I noticed on the show that several (maybe all) of the contestants have these grey bands strapped to their upper arm and it looks like it is some kind of monitor...can anyone tell me what it is? I didn't see any type of cords attached to it, but I just wasn't sure what it was or if it had anything to do with weight loss.

Thanks!

yeah and it costs about $400 PLUS a monthly maintenance fee it is really not worth it IMO

I would bet my life almost every fat person on that show spent far more than $400 last year on junk food they shouldn't have been eating.

Would I pay $400 for something to save my life... absolutely!!! If that little devise added 4 years to my life by helping me lose weight... that's only $100 per year or ~$8 per month. I am worth that much and FAR more.

Think of how many doctor's visits I will get to skip and medications I will never have to take... I am sure that would add up to far more than $400 over a lifetime.

Yeah, $400... that's not bad at all!!!

Gimmicks don't work. If they did, then the internet and late night TV would have constant infomercials about them.

I have a heart rate monitor I bought off eBay for $35 and LOVE that thing. It counts calories burned and all that good stuff, so I willl just stick with mine.

My point was... if spending $400 was what I needed to become healthy... I am worth every penny of that $400.

Many of you are funny. I have never registered on any online forum, but I feel compelled to reply to the negative comments about the bodybugg because the misinformation presented in this board could prevent someone from taking advantage of bodybugg’s benefits.

First and foremost, I am not employed by, nor an agent of any company owned, operated, or distributed by Apex, Body Media or any company affiliated with the Bodybugg. I am not also not a fitness consultant or trainer, nor employed by any gym or fitness facility. I have nothing to gain financially.

I am replying purely because many I hate seeing people get ripped off by gimmicks and wasting money on quick fixes and rip-off schemes. I also hate seeing people make disparaging comments about something that they know nothing about, especially when the comments could prevent someone from changing their life.

Plain and simple. The bodybugg works. It is not a device. It is a comprehensive calorie management program.

It is the BEST money that I have ever spent towards health and nutrition, and the ONLY program that I have seen whose foundation is built upon modifying behaviors to promote long term weight management (notice that I did not say weight loss- although I assume mostly everyone uses it for that purpose).

My background: I am a 5’-9â€�/ 5’10â€� male. During college, I was around 165 lbs with a 29- 30 inch waist and 40 inch jacket. I have been athletic and fit my entire life. I have NEVER dieted a day in my life. I always ate relatively well and always worked out at the gym.

Over the years, although I remained fit and continued to work out, I gradually gained weight until my “normalâ€� weight became approximately 185 – 188lbs. Now 38, I was far from fat. I had a 33â€� – 34â€� waist and wore a 42- 44 inch jacket. However, I was not as toned, slim, and muscularly defined as I wanted to be. In my eyes, I was “bulkyâ€�.

In order to get into “better� shape and lose weight, I started to eat better and work out more. Sound familiar? I also modified my workouts by significantly reducing weight training and significantly increasing cardio. IT DID NOT WORK. For months upon months, I worked harder and longer. But my weight did not decrease. � Frustrated and believing that I would never lose the weight, I even gave away my old suits and clothing.

In January 07, while attending a business function, I met a personal trainer that was promoting a local gym. He talked to me about the bodybugg. (By the way, I also never used or paid for a trainer during my life- and I didn’t purchase his services either.)

I was extremely skeptical. However, as a math major during college, he said one thing to me that made sense. “It takes 3500 calories to lose or gain a pound of fat. In order to lose weight, you need to burn 3500 more calories more than you take in. The problem is… you may be able to determine how many calories you take in, but YOU HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MANY CALORIES YOU BURN. EVERY PERSON’S CALORIE BURN IS UNIQUE TO THEM. The bodybugg gives you the missing variable in the equation.â€�

It made sense. But I still questioned whether it was a gimmick. I did tons of web research and Better Business searches, etc. I couldn’t find enough info to deter me from calling him 2 weeks later and giving it a shot. I told my family and friends that I think that I found the first program that makes sense and should actually help me lose weight. They decided to take a pass and wait to see my results.

I started the bodybugg in January 2007. Since I learned that I could burn just as many calories by washing dishes and clothes, I stopped doing the extensive cardio. I also began weight training again.

