Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about weight and your health. Previously, we discussed weight loss scams. But there are also products sold for weight loss that can be dangerous to your health. Products containing ephedra have been banned, but there are still products on the market that may be harmful.
Dr. William Lee, an expert on digestive and liver diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says ingredients in many herbal weight-loss products have been known to cause kidney and liver damage. Herbal products aren't regulated by the government, so there's no quality control or testing to prove that the products are safe or effective.
Most "quick-fix" approaches to weight loss will affect the weight of your wallet more than they affect your body. Developing healthy habits is more effective in the long run.
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July 2005
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