Many Americans want to lose weight – it is easy to be lured by
advertisements announcing the discovery of “breakthrough,” “secret,” or
“miraculous” capsules or pills that are “guaranteed” to “burn,”
“dissolve,” or “flush” unwanted fat away. Many of these promotions
promise substantial weight loss in a relatively short amount of time
without the use of exercise or dieting.
Unfortunately, these products rarely work and consumers are usually
disappointed. Sometimes, the ordered merchandise is not delivered. Most
often, the consumer receives the product, but it proves to be
ineffective. Even worse, many of the “miraculous” products have
potentially harmful side effects. Therefore, consumers should be
skeptical when making decisions about which weight loss products may be
right for them.
According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994,
dietary supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA unless they
contain a new dietary ingredient that was not sold in the U.S. in a
dietary ingredient before October 15, 1994. Therefore, many weight loss
products on the market have not been proven to aid in weight loss.
Under federal law, dietary supplements can make claims about how their
products affect the structure or function of the body, but they may not
claim to prevent, treat, cure, mitigate, or diagnose a disease without
prior FDA approval.
Although Phenylpropanolamine (PPA), an ingredient that suppresses the
appetite, was once approved for weight loss, it is now being recalled.
The FDA has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing
products containing PPA, after a study reporting that taking this
ingredient increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Benzocaine, a
product used in diet gums and candies and numbs the tongue is also
being reviewed by the FDA for safety. In addition, the FDA has recently
issued the recall of the following thyroid-related weight loss
products: Tricanca Metabolic Hormone Analogue, Triacutz Thyroid
Stimultaor, Sc-Fi-Tri-Cuts Dietary Supplements, and Triax Metabolic
Accelerator. These products were found to cause thyroid symptoms and
increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Scientists are also
warning against the use of ephedra, found in many over-the-counter
dietary supplements. Lastly, the FDA has asked for the recall of
“fen-phen”, a combination of fenfluramine and phentermine, after
evidence that suggests that these drugs are the likely cause of heart
valve problems.
These products may be useful for short-term weight loss, since
they physically prevent you from eating as much as you usually do.
However, they do not change your attitude about eating, and thus do not
have the benefits for long-term loss that a change in diet or exercise
would. Other products such as "fruit" pills, starch blockers, fillers,
hormones, various diets, body wraps, and electric muscle stimulators
have
not been proven effective for weight loss, and could have disastrous results for your body, not to mention your pocketbook.
Beware of any promotion that claims easy weight loss. Claims that you
can lose several pounds a week are unrealistic and would be harmful to
your body if they were true. Generally,
one pound
per week is a realistic goal for weight loss. Words such as
"breakthrough" or "secret" have no scientific significance; the FDA has
not approved any drug or new diet, which has proven to be more
effective than exercise and a varied and nutritionally balanced diet.
Scientific diagrams and charts are designed to impress the unsuspecting
consumer, instead of providing authentic evidence. Often,
advertisements will contain testimonials by ordinary people who claim
to have lost weight by using the company's product. These testimonials
do not constitute any scientific proof of a product's effectiveness. In
addition, it is important to be skeptical of self-proclaimed health
advisors who sell their products by using high-pressure sales tactics.
Despite money-back guarantees, many diet product companies do not
refund consumers' money for unsatisfactory merchandise--a guarantee is
only as good as the company making it.
Many weight loss schemes can also be found on the Internet. Web sites
promoting diet pills or other “miraculous” ways to lose weight are
ubiquitous. Although some web sites may be valid, specifically those
that offer a chat room to vent your feelings about losing weight to
others, it is important to remain skeptical about what they may be
offering. Just because a web site looks professional, does not mean
that it should be trusted. In addition, when communicating in a chat
room, it is important to be wary of individuals who try to push you to
buy a product that they claim helps you to lose weight.
Most importantly, remember, no diet pill can result in permanent,
long-term weight loss. Permanent weight loss requires a change in
lifestyle--better eating habits and regular exercise. Before starting
on any weight loss plan, consult your doctor, or a qualified dietician
or nutritionist.
For detailed information about a specific product, you may
contact the manufacturer, whose information is located on the label of
the product.
To investigate an advertised weight loss product or to file a complaint, call or write:
Food and Drug Administration
Consumer Affairs and Information
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
1800-INFO-FDA
www.fda.gov