Within 3 months, I lost the 20lbs I accumulated over the years. My waist shrank back to 29�- 30�, and my jacket size is a little over 40 inches. I am now 168lbs, and although the bench press is not a sole indicator of health, I can bench press over 300lbs. My body looks better now than when I was in college. In fact, I had to modify my bodybugg program because I had to make myself STOP losing weight. People kept telling me that I was getting too skinny.

The next part is what I am afraid to put into print. I fear that people will get the wrong impression and believe that they will get the same results with no effort. Weight loss with no discipline and no effort WILL NOT WORK. However, I actually lost the weight working out less than I did before the bodybugg, and eating virtually the same foods. The modifications were so slight that I felt that it was “easy�.

The difference was that I now knew how my body functioned relative to the foods I ate. I learned that I needed to MOVE more. (heart rate has little to nothing to do with weight loss) More importantly, I knew how much more I had to move. In the past, I would work out for an hour, then get home, sit on the couch, and watch TV. I was not cognizant that although I exercised, I still led a fairly sedentary lifestyle.

Shortly after my success, a coworker also purchased the bodybugg. HE HAD THE SAME RESULTS. My wife (who originally hated that I wore the armband everyday was a cynic and called the whole program stupid- I tried counting calories once using Microsoft Excel) started bodybugg one month ago and has already lost 7.5 pounds. My sister (who had more weight lose) started three weeks ago and has already lost more than 8 pounds. My sister-in-law started her program a little more than a week ago and already lost 3 lbs (although that could just be water weight).

So for those that want to say the bodybugg is a scam and gimmick have never used the bodybugg. It is not an overpriced pedometer or heart rate monitor (I have 2 of those). It is an invaluable tool for weight management. Although I, and everyone else I know who has used the bugg has met success, by no means do I imply that it is effortless. You must modify your behavior.

Although I cannot pay out on the guarantee, I can guarantee that if you follow bodybugg's program YOU WILL LOSE YOUR WEIGHT.

I know this is long, but I hope it was helpful. Now you can do your own research.

And you say you don't work for the company? You failed to mention HOW it works.

Many of you are funny. I have never registered on any online forum, but I feel compelled to reply to the negative comments about the bodybugg because the misinformation presented in this board could prevent someone from taking advantage of bodybugg’s benefits.

First and foremost, I am not employed by, nor an agent of any company owned, operated, or distributed by Apex, Body Media or any company affiliated with the Bodybugg. I am not also not a fitness consultant or trainer, nor employed by any gym or fitness facility. I have nothing to gain financially.

I am replying purely because many I hate seeing people get ripped off by gimmicks and wasting money on quick fixes and rip-off schemes. I also hate seeing people make disparaging comments about something that they know nothing about, especially when the comments could prevent someone from changing their life.

Plain and simple. The bodybugg works. It is not a device. It is a comprehensive calorie management program.

It is the BEST money that I have ever spent towards health and nutrition, and the ONLY program that I have seen whose foundation is built upon modifying behaviors to promote long term weight management (notice that I did not say weight loss- although I assume mostly everyone uses it for that purpose).

My background: I am a 5’-9”/ 5’10” male. During college, I was around 165 lbs with a 29- 30 inch waist and 40 inch jacket. I have been athletic and fit my entire life. I have NEVER dieted a day in my life. I always ate relatively well and always worked out at the gym.

Over the years, although I remained fit and continued to work out, I gradually gained weight until my “normal” weight became approximately 185 – 188lbs. Now 38, I was far from fat. I had a 33” – 34” waist and wore a 42- 44 inch jacket. However, I was not as toned, slim, and muscularly defined as I wanted to be. In my eyes, I was “bulky”.

In order to get into “better” shape and lose weight, I started to eat better and work out more. Sound familiar? I also modified my workouts by significantly reducing weight training and significantly increasing cardio. IT DID NOT WORK. For months upon months, I worked harder and longer. But my weight did not decrease.  Frustrated and believing that I would never lose the weight, I even gave away my old suits and clothing.

In January 07, while attending a business function, I met a personal trainer that was promoting a local gym. He talked to me about the bodybugg. (By the way, I also never used or paid for a trainer during my life- and I didn’t purchase his services either.)

