THE ARTICLE
“Acai berries for anti-aging and weight loss!” says one advertisement.
“7 Day Herbal Slim,” says a supplement label.
“2 Day Diet, all natural!” says another product.
When it comes to natural weight loss products, don’t believe everything you read.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, thousands of consumers have been bilked by fake celebrity endorsements and blogs about the effectiveness of Acai berry pills for weight loss. While most berries have good nutritional qualities, "There's no evidence whatsoever to suggest that Acai pills will help shed pounds, flatten tummies, cleanse colon, enhance sexual desire, or perform any of the other commonly advertised functions," according to the organisation's press release.
US Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is investigating numerous complaints and said a lawsuit against FWM Laboratories, the lab that makes the Acai berry pills, is very likely. "There are no magical berries from the Brazilian rain forest that cure obesity, only painfully real credit card charges and empty weight loss promises," Blumenthal said.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a thorough investigation into ‘natural’ weight loss supplements, and they’ve found some scary results. Thus far, 69 “herbal” weight loss remedies have been found to be tainted with prescription drugs including laxatives, diuretics, and anti-seizure medications. FDA Spokesperson Rita Chappelle says, “Our investigation is ongoing and quite extensive, and more products will be added to the list.”
One of the drugs found in the supplements is rimonabant, a drug that was rejected by the FDA due to safety issues. A prescription weight loss drug called sibutramine, also known as Meridia in the US, was also found in some supplements. What’s even scarier is that there are sometimes combinations of drugs, and drugs in doses three to four times what you would get with a regular medical prescription. To top it off, the package labels make no mention of the drugs, much less the quantities in which they are found.
A big problem with “herbal” supplements is that they are not perceived to be drugs by the general public. People who are already on medications could experience serious drug interactions and side effects from these supposedly safe products. For example, overweight people or people with high blood pressure commonly take diuretics, and they could unknowingly choose a weight loss supplement containing more diuretics. The result is they are taking two, three, or four times the medication they are supposed to be taking.
In terms of Acai berries, Goji berries, and the like, it’s not that berries are bad for us. In fact, they are anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants, and may indeed assist us in our quest to eat healthier and lose weight. It is far better to eat berries than, say, candy or soda, in terms of weight loss and healthier eating. The global problem we are facing is that people still hope to find an instant, magic solution to obesity and weight loss. There is no one food or product that will make you lose weight. There is also no way to lose weight in just a few days. The formula for successful weight loss is always the same: eat fewer calories and expend more energy through exercise. You can do it gently, without suffering, simply by cutting out extra or empty calories and replacing them with some regular physical activity. The problem is that we seek instant gratification, and when the pounds don’t disappear immediately we turn to fads or false claims. Somehow we forget that those pounds crept onto our bodies over a period of months or years, painlessly. That’s how they can disappear, too – if we are realistic about the process.
While people who spend their money on berries or “magic” weight loss foods risk thinner wallets and disappointing results, those who take weight loss supplements may risk side effects including heart palpitations, blood pressure drops, and seizures. Chappelle of the FDA says, “We're still seeking voluntary recalls of these products, but our main message is to make consumers aware that these products are out there. If a product seems too good to be true, it typically is."
YOUR FEEDBACK
Have you got any comments about this article? In an effort to provide an unbiased site for our visitors, we ask that you provide your opinion!
