22 Comments »

1. Mark, thanks for this review. It came at the right time for me as I was starting to research Biosignature Modulation in hope for a solution to my problem. In my gym, which is a powerlifting gym, I seem to have the hardest time putting on muscle, gaining strength and I carry more fat than others while training just as hard on the same programs. Reading articles like Kelly Baggett’s “The Skinny-Fat Ectomorph” leads me to think cortisol is an issue. And Biosignature Modulation could at least provide the tests to see if cortisol was out of whack, if not the solution to the problem.
   Your conclusion to why Biosignature Modulation gets results makes sense to me. I’m sure that if there was research behind it the popular media would have heard about it by now and advertised that spot reduction works.

   Comment by Boris Bojanovic — September 1, 2010 @ 5:58 PM

2. Mark,

   Given that Coach Poliquin appears to have an interest in functional medicine, is there any chance that some of these protocols, while not necessarily standing up to all of the fat-loss claims may have merit as “preventative” measures(or perhaps more precisely in a mitigating role since preventative would be a bit strong when dealing with multi-factorial issues)?

   For example, low Testosterone is often connected to a host of issues (not to mention a generally diminished sense of overall well-being; while strict cause and effect can get tricky, it’s probably not crazy to say that boosting T to high normal physiological levels would generally be a good thing, although I suppose even this laves questions related to receptor function, who may be an exception for a particular reason, and so on), so supplemental support for levels may have benefits that have little to do (at least directly) with fat loss and muscle gain. Or would this be a moot point since such stuff is not / shouldn’t be the realm of trainers and strength coaches and should be handled via a doctor / functional medicine doctor who is part of your “total care network” of various allied professionals?

   The reason I never took the plunge and attended a BioSignature event was mostly because I felt that while off-hand supplement recommendations (with the caveat that what I was saying was not to be construed as medical advice, intended to treat anything, or a substitute for personal investigation and consultation with a qualified medical professional) were acceptable for me to make at times I might deem appropriate (which were much fewer and farther between than those involving training and dietary measures), it was not my place to be “prescribing” protocols, let alone selling people the supplements upon which those protocols are based. (heck, I even get hesitant when I see fitness professionals selling supplements, even if they are simple and generally innocuous ones like protein powder…..selling ProGrade supplements seems to be the trend du jour in the U. S> fitness industry)

   I often question whether I am sacrificing money that is perfectly within my right to make and not at all derived from doing anything unseemly, and yet my gut tells me that it is best to allow individual clients to make final supplementation decisions on their own time and via their own sources, with my only advice being what I think may have potential application within a given context and which small handful of companies would likely be a reputable choice from which to purchase.

   The rest of my hesitancy stems from recognizing that I am not a doctor, pharmacist, or anyone in a professional position to be even remotely attempting to dole out concrete advice on such matters, regardless of how much personal knowledge I may possess on certain topics. Add to that the fact that clients should be getting fairly regular comprehensive blood work performed, which would involve consulting with their doctor anyway, and it seems to make even less sense for me to intervene outside of creating appropriate training programs and making basic dietary suggestions. Certainly I am aware of the nature of the interactions between my clients and their medical professionals, since it helps me tweak what I am doing, but I also am quick to remember my place and role in this chain.

   Simply put, just because I think I know something doesn’t mean it is my place to overstep professional boundaries (or at least shade into a very gray area). Having a working knowledge of various issues is helpful and may be useful on a personal level, but when it comes to interacting with my clients, I feel it is best to largely stay away from those areas and allow the client to make his own decisions, coupled with close consultation with his medical professional.

   I don’t mean to claim that all BioSignature practitioners think they are medical professionals / attempt to overstep professional boundaries (and there are a number who actually are medical professionals, so this comment only applies to those who are trainers). That said, I have gotten the feeling that a number of them do attempt to assume a role beyond what is likely rightfully theirs and also are overzealous in their thinking when it comes to how much influence they can exert on certain issues clients may be experiencing. But I admit that I may be way off base on these matters, as these are simply my personal opinions and nothing more.

