Starling Fitness: Daily writings on Fitness, Diet, and Health

Last week I wrote about Quackwatch’s wonderful diet scam tips. This article from Lawyers.com has much of the same information, but it adds one important idea that was not covered in the Quackwatch article.

Lawyers.com – Diet Scams by the Federal Trade Commission

“Lose All The Weight You Can For Just $99.”
Fact: There may be hidden costs. For example, some programs do not publicize the fact that you must buy prepackaged meals from them at costs that exceed program fees. Before you sign up for any weight loss program, ask for all the costs. Get them in writing.

They also give contact information for the FTC if you think you have been scammed. Just another reminder of the fact that there are dark elements out there willing to prey on you. If you are losing your motivation, look inside of yourself instead of for a miracle diet.

Quackwatch has a wonderful article about sorts of claims to avoid when tempted by miracle diet products. Check out their site for the details:

• Quackwatch – Weighting the Evidence in Diet Ads

The Seven Fishy Diet Claims

• “Lose weight without diet or exercise!”
• “Lose weight no matter how much you eat of your favorite foods!”
• “Lose weight permanently! Never diet again!”
• “Block the absorption of fat, carbs, or calories!”
• “Lose 30 pounds in 30 days!”
• “Everybody will lose weight!”
• “Lose weight with our miracle diet patch or cream!”

If you see any of these claims on a product, pass on the purchase. The only think you’re likely to lose is your money.

Quackwatch has a detailed analysis:

Don’t Buy the 7-Day Miracle Cleanse

If you have seen the infomercials, they have the reasons why you shouldn’t spend your hard-earned money on these products.

Quackwatch has a copy of the FDA warning letter sent to Window Rock Enterprises, the company that produces CortiSlim.

Quote from the letter:

“We have reviewed these claims, along with the substantiation package you provided, and concluded that they are not supported by reliable scientific evidence. Because these claims lack substantiation, they are false or misleading, and cause your product to be misbranded.”

The FDA doesn’t think CortiSlim will supress your appetite, reduce your cravings, or burn calories more efficiently and naturally through thermogenesis. Do you think you should spend your money on it?

See the whole letter here: FDA Warning Letter about CortiSlim

My friend is doing a cleanse. She’s blogging about it and I want to link to her.

Yes, Please! Cleanse – Day One

I personally don’t believe in starving yourself of food, but hers is more of a really restrictive healthy food diet with a couple of days of liquid fasting and colonics. I’m watching her progress with a morbid fascination. (more…)