BBB on Weight Loss Scams

Considering dieting? Look for these "thin" claims and lose weight - not your wallet Weight loss schemes promise the world, and deliver mainly frustration. Diet products and programs that "guarantee" quick and easy weight loss are bogus. The only thing you're likely to lose is your money.

According to the Better Business Bureau, no matter how enticing the claim, steady weight loss cannot be achieved:

Without diet or exercise. Long-term weight loss requires eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.

Without giving up your favorite foods. If you could lose weight by eating whatever you wanted to, why isn't everybody thin?

Without any effort. You have to increase your physical activity in order to burn calories and you need to eat fewer calories in order to lose weight. Applying a special lotion or strapping yourself to a device that "exercises" for you is simply not going to work.

With a pill that is supposed to burn, flush, block or eliminate fat from your system. Medical science has yet to devise a magic pill, potion, wrap or patch that ensures weight loss. Some pills may help to control appetite, but they can have serious side effects and should be taken under a doctor's supervision. The Better Business Bureau warns to be suspicious of unrealistic and unsupported claims

"Lose 30 Pounds in Just 30 Days." As a rule, the faster you lose weight, the more likely you are to gain it back. Also, fast weight loss could harm your health. Unless your doctor advises it, don't look for programs that promise quick weight loss.

"Lose All the Weight You Can For Just $39.99." Some weight loss programs have hidden costs. For example, some don't advertise the fact that you must buy their prepackaged meals that cost more than the program fees. Before you sign up for any weight loss program, ask for all the costs. Get them in writing.

"Lose Weight While You Sleep." Claims for diet products and programs that promise weight loss without effort are phony. "Lose Weight And Keep It Off For Good." Be suspicious about products promising long-term or permanent weight loss. To lose weight and keep it off, you must change how you eat and how much you exercise.

"John Doe Lost 84 Pounds in Six Weeks." Don't be misled by someone else's weight loss claims. Even if the claims are true someone else's success may have little relation to your own chances of success.

"Scientific Breakthrough...Medical Miracle." There are no miracle weight loss products. To lose weight, you have to reduce your intake of calories and increase your physical activity. Be skeptical about exaggerated claims.

Learn to identify the buzzwords that often signify misleading promotions for fraudulent diet products. These include promises of "immediate," "effortless" and/or "guaranteed" weight loss. Beware of claims that a diet product is "a breakthrough," "secret," "exclusive," or "miraculous." These are not scientific words!

It is best to be skeptical of self-proclaimed health advisors who use high pressure sales tactics and peddle one-time-only offers. Testimonials, even by physicians, should not serve as a substitute for scientific proof of a product's efficacy. If you're tempted by the "satisfaction, or your money back" claim, find out if the merchant lives up to that promise before sending your money.

The BBB also warns that many diet offers are sold as a Free Trial or by accepting an advertiser's offer you agree to be enrolled in other offers. If you enroll in any free trial offer pay close attention to the terms and conditions, in some cases, as a condition of the trial, you may be required to return the unused portion at your expense. In addition, some offers require that you agree to other free trials and you must cancel each offer with different companies.

Before committing to a weight loss product or program, check with your physician or a qualified nutritionist or dietitian. You will also find helpful tips and advice on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website at http://www.ftc.gov/.

We have known this for years and that is why we teach nutrition and exercise to gain your healthy lifestyle. Fast weight loss is not a healthy lifestyle and we also teach you to avoid the use of gimics or pills. What you do need is motivation and knowledge to accomplish your goals and that is our specialty.

Mystically yours,

Dr. Michael Holt, NC, CHI Magi Institute of Natural Medicine