The CDC recently said “More than 2/3 of Americans are overweight or obese, and we spend more than $40 billion a year on weight loss, much of it on pills, gadgets, and creams that don’t live up to their lofty claims.” This figure doesn’t hold the people of Minnesota exempt, either. Our state has a high obesity rate. There is no reason for it. Companies, like ours, are starting to offer medically-supervised weight loss programs.
What I do find amazing are the hundreds of diet scams floating around the Internet. Even more amazing- the amount of people who buy into these scams opposed to paying for quality advice and medical oversight. Your health is worth the extra money! So, without further delay, here are the diet scam floating around the internet. If you currently are taking part in one- stop. Give us a call and learn about how we can help.
#1. Toning shoes. Yes, people shell out lots of cash for miracle shoes. Well, these shoes will not make you lose any more weight than regular shoes. Psychologically speaking, you will lose weight wearing the shoes- only because you will be walking more as a result of buying them.
#2. Lotions of cottage cheese legs. Perhaps you can rub away your cellulite one day- but not in today’s reality. Many of these creams and lotions, which can be found at drug stores, in fancy department stores and online, boast caffeine or one of its derivatives as its miracle ingredient to smooth away cellulite and provide the appearance of weight loss. There is no magic fat-burning ingredient, caffeine included.
#3. Acai berry. Over the last three years the Acai berry has been added to almost everything. People swear this berry helps you lose weight and improves your heart’s function. Wrong and wrong. A recent article in the New York Times cites “There are not enough independent clinical trials (or in most cases no clinical trials at all) to substantiate many of the incredible claims that these products make. Unfortunately, there is a tendency for some of these products to be laced with actual prescription drugs that can have dangerous side effects. The substance that you believe to be suppressing your appetite is actually an unlisted banned medication. If you buy any of these products, you must accept the risk that you may getting something in addition to what you think you are taking. Buyer beware.” — Dr. Birdie Varnedore, M.D. Products containing Acai berry, supplements included, will NOT add to your weight loss efforts.
The best way to lose weight is to put in the effort. Diet changes and exercise will be involved. We can help.