Are you one of the 50 million Americans who will go on a diet this year? You, like so many others, may have made losing weight your number-one New Year’s resolution. If so, you may be tempted by advertisements for products promising easy and quick ways to lose those unwanted pounds. The Attorney General wants you to know that when it comes to losing weight, gimmicks usually don’t deliver on their promises. idiot proof diet
When considering weight-loss claims, consumers should be particularly suspicious of ads containing words or phrases like effortless, guaranteed, miraculous, magical, breakthrough, secret, exotic, or ancient. “At a minimum, phony weight-loss gadgets or products touted as weight-loss wonders are a waste of your hard-earned money and some are truly unsafe,” The Attorney General cautioned. The Attorney General says that a healthy dose of skepticism is needed in evaluating programs that offer simple or fast weight-loss. He suggests that consumers beware of some of the following come-ons:
"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.
Before purchasing any weight-loss product or program, consult with a physician, a licensed nutritionist or a registered dietician. Losing weight may not be effortless, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. And it certainly doesn’t have to include claims that are misleading, unproven or just plain false. To avoid scams, always check with the Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Trade Commission or the Food and Drug Administration. idiot proof diet