I received this as a gift. The "space age" material is nothing more than an elastic band like an Ace Wrap. The "thermal accelerator cream" is basically a cream to keep most people from having a reaction to the cheap elastic band, and if you did anyway, they will just say it' part of the "thermal" reaction.
Also, your first thought when you begin using this crap is to better yourself overall and eat healthily and try to be more active, hence the commercial showing people working out vs. sitting back watching TV. And if you are extremely overweight, you'll never get it on and if you do it will just roll down or up and constrict you. If you really want to lose some weight, just watch what you eat, the caloric intake, drink water and get out and walk! Once you lose some weight, you may feel like doing more exercising other than walking.
Other than that, the only weight you'll truly lose buying this crap will be out of your wallet!
Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend