Remember that "dietary supplements" are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) so not only may they not live up to their claims and be a waste of your hard earned money some can and have caused serious harm. Beware of products claiming miracle weight loss, losing weight without healthy eating and regular exercise, statements like "you can eat all you want and still lose weight" or "lose weight forever." If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. Don't be sucked in by dramatic before and after pictures, unscrupulous companies often scan the internet for before and after pictures. I have had friends have their picture used, unbeknownst to them, to advertise a weight loss method they did not utilize.
More Tips from the FDA
Great video presentation by Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Chairman, Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, from last year's OAC's Your Weight Matters Convention: Frauds and Fads - Detecting Weight-loss Gimmicks
We are all unique. Our individual health concerns, health history, lifestyles must be taking in account when choosing a weight loss method. Team up with your health care provider to design a program suited to YOU and...
Know that the first weight loss method selected may not be the one for you. This does not make you a failure. Obesity is being more and more looked at as a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment, there is no finish-line and no one-size-fits-all weight loss method or tool that works for everyone... for many of us it is combined therapies that are needed.
Failure isn't falling down. It's remaining where you have fallen.
Never give up!
Free Resources and Guides from the Obesity Action Coalition - including Understanding Your Weight Loss Options
The Your Weight Matters National Campaign that provides free resources and tips in English and Spanish for those concerned about their weight and health.
The National Your Weight Matters Convention for evidence based education, resources, support, friend making. Sign up for e-alerts to get all the 411 when registration opens and speakers are announced. I'll be there :)
and find more on My Links and Resources page.
Ultimately remember: we are not defined by a clothing size or number on a scale and those things provide no indication of an individual’s character, credentials, talents, leadership or contributions to society.