   Comment by Lou Danforth — September 1, 2010 @ 8:27 PM

3. Hi mark, thank you for your valuable comments based on your experience about bio signature. in fact i had registered to travel all the way to London from India to attend one of the workshops which coach Charles himself gave. somehow things didn’t workout so i didn’t go. but when you see coach poliquin’s site, the workshops all over the world are always sold out! so there must be something in it either in the way how it sounds/works or how its being marketed. lovely work keep them coming. cheers sham

   Comment by Shama — September 2, 2010 @ 11:49 AM

4. Great article Mark.
   I have just finished the Level 1 ISAK accreditation and this course came up in conversation. The tutors came across it a while ago and struggled to find the specific correlations as you have, but after another discussion decided to make a point of following up some of the points raised by Poliquin, mainly that it could be used as a predictor of imbalances.
   Currently awaiting feedback from them, but i’m inclined to agree with your closing statements. Hard to top hard graft and clean living!

   Cheers

   Comment by Daz — September 9, 2010 @ 7:24 AM

5. Boris – I’ve been in this industry for a long time and I am always skeptical when people start talking about specific hormones being the primary cause of excess fat and lack of muscle gain. While it is possible, it is most certainly the exception and not the rule. I would argue that it is most often diet, exercise, of some combination thereof that is the problem with the vast majority of people. Also, I will mention that if you had to measure cortisol there are much more accurate ways to measure it directly than doing a caliper site test.

   Please don’t take this to mean that I don’t respect Kelly Baggett though. He’s a smart guy!

   Comment by markyoung — September 9, 2010 @ 6:10 PM

6. Lou – I think that even if Biosig did act as a preventative measure for disease AND it was in the scope of practice of a trainer, I’d still have issues with the fact that this is not how it is being marketed. It is being marketed primarily as a tool for spot reduction and my primary issue is with this since I don’t believe it to be effective.

   All that said, I’d also have to be convinced that they do serve a preventative effect and I’m not convinced based on what I’ve seen/read. And I do agree that this isn’t the scope of a trainer/coach.

   As for companies, if you’re just buying protein then I wouldn’t stress that much about the company. I pick companies based primarily on the people that own/run them and taste more than the “quality” of the protein. Whey is whey…at least in the very general sense.

   Comment by markyoung — September 9, 2010 @ 6:59 PM

7. Daz and Shama – Thanks to both of you for you comments. And Daz…let me know what you find.

   Comment by markyoung — September 9, 2010 @ 7:01 PM

8. As someone who is a medical professional and very well-versed in functional medicine, I don’t know how certain hormones CANNOT be involved with preventing muscle gain, fat loss, increased quality of life etc. I have lifted for 12 years along with sound nutrition. But due to being a poor detoxifier, I had some estrogen buildup in my system. After adding Resveratrol and Calcium d-glucarate, I have lost significant abdominal fat and triceps fat. I’m not a biosignature person, have never had it done, never been to a Poliquin course, but he is dead on with his claims. He wouldn’t have backing from the Texas Institute of Functional Medicine and Mark Houston from Vanderbilt if this was not reliable. If we want to talk about revenue streams that do NOT work, let’s talk about chemo and radiation! Strength coaches absolutely have the right to educate clients on their hormones and how to change them–to do otherwise is an error of omission. If trainers, strength coaches, DCs, and DPTs don’t, then who will do this? This type of thinking of “leaving it to someone else” is one reason why our healthcare system is a disaster.

   Comment by Tim — October 12, 2010 @ 5:23 PM

9. Tim – Thanks for the comment! I appreciate some thoughtful discussion and debate.

   I am not saying that hormones don’t have a relationship to fat distribution. Obviously those who inject insulin in the abdomen tend to store fat there. However, I AM saying that I don’t think there is any conclusive evidence for each of the hormones being related to each of the sites Charles suggests. Further to that point, I think it is even less likely that research exists showing that affecting these hormones with supplements can directly change fat storage. After all, giving leptin injections to obese people should cause weight loss….but it doesn’t.

   A couple other issues of contention I have with your comment:

   1) According to Biosig estrogen is not the cause of abdominal fat.

   2) Individual cases don’t represent the population. If this were the case, the fact that I know a 70 year old that smokes and doesn’t have Cancer would mean that smoking does not cause Cancer.

   3) Individuals trying methods on themselves often leads to greater likelihood of a placebo effect.

   4) I don’t like appeals to authority. In other words, I don’t like the “so and so says this so they have to be legit” mentality. For years very reputable people said the sun went around the earth. I assess each claim and person on their own merits.

