Drink & Shrink Lactose-Free Diet Shakes

I saw this press release today:

With more than half the women in the US defined as overweight and one-third characterized as clinically obese, Scientific Response is introducing Drink & Shrink, the first hoodia-enhanced dietary shake, nationally.

Available in 2 flavors, Deep Dark Dutch Chocolate and Creamy Chocolate Almond, the shakes will be available nationally in GNC stores and in Duane Reade stores in the New York area. "We expect excellent reception in the marketplace for retail chains that are looking to upgrade their product lines and expect it will soon be available in many more major chains from coast to coast," says Arthur Low, Vice President, Marketing Communications, Scientific Response.

The shakes contain pure Hoodia Gordonii, the cactus from the Kalahari Desert South Africa, and reported to contain a molecule that suppresses appetite. With 80 calories, the shake contains no added sugar, trans fat or lactose.

Alarm bells started ringing. Normally I wouldn't pass on a product like this, but I did a bit more research and a second press release, this one from the Cornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, NY.

That's different. The Ag Station, as it's known locally, is one of the country's most prestigious centers for new crop development. And:

In developing the processing for the diet drink, [Boo] Grace received assistance from Cornell University food scientists Andy Rao, Herb Cooley, and Olga Padilla-Zakour at the Experiment Station. Grace has offered to donate five percent of the royalties her group receives to the Experiment Station, in appreciation for the work done on her behalf.
...

"On TV we will introduce the powdered mix in 15 oz. cans, individual serving packets and snack/meal bars," said Pearl. "Premixed cans will be added to the line when retail distribution begins. Plans are for four flavors to start and then four additional flavors will be added later."

The four introductory flavors are vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and berry. The drink, whose formula has received a U.S. patent, contains important vitamins and minerals as well as protein and fiber. [The Tobo Marketing Group] expects to go head to head with the current market leader in diet drinks. "Drink & Shrink" has half the calories of the leading brand.

You mix the powder with water, juice or other liquid.

It might be a while before you see the mix in many stores, but you might find an infomercial for it on late-night television.