High-tech machine claims to help you drop a dress size

(2/05/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- It promises to help you drop a dress size in an hour, a high tech machine that gives you the benefit of a workout with moving a muscle.

Who can't relate to this? You have a special occasion and you're dying to get into that dress or outfit, but it's too tight. But what if we told you you could lose a dress size in an hour?

"I call it the slim machine," said Sousan Allami, owner of Sousan's Spa.

Allami says the secret is in a space-age looking pod that she calls "the slim machine," and a concept called "hydro fusion". Sousan claims the machine's combination of vitamin-infused steam and infrared heat burn 2,000 calories in an hour, helping you drop a dress size.

"If you get in this machine for one hour, you're going to lose almost two pounds," said Allami.

The process starts with a powerful massaging suction over problem areas. Then you're painted with oils, wrapped tightly in a gauze-like fabric and a plastic suit, and it's into the pod.

All you have to do is relax while the pounds melt away.

"I can feel the steam on my body, but I don't feel it on my face at all," said Rebecca, who tried it.

It's so comfortable, she says, she even falls asleep. An hour later, she gets out, unwraps and takes the true test.

"I feel like I actually dropped a dress size," she said.

Byronne goes through the same suctions, wrapping, and steaming. And her results:

"The pants," she said. "I was able to zip up the pants to myself."

Byronne swears her suit is looser and more comfortable. It's hard to argue with, but Houston fitness trainer and nutritionist Keith Klein says not so fast.

"If someone goes into this thinking that they're actually burning off fat, significant amounts of fat, they're going to be very sorry over the course of time," he said.

Klein says the weight loss is simply water weight. He says a body's weight fluctuates one to four pounds every day, based on their hydration levels. To make the point, Klein weighs himself. He's 208.5 pounds here, but immediately after drinking a bottle of water. He weighs 210! But here's the part that surprises us. Klein tells us if you're looking for a quick fix, this is actually not bad.

"If you're looking at fitting a dress, that's fine," he said. "But I think people need to be clear between permanent weight loss and being deluded on what they're really losing."

I know what you're thinking. How long did the weight stay off? Both Rebecca and Byronne say 24 hours later, the clothes still fit! They both agree the weight will probably come back, but for them, it served the purpose -- a quick fix.

So how much is it? An hour treatment will run you about $150.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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