scaleIdentifying Weight Loss Fraud

Many people begin the New Year with resolutions to lose weight and to lead a healthier lifestyle.  This is a great way to begin the year but people need to be careful that they do not fall for fraudulent weight loss products or programs.  We are flooded with weight loss fraud on the Internet, by mail, on television and radio, and other media.  As consumers, people are often complacent about fraud and quackery.  In order to change the laws or make government agencies aware of fraudulent advertisements and products/programs we need to take the time to complain.

You may contact the following agencies:

Fraudulent weight loss products/programs may be identified by checking for the following characteristics: claiming or implying large, fast weight loss; easy, effortless or permanent weight loss; weight can be lost without exercise or restricting calories; relies on undocumented case histories with before and after photos (these people are often paid for the testimony); misuse of medical terms and claims of government approval; uses terms such as exclusive, ancient, from the Orient, miraculous or doctor developed.

People who buy and use weight loss products that are fraudulent may experience severe reactions or death.  Ephedrine or ma huang was recently removed from the market by the government because of deaths.  Other diet pills that are fraudulent are bee pollen, starch, fat or sugar blockers, chromium picolinate, and anti-cellulite and fiber pills.  These are often sold as food supplements and are not under the jurisdiction of any federal agency.  They are not tested as drugs as they are not labeled as drugs.  You must complain to the proper agency if you have an adverse effect from using these types of products or if they do not do what is claimed. There are also creams and lotions, patches, herbal teas that are promoted for weight loss.  Then we have the various gadgets as body stimulation devices, body wraps, heat devices and motion tables that are all promoted to help you lose weight.  There are also ads that promote eliminating a food group, that say they contain detoxifying agents, and contain ingredients that surround the carbohydrate or fat and take them from the body.

Taking into account all of the information surrounding us, what is the best way to lose weight?  Participate in an exercise program (could be walking) and a reduced calorie diet.  Cutting your calories by 500 calories per day results in approximately a one pound loss per week.  Add physical exercise and you get the added bonus of a healthier lifestyle. Always consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise or diet program.  Only under a doctor's supervision should you lose more than two pounds per week.