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Well it seems the scientists have come up with yet another “easy” way to lose weight.

Being the natural sceptic that I am, I did a little investigation. See I know what it is like to be overweight. Even though I was never touching on obesity like some of my clients, those extra 10 kilos made life pretty uncomfortable for me. And it is human nature to want to do anything in life the easy way if we can get the result we want…

So the thought of taking a pill and losing weight AND getting exercise at the same time without actually having to do any movement- well…

Who wouldn’t be instantly attracted to that?

You remember the last couple of weight loss supplements that were the “next big thing in weight loss” - Ephedra and Alli.

Well it seems they were not without their difficulties as explained below…

“The Federal Trade Commission today announced three enforcement actions against direct marketers of weight-loss products containing ephedra. The two settlements and one complaint, filed in U.S. district court, target deceptive efficacy, safety, and “no side effects” claims for weight loss supplements containing ephedra (also known as Ma Huang). The FTC actions challenge false advertising claims that the ephedra supplements cause rapid, substantial, and permanent weight-loss without diet or exercise, and that “clinical studies” or “medical research” prove these claims. The FTC also challenges claims that the ephedra weight-loss products are “100% safe,” “perfectly safe,” or have “no side effects.” Resources for consumers, businesses, and the press are available at www.ftc.gov/dietfit. The FTC has the following tips for consumers who are interested in weight-loss products or programs:

    * Products and programs that promise quick and easy weight loss are bogus. To lose weight, you have to lower your intake of calories and increase your physical activity.

    * There are no miracle weight-loss products. Be skeptical of products and programs that claim they can keep weight off permanently. Be skeptical about exaggerated claims.- Copyright Federal Trade Commission June 2003

According to the FDA, ephedra can cause nausea, irregular heartbeats, insomnia, and nervousness (http://ageless.com/ephidrine.htm).  In Texas there have been two deaths linked to ephedrine products.

The Metabolife label has a long list of different diseases or problems that should be advised before taking Metabolife.  Another FDA report stated that ephedra can also cause high blood pressure, tremors and headaches, seizures, heart attacks, strokes and in extreme cases like in Texas, death.

So much for Ephedra… How bout Alli

“Alli is the reduced-strength version of orlistat (Xenical), a prescription drug to treat obesity. It’s approved for over-the-counter sale to overweight adults 18 years and older. Alli is meant to be used in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise.

What are the side effects?

You may experience bowel changes when taking Alli. Ads and marketing materials refer to these changes as “treatment effects.” These side effects can include:

    * Gas with an oily anal discharge

    * Loose stools or diarrhea

    * More frequent bowel movements

    * Hard-to-control bowel movements

These bowel changes result from the undigested fat going through your digestive system. You can limit the side effects by eating a low-fat diet.

When shouldn’t you take Alli?

Don’t take Alli if you:

    * Are at a healthy weight

    * Are taking cyclosporine

    * Have had an organ transplant

    * Have problems absorbing food

The drug also may pose risks for anyone who takes blood-thinning medication or has diabetes or thyroid disease.

Orlistat decreases the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins — for example, vitamins A, D and E. If you’re taking Alli, you need to take a daily vitamin supplement (at a time different from when you take Alli) to prevent potential nutrient deficiencies.” - Copyright Mayo clinic Staff June 11 2008

Now it has been proved that a low fat diet is actually dangerous to your long term health, and that we need certain fats to be able to function healthily. I don’t know about you but the thought of not absorbing fat and vitamins is a bit scary. So much for Alli. And you notice the common thread here - diet and exercise still required for success.

This newest miracle pill, AICAR,  has “worked” on mice and is possibly years away from being fit for use with humans. Even if it does everything claimed.

The mouse tests were all about skeletal muscles and endurance, not about the drugs’ safety or ability to mimic the many other benefits of exercise, such as improving cardiovascular health and making some types of cancer less likely. That won’t help you get your life and figure back in the meantime will it?

If you want to play Russian roulette with your health - fine. Take a pill, eat whatever you like and don’t exercise. If the side effects don’t permanently damage you (or perhaps kill you) then the subsequent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other health problems surely will.

Look, there is no shortcut here.
Correct eating and exercise are still required to lose weight unfortunately.

Fitness by Phone® has the only healthy weight loss program with a 100% money back guarantee (to my knowledge). We have a ten year success track record to back up that guarantee.

So fill out the form to see if you qualify.

Live your life

Rick