Weight loss resolution? FDA says these aids unsafe

December 25, 7:57 AMNutrition ExaminerAnnie Kay

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Skinny doesn't come in a pill.  Source

The FDA reports  that a number of weight loss pills and potions have been found to contain a variety of prescription drugs, some with life-threatening side effects.

Some of the weight loss aids contained the active ingredient in Meridian, a drug indicated for weight loss under the direction of a physician. But others contained prescription-strength laxatives, anti-seizure medications, and a drug the FDA recently determined is too unsafe for the US market.

"These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages," Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a news release. "Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain powerful drugs that could cause serious health consequences. Therefore, FDA is taking this action to protect the health of the American public."

The bottom line is there's no short cut to a lean and healthy body. Physical activity and fruits and vegetables are the winning combination, and trying to get around that with fake fat-free foods, pills, or anything else, just isn't going to work in the long run. Sorry magic pill seekers...