I was extremely skeptical. However, as a math major during college, he said one thing to me that made sense. “It takes 3500 calories to lose or gain a pound of fat. In order to lose weight, you need to burn 3500 more calories more than you take in. The problem is… you may be able to determine how many calories you take in, but YOU HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW MANY CALORIES YOU BURN. EVERY PERSON’S CALORIE BURN IS UNIQUE TO THEM. The bodybugg gives you the missing variable in the equation.”

It made sense. But I still questioned whether it was a gimmick. I did tons of web research and Better Business searches, etc. I couldn’t find enough info to deter me from calling him 2 weeks later and giving it a shot. I told my family and friends that I think that I found the first program that makes sense and should actually help me lose weight. They decided to take a pass and wait to see my results.

I started the bodybugg in January 2007. Since I learned that I could burn just as many calories by washing dishes and clothes, I stopped doing the extensive cardio. I also began weight training again.

Within 3 months, I lost the 20lbs I accumulated over the years. My waist shrank back to 29”- 30”, and my jacket size is a little over 40 inches. I am now 168lbs, and although the bench press is not a sole indicator of health, I can bench press over 300lbs. My body looks better now than when I was in college. In fact, I had to modify my bodybugg program because I had to make myself STOP losing weight. People kept telling me that I was getting too skinny.

The next part is what I am afraid to put into print. I fear that people will get the wrong impression and believe that they will get the same results with no effort. Weight loss with no discipline and no effort WILL NOT WORK. However, I actually lost the weight working out less than I did before the bodybugg, and eating virtually the same foods. The modifications were so slight that I felt that it was “easy”.

The difference was that I now knew how my body functioned relative to the foods I ate. I learned that I needed to MOVE more. (heart rate has little to nothing to do with weight loss) More importantly, I knew how much more I had to move. In the past, I would work out for an hour, then get home, sit on the couch, and watch TV. I was not cognizant that although I exercised, I still led a fairly sedentary lifestyle.

Shortly after my success, a coworker also purchased the bodybugg. HE HAD THE SAME RESULTS. My wife (who originally hated that I wore the armband everyday was a cynic and called the whole program stupid- I tried counting calories once using Microsoft Excel) started bodybugg one month ago and has already lost 7.5 pounds. My sister (who had more weight lose) started three weeks ago and has already lost more than 8 pounds. My sister-in-law started her program a little more than a week ago and already lost 3 lbs (although that could just be water weight).

So for those that want to say the bodybugg is a scam and gimmick have never used the bodybugg. It is not an overpriced pedometer or heart rate monitor (I have 2 of those). It is an invaluable tool for weight management. Although I, and everyone else I know who has used the bugg has met success, by no means do I imply that it is effortless. You must modify your behavior.

Although I cannot pay out on the guarantee, I can guarantee that if you follow bodybugg's program YOU WILL LOSE YOUR WEIGHT.

I know this is long, but I hope it was helpful. Now you can do your own research.

yeah and it costs about $400 PLUS a monthly maintenance fee it is really not worth it IMO

Oh, and all those generic calorie burned approximations based on generic activity and calories burned numbers on treadmills, ellipticals, etc are over inflated crap designed to make the user feel better. When I used the elliptical for 40 minutes, it said I burned over 400 calories. When I downloaded my bodybugg info, I saw that I only burned 220. I know my information. Without the bodybugg, you can only guess yours.

I'm not going to regurgitate what's on their web site, but for those interested on taking a couple more clicks for the info, here are the links.

The Science Behind the BodyBugg

http://www.bodybugg.com/science_behind_bodybugg.php

BodyBugg in the Media (includes awards)

http://www.bodybugg.com/in_the_news.php

Here is where I have doubts about this machine. You say the calorie counters on the treadmills etc are not accurate BUT you are willing to accept the accuracy of this machine. What makes you so sure the Body Bug is any more accurate than the others? SHOW ME THE PROOF. Otherwise, its just another gimmick.

This is from the FAQ section of the bodybugg website:

Where can I find published research/white papers about bodybugg?

Field Validation of Armband, published in Obesity , April 2007
Evaluation of Armband in Type 2 Diabetics, published in Diabetes Care , January 2005
Validation Study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise , May 2005
Wearability: Why the Upper Arm?

In summary, this is not a gimmick? I understand though that there is a lot of crap out there claiming to reduce weight while eating a box of Twinkies and watching Captain Kangaroo but this device is validated in real, scientific research. Check it out if you are a skeptic.

