Flip through a magazine, scan a newspaper, or channel surf and you see them everywhere: Ads that promise quick and easy weight loss without diet or exercise. Wouldnât it be nice ifâas the ads claimâyou could lose weight simply by taking a pill, wearing a patch, or rubbing in a cream? Too bad claims like that are almost always false.
Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that the best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and increase your physical activity so you burn more energy. A reasonable goal is to lose about a pound a week. For most people, that means cutting about 500 calories a day from your diet, eating a variety of nutritious foods, and exercising regularly.
When it comes to evaluating claims for weight loss products, the Federal Trade Commission recommends a healthy portion of skepticism. Before you spend money on products that promise fast and easy results, weigh the claims carefully. Think twice before wasting your money on products that make any of these false claims:
“Lose weight without diet or exercise!”
Achieving a healthy weight takes work. Take a pass on any product that promises miraculous results without the effort. Buy one and the only thing youâll lose is money.
âLose weight no matter how much you eat of your favorite foods!â
Beware of any product that claims that you can eat all you want of high-calorie foods and still lose weight. Losing weight requires sensible food choices. Filling up on healthy vegetables and fruits can make it easier to say no to fattening sweets and snacks.
âLose weight permanently! Never diet again!â
Even if youâre successful in taking the weight off, permanent weight loss requires permanent lifestyle changes. Donât trust any product that promises once-and-for-all results without ongoing maintenance.
âBlock the absorption of fat, carbs, or calories!â
Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that thereâs simply no magic non-prescription pill that will allow you to block the absorption of fat, carbs, or calories. The key to curbing your craving for those âdownfall foodsâ is portion control. Limit yourself to a smaller serving or a slimmer slice.
âLose 30 pounds in 30 days!â
Losing weight at the rate of a pound or two a week is the most effective way to take it off and keep it off. At best, products promising lightning-fast weight loss are false. At worst, they can ruin your health.
âEverybody will lose weight!â
Your habits and health concerns are unique. There is simply no one-size-fits-all product guaranteed to work for everyone. Team up with your health care provider to design a personalized nutrition and exercise program suited to your lifestyle and metabolism.
âLose weight with our miracle diet patch or cream!â
Youâve seen the ads for diet patches or creams that claim to melt away the pounds. Donât believe them. Thereâs nothing you can wear or apply to your skin that will cause you to lose weight.
This page was posted on November 24, 2004.
