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DANGER:
Over-The-Counter Diet Pills!
Before you run out and buy over-the-counter
diet pills because you think they're safer than prescription drugs,
BEWARE of these facts:
- Unlike prescription medications, neither
the Food and Drug Administration nor any other governing body
oversees the manufacturing of these products. Supplement manufacturers
are not required to have their products tested for safety, quality,
effectiveness, or appropriate dosage. The public tends to believe
that over-the-counter weight loss products and nutritional supplements
have been researched, tested, and inspected (which is not always
the case).
- Unlike major drug companies, supplement
manufacturers are not required to fund studies of their products.
Since they can cost millions of dollars, most manufacturers choose
not to do research. Those that do conduct research, generally
do "in-house" studies, which are not reliable. Many
rely on user reviews and anecdotes. But manufacturers fail to
tell you about negative customer testimonials associated with
the product or any potential side effects.
- Manufacturers can make claims about their
products effectiveness, even if research has never been done to
substantiate the claims. Because it's legal, many manufacturers
make outrageous claims to inflate sales.
- Many times, ingredients the manufacturer
claims are in the product are not actually present, or quantities
differ from those advertised on the label.
- Claims made by one brand cannnot be compared
to another brand unless studies are done to show each product's
effectiveness. Since expensive brands cannot guarantee quality,
you cannot assume they're better.
- The salespeople who promote these products
generally have little or no medical / nutritional background,
and cannot (or do not) offer sound advice about how these products
work or their potential side effects.
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How
do I choose? 
