I visited 20 Pounds Lighter offices skeptical and wanting to learn more about what made their program so successful vs. other more mainstream plans. The offices were a bit bare bones and appeared as though they had just moved in, so that made me a bit anxious but I was willing to hear from the doctors and learn more about the program before I passed final judgement. "Doctors". Part of the draw of this plan and this weight loss option for many is that it is 'doctor-supervised' and that plans are designed and curated for each individual by physicians who are capable of understanding any biological issues that might be impacting your weight-loss journey and adjust as needed. Medical professionals that are knowledgeable and sensitive to how medications and vitamins and drastic changes to the diet can affect well-being. Concerns about existing medical conditions that could be exacerbated by this program. Or that's what they'll lead you to believe. When I sat down in the office for the high-level presentation about the program, I saw that I was considering putting my health in the hands of a DOCTOR of PHILOSOPHY and a CHIROPRACTOR. Their advertising is deceptive and misleading. Doctors, yes. But not the kind that you want to entrust your wellbeing and health to. Their dietary menu program and plan is almost identical to Medi Weight Loss and although the MWL costs are an investment as well, it's reassuring to know that you meet and regularly consult with their licensed medical physicians and that nutritionists are involved in your care weekly. Blood pressure is taken, EKGs, bloodwork is monitored. It's a much safer program and although I'm not here to stump for MWL, I'm saying that it's a program that is VERY similar, from a weight loss totals and cost standpoint, and most importantly, you're SAFE and in actual physician care. I was hoping to hear something less strict but equally effective as MWL, but I left feeling that relying on these folks to care for my health would be irresponsible. My 1-star review is what it is because I felt deceived and that I was led there under false pretenses and I believe they are purposefully misleading everyone that ends up in their offices due to advertising or 100.7. I drove out of my way to get there, only to turn around and leave when I felt that my health could not be properly monitored by a Philosophy PhD. and a Chiropractor. read more

I've overall had a great experience. The doctors were nice. Everything was done through text so I didn't have to go in weekly or bi-weekly like some other programs. You get used to only eating 500 calories a day, but the formulas help take the edge off. I've lost 50lbs and since ending the program have kept it off. The price was high, this is why I have only given 4 stars, but I feel amazing now and I don't think I could have done it without 20 lighter! read more

I could not be happier with my results from the great team at 20 Lighter. I've been struggling with my weight for most of my adult life and finally I found a program that would work for me. I've lost 45 pounds working with the team and I know I will continue to keep losing. The main reason I have found it successful is the daily check ins. I'm in touch with my doctor on a daily basis so if anything changes or starts to move in the wrong direction, we can immediately address it. If you have been looking for a way to finally change your life around relative to your weight then you should certainly go see this team. I cannot recommend them nightly enough. They are the best! read more

It's been one full year since we walked into the 20 Lighter office in search of a way off of blood pressure medicine. I'm 70 pounds lighter today and my wife lost over 40. This was achieved by an effort in a program that guided us to a new way of looking at food and how we eat. We recovered a level of energy and fitness that was only a memory to us. My wife's aunts tease her telling her she "looks like a little girl again". She is off blood pressure medicine and "fit as a fiddle." What is your health worth to you? For me there is no question it was worth our investment in the 20 Lighter program. My blood pressure is 124/78 today. 20 Lighter has added quality years onto my life. Let it do the same for yours. read more

I joined on thanksgiving and it is by far the best weight loss program I have ever done. The diet was strict and you can't cheat but I saw the pounds melt off. I'm now 12 weeks into maintenance and have lost a total of 55 lbs. All other diets I tried I could only get to 20lbs and would always gain everything back. Great program, my fiance is doing it now and she's lost 35 lbs. read more

I will admit I was nervous when I decided to book my first appointment. The doctor was extremely helpful in explaining the program, answering all of the questions I had, and put me at ease. The program was clearly explained and costs were fair for what was being offered. Beyond the professionalism of the doctors, the benefits were noticeable quite early on which helped keep me motivated. I was not hungry and I felt completely supported. I had been trying to lose weight for quite some time but knew that there had to be a better way. 20 Lighter was the program that worked. I lost 30 pounds in 42 days and have since been able to keep it off. I am able to run further and faster now, which has helped me continue to stay motivated and keep my fitness training on track. They educated me and were successful in getting my metabolism to where it needed to be. I without hesitation recommend 20 Lighter to anyone who is looking for a great, supportive way to lose weight. Their communication and support is what was most memorable. I cannot thank the Doctors enough for helping me lose the weight and feel the best I have in years. read more

