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Weighing the Evidence in Hoodia Diet Ads
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. Wouldn’t it be nice if — as the ads claim — you 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
you’ll lose is money.
“Lose weight no
matter how much you eat of your favorite foods!”
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.
“Lose weight
permanently! Never diet again!”
Even if you’re
successful in taking the weight off, permanent weight loss requires
permanent lifestyle changes. Don’t trust any product that promises
once-and-for-all results without ongoing maintenance.
“Block the
absorption of fat, carbs, or calories!”
Doctors, dieticians,
and other experts agree that there’s 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
“downfall foods” is portion control. Limit yourself to a smaller
serving or a slimmer slice.
“Lose 30 pounds
in 30 days!”
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.
“Everybody will
lose weight!”
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.
“Lose weight with
our miracle diet patch or cream!”
You’ve seen the ads
for diet patches or creams that claim to melt away the pounds. Don’t
believe them. There’s nothing you can wear or apply to your skin
that will cause you to lose weight.
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