How to Avoid Weight Loss Scams

Everyone had heard those radio or television commercials claiming you can lose 10 pounds in 10 days or they have discovered the "secret" to weigh loss. The only "secret" to weight loss isn't really a secret...its eating the right nutrient rich foods and incorporating a healthy lifestyle. How to Avoid Weight Loss Scams?If would be so wonderful if there was a magic pill that could make us shrink regardless of what we eat but unfortunately life does not work that way and if we want results we have to put in the work. Once of my favorite says it "don't be disappointed by the results you didn't get, with the work you didn't do." I stand by that statement very strongly. Here is a great article by Tahlequah Daily Press on how not to get scammed by weight loss products.

How to Avoid Weight Loss Scams

With nearly two-thirds of Americans considered overweight or obese, many people would love to have some sort of magic potion that would help the dial on the bathroom scale spin in the opposite direction and lose those unwanted pounds. Unfortunately, and despite numerous television commercials and print advertisements saying it is true, a magic cure simply does not exist.

Just about everywhere you look, you’ll find products claiming consumers can lose 30 pounds in 30 days, or eliminate a certain food group to shed the pounds effortlessly, but it doesn’t work that way. The weight didn’t come on overnight, and you’re not going to lose it overnight. It’ll take work and dedication.

These types of cure-all products have been around for hundreds of years and continue to attract people looking for an easy way to improve their overall health. The Food and Drug Administration considers any product to be fraudulent if it is misleadingly promoted as being effective against a disease or health condition but has not been scientifically proven safe and effective.

It is important for consumers to realize not only do many of these products not work and can be very expensive, but they also could cause serious health problems. As recently as January 2015, the FDA reported finding weight-loss products containing the ingredient sibutramine. This was the active ingredient in the prescription weight-loss drug Meridia, which was pulled from pharmacies in 2010 after studies showed it was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

It can be very difficult to understand tricky marketing ploys geared toward people who are looking for a quick fix, but there are a few common threads consumers should be wary of. Be wary of products that use a lot of personal testimonies or those that claim to be all natural. Also, steer clear of products that promise a quick fix or claim users can lose a lot of weight in an unrealistic time frame. If it sounds too good to be true, just walk away.

Be cautious of products that claim to be miracle cures thanks to a scientific breakthrough, secret ingredient or new discovery. To lose weight you have to burn more calories than you take in. The best way to do this is through a combination of healthful eating and regular physical activity. Make small changes toward more healthful eating. Reduce your intake of foods and beverages high in solid fats and added sugars. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Also, keep a close eye on serving sizes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, such as 30 minutes, five days a week. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting a weight-loss plan.

Take these tips with you on your journey to a healthier, more confidant you! Share this article with a friend or leave your thoughts below!