   As for your comments on chemo and radiation…I do agree to some extent. But if I ever get Cancer you can bet your ass I’m going to to whatever possibly method I can to save my ass.

   And I’m not one for passing the buck so I don’t think of it is “leaving it to someone else”. There just have to be some limits on a professional’s scope of practice. I don’t think we can be everything to everyone. If someone does everything you have to wonder if they can do it all well. At some point, doing more thins your expertise…and honestly…I’m pretty sure most of North America’s weight problem has nothing to do with the fact that they’re not taking a specific supplement. I figure I’ll focus on frying the big fish. If someone else wants to deal with the details then I’ll refer to them (if they have the science to back their practice).

   Thoughts?

   Comment by markyoung — October 12, 2010 @ 9:43 PM

10. Here is what I have to say to Mark:
    Mark, you really didn’t listen (on that note the 3 day Bio-Sig is a waist of time. You need to take the 5 day. I don’t even think Charles offers the 3 day any longer). You are correct, your clients will get to there desired body comp with out the supplements if they comply. The Bio-Sig protocols are designed to get them results faster.
    Charles teaches to keep the supplements to a minimum. This is the area you didn’t listen to. The goal of Bio-Sig is to get your clients to there desired body comp quicker and once they are there they only take supplements to keep them healthy i.e. fish oil, milti’s, HCL (if they need it) and one maybe two others for what they are lacking. Lets say sleep so you would add Uber Mag. That’s a whopping grand total of $107.00 per month.
    As for no science or data to back up what Coach says. Well that is funny s@#t right there! Charles has the data to back up all of his claims. Go on email him and see what you get.

    Comment by John Carlo — October 13, 2010 @ 9:15 AM

11. Hey John,

    Thanks for stopping in to comment.

    I have to say that Biosig isn’t only marketed as a way to get results faster, but to determine WHERE the fat comes from. This, as far as I know, is a complete fallacy. And if there are studies to back this, why are they not listed on Charles’ site or in the Biosig recommended reading list after you sign up for the course? Spot reduction remains a myth and I’ll have to maintain my stand until someone can demonstrate otherwise with randomized controlled trials. And that is not to say that I don’t think it will ever happen…but I don’t think science is on your side at this point.

    I’d email Charles myself, but frankly I don’t think he’d respond. Perhaps you could ask him for some of this research on my behalf? And I don’t say any of this to put Charles down. He’s obviously done something right. I’m just not in agreement about this specific topic.

    Comment by markyoung — October 13, 2010 @ 9:52 PM

12. I don’t often comment on articles but I think this deserves one. Your article and points are very balanced which is perhaps why you haven’t come up against as much opposition as you might have. You’ve articulated the various issues very well, thoughts that I’ve had on this topic for quite some time.

    One other issue is that Charles states it’s based on his own research and data sets therefore one can’t ‘look at the research’ behind this as with other topics….

    Comment by Martin MacDonald — October 31, 2010 @ 4:53 PM

13. Thanks for the comment Martin! Great site by the way.

    I have a great deal of respect for the reputation Charles has acquired, but I feel that the “doing my own research” line is growing tired in the strength and conditioning industry. You can say that you use methods that work for your clients (which I think is fair), but calling it “research” is a little bit naive. Randomized controlled studies are designed specifically to test hypotheses and eliminate/control all other variables as tightly as possible. I doubt if Charles (or anyone else making such claims) is doing this.

    I guess people are entitled to say whatever they want about doing their own research. However, it isn’t going to get critical thinkers like me to buy in until such a time as such research is released and published in a peer reviewed journal.

    Comment by markyoung — November 1, 2010 @ 9:21 AM

14. Hi Mark
    Great balanced article. I too was intrigued by the prospect of BioMod when I first heard about it at a talk by Charles, I left excited about the prospects of his research. Before booking onto the course I decided to do a lot of background reading and like you found no direct evidence to back up his theories so decided against taking the course.
    A trainer I know of did go on the course and now promotes himself as an expert in the subject, i have even heard one of his clients is on nearly 20 supplement pills a day that he has put them on. This 1-seems very excessive and obviously expensive for his client. 2-doesnt seem to be working as I have seen better results with my own clients and other trainers clients who simply provide exercise and nutritional plans. and 3- Seems almost dangerous as the supplements he is prescribing are designed to alter the persons hormone balance, surely this will have a knock on effect on other bodily functions linked to the certain hormones he is trying to block.
    I still keep an open mind on the subject however until there is hard evidence specifically linked to BioMod I will continue to hold some skepticism. I just feel that if the studies carried out by Coach Poliquin were as reliable or valid as claimed they would have been replicated in randomised placebo controlled trials that have been peer reviewed.
    Thanks again for a good insight into your thoughts on the subject. I’m sure the debate on the subject will run for a long time.
    Jack