I'm wondering how many user names the Sponsors PR company can make up to tote their product? Some may fall for the whole "I don't work for the company" But I say Bull-poop!

Of course its straight up BS. You can tell when these people sound like walking advertisements for the product. NORMAL people don't sound that way. They know who their target audience is and people are gullable when it comes to gimmicks. "Wear this machine and it will fix everything" or "Modern science has created another marvelous machine that will solve all your problems". You would have thought people would have learned their lessons after the pocket fisherman came out. I can hear the sales guy now...."I'll put a flashing LED on it, charge 400 bucks and tell people its their savior.....stand back as I rake in the money".

The thing I don't understand with this, is how it is even supposed to be anybody's savior anyway? Why do we need to know how many calories we burned? Eat right and keep to a sensible calorie count, depending on whether you are losing, gaining, and what works for you. Exercise daily and let the chips fall where they may.

I mean, what is going to change the next day? You are going to increase exercise because you fell short the day before? Well, we should all be doing a sensible amount of exercise each day anyway, without needing to be told.

When I read the posts about our self worth and that we are worth spending $400 plus monthly maintenance, I ask why though? I mean what I would think is that we are worth educating outselves on calorie counts in foods so we have a good understanding of what we are putting in our body, as well as educating ourselves on what a sensible exercise plan is and abiding by it.

I'm just not understanding the benefit of this thing, other than simple curiosity as to how many calories one burned in a day. I think that would get old after a couple days.

I wouldn't be surprized if Ron Popiel didn't invent the body bugg. My favorite one was the beer machine. I watched the entire infomercial. And who can forget Aluma-Alloy where the guy fixes a cracked engine block with a butane torch and a couple of sticks of Aluma-Alloy.

If the BodyBug works for you, great. I know I don't have $400 to plunk down on something for accountability. .... Why spend that kind of money when a school notebook will tell you for free?

...

I have to agree that I see the BB as a gimmick. I'd urge people to try the pedometer method first and see if it's something you'd stick to.

(heart rate has little to nothing to do with weight loss)

I noticed on the show that several (maybe all) of the contestants have these grey bands strapped to their upper arm and it looks like it is some kind of monitor...can anyone tell me what it is? I didn't see any type of cords attached to it, but I just wasn't sure what it was or if it had anything to do with weight loss.

Thanks!

Gimmicks don't work. If they did, then the internet and late night TV would have constant infomercials about them.

I wouldn't be surprized if Ron Popiel didn't invent the body bugg. My favorite one was the beer machine. I watched the entire infomercial. And who can forget Aluma-Alloy where the guy fixes a cracked engine block with a butane torch and a couple of sticks of Aluma-Alloy.

read the testimonials

Who wrote the testimonials?

thank you for sharing your story about the body bugg, it does make me want to do some research on it- the $400 is the price, but did someone say you had to keep paying monthly? what is that for? and also, i have a horrible time keeping a food diary, i have never been good at that, do you have to do that for the bb?

thanks!!

thank you for sharing your story about the body bugg, it does make me want to do some research on it- the $400 is the price, but did someone say you had to keep paying monthly? what is that for? and also, i have a horrible time keeping a food diary, i have never been good at that, do you have to do that for the bb?

thanks!!

thank you for sharing your story about the body bugg, it does make me want to do some research on it- the $400 is the price, but did someone say you had to keep paying monthly? what is that for? and also, i have a horrible time keeping a food diary, i have never been good at that, do you have to do that for the bb?

thanks!!

If I am short on protein, I will eat foods with more protein. If I am short on fiber, I will eat foods with more fiber. I choose the best foods to reach my nutritional goals, while remaining low in calories (because calories are pivotal towards weight loss).

Photogirltr6 said it best when she referenced the effectiveness of biofeedback. Your feedback is immediate. For whatever scientific reason, the immediate feedback compels you act appropriately. You become so focused on what your body is doing, food logging and mundane activities actually become fun, interesting, and motivating. It may sound crazy, but you WANT to log your food because you want to see what you are doing.

As a side note, if you decide to use the bugg, Apex will try to sell you their supplements. Fortunately, they are not pushy. Other than a single multivitamin a day, I do not believe in supplements. I never purchased any of their supplements so I cannot speak on their effectiveness.