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Q. I see natural supplements that promise quick weight loss sold online. Do these work and are they safe?
A. There are many reasons to be wary of these products. Take the word natural, for instance. It isn’t always clear what that term means. Just because something can be found in nature doesn’t mean it’s safe for your body.
When it comes to promises of quick weight loss for online products, it also is a good idea to be skeptical of:
- Celebrity or “expert” testimonials. Keep in mind that they’re being paid to endorse the product.
- Claims that a product “burns” or “melts” fat. Weight loss for the long term requires healthful lifestyle changes.
- A product that uses before-and-after photos as proof that it works. These photos rarely portray realistic weight loss, according to a report by the Federal Trade Commission.
Questions of safety
Vitamins, minerals and herbs all fall under the category of dietary supplements. The health benefits of some of them are backed up by scientific research. For example, women who may become pregnant should take folic acid to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Other products, however, need further study to learn if they’re safe and effective.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements. It’s up to the companies that make them to ensure their products are safe. So, it’s important to be well informed about any product you use. You might be surprised to learn that a company also doesn’t have to offer proof that a product lives up to its claims.
The FDA does require that the label have a list of ingredients. But, it’s left to the manufacturer to be sure the label is accurate. The FDA has issued guidelines to ensure the quality of supplements. Manufacturers are expected to follow them. If a product is found to be unsafe or makes a false claim once it reaches the marketplace, then the FDA can issue warnings or recall it.
The bottom line
Talk with your doctor before you use a supplement for weight loss. Even vitamins may have harmful side effects. At high levels, they can be dangerous. A supplement might interact with a medicine you take. It’s especially important to talk with your doctor before taking any supplements if:
- You’re pregnant or breast-feeding
- You have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Your doctor may suggest that you talk with a dietitian about ways to manage your weight with diet and exercise. As always, the best and most healthful way to shed extra pounds is to eat fewer calories and get more exercise. A weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week is a realistic goal. For safety’s sake, talk with your doctor before increasing your level of physical activity.
While there’s no quick fix, achieving a healthful weight is worth the effort. Remember, if a weight-loss claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Michael Rosen, M.D., is UnitedHealth Group’s clinical lead in developing comprehensive oncology disease management solutions. He is board certified in internal medicine and hematology.
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Supplement safely
Discover more information and resources at myuhc.com. Click “Health & Wellness,” then enter a vitamin or supplement into the search box.
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Ask the doctor welcomes your health and wellness questions, which may be selected to appear in a future issue of Healthy Mind Healthy Body. Please be aware that we’re unable to respond to readers directly. E-mail us at thedoc@uhc.com — your information will
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