Protect yourself

from weight-loss health fraud scams

Source: Nicole Peritore,

UK extension specialist for family health,

American College of Sports Medicine and

U.S Food and Drug Administration

With nearly two-thirds of Americans considered overweight or obese, many of us would love a magic bullet to help us instantly shed a couple of pounds so we can look and feel better. Unfortunately, that magic potion or pill doesn’t exist, despite the various marketing efforts you see online or on television that promote products as weight loss cure-alls.

These types of cure-all products have been around for hundreds of years and continue to attract people looking for an easy way to improve their overall health. The Food and Drug Administration considers any product to be fraudulent if it is misleadingly promoted as being effective against a disease or health condition but has not been scientifically proven safe and effective.

Not only do many of these products not work and are financially draining, but they also could cause serious health problems. Recently, the FDA found more than 100 weight-loss products, illegally marketed as dietary supplements, containing the ingredient sibutramine. This was the active ingredient in the prescription weight-loss drug Meridia, which was pulled from pharmacies in 2010 after studies showed it was associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

While it can be difficult to understand tricky marketing ploys, common marketing schemes or phrases that tend to send off warning signals include:

1. Personal testimonies

2. Products that offer quick fixes, such as “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days”

3. All natural

4. Products that claim to be miracle cures as a result of a scientific breakthrough, secret ingredient or new discovery. If these claims were true, they would be widely reported by the media and not in a paid-for advertisement.

The American College of Sports Medicine details the four best ways to improve your nutrition. These include:

1. Make small dietary changes to help you reach a healthy body weight.

2. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium.

3. Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and dairy products.

4. Be a conscientious diner when eating out.

Always consult your physician before starting a weight loss program. More information on safe ways to lose weight is available at the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Back to school supply drive

The Clinton County Extension Homemakers and the HARK Foundation are sponsoring a Back to School Supply Drive. School items such as pencils, notebooks, crayons, etc. can be dropped off at the Extension Office through Thursday at 12:00 noon.

Donations for adoption of a specific child’s back to school wish list is needed as well. For more information or a list of other needed school supply items, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404 or Kiley Hoppe at 688-2026.