How Do I Know if a Weight Loss Product's Claims are Valid?

Question: How Do I Know if a Weight Loss Product's Claims are Valid?

Answer: The fact is, more often than not, they are not true. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends that consumers approach advertisements and weight loss products' claims of effectiveness with a grain of salt. The FTC warns that advertisements that promise to help you lose more weight by taking a pill, wearing a patch, or using a cream, are often misleading or false.

Before you purchase any weight loss products, talk to your doctor. Then look for advertisements that include statements like these false claims:

• "Lose weight without diet or exercise!"
• "Lose weight no matter how much you eat of your favorite foods!"
• "Lose weight permanently! Never diet again!"
• "Block the absorption of fat, carbs, or calories!"
• "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!"
• "Everybody will lose weight!"
• "Lose weight with our miracle diet patch or cream!"

Learn More:
How to Spot False Weight Loss Product Claims

_Source:

Federal Trade Commission. Weighing the Evidence in Diet Ads Nov 2004. 17 Oct 2007.