Be Careful About Weight Loss Pills

Did you know that some over-the-counter "supplements" often promoted as weight loss aides contain ingredients that are dangerous to your health? Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a list of 25 products to be aware of. But they also caution consumers that they are unable to check each and every "supplement" that makes claims to aid weight loss. They advise that the following claims and advertising schemes can be signs of health fraud:

• Promises of an "easy" fix for problems like excess weight, hair loss, or impotency.
• Claims such as "scientific breakthrough," "miraculous cure," "secret ingredient," and "ancient remedy."
• Impressive-sounding terms, such as "hunger stimulation point" and "thermogenesis" for a weight loss product.
• Claims that the product is safe because it is "natural."
• Undocumented case histories or personal testimonials by consumers or doctors claiming amazing results.
• Promises of no-risk, money-back guarantees.

There is one FDA-approved over-the-counter weight loss aid, that goes by the name of Alli. I've been seeing a lot of ads in the last couple of weeks for this medication. However, if you are following a low-carb diet, you should definitely NOT take Alli. More about Alli, particularly in regards to low-carb eating.

Photo © Paul Preacher

Related Resource:

• Medications and Low-Carb Diets