Dispelling Diet Myths Joan G Lytle FDA NJ

Dispelling Diet Myths Joan G. Lytle, FDA NJ Public Affairs Specialist March 31, 2007

Confronting the Nation’s Obesity Problem (FDA Task Force)… ¢ ¢ ¢ Focus on Food Labels “Calories Count” Campaign Working Cooperatively

FDA’s Two Highest Priorities ¢ Combat Obesity (“Make Your Calories Count”) ¢ Informative Labeling

Dietary Supplements ¢ ¢ ¢ DSHEA Informed Choice FDA/FTC Adverse Reactions www. cfsan. fda. gov

HEALTH FRAUD 80 + billion dollar a year business ¢ Unproven treatments for profit ¢ Targets uneducated, those with illnesses, youth & elderly ¢ Certain dangers ¢

Weight Loss Products ¢ ¢ Tired of working out at the gym? Body toning without effort! Lose weight while you sleep! Shed pounds by taking a pill!

Weight Control Claims “You won’t find weight loss in a bottle of pills that claims it has the latest scientific breakthrough or miracle ingredient” said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras. “Paying for fad science is a good way to lose cash, not pounds”. (1/04/07)

Signs and Signals ¢ ¢ ¢ Quick or “Easy” Fix Scientific Breakthrough Impressive Sounding Terms Unproven Claims Personal Testimonies Sounds too good to be true

How to protect yourself against Health Fraud: Learn how to evaluate health-related claims (avoid products that offer quick or dramatic cures), ¢ Recognize the “red flags”, ¢ Seek out reliable sources of information and consult with a health care professional to make betterinformed choices about your health. ¢

Resources: ¢ ¢ FDA Consumer Magazine Publications (easyto-read & other languages fact sheets/brochures) www. fda. gov Electronic newsletters

THANK YOU! Joan Lytle (732) 940 -8946 X 33 e-mail: joan. lytle@fda. hhs. gov