CORVALLIS, Ore. (KMTR) - Swimsuit season is around the corner and a lot of people will likely to turn to diet pills in order to try and lose a few pounds.
Researchers, however, say not so fast.
Weight loss supplements are a $2 billion dollar industry and has proven to be popular with both genders and people of all ages.
Researchers who recently reviewed the products told NewsSource 16 Wednesday that haven't exactly proven to be successful.
Doctor Melinda Manore, PhD, looked at the products based on how they should work. Most of them only showed a two pound weight loss.
This isn't necessarily a lie that is being told because most of the bottles say that up to a certain amount weight can be lost with use. A lot of them, though, are not even tested to see how successful they are before they are sold.
"There is no law that requires that says they have to show its effective," Manore said. "They make a lot of money on it. If you're a consumer, how do you research this? You read, you get your magnifying glass out, you read the fine print, but its like how are they going to get the information? If its false, there is no one going around checking."
Manore said when it comes down to it, the key to weight loss is eating right. That means whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Movement is also key. Even if the movement is around the office or down the hall, it makes a difference.
"Adults need to be the role models," she said.
According to her, making healthy lifestyle choices fun and accessible should not include going to the store and looking for a magic pill.
The two most popular ingredients in supplements tend to be caffeine and green tea extract, which are ok in moderation, but not necessarily good for an individual. In fact, some of the dietary supplements could be detrimental to the heart, liver and or stomach.
Manore said if one insists on finding something to boost balancing a diet, talk to a doctor.
