Obesity Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Are Over-the-counter weight-loss products right for you?

Obesity Discussion · 01-23-06, 12:55 AM

Over-the-counter weight-loss products
From MayoClinic.com
Special to CNN.com

Millions of Americans try to lose weight every year. Many turn to weight-loss aids such as diet pills or herbal supplements for help. The appeal of losing weight quickly is often hard to pass up. But do these products lighten anything but your wallet? And are they a safe option for weight loss?

Here's a look at some over-the-counter (OTC) diet products and what they will and won't do for you.

Losing weight the hard way

There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The only way to lose weight and keep it off is through permanent lifestyle changes: Eat healthier foods, watch portion sizes and exercise regularly. It's not very exciting, but it works.

Keep in mind that even if you take a weight-loss supplement, you still have to eat fewer calories than you burn in order to lose weight. And know that even if these products were to help you lose weight initially, you'd have to continue taking them in order for the weight to stay off, which is neither practical nor safe.

Weight loss: 6 strategies for success

Natural doesn't mean safe

Many weight-loss products claim to be natural or herbal, but that doesn't mean they're safe. In fact, they may harm you if you take other medications, and they could be unsafe if you have certain medical conditions. People tend to consider OTC drugs and herbs to be less serious than prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before using any herbal or natural weight-loss product.

Herb and drug interactions: 'Natural' products not always safe

Herbal supplements: How they're labeled and regulated

Eat less, exercise more

If you're concerned about your weight or have a condition that's exacerbated by extra pounds, talk to your doctor. Whether you have 5 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, you have to eat a healthy diet based on a variety of foods, and exercise to control your weight. Time has shown that there truly are no easy solutions to losing weight. And OTC weight-loss products could cause more harm than good.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/HQ/01160.html

01-23-06, 12:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Obesity Discussion Administrator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 7,851 Weight Statistics 8/1/2006 Start Date: 185 lb Start Weight: 152 lb Current Weight: 155 lb Goal Weight: -33 lb Weight Loss: 5/1/2007 Goal Date:	Are Over-the-counter weight-loss products right for you? Over-the-counter weight-loss products From MayoClinic.com Special to CNN.com Millions of Americans try to lose weight every year. Many turn to weight-loss aids such as diet pills or herbal supplements for help. The appeal of losing weight quickly is often hard to pass up. But do these products lighten anything but your wallet? And are they a safe option for weight loss? Here's a look at some over-the-counter (OTC) diet products and what they will and won't do for you. Losing weight the hard way There's no magic bullet for losing weight. The only way to lose weight and keep it off is through permanent lifestyle changes: Eat healthier foods, watch portion sizes and exercise regularly. It's not very exciting, but it works. Keep in mind that even if you take a weight-loss supplement, you still have to eat fewer calories than you burn in order to lose weight. And know that even if these products were to help you lose weight initially, you'd have to continue taking them in order for the weight to stay off, which is neither practical nor safe. Weight loss: 6 strategies for success Natural doesn't mean safe Many weight-loss products claim to be natural or herbal, but that doesn't mean they're safe. In fact, they may harm you if you take other medications, and they could be unsafe if you have certain medical conditions. People tend to consider OTC drugs and herbs to be less serious than prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before using any herbal or natural weight-loss product. Herb and drug interactions: 'Natural' products not always safe Herbal supplements: How they're labeled and regulated Eat less, exercise more If you're concerned about your weight or have a condition that's exacerbated by extra pounds, talk to your doctor. Whether you have 5 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, you have to eat a healthy diet based on a variety of foods, and exercise to control your weight. Time has shown that there truly are no easy solutions to losing weight. And OTC weight-loss products could cause more harm than good. http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/HQ/01160.html __________________