The Golo Diet: Effective Weight Loss Solution?

What is the Golo Diet?

The Golo diet is a commercial weight loss program that emphasizes healthy eating, portion control, and regular exercise along with taking a specialized supplement called Golo Release.

The supplement contains a proprietary blend of plant extracts and minerals that are claimed to help manage insulin response and cravings.

How Does the Golo Diet Work?

The Golo diet is based on managing insulin levels as a way to promote weight loss. The premise is that keeping insulin levels stable can help reduce cravings and hunger.

To achieve this effect, the Golo diet recommends:

• Consuming 1,3001,500 calories per day
• Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
• Exercising for at least 3045 minutes per day
• Taking the Golo Release supplement with each meal

Golo Diet Meal Plan

The Golo diet does not provide detailed meal plans. However, it offers general tips for healthy eating such as:

• Eat breakfast every morning
• Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits
• Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and whole grain bread
• Eat lean protein like skinless poultry, fish, beans and tofu
• Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks
• Watch portion sizes using smaller plates and bowls

What is Golo Release?

Golo Release is a nutritional supplement made with plant extracts and minerals specifically formulated to be used with the Golo diet.

Each capsule contains a proprietary blend called Reliq Matrix. The main active ingredients in Reliq Matrix include:

• Zinc: Help regulate insulin response
• Chromium: May improve insulin sensitivity
• Banaba leaf extract: Contains corosolic acid that acts like insulin
• Rhodiola rosea: An adaptogen that may reduce cravings and burn belly fat

How Much Does Golo Release Cost?

A one month supply bottle of Golo Release contains 90 capsules and costs $49.95 on the official Golo website.

There are also various bundles available:

• Release + Roadmap diet guide costs $99.90
• Release + Roadmap diet guide + Metabolic Fuel Matrix costs $149.85

Does Walmart Sell Golo Diet Pills?

No, as of January 2024, Walmart does not currently sell the Golo Release weight loss supplement or the complete Golo diet plan.

Golo is only available through the official Golo website or on Amazon.

Golo Diet Pills on Amazon

On Amazon, a 90 capsule bottle of Golo Release is priced at $49.95 which is the same base price as buying direct from the Golo website.

However, Amazon does not offer the discounted bundles available on Golo.com that include the diet guide and metabolic fuel matrix.

Does Science Support the Golo Diet?

There is some preliminary research suggesting the ingredients in Golo Release may help with insulin, weight loss, and metabolism.

In particular, studies on banaba leaf extract and Rhodiola rosea show potential benefits. However, larger scale human trials are still needed.

Golo Diet Clinical Studies

Currently, there are no peer-reviewed clinical trials on the complete Golo diet plan or Golo Release formula.

The company funded a small pilot study in 2015 that found people using Golo Release for 30 days had improved metabolism. But this study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Golo Diet

Here is an overview of some of the key pros and cons associated with the Golo diet, according to dietitians and nutrition experts:

Potential Benefits

• Emphasizes nutritious whole foods
• Does not require calorie counting
• May help manage hunger and cravings
• Promotes regular exercise

Potential Drawbacks

• Expensive supplement not covered by insurance
• Lack of large, published clinical trials
• Eliminating food groups may increase cravings
• Long term sustainability not well studied

What Do Dietitians Say About Golo?

Dietitians agree that the Golo diet encourages many healthy eating habits like avoiding processed foods and added sugars.

However, there are some concerns about potential nutrient deficiencies if following the diet long term without medical supervision.

There is also not enough rigorous research to confirm the benefits and safety profile of the Golo Release supplement.

Reviews from Registered Dietitians

Monica Auslander Moreno, MS, RD, LD/N reviewed Golo and said: Anytime nutrients are obtained through real food over supplementation, it is ideal...While banaba and corosolic acid show promise in animal models, human trials are few and weak.

Sharon Palmer, RDN said: "Since there are no published peer-reviewed clinical trials on Golo, I would be hesitant to fully recommend this plan."

The Bottom Line on Golo Diet

The Golo diet focuses on managing insulin response through meal planning strategies and a specialized supplement.

While the diet itself promotes many healthy eating principles, there is still limited evidence on the efficacy and safety of the Golo Release formula.

As with any new diet program, its best to talk to your doctor before starting Golo to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health status and weight loss goals.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.