    Comment by Jack H — January 19, 2011 @ 11:11 AM

15. Thanks Jack! I’m in total agreement.

    Comment by markyoung — January 19, 2011 @ 1:46 PM

16. It may be marketed as a method for spot-reducing but once you actually get into the course you learn so much more than this and gain knowledge in a depth and breadth not normally available from any training course I have ever attended at an equivalent price. I am a personal trainer and I can categorically say that there is no way you will not benefit from attending a biosignature course.
    I dont know about you guys maybe you’re all training athletes with low body fat levels and perfect health but I train mostly middle-aged women with a plethora of health concerns and the stuff I learned on the course has allowed me to help clients who havent had success with conventional methods of personal training. I learned a range of different lifestyle, nutrition and training methods to assist people who have anything ranging from Diabetes, to Thyroid Disorders to Food Allergies, to Insomnia.
    For myself, the course changed my life. I have Hashimotos Thyroidits and was taking Oroxine daily. After biosig and thanks to the knowledge Coach Poliquin imparts PERSONALLY (not via an employee coach) I switched to a naturally derived Thyroid Hormone – Armour Thyroid, started on a supplement containing selenium, Decreased my total volume of training cutting down particularly on long distance cardio among a few other small changes, and literally dropped 4 cm off my stomach circumference (previously sported a little soft belly – but no longer) My energy levels shot through the roof, My mind became clearer (you tend to get a little foggy brained as a hypothyroid person) and generally felt like a million bucks.
    I am not a Poliquin “evangelist” I dont believe in following a “guru” and I say yes, you have to take what you think is worthwhile from the course and discard the rest however do I think the information I learned was applicable to my business and did I get value from it? Absolutely. I have achieved significantly better results with my clients post biosig, I have increased my income as a result, and my own health has benefitted significantly. I have to disagree strongly with Mark Young. The course is worth the money you will pay for it.

    Comment by Racheal — September 22, 2011 @ 7:59 AM

17. Again, my issue with this is that it is all anecdotal and there is no way to know if this is a placebo effect or not. Most certainly you’ve increased you income as this course uses various supplements that can be sold to add another revenue stream. But ultimately, the scientific support for most supplements for many causes is sadly lacking.

    Comment by markyoung — October 4, 2011 @ 3:46 AM

18. Youre missing the point. Much of what you take from biosignature revolves around the application of particular nutrition, training and lifestyle strategies, with supplementation playing a supporting role.

    You also missed the mark on the reasons for my increase in revenue. In fact I dont make a huge amount selling Fish Oil, Magnesium, Zinc etc (all very cheap) to clients or by asking them to drink caffeine pre-workout or take a protein isolate post workout. In fact the increase is due to the fact that I now have colleagues who refer their problem clients to me because they were not able to find a solution, and from ecstatic clients who themselves achieved significant results due to strategies learned at biosignature.

    As to your statement about the scientifc evidence. Further to my post about Hypothyriodism, the research on Selenium and/or Iodine use is well documented. The judicious use of Vitamin D3 is also well documented, Omega 3, Protein Isolate for post workout recover..need I go on? Therefore your statement about the placebo effect is extraneous.

    However, I must say, even if the benefits of a supplement like Fish Oil was not ‘scientifically proven”, but there was a decent body of research in favour of its use and I heard anecdotal evidence of its benefits from a reputable source (Like one of the worlds most prominent strength coaches) AND I was noticing benefits on my own clients would I use it happily? Of course I would.

    The so-called “scientific proof” at times folds back in on itself so that what was once a proven method becomes outdated and inaccurate. Or it takes many years for proper trials to catch up to the knowledge we held all along. If every strength coach, health and fitness practitioner in the world were to rely on the scientific proof ALL of the time, we’d all be sitting on our hands unable to do a thing at all. We must rely on the body of evidence and our good judgement withing the bounds of our moral and legal requirements in order to continue to get the results our clients are paying us for.

