- Weight loss supplements are neither regulated nor inspected for safety. There are no product standards for weight loss supplements.
- Weight loss supplements may be dietary, such as powders added to water or other types of liquids. Other types of supplements are pharmaceutical and sold in pill form.
- Weight loss supplements may have unintended effects when the ingredients are not listed on the label or are otherwise unknown. Side effects could range from allergies to seizures, heart problems, or severe personality disorders.
- According to the Food and Drug Administration, companies selling weight loss supplements do not need to get approval beforehand. Package labeling may not provide detailed information about the product's ingredients or the manufacturer.
- Supplements may have labels that suggest rapid, natural or easy weight loss but the Food and Drug Administration does not verify those claims.
- Sales people may not know or understand the ingredients in the products they are selling and not be able to inform customers about potential health effects.
- People using weight loss supplements should beware of fantastic claims and conduct their own research beforehand.
