Weight Loss Supplements-Safe & Effective-Yes or No?

Posted on November 6, 2009
Filed Under Weight Loss | Leave a Comment

Safe and Effective…Yes or No?

Weight loss supplements and dietary supplements are a billion dollar industry. More and more people join the ranks of supplement users each day. The fitness industry is one of the largest promoters of weight loss supplements. But, Are these weight loss supplements safe and effective?

FDA {United States Food and Drug Administration} Responsibility:

FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of regulations than those covering “conventional” foods and drug products (prescription and Over-the-Counter). Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the dietary supplement manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that a dietary supplement is safe before it is marketed. FDA is responsible for taking action against any unsafe dietary supplement product after it reaches the market. Generally, manufacturers do not need to register their products with FDA nor get FDA approval before producing or selling dietary supplements.* Manufacturers must make sure that product label information is truthful and not misleading. [For the latest FDA list of tainted weight loss products you can find them HERE.]

As you can see, dietary supplements, including weight loss supplements are not tested or regulated by the FDA. It is therefore your responsibility to know what you are taking and what effects it may have on your overall health. It is important that you research the web for information about any weight loss supplement you maybe considering taking.

Over the next few weeks we will provide you with some tips on searching the web for information on weight loss supplements.

Tip 1. Who operates the site?

Is the site run by the government, a university, or a reputable medical or health-related association (e.g., American Medical Association, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, National Academies of Science, or U.S. Food and Drug Administration)? Is the information written or reviewed by qualified health professionals, experts in the field, academia, government or the medical community?

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