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.
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