    Comment by Racheal — October 11, 2011 @ 1:07 AM

19. Finally The main reason I am posting is because of you final statement –

    ” In the end, if you’re considering taking a Biosignature course I’d suggest keeping your money in your pocket. If you are considering using a Biosig protocol on yourself, I would highly recommend you skip it and stick to the time honored classics…nutrition, training, and consistency”

    1. The Biosignature course is well-worth the money.
    2. You are wrong in stating that the focus is on the supplements.
    3. A Biosig Protocol did work for me and traditional training methods did not. Quarterly Dexa Scans and regular blood-work to monitor my Thyroid is clear evidence of that.

    Comment by Racheal — October 11, 2011 @ 1:28 AM

20. Racheal – I am not arguing at all that all of the supplements employed as a part of the Biosignature system don’t work. It is definitely possible that some of them do work (for health conditions, but I’m not buying anything about spot reduction).

    What I am saying is that trying to make the diagnosis of a hormonal imbalance by testing skinfolds is likely not effective (or at least has not been tested in a controlled setting). This diagnosis is the key to assigning the protocols in Biosig. In fact, this really is the heart of the protocol. After all, I could otherwise just do a blood test and make the necessary adjustments and take the appropriate supplements the correct the issue.

    In the end, I think we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. But my opinion is that spot reduction is still not likely and that the use of skinfolds for diagnosis of hormonal imbalances is probably not very accurate.

    Comment by markyoung — October 24, 2011 @ 11:15 AM

21. With all do respect to all comments that are justified through hard evidence (whether it be Scientific or correlated from a norm chart -& dependant upon who the norm are) i am not at all in a position to say something works or not especially without scientific evidence. Having been in the industry for over 5 years and 7 years in her majesty’s forces, i believe that HORMONES massively effect your rates of absorption of lipids and the distribution of them to certain areas as my diet now as a PT is much better than when i was in the forces however my body was on bettet shape. People may put this down to DOING LOADS OF PHYS EVERY DAY… but i am doing just the same now. What i am trying to get over is the MIND is a very powerful tool and it can work at some rates that defy what most ACSM and Scientifical organisations state from norm charts. This is why IBS and stress is dealt with from psychologists and hypnotist. A state of mind can strongly affect the rate of which most hormones are produced…i.e fight or flight. i work with mma fighters who are so effective at dealing with a fight situation that their Adrenalin levels are not as high as the untrained person. Most good PTs know what Acetacholine is and its job. SO SUM IT UP!!!! MAKE IT YOUR JOB TO BE PERSONAL WITH YOUR CLIENTS AND GET TO KNOW THEIR LIFESTYLE AND DAILY STRESSORS- work round these and adapt your skills to change their “stages of change” and straight away you can have a massive effect on how they feel every time they see you. None of my clients have a bad day with me and i make them feel good about themselves. They have all reached their goals and is why they are still with me. I ONLY HAVE 7 CLIENTS (28 SESSIONS/WEEK) but i have never lost them. Don’t buy these products Guys & Girls … I am sure when you all did your PT courses you had to tailor it without supplementing stuff. Work harder at what is proven for years and years (YMCA accredited) and i can assure you that you will be the best you can be.

    Comment by gareth — March 27, 2012 @ 1:58 AM

22. Hi mark thanks for posting. I have just come across BM.
    Do you recommend just to buy books on hormones and get background info. I was going to just do the level 1 course but do it online to get the info. There are lots of books out there like the hormone revolution weightloss plan. i am a bit scared spending lots of money and then clients not buying the supplements. it sounds like the company have found a way to make money out of people. havaing a front and end product to sell. having said that are people getting what they need from food anymore? they always say ca carrot is not the same as back in the 1800′s. i have ordered a book on amazon to understand more about hormones. maybe that will give me the info i need to help clients. at the moment all i tell them is to drink plenty of water, get in bed at 10pm to prevent cortisol rising and eat meat, fish, plenty of vegetables and fruits, eat every 2 hrs and snack on almonds, grapes etc. most clients cant be bothered with supplements usually they dont like more cost as you send in yr post. thanks again,

    Comment by Richard — April 13, 2012 @ 10:35 PM

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