If you are reading this review you want to know does it work. I followed the program and lost 40 lbs. My wife followed the program (slightly modified 1/2 duration) and lost 22 lbs. And we are keeping it off! Is it hard? Well yes. But again if you are reading this you are ready to do something about your weight. The results are worth it. "Nothing tastes like skinny feels" You get used to the 500 calorie a day regiment. This is not as scary as it sounds. You eat lots of fresh vegs, fruits and lean meats and take a homeopathic vitamin mix. There is a lot of food prep and cooking. Amazingly you are NOT HUNGRY. You text , email or chat with the 20Lighter people everyday. You weigh yourself everyday. I saw a recent review from someone. They didn't try the program. It is unfortunate. Push comes to shove and the program works. I can understand how someone would be skeptical about the program based what they see. The comment about a Doctor supervised program. I was skeptical. Their degrees were not what one would consider medical. (Thus the 4 stars) BUT I knew 2 separate people that were obese. I had not seen either one of them in awhile. I bumped into one. He looked great. At first I thought he may have been sick. No, he had done the program. A month later I met someone I hadn't seen in a while from work. Same thing. They did the program and also looked great. Both had lost over 40lbs. So I based my decision on direct knowledge of people I knew that followed the program. It works. Comments about the office decor? Who cares. Other observations: - They have developed a program that worked for us and 2 other people I know personally. -Some of the "technology" they are using is questionable. But the program works. -Nutrition is a big piece of the lifestyle change. They want you to think in the long term and concentrate on your life. We consulted on food choices and health. -The money I saved in fast food, drinks, meals, snacks more than paid for the program. - I feel so much better -I can keep up with 10 yr old nephews and nieces and young adults. -I have all new clothes that fit so much better. So here it is. What's your health worth? read more

I can't thank Dr. Jess and Krista at 20 lighter enough. I will tell you that as a yo-yo dieter, nurse, and educated person this program is life changing. I see type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure on a daily basis in my profession and teach all the time how to control this with diet and exercise, however I was very overweight and suffering from the same comorbidities. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. My first visit to the office, that is a little bare and feels brand new, I was so very nervous. We learned about the program and talked with Dr. Jess and Krista RN for quite sometime. I was not rushed at all. My husband and I looked at each other and had a little sticker shock. We had both been urged to go home and think about this and make sure we really want this, it's not going to be easy, but it's life changing is what I heard. I was impressed that they didn't want to take my money or let me make a hasty decision. After talking it over, being a terrified I would flush more money down the toilet, and needing a change we signed the contract. We started on Nov 19 on our 40 day program and by the time we finished transition and went to maintenance I have lost 47 ponds of unhealthy fat that surrounds my organs and causes people to die everyday. For the first time in many years my blood pressure is normal and my pulse is the lowest it has ever been. I have also tested as a non-diabetic. Most importantly my lab work is showing numbers in a normal range that I have not been able to achieve with any other plan out there, and trust me I have tried many. If you are looking form a life changing program, this is it. My metabolism is something I have always wanted and never had, my energy is sometimes overwhelming to myself, and I am the happiest I have been in many years. I can say I know what healthy eating is for the first time in my life. I have just started my next 40 days and am so excited to see what I can reach next. The support I get from my team in the North Andover office is something special. I talk with Dr Jess on a daily basis and she even followed up with me when I had completed the program the first time. She took the time to help me through many hurdles and days I was not feeling like I had this in me. I will say that these doctors and their staff are here to help you succeed. Lastly I will say that my primary care doctor was not so open and happy about me trying such a radical change. She was extremely happy to write me yet another prescription and add a boat load of chemicals to my body to change my lab work rather than support me on this journey. I have now educated her on my success and she has also followed me very closely with monthly labs, a scan of my liver and kidneys, and check ups. She now supports me doing another 40 days of healthy weight loss. read more

