How To Avoid Weight Loss Supplement Scams

by Pauline Masale
With so many scams hitting us via media ads and spam email every day, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of weight loss scams on the market today. Here are some tips to help you separate what is real from fiction when it comes to claims that a product will help you lose weight.

With so many scams hitting us via media ads and spam email every day, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of weight loss scams on the market today. Here are some tips to help you separate what is real from fiction when it comes to claims that a product will help you lose weight.

The first thing to keep in mind is that if it sounds too good to be true, chances are that it is exactly that. There is no such thing as a miracle weight loss treatment. You will not be able to pop a couple of pills and wake up in the morning with an overnight weight loss. Claims of instant or significant weight loss in a very short time is an obvious sign of a product that is making some mighty big leaps in order to make a spectacular statement. Don't pay attention to the parade of curvy females and six pack abs on the men that are presented along with the claims. There is much more here than meets the eye. Pass on any of these types of products and move on to something that is more realistic.

Another approach that is often taken is to get the endorsement of a physician of some sort for the product. Before you take the endorsement at face value, ask yourself a question. If this product is so good, then why does it not have the support of any national medical association? You would think that if there were anything to the claims that at least one organization would step up to the plate and put their seal of approval on the use of this particular weight loss supplement. The recommendation of one doctor that you have never heard from before is not enough. Look for products that present some tangible evidence rather than a single questionable endorsement.

One very good rule of thumb is to discuss any and all products that purport to aid in the process of weight loss with your family physician. There are several good reasons for this. First of all, if there is any verifiable evidence to the claims made by the product, your doctor will either know about them or know where to check for them. You will get much better information from your doctor than from an email or an infomercial. Second, your doctor knows your current health situation and can recommend vitamins and other supplements that will give you what you need while you make changes in your eating habits and beef up your exercise program. Losing weight is something that needs to be done with an eye to your overall health, and with the right kind of nutrient support. You can get that from your doctor, but not from a faceless company with money for an impressive publicity campaign. Let your doctor have the final word on any weight loss supplement you take, and your chances for success are greatly improved.