up things we already know as scientific benefits.
“Like saying it has no added calories - why would you add calories to perfectly good water?
“And claiming it is a perfect way to re-hydrate. Its water, of course it’s a good way to re-hydrate.”
Bio-Synergy, the drink’s manufacturer, admitted it had carried out no clinical trials.
A spokesman conceded that the water is “a lifestyle product” similar to Diet Coca-Cola.
He added: “But it’s like skinny jeans or skinny latte - neither of those is going to make you skinny.
“We chose the name because skinny is in common vernacular usage for a healthy product.”
