Herbal weight loss supplements

[robert01]

Does anyone have any personal experience with "Realdose Weight Management" supplements? I listened to the infomercial... the science seems good and the founder, a physician, makes a credible presentation: the product supposedly regulates four key hormones which effect weight. I looked on the BBB and although, not a member, Realdose only had 2 complaints which were closed out. Then I found mixed reviews on other sites. How can we trust any claims or reviews when anyone can post? Does anyone here have an unbiased opinion or advice?

[JenniLacey · Accepted solution]

I don't trust any diet pills or weight loss products or anyone else who is trying to "sell" me something... personally. Unless you're a scientist yourself, specifically a biological scientist... how can you possibly determine "the science is good" and not anything more than false claims and pseudoscience? Most of them are scams and/or dangerous and are nothing more than a band-aid solution to a deeper problem.

Learn to eat healthy, get exercise, stay in your calorie range... for free and for life. That is the only solution to maintaining a healthy weight in the long term. You can't put a band-aid on a broken leg and you didn't put that weight on overnight, you can't expect it to come off overnight.

[gerrymcd]

I don't have any knowledge of Realdose, so from that perspective I have an unbiased opinon.  That said, I'm not sure I would ever put my health at risk by taking a 'weight loss' supplement.  Why?  Watch any advert for a conventional drug on TV and they always close with a laundry list of possible side-effects.  Any supplement that is regulating hormone levels in your body is a drug, and a potentially powerful one -- in effect, no different to Rx medications.  Except, Rx medications have been tested, and are constantly monitored for evidence of side effects (admittedly this process isn't as 'honest' as it might be, but the checks and balances are there).  Moreover, Rx medications are tightly regulated during manufacture.  A 200mg paracetamol tablet contains very, very close to 200mg.  

So the problem with weight loss supplements.  

1. The manufacture of the supplement is not regulated by the FDA -- one batch of tablets can have 10 times the active ingredient (ie dose) compared to another batch.  
2. The supplement hasn't been tested carefully before being released ot the public -- no one knows if there are possible serious side effects (especially long term side effects).

Taking weight loss supplements potentially puts your health at risk for something that may or may not even work as stated.  It doesn't sound like good odds to me.  Sure paracetemol might have potential side effects, but at least I know for certain it will dull a headache!   

[CrystalG]

I have tried various "pills" over the years. I learned that all of them say " use in conjunction with diet and exercise." Basically, stay with the diet and exercise as the primary source of weight managment. The pills probably wont hurt you, they may even help you feel more sucessful or motivated so if you do buy them, know it is more up to YOU than the pills to succeed.On a side note,  I like my fitness pal app for food monitoring. I linked it to my fit bit account and I am happy. Ive learned a LOT about food and exercise.... Good luck.

[itsmellon]

I wouldn't even touch something that was approved by the FDA!

Notice how the number keeps rising every year?! Because they only care about marketing their crap and making $$$$$$$.

Supplements don't have to be regulated by the FDA. Nor should they be. Just read your ingredients. There are plenty of all-natural supplements on the market that are backed by nutritionists and scientists.

[itsmellon]

This is straight from the FDA's website by the way. (Adverse Events Reporting System)

Death by medicine. The sad state of our "health care".