Don't Fall for Weight Loss Scams

"Losing weight consistently ranks as one of the top New Year's resolutions,and many people look for fast, easy fixes or an easy way to get back into
shape," said Joan Coughlin of the Ohio Better Business Bureau.

With more than 100 million Americans fighting extra pounds or obesity, it's no surprise that fat-fighting frauds were the most-reported consumer scam last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. An estimated 4.8 million folks fell for weight-loss scams in 2007, most of them losing money on purchases of bogus products. The only thing many of these "miracle" products will lighten is your pocketbook, the BBB is warning consumers; these products won't do a thing for your waistline. It's another case of buyer beware. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The BBB offers these tips for spotting weight-loss scams:

• If there's no scientific evidence that the product promotes weight loss, it's a scam.


• If the product promises to reduce fat or cellulite in specific body areas, it's a scam.


• If the product promises, effortless, large or fast weight loss, it's a scam.


• If the product promises weight loss without exercise or without managing food intake, it's a scam.


• If the company requires large advance payments or a long-term contract, it's a scam.

Remember the adage: No pain, no gain. Weight loss is work, pure and simple. But the rewards are life-changing. So stop looking for a quick fix and just get on with it. Start counting your calories, decrease portion sizes, eat 5 small meals a day instead of 3 big ones, fill your fridge with veggies and fruit, stock up on whole grains, drink lots of water, join Weight Watchers, sign up for a session at Curves, join your local gym, lace up those tennies and start walking! Like they say in the commercial: "Just do it! "