![]() "Now, more and more people seem to feel that there is some magic compound or practice, and there really isn't," Zanecosky tells WebMD. In fact, a recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report found that more than half of the weight-loss ads that ran in 2001 made at least one false or unsubstantiated claim. Therefore, the weight loss claims are not evaluated for accuracy by the FDA. In addition, many of the most popular diet scams are based on herbal ingredients, which are not regulated as drugs by the FDA. ![]() Nonetheless, researchers say diet scams continue to flourish, thanks in part to the law of supply and demand as a growing number of Americans find themselves overweight and looking for an easier way to lose it. "It maybe took two years for them to gain those 15 pounds, but they want to lose it in two weeks."Ī more realistic timetable for lasting weight loss is to lose about a pound or two a week, says Zanecosky. "There have always been quack weight loss schemes out there because nobody ever believes that you can't lose weight faster than you gained it," says registered dietician Althea Zanecosky. Diet patches, jewelry, or other products worn on the body.Metabolism-boosting pills based on herbal ingredients.But they're all based on the same bad science. Top Diet ScamsĮxperts say roughly the same top five diet scams seem to keep resurfacing every few years, each time with a shiny new marketing gimmick. Diet scams are big business with sellers vying for their share of the nearly $35 billion that Americans spend each year on weight loss products and programs. Whether you're flipping through a magazine, scanning the aisles of a health store, or watching late-night television, you're bound to see slogans like these touting the latest and greatest product designed to help YOU lose weight.īut chances are the only thing you'll lose by purchasing the latest "miracle diet product" is money. "Wear this and watch the pounds melt away." "Block the absorption of fat, carbs, and calories with this pill!"
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