Was looking to get the ball rolling on loosing weight and did my research on all the different plans in my area. Kept hearing about the 20 lighter program through my rock radio station (100.7) and figured whats the harm in a consultation. I signed up the same day as my consultation and dove head first into the program. This program is easy to follow, the doctors are with me every step of the way, and I lost a whole lot more weight than I expected to. This program has helped me get the jump start to my weight loss goal, helped me choose (and enjoy) healthier foods, and has motivated me to get my weight down to where I am happy with me! read more

I'm a 54 year old male , I started the program August 1st 2016 , I weighed 328 pounds after a 103 days on the program , I am down to 274 pounds, I've maintained my weight ,, a pound or two either side of that since the program ended,, was easy to follow, if you follow it to the letter you will definitely lose the weight ,, I feel better , I look better, my health has improved ,my arthritis in my knees and feet is easier to deal with,, I cannot say enough good things about this program, Dr Dombrowski and Krista are awesome people to work with ,what a great program read more

Tim Braintree Ma I have done the 40 day program twice over the last year and been very happy with the results. I lost 101 lbs. on the program. I had tried numerous other programs and had poor results. Dr. Jessica laid out exactly what I needed to do and went over the entire program in detail at my initial visit. I signed up and lost 18 lbs. my first week. After that I was completely hooked. I was amazed at how easy it was to lose weight. It was the first time in my life that I lost weight consistently. Waking up each day and weighing myself was, for the first time in years, an exciting event. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I have a very busy lifestyle and had little time to devote to a complex system. This program was easy to follow and did not take much effort at all. It basically made me think about what I was eating every day. The doctors and staff were very helpful and would get right back to me when I had questions. I had a few times where I had questions about eating certain things and they were excellent getting back to me sometimes within minutes. I recommended the program to other members of my family and they had excellent results as well. I plan on doing a third round very soon and am confident that the program will work again. read more

I so agree with Natalie B. however, I went ahead with the plan anyway. I was desperate to loose some weight! I made it through the program but truly hated starving (500 cal per day) and may many different nutrient drops. Reported in daily as part of the program always receiving the same canned text messages from the Chiropractor on what a good job i was doing or that i needed to increase the multitude of different drops i was taking. I will say that I did loose 25lbs (who wouldn't on 500 cal per day) but the sad part was when the program ended I gained 12lbs back. The reality - I was never taught how to eat properly only given a list of foods that were "good" and "bad" from a secretary when i had my final appt. I was discourage with the program to say the least. I would really like to know how many individuals have really kept all the weight they lost off! I have now started a new program where I make my own meals everyday (no packaged foods). I'm learning how to eat, what to eat and when to eat with a million different food options and it's AWESOME. I can even drink my wine and eat my chocolate. I have never been more healthy and excited about loosing weight. I feel great and more than happy to be on a "diet". I recommend a dieting plan that teaches you how to eat the right foods not starve you for 40 days then kick you out the door with a list of good and bad foods from the the secretary. read more

I walked into Bay State Fat loss with a very skeptical attitude. Even after Dr. D. explained the science behind the diet I remained skeptical. However, as the days went by and the pounds dropped off WITHOUT feeling hungry, my skepticism disappeared. Dr. D. and Dr. J. are in constant communication with you-you're never alone. They are knowledgeable, caring and genuinely interested in your positive outcome. I lost 25 pounds in 40 days and have kept if off all summer. At the end of the 40 days, you are given a road map of foods that your body either stores as fat or are fat burners which helps guide you to make wise choices in any setting. I highly recommend Bay State Fat Loss- I am a believer! It is a bit pricey. read more

This has been a life-changing experience for me. I have not been able to lose weight in 8 years since one of my sons became ill. I have lost 26 pounds in 36 days. I cannot tell you how amazing it is. I feel very, very happy with 20lighter and i actually believe i can keep it going!! read more

I will couch what I am going to write by saying I have dropped weight. No telling yet if their 'guarantee" that you'll never gain it back holds true. All told, don't waste your money. There are a million places offering the same diet plan. There's nothing special about this one. For the man behind the curtain check out Zyto Corp who created this technology and I use that term loosely, DesBio who manufactures the Detox, Appetite Control, and HCG, and Trace Mineral replacement tablets or drops. If for 40 days you weigh yourself every morning, cut out all dairy nuts wheat oils and starches, only eat 500 calories a day (3 oz of protein twice a day, 1 cup of veggies twice a day, and 1 cup of fruit twice a day), take a mineral supplement and text a friend your weight every morning, you will achieve the same thing you'd pay up to $2000 for by going to this place. This is the HCG diet. Plain and simple. The magic "custom" drops are a detox, B12, an appetite control, and HCG. There is nothing custom about it. A lie detector type test can't tell you anything about the level of hormones in your body nor can it "impart your resonance frequency" into a liquid. They do nothing to help you lose weight. There are study after study showing that the reason for the weight loss is the extreme calorie restriction. Not the drops. If the drops helped you lose weight, you wouldn't need to restrict your intake, you could just take the drops and be done with it. Yes the drops are FDA registered but all that says is they are safe to put into your body, not that they actually do anything. You lose weight over the first 40 days because you are only eating 500 calories per day. NO dairy. NO oils/butter. NO nuts. NO wheats/gluten/carbs. NO sugar. NO cheating! This was presented as a medically supervised plan where you'd be in touch with the dr. every day, you wouldn't be hungry, your questions would be answered, and you would be supported through the entire process. Not my experience. First off, yes, they are doctors....chiropractors, not MDs. Not nutritionists. Not dieticians. The manual is poorly written with conflicting information and horrendous spelling. I asked simple questions regarding portion size for certain recipes provided in their own manual and while the office staff replied, they didn't actually answer the question. Several times over the 35 days I asked straight-forward questions and got replies but not answers. As this was all via text, I have the written record. I would text at 8am and not get replies until 10:30 that night. Close to the end of the 40 day period I was experiencing dizziness and generally not feeling well. I reported this and was told to take some advil or tylenol. That didn't seem wise. They insisted I book a follow up visit so I could get my special scan so they could us the "galvanic skin response" to tell me what foods I should and shouldn't eat after transitioning off the restrictive phase. Since the appointment was a few days after reporting not feeling well I intended to address the issue then. Well, when I arrived at the office, the only one there was an admin who had been taught to run the scan. I was upset. Turns out the "professionals" running this sham had left the country for vacation. They had been out of the country for a couple of weeks and hadn't arranged any professional coverage or let the clients know they were out of the country. The admin texted them when I repeated that I was upset with the treatment. I don't know what she said to them. I received an extremely confrontational text in return from "Dr. Jess". I responded that I was dissatisfied and explained why. I received a reply that terminated the service they were providing. The communication coming from these so called professionals was defensive and childish. I was paying for the service. I was not being supported. I got a few more texts, the last one from her basically said good luck with the transition phase. Since that phase was never explained, I'm stuck. I just wasted $1600 for a service only to have the person providing the service have a temper tantrum after being called out for poor customer service. read more

way too expensive for results that last a very short time. so disappointed and ashamed that they completely scammed me for $1900. they did not follow up, did not return phone calls. and most certainly did not do what tbey said they would do!! i do not recommend this program to anyone read more

Like other posters here, I've tried a number of programs in the past. This system works. Both my wife and I went through the program and each of us lost over 20 pounds and have kept the weight off for more than two years. When a running injury sidelined me, some of the weight/fat crept back on. So I returned to my trusted friends at 20 Lighter and went back on the program. And just as before, it worked out great. I'm happy and healthy and extremely grateful to both Dr. D and Dr. Jess, I found them both extremely helpful, thoughtful and caring and always accessible. read more

I have lost 50 pounds on this program and have kept it off and never felt better. I was a critical diabetic with blood sugars so high I was in jeopardy of daily injections of up to 6 times a day. After loosing the weight and learning how to eat the right foods and change my metabolism I am no longer a diabetic, or have high blood pressure, and my cholesterol has never been so good. I am off of a ton of medications. I can't say enough about this program. The support I receive from the doctors and staff is amazing and that is what makes this program different. It's not easy but once you get going you feel so good it makes it easy to stay on your eating plan and not cheat with unhealthy, greasy, sugary, fatty foods. This program teaches you how to eat healthy and feel amazing. My regular doctor and all his staff in his office are blown away and so excited to be on this journey with me. I have never been able to keep the weight off and now I can say I can. I do not have health insurance and I know this program is not cheap, but it's a lot cheaper than filling all my meds, having blood work and check ups every 3 months. I give this program 5 stars and that is only because there aren't 10 stars to give. read more

I went to see Dr. D and Dr. Jess back in 2015, I went on their program for 40 days and lost 68 lbs which I have kept off for a year and a half. I tried every diet advertised, bought every diet book and idea to lose weight you could imagine . 20lighter is the first time I've lost weight and kept it off, so I decided to try another 40 day program with the Drs. I've dropped​ another 30lbs and counting. That's 98 lbs so far, so I'm here to tell you IT WORKS ,with no side affects. For anyone thinking of doing the program , I talked to my own PCP (Dr.) And he said it was ok to do. Thanks 20lighter I feel great. read more

I just want to say what a wonderful program this is. I finished my program at the end of March this year. I have manintained the weight loss and if I have gained a couple of pounds, I use the tools that Dr D and Dr J gave me and the weight comes right off. My daughter is doing the program right now and I am following the plan again and have lost 3 lbs thus far. I highly recommend this to anyone that has tried everything else. It really works. read more

I called the office one morning and left a message to get info on the plan and spent 45 minutes on the phone with Dr D when he personally returned my call as he explained what the process was and why it will work. Having the head of this program call me directly and give me 45 minutes of his time as I asked several questions was impressive. I was convinced I had to come into the consultation. I also brought my wife along as I thought it would be great to do this together. She came with me to the free consultation and we were sold. The Doctors explained the reasons for being overweight and how we could get control of our lives again and they produced. Once you get into the zone of what you need and how to make the 40 day system work ( which the doctors are there for you 24/7 when ever you have a questions) it is amazing how fast and easy the weight falls off. After the 40 days, they set you up for continued success for your everyday lifestyle and tell you how you will succeed. I am 45 years old, weighed in at 275 lbs, lost 38 in 50 days and have lost an additional 11 lbs, down to 226 lbs eating what I enjoy. My wife has lost 35+ lbs and we both feel and look like we are in our late 20's and have the energy to match. If you were ever going to make an investment in yourself, this is the place I recommend as it has changed my life and my wife's life. I could go on and on but I will let you add to the review list of 5 stars once you have reached your goal. read more

I was skeptical. I have a busy life..family(2 young kids) husband, a career...I spend upto 3 hrs a day on the road between carpool/ work and as a mom I always put myself last on the priority list. I gained weight. I was tired and cranky, not just occasionally, but all the time. I tried several different diets. I tried to commit to exercise but after a typical day 9pm was too late to start, I just wanted to sit down. Things had to change. I called and met with Dr.D and Dr.J.. the atmosphere was welcoming and I didn't feel judged. After discussing the program, I committed to losing weight and they committed to providing me the support and knowledge I needed. We texted daily. Dr. J was always available to me for support and guidance. It wasn't always easy especially during stressful times but watching that scale go down and Dr. Jess's words of encouragement kept me on track. They made me feel like I was worth it! This was a lifestyle change for me. I take time for me. I make delicious meals from the program cookbook, and have learned to make educated choices when I go out to eat. I am at my goal weight and have kept it off. I have the energy to enjoy my kids, I can actually catch them now!! I am still in touch with Dr. Jess, yes, she is a lifetime support system but also a friend. If you feel like it's time to do something for yourself and you're ready to lose the weight...do it!!! Life is too short to wait. I'm so glad I made that call!!! read more

Just called to make a consultation appointment. Wow. That was painful. I called the Weyland MA phone number and one of the questions was which location I wanted to go to. After the initial hello I had 5 questions thrown at me with abandon. Then when I said I would be a new patient and would like to set up a consultation. The I was given the choices of the one in Wayland, Ma; Boston, MA or San Maeto, CA. A bit confusion since I called the Wayland phone number. Hmmm Lets see I'll be flying to the one in San Maeto. ???? I stated Waylan, MA. Next, I was informed that a credit card is necessary to make the appointment and told would only be used in case of a no show. Now I get that no shows must be costly to business such as theirs but I have never and will never give my credit card to someone over the phone like that especially after the unprofessional greeting I got. Not a good